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If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “They ghosted me”—this episode is your mirror. Because more often than not? You didn’t get ghosted. You just didn’t follow up.

This week, we’re tackling System #2 in your foundational business backend: how to track and nurture leads in a way that feels professional (not pushy) and actually converts warm interest into booked clients.

You don’t need fancy tech. You don’t need to be “salesy.” But you do need a system—because memory is not a strategy.

If you’ve ever felt awkward about following up, worried about sounding annoying, or assumed silence = no… I’m calling you in. There’s a better way to handle your leads—and it starts today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why silence is not a “no” (and what it actually means instead)
• The 5 mindset shifts that will change how you think about follow-up
• The 4 components of a lead system that actually works—no fancy CRM required
• Where your leads are probably hiding right now (hint: check your DMs)
• The real cost of letting potential clients fall through the cracks

Thrive in 5: Your Follow-Up System Starter Pack

Get your lead tracking system up and running in five small but mighty steps:

1. Pick your tracking tool. Airtable, ClickUp, Google Sheets—whatever works for your brain.
2. List all your recent leads. Look at the last 30 days: contact forms, DMs, conversations—everything counts.
3. Tag them by stage. Use tags like “Inquired,” “Discovery Call,” “Followed Up,” “Waiting,” etc.
4. Write one follow-up message. Make it sound like you. This is your new template—tweak it as needed.
5. Add a reminder. Put your follow-up schedule in your calendar, ClickUp, or whatever system you actually look at.

Want to see real lead-tracking systems in action? Don’t miss these sessions inside Automagic:

• “From Inquiry to ‘I’m In!’” with Colie James 
• “How Slack and Airtable Keep Me Nurturing Leads” with Jade Smith
• “How to Use ClickUp Automations to Track Leads” with Ilaria Sambi

These are NOT just tech tutorials. They’re real, behind-the-scenes setups that show you how to stay on top of your leads without the overwhelm.

If your business depends on clients, then a follow-up system isn’t optional—it’s essential.

So choose: Do you want to keep hoping people will magically remember you? Or do you want to build a system that helps you remember them—and finally get paid for the value you bring?

If you're ready to stop dropping leads and start closing more of them, check out The Shortcut—the done-for-you backend setup that makes follow-up easy, consistent, and not your job anymore.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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If nobody knows you exist, they can’t hire you. That’s why in this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new series leading up to the Automagic Summit by tackling the first foundational system your business needs: a visibility system. We’re talking about more than just showing up on Instagram when you remember or feel like it—we’re diving into what it really takes to stay top of mind with your ideal clients (without being glued to your phone 24/7).

Whether you're burned out on social, unsure where to show up, or just winging your content strategy, this episode breaks down how to get seen consistently—and why visibility is the key to getting booked.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why visibility is the non-negotiable first step to building a booked-out business
• What it actually means to be “visible” (hint: it’s not about a million followers)
• How to stay top of mind even when you’re offline, sick, or on vacation
• What to do before you automate anything to make your systems actually work
• Why showing up in the right place matters more than being everywhere
  
  
  

Thrive in 5: Five quick, actionable steps to start building your visibility system today:

1. Pick Your Content Pillars – Choose 3–5 topics to rotate weekly so you’re never starting from scratch.
   
   
2. Repurpose Something You’ve Already Made – Stop reinventing the wheel. One piece of content can turn into 10 or even 25.
   
   
3. Use a Scheduling Tool – Automate your posts, emails, or pins so your biz keeps running even when you don’t.
   
   
4. Start a Repurposing List – Make a running list of past content you can reuse across platforms.
   
   
5. Map Out Your Visibility Plan – Block time on your calendar to plan what you're posting and where next month.

 📌 Don’t forget: Automagic Summit is happening October 21–23. If you want to be among the first to grab a free ticket, make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter!

