Work Less PROFIT More Business Podcast

Welcome to the 2nd part of this podcast series – The Path to Predictable Profits & Sustainable Success!!!

Last week #144 – I spent time answering one of the most common questions I get from clients and prospects…Where do I focus first? 

It’s the one question that you ask yourself time and time again – where do I focus first?  Where do I focus my time?  Where do I focus my energy?  Where do I focus my money?

If you haven’t listened to this episode yet – be sure to do so because I share with you 7 research-proven elements that, when you have all 7, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of achieving your profit goals by at least 60%!!!  I call it the Sustainable Freedom Stack!  AND I also share a new tool that I’ve launched entitled WLPM Biz Self-Assessment which will highlight your business strengths and point out where to focus your time, money and energy right now!

Episode #145 – This week -  I’ll share what I call the ONE thing (mistake) that’s keeping you from predictable profits because if you know what to avoid, it’s so much easier to build it right.

Next week Episode #146 – the final part of this series – I’ll share my favorite strategy for predictable profits because I want you to be able to build a business that gives you freedom!

This week – I talk about one of my favourite 4-letter words beginning with F and 3 areas in your business to help you avoid one big common mistake!

In this episode, I mention:

M-Myth: Why doing more isn’t the answer (here)

Niching Down series:

• Ep. 63 – Marketing Lessons I Learned from My Fishing Adventure (here)
• Ep. 64 – Want to Make More Money?  Niche Down (here)
• Ep. 65 – Debunking 5 Niching Myths if You Want to Scale (here)

ACTION PLAN:

1. Implement the Power of ONE:
   • One very best dream client
   • One core compelling offer
   • One marketing strategy
2. Commit for at least 180 days - 2 quarters
3.  Register for Business Freedom Quarterly Planning Retreat here (use coupon – save100)

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Want to turn your goals into easy-to-follow weekly & monthly action steps?  Attend the next Quarterly Business Freedom Planning Retreat -- register here (https://dianalidstone.com/shop/quarterly-retreat/)

Finally, you'll know exactly where to focus your time, money & energy not just for predictable profits but also for the freedom you've always desired!

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

Welcome to this new podcast series – The Path to Predictable Profits & Sustainable Success!!!

Today’s episode #144

No matter your stage of business growth, I know that one of the questions that you ask yourself time and time again is ... where do I focus first?  Where do I focus my time?  Where do I focus my energy?  Where do I focus my money… Right now.

Well, today’s episode will help you answer this question … and again in the future!

Episode #145 – I’ll share what I call the #1 strategy that’s keeping you from predictable profits because if you know what to avoid, it’s so much easier to build it right.

Episode #146 – It’s my favourite strategy for predictable profits so you can build a business that gives you freedom!

ACTION PLAN:

1. Download your workbook for the series here.
2. Take note of the elements in the Sustainable Freedom Stack.
3. Download – WLPM Biz Self Assessment here.
4. Take note of your business strengths & gaps so you know where to focus now in your business.
5. Register for Business Freedom Quarterly Planning Retreat here (use coupon – save100).

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Want to turn your goals into easy-to-follow weekly & monthly action steps?  Attend the next Quarterly Business Freedom Planning Retreat -- register here (https://dianalidstone.com/shop/quarterly-retreat/)

Finally, you'll know exactly where to focus your time, money & energy not just for predictable profits but also for the freedom you've always desired!

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

There’s nothing I love more than talking to a fellow Canadian about business.  In this episode, I welcome back Kris Ward, from Win the Hour, Win the Day.

Kris and I talk about:

• Her business personality quiz (Take it here at freegiftfromkris.com) 
• How identifying your biz personality will help you save time and energy in your business and lean into your strengths
• Kris’s favorite 3 T’s (team, time, toolkits)
• How her clients typically free up 25 hours/week
• Why spending more time and working harder is never the answer to growing a sustainably profitable business

ABOUT KRIS WARD

Kris Ward is creating a movement where your business supports your life instead of consuming it.  Kris is the founder of the Win The Hour, Win the Day philosophy.  

After the loss of her husband, Kris returned full-time to her work as a marketing strategist.  She was relieved that her business had not only survived her absence but was growing. Now, Kris has completely changed the landscape for entrepreneurs by sharing the successful practices that allowed her absence. 