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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Squarespace is one of the most common platforms I see clients using—and I totally get why. It’s clean, easy to set up, and doesn't make you stare at a blank screen wondering where to start. But it’s not without its trade-offs.

In this episode, I break down exactly what works (and what doesn’t) about building your site on Squarespace. If you're in the research phase or already frustrated with your current setup, this is the episode that'll help you figure out whether Squarespace is going to support your business—or slowly drive you bananas.

Key Takeaways:

• Why so many small business owners are drawn to Squarespace—and when that convenience becomes a limitation
• What the platform does well
• Where things get sticky
• Why the basic plan isn’t enough (and what you actually need to budget for)
• What Squarespace is not built for—and when it makes more sense to look elsewhere

Thrive in 5:
Here are five questions to help you decide if Squarespace is the right fit for you right now:

1. Do you thrive with simplicity and structure—or do limitations make you want to throw your laptop?
2. Is “polished and good enough” a win—or do you need full control over fonts, colors, and layout?
3. What features are absolutely non-negotiable for your business today?
4. Are you good with the long-term cost, knowing upgrades and add-ons may be necessary?
5. Will this platform grow with you—or are you likely to hit a wall and need to rebuild later?

 If you're stuck trying to choose between platforms or trying to make the right call before you hit publish, let's talk. You can text the show or book a free consultation with me. I’ll help you pick the platform that actually makes sense for where you're going—not just where you’re starting.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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In this episode of Thriver’s Ed, I sit down with Dr. Christiana Schroeter—business and wellness coach, best-selling author, and host of the globally ranked Happy Healthy Hustle podcast—to break down the three P’s that have built her platform: podcasting, publishing, and presenting.

We talk about what it really takes to create a top-ranked podcast, how she self-published multiple five-star books, and why she believes most entrepreneurs try to do too much, too soon. Her advice? Choose one thing and do it well.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, writing a book, or taking the stage for a TED Talk—this conversation is your roadmap.

Key Takeaways

• Your platform doesn’t need to start big—it just needs to start
  Christiana didn’t launch with a huge audience. She started with small, consistent steps that added up over time.
• Repurposing isn’t just smart—it’s strategic
  Her podcast lives on YouTube, her blog, her email list, and more—each one tailored to how her audience likes to learn.
• Self-publishing isn’t second best
  She walks us through why she chose to go the indie route—and how the mistakes she made turned into the best lessons.
• Don’t do it all at once
  Podcast in 2023. Books in 2024. TEDx in 2025. Your platform can (and should) grow at your pace.
• Petite practices > massive overhauls
  Whether you’re building a brand or writing a book, her framework focuses on small, doable actions that build momentum.

Thrive in 5: How To Build Your Own Platform

1. Pick one “P”: podcast, publish, or present. Just one.
2. Ask: “What am I already passionate about—and who else cares about it?”
3. Share that idea with your audience in the way that feels most natural to you.
4. Make it accessible: audio, video, blog—whatever fits your style and theirs.
5. Repeat. Not perfectly. Just consistently.

Visit Dr. Christiana's website to explore her books, podcast, and upcoming TED Talk. And if you’re ready to build your own platform but not sure where to start, book a free call with me and let's figure out your next best step!

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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You know that thing you know you should be tracking but keep putting off because… life? For me, that thing was lead magnet performance. And once I finally sat down and looked at the actual numbers—conversion rates, unsubscribes, follow-up emails (or lack thereof)—I had a few moments of “well, that explains a lot.”

In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact process I used to audit my lead magnets, including what I track, how I track it, and what I found when I finally stopped winging it.

Spoiler alert: one of my freebies had a 64% conversion rate. Another had no email sequence at all. And the one with the highest unsubscribe rate? Yep, I kept it anyway—and I’ll tell you why.

Whether you’ve got one freebie or ten, this episode will help you figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what to fix first.