Kris has shared the stage with Jack Canfield - Chicken Soup For The Soul, Kevin Harrington original Shark from Shark Tank, James Malinchak -ABC’s Secret Millionaire, Sharon Lechter - Rich Dad Poor Dad Co Author and

Joe Theismann - NFL All star and commentator to name a few.  Kris has also featured on award-winning podcasts, radio and TV shows.

Kris is an acclaimed podcaster. You can hear Kris on her own podcast - Win The Hour Win The Day, where she has engaging conversations with dynamic guests covering a variety of business topics so you can get to your next win now!

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

What do a luxury sales rep, a fashion entrepreneur, a tech sales rep, a cold calling expert and a real estate investor have in common?

My special guest Shadgie Jean, Sage Investments, has learned that building strong relationships no matter what business you are in is the path to success.

Shadgie and I talk about:

• How relationship building has been at the core of each of her jobs & businesses
• Give yourself permission to out grow relationships
• Relationships in business are like dating
• The trust triangle
• The importance of having a CRM that you’re comfortable using
• Networking both vertically and horizontally
• The fortune is in the follow up

Shadgie mentions the book … How to be a Power Connector (PB): The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network Into Profits by Judy Robinett

ABOUT SHADGIE
Shadgie Jean boasts 18+ years of experience in luxury sales where she refined her negotiation and relationship building skills.  She is also passionate about empowering women.  Her past experiences have influenced her approach as a real estate investor, allowing her to leverage her well-honed networking skills to forge strong partnerships with both passion and active investors.

Connect with her here:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

ACTION PLAN:

1. Plan how you will build relationships
2. Give yourself permission to build new and let go of the current
3. Use a CRM to track your relationships
4. Follow up until they say no

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

How does a young mother of two children and a real estate investor have time to build not one, not 2 but 3 profitable and sustainable businesses?  My guest today will share her secret sauce!

Successful entrepreneurs have some common traits. Today Adriana and I discuss her secret sauce to becoming a multi-preneur and the topics include:

• The job of a small business owner is to acquire new skill sets.
• How mindset is absolutely everything if you want to scale a business and keep your sanity.
• Why delegation is often so difficult.
• Why 80% is good enough.
• What are you tolerating?

ABOUT ADRIANA OSTAPENKO

Meet Adriana, this powerhouse has donned many hats - from the CEO of her household, where she juggles the chaos of two adorable kids and a husband, to the mastermind behind multiple successful businesses and a flourishing Real Estate portfolio.

Adriana's journey didn't start with a silver spoon; in fact, it was more like a wooden ladle from her grandma's kitchen. She's the living proof that you can rise from the trenches of life and build your own empire.

When she's not busy conquering the business world, Adriana moonlights as a speaker, coach, and podcaster. Her mission? To sprinkle inspiration and knowledge, especially for her fellow wonder women out there. She's on a quest to teach women the art of crafting the life of their dreams - because who says you can't have it all?

Connect with Adriana:

• Ace Properties [email protected]
• Master Homes Contracting
• Turnkey Virtual Agency
• Raising Capital the R.I.G.H.T. Way
• Youtube (here)
• Facebook here

ACTION PLAN:

Adriana’s recipe to elevate & delegate so you can scale sustainably:

1. Become AWARE of where you are now and where you want to go then become the future you with the right habits, mindset & tasks.

2. DELEGATE everything that doesn’t bring you joy and doesn’t provide huge value (focusing on her zone of genius is what helped her go from investor to a successful business owner). 

3. Hire the right people for the right tasks (people before systems).  The right people will build the right systems that work for them.

4. Implement systems one at a time by pausing to prioritize.  A car has 2 pedals – a brake pedal to slow down and a gas pedal to speed up; so doesn’t your business.

5. Rinse, Repeat and Optimize everything over and over again.

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

Last week, I shared the background every business owner needs to understand to get the best ROI from their marketing…

I shared:

• Exactly what I mean by the term -  marketing – because marketing isn’t just social media
• How to measure your smart marketing
• That smart and strategic marketing that converts begins with understanding the customer journey

So today – I want to dive deep into the 3 biggest marketing mistakes SBO make and how to fix them so you can build a rinse and repeat marketing strategy.