Key Takeaways

• Visits ≠ Conversions: Why high traffic doesn’t mean your lead magnet is performing—and what to do about it
• Unsubscribes Tell a Story: What a 4.5% unsubscribe rate actually revealed about my lead magnet (and why I didn’t delete the freebie)
• The Metrics I Track Now: Visits, opt-ins, open rates, click rates, and conversions—broken down in plain English
• What to Fix First: How to tell if your issue is messaging, formatting, or a wonky mobile experience

Thrive in 5: Tracking Your Lead Magnet's Performance

Want to stop guessing and actually start improving your lead magnet performance? Here’s your five-step plan:

1. Set Up a Tracker
   Use a Google Sheet, a napkin, whatever. Just start tracking the basics.
2. Track These Numbers:
   Visits, opt-ins, conversion rate, unsubscribe rate, email opens, clicks, and conversions.
3. Add In Your Numbers:
   Pick your period and start plugging those numbers in (your email service provider should be able to give you all of these!)
4. Set Up a Recurring Task:
   Whether that's once a month, every couple of months—whatever. Have a recurring task to update your numbers. Once you know where to find them, it's pretty simple to update them.
5. Tweak, Test, Repeat:
   Start small—maybe it’s your subject line, your call to action, or even just checking how your page looks on mobile. Make one change, give it time, and then recheck your numbers. 

If you take one thing from this episode, let it be this: the data will tell you where the leaks are—but it won’t fix them for you. That’s where The Shortcut comes in. It’s not just about patching up a lead magnet or tweaking a subject line. It’s about building the systems that run your business when you’re not glued to your laptop—so your offers, emails, and yes, your lead magnets—actually work together.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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Today we're talking software audits: what they are, why they matter, and how to stop leaking money on tools you're not using. I'm breaking down what’s in my own tech stack, how I track it, and the exact questions I ask before I cancel—or commit—to a tool. If you’re juggling too many subscriptions (or don't even know how many you have), you need this.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most software switches are a sneaky form of procrastination
• The ONE tool in my stack I actually can't complain about
• The questions I ask before canceling or committing to any tech
• Why "good enough" software might be better than “perfect”
• How I track all my subscriptions without letting anything slip
  
  

5 Key Takeaways:

• Just because a tool can do something doesn't mean you should pay for it
• Overlap in your stack is okay—if it's intentional and useful
• Most of the time, switching tools won’t solve your real problem (but it will eat your time)
• Free trials = slippery slope (write that shit down or you’ll forget!)
• You don’t need a new platform—you need a better plan
  
  

Thrive in 5: Your Software Audit Action Plan

1. List every subscription you’re paying for—yes, even the $7/month ones
2. Add review dates to your calendar—a week before renewal is ideal
3. Ask the hard questions: Are you actually using it? Is it solving a real problem?
4. Cancel or downgrade anything that’s collecting digital dust
5. Spot the gaps—if something’s missing, note it (but don’t impulse-buy)

My Current Tech Stack

Here’s exactly what I’m using right now—most of these I’ve tested for years, and some are affiliate links, which means you might get a bonus or discount when you sign up:

• ClickUp – for task management, client portals, project tracking
• Systeme.io – courses + checkout pages
• MailerLite – for email marketing (you’ll get a $20 credit with my link!)
• Buzzsprout – podcast hosting (you’ll get a $20 credit with my link!)
• Namecheap – for domain purchases
• Wix – website builder + hosting
• Canva – for all graphics and visuals
• Zoom – client calls, workshops, podcast interviews
• Google Workspace – email hosting
• Calendly – scheduling client calls
• ChatGPT Plus – my go-to for quick brainstorming + support

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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In this episode, I sit down with Ivana Ivanek — keynote speaker, mindset coach, and business strategist — to unpack the invisible fears that stop so many would-be entrepreneurs from building a personal brand. We go deep on what it really takes to show up online, why the transformation industry feels both saturated and intimidating, and how to take meaningful action even when fear is sitting in the front seat. Ivana shares her own journey from corporate burnout to working from an island (yes, really), and why visibility isn’t optional if you want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re stuck at the “but what will people think?” stage or you’re just tired of hiding behind Canva quotes and overthinking your message — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear doesn’t go away — but your capacity to act grows. You don’t need to wait for confidence; it comes from doing.
• You must get clear on what you want to be known for before creating content. And no, it’s not just your offer.
• Visibility ≠ vanity. Social media is your digital business card, not a popularity contest.
• You don’t need permission — but you do need clarity. Especially when building a brand in a saturated market.
• Boundaries are a strategy. Treat content creation like your job, not your dopamine hit.

Thrive in 5:

1. Define what you want to be known for — in your own words, not just your job title.
2. Tell your story with values, not just “content.” Especially if you are in the transformation industry, people want to know who you are.
3. Create before you consume. Don’t scroll for inspo — start with your message.
4. Set boundaries with social media. Know why you’re logging on (post, engage, etc.).
5. Practice doing hard things. Whether it’s posting a reel or running at 5 am, train your brain to follow through.

🔗 Connect with Ivana:

• Instagram: @ivanaivanek_
• Take her Free Quiz: How strong is your personal branding presence?

If this episode lit a fire under you (or made you squirm a little — same thing), share it with a friend who’s been “thinking about starting” but hasn’t posted in months. And don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more than you know 🌈

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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Let’s be real: email welcome sequences are one of those things that sound simple... until you sit down to actually write one.

What should you say? How many emails should you send? And how exactly do you set this up?

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to include in your welcome sequence, how to set it up without losing your mind (or your weekend), and how to make it work even if tech isn’t your thing. Whether you’ve got a freebie collecting digital dust or you’re just getting started with email marketing, this episode will help you build a sequence that feels like you—and actually moves people toward working with you.

Spoiler alert: perfection is not required.

What You’ll Learn

• The 5 (maybe 6) emails that belong in your welcome sequence—and what to say in each
• The most important part of your first email
• The best way to introduce yourself without making it all about you
• How to gently guide subscribers toward your offer (without sounding like a pushy bro marketer)
• When to add urgency (and when to chill)
• How to structure your automations so people don’t get lost—or overwhelmed

Key Takeaways

• Your welcome sequence is not your life story. Focus on their transformation, not your entire resume.
• Don’t overthink it. Start with one email—just deliver the thing you promised.
• Tag strategically. Use “welcome” tags to keep new subscribers from getting bombarded with your other emails too soon.
• Soft sells > hard sells. Early on, you're building trust. Keep it conversational, not salesy.
• Show, don’t just tell. Use testimonials or simple case studies to show what’s possible with your help.
• 
  

Thrive in 5: Your Quick Start Checklist

1. Understand your tech. Learn how to create automations in your email provider (MailerLite, ConvertKit, etc.).
2. Write Email 1. Keep it simple: deliver the freebie, explain how to use it, and include one tip.
3. Load it into your ESP. Copy and paste your email into the actual automation. Set the trigger, make sure it sends immediately.
4. Test it. Use a real email address, sign up for your freebie, and make sure the email shows up. Check the links, test it on desktop and mobile—twice.
5. Expand your sequence. Start mapping out Emails 2–5 using the structure in this episode. Build as you go.

👇 Ready to Ditch the Tech Headache?

If setting up your welcome sequence feels like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list, I’ve got you. My Fast Pass service is made for this kind of thing—done-for-you, strategic, and off your plate in days, not weeks.

Click here to learn more and let’s get this handled.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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Today I’m tackling one of the most common (and misunderstood) decisions entrepreneurs face when selling coaching or high-ticket offers: should you make people apply or just let them buy?

Spoiler alert: the answer is—it depends. But by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to choose the right model for your offer, your audience, and your sanity.