DOWNLOAD: https://dianalidstone.com/ceo-weekly-meeting-checklist/

ACTION PLAN:

1. Be clear with your marketing message
2. Be consistent with your marketing method
3. Be sure you are following the rinse & repeat 5-step customer journey.
4. CTA – Now that you know where the gaps are in your marketing, Book your Marketing Roadmap VIP Strategy Day (here)

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

MOST POPULAR 2023 EPISODES:

• Ep. 61 – What do an 11-year old entrepreneur, cookies & Tesla have in common? (here)
• Ep. 112 – How to plan your week effectively like a small business CEO (here)
• Ep. 71 – 99% of Small Firms don’t do this! (here)
• Ep. 111 – Grow & Run your business effectively like a CEO (here)
• Ep. 99 – Elevate your brand & grow your online presence: 5 Actionable Marketing Strategies with Genevieve Rochon (here)

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

Early in my entrepreneurial career, I found it frustrating that all the marketing I was doing wasn’t bringing me the ideal clients I wanted.  Early in my career, I thought that if I just did more marketing – that would be the answer.  I soon learned that there was more to marketing than posting 5x a day on social media.

In this episode, I’ll share:

• Exactly what I mean by the term – marketing – because marketing isn’t just social media
• How to measure your smart marketing
• Understand that smart and strategic marketing that converts begins with understanding the customer journey

DOWNLOAD: 30+ Effective Strategies to Help Your Small Business Drive Leads

ACTION PLAN: 

1. Deeply understand your ideal client (market)
2. Have clarity around your marketing message (message)
3. Be consistent with your method of getting out your message
4. CTA – Now that you know where the gaps are in your marketing, Book your Marketing Roadmap VIP Strategy Day (here)

 ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

MOST POPULAR 2023 EPISODES:

• Ep. 61 – What do an 11-year old entrepreneur, cookies & Tesla have in common? (here)
• Ep. 112 – How to plan your week effectively like a small business CEO (here)
• Ep. 71 – 99% of Small Firms don’t do this! (here)
• Ep. 111 – Grow & Run your business effectively like a CEO (here)
• Ep. 99 – Elevate your brand & grow your online presence: 5 Actionable Marketing Strategies with Genevieve Rochon (here)

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

What happens when a business coach and a copywriter get together?  They have fun sharing about what makes content creation easier and more effective.

Rachel Eubanks and I bonded on social media over the name of a book we both love – Obviously Awesome and this led to us talking about:

• What makes content writing/copywriting more effective
• Why email is so important
• Why frequency and fun are keys to great content writing
• How templates for writing are essential
• Her 4 part newsletter template

ACTION PLAN: How to improve your copywriting

1. Get super clear on your ideal client
2. Write your content to that ideal client (one person)
3. Use everyday language in your copy
4. Use templates where every possible
5. Be consistent with your blogs, emails, etc.
6. Plan your content creation
7. Insert your content creation into your overall marketing plan
8. Need help planning?  https://dianalidstone.com/shop/quarterly-retreat/

ABOUT RACHEL

Rachel is a copywriter for creatives and e-commerce business owners and the founder of Inspire to Engage.

She is also a mother, wife, daughter, podcast junkie, caffeine addict, left handed and a lover of old country music. (He Stopped Loving Her Today gets me every time)

Connect with Rachel:

• Inspiretoengage.com
• Facebook here or here
• LinkedIn here

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

MOST POPULAR 2023 EPISODES:

• Ep. 61 – What do an 11-year old entrepreneur, cookies & Tesla have in common? (here)
• Ep. 112 – How to plan your week effectively like a small business CEO (here)
• Ep. 71 – 99% of Small Firms don’t do this! (here)
• Ep. 111 – Grow & Run your business effectively like a CEO (here)
• Ep. 99 – Elevate your brand & grow your online presence: 5 Actionable Marketing Strategies with Genevieve Rochon (here)

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

Are you ready to become the true CEO of your business?  The visionary leader?