We dig into the real reasons applications exist (hint: it’s not just to look fancy), the pros and cons of both approaches, and how to make the process friction-free for both you and your potential clients. Whether you're selling a $27 mini-course or a $4,000 DFY experience, this episode will help you clarify your sales flow so you're attracting the right people without draining your time.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The real reason to use an application (and why it’s not about exclusivity)
• Why a “Buy Now” button could be costing—or making—you money
• How to filter out red-flag clients before they suck up your energy
• What to ask on your application (and what to never ask)
• Smart automation strategies to streamline your sales process
• Why manual review might actually convert better than instant booking

Key Takeaways:

• Applications protect your time and your vibe—but they can also slow down sales
• “Buy Now” works best for warm audiences, low-ticket offers, and simple sales
• You can (and should) test different flows to see what actually works for your business
• A thoughtful application process can boost conversions—not just prequalify
• Always tell applicants what happens after they hit submit

Thrive in 5: If you’re stuck deciding how to structure your offer flow, here are five quick steps to get clarity:

1. Audit your offer – Is it high-ticket, high-touch, or something people can confidently buy without talking to you?
2. Write 3 sharp application questions – Ask for contact info, current struggles, and desired results. Bonus: include pricing to filter out the truly-not-ready.
3. Decide the next step – Will they book a call immediately? Wait for a manual review? Or get an email follow-up? Make it clear.
4. Review your sales page – If you’re using “Buy Now,” make sure your page handles all the common objections without needing a sales call.
5. Test your process – Go through the flow yourself (or ask a biz friend to). Make sure every step works and makes sense.

Ready to streamline your sales flow without losing the personal touch?

If you want to peek at my own application for The Shortcut (and steal the structure), you can find it at marcirossi.com.

And hey, if this episode helped you rethink your sales strategy, would you do me a favor? Hit subscribe, send it to your biz bestie, or leave a review. Every bit helps me help more people just like you!

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

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In this episode, I’m joined by brand strategist and author Finola Howard for a conversation about brand positioning—but more than that, we explore what it really means to build a business that reflects who you are instead of who you think you need to be.

Finola shares how your uniqueness is not just allowed—it’s necessary. We talk about the fear that comes with being truly seen, what it costs to stay safe, and why leaning into your “too-muchness” might be the very thing that sets you apart in the best way.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever struggled to claim your space, wondered whether joy and your business goals can actually coexist, or found yourself over-relying on tools like AI or advice from others because you’ve lost touch with your own voice.

Spoiler alert: your genius already exists. You just need to give yourself permission to use it.

Key Takeaways:

• What brand positioning actually means and why it matters at every stage of business
• The real cost of blending in—and why “safe” isn’t actually safe
• How to reconnect with your own voice (especially if you’ve been outsourcing decisions to AI or endless advice)
• Why your “too-muchness” is usually your greatest strength
• What it looks like to build a brand around your joy, not your fear

Thrive in 5:

Here are five ways to start stepping into the next version of your business—and your life—right now:

1. Start with Purpose – Ask yourself: why does this business exist beyond making money? Then write it down.
2. Spot the Patterns – Pay attention to the traits or qualities you've been told are "too much." These are often clues to your uniqueness.
3. Say the Quiet Thing Out Loud – If you’ve been holding back an opinion or part of your story out of fear, find one safe place to say it—whether it’s a journal, a friend, or even your next post.
4. Get Clear on Who You Serve – Visualize and understand your ideal customer deeply, using your origin story as a clue.
5. Take the Leap—Get Visible – Don’t stop at clarity. Show up. Claim your space. Share your message. The leap is the work.

Connect with Finola:

• 💻 Website: finolahoward.com
• 📖 Book: What If Joy Was How You Measured Success (And the Money Proved You Right)
• 🎙 Podcast: Your Truth Shared
• 📱 Instagram: @thisfinolahoward

Want support stepping into your next chapter?
This is the kind of work we do inside my programs and coaching. If you're building a business and you're done trying to blend in, you can connect with me by texting me at the link above or at marcirossi.com.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!