• You’re ready for more freedom but
• You find your calendar is always full 
• You can’t seem to find time to build the systems and structures that would streamline your business
• You’ve been struggling to set boundaries with your team
• You can’t seem to take even a couple of days away without feeling stressed or guilty

In this episode:

• I’m going to explain that you don’t need a blueprint but a customizable framework
• The 3-part framework I’ve used over and over again with hundreds of  business owners in 50+ different industries to help them:
  • Love their business once again because they are working in their zone of genius; 
  • Generate more profit to pay themselves more than a fair market salary and have enough to invest in their business for team and/or technology
  • Have the freedom to take unplugged vacations because their business no longer depends on them for the day-to-day running of the business
• And how the research-proven Sustainable Freedom Stack is woven into the work I do to help you compound your wins for long-term success.
• And I’ll help you identify your Freedom Roadblocks so you can work less, profit more

We kicked the week off with:

• Mon, Ep. 134 – The Growth Trap: How to Take the Pain Out of Growing Your Biz (listen here)
• Tues, Ep. 135 – The M-Myth: Why Doing More Isn’t the Answer (listen here)
• Wed, Ep. 136 – 7 Scaling Mistakes to Avoid (listen here)
• Thurs, Ep. 137 – Scale Sustainably: How to Build Your Self-Running Engine
• Friday – No episode but I’m hosting a LinkedIn Live where you get to come on live with me and ask your questions – on the spot!!!

LINKEDIN Live Link -  https://www.linkedin.com/events/7179136325520961540

Entrepreneurs who earn 10x more don’t work 10x harder!

ACTION STEPS

1. Identify where your biggest gaps are – G, R, O
2. Improve your Freedom Roadblocks so you too can get out of the weeds & get back in the driver’s seat!
3. Book your complementary Business Freedom Strategy session (here) so you can build a solid foundation to sustainably scale because Entrepreneurs who earn 10x more don’t work 10x harder!

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Work with me:

I am only accepting private clients in my 12-month Business Accelerator program (here) or

By booking a VIP Grow Day which is an intensive session designed to give you my undivided attention and acceleration to accomplish something extremely fast. More information here.

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!

Are you ready to become the true CEO of your business?

You’re ready for more freedom but:

• You find your calendar is always full 
• You can’t seem to find time to build the systems & structures that would streamline your business
• You’ve been struggling to set boundaries with your team
• You can’t seem to take even a couple of days away without feeling stressed or guilty

Well, my friend – then welcome to this week’s podcast series GET OUT OF THE WEEDS & back into the driver’s seat where each day I’ll share with you how to stop being Chief Everything Officer and instead build a self-running engine.

We kicked the week off with

• Mon, Ep. 134 – The Growth Trap: How to Take the Pain Out of Growing Your Biz (listen here)
• Tues, Ep. 135 – The M-Myth: Why Doing More Isn’t the Answer (listen here)
• Wed, Ep. 136 – 7 Scaling Mistakes to Avoid
• Thurs, Ep. 137 – Scale Sustainably: How to Build Your Self-Running Engine
• Friday – No episode but I’m hosting a LinkedIn Live where you get to come on live with me and ask your questions – on the spot!!!

LINKEDIN Live Link -  https://www.linkedin.com/events/7179136325520961540

While today I cover the 7 most common and most costly scaling mistakes, remember that building a sustainably profitable business is about always up-levelling your mindset and learning new skills.

To scale a business, it’s about shifting from the doer in your business to the leader of your company!

Entrepreneurs who earn 10x more don’t work 10x harder!

ACTION PLAN:
Scaling your company will require you to:

1. Slow down before you scale
2. Simplify, starting with your offers
3. Stabilize & optimize to create cash flow reserves
4. Invest in your business
5. Rinse & repeat
6. CTA

ABOUT ME:
I’m a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. After almost 40 years as an entrepreneur, I’m best known for my straight-talk, no BS and the simple business and marketing strategies that bring my clients more joy, profit and freedom.  This podcast offers tips and strategies for small business owners who are tired of working too hard for too little profit, and having little or no free time.

Connect with me here:

• [email protected]
• www.dianalidstone.com
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.lidstone
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredianalidstone/

Work with me:

I am only accepting private clients in my 12-month Business Accelerator program (here) or

By booking a VIP Grow Day which is an intensive session designed to give you my undivided attention and acceleration to accomplish something extremely fast. More information here.

Share your feedback with me by clicking here and leaving a short voice message!