World's Greatest Boss

Today, we're uncovering the secrets of finding talent for your job openings – those hidden gems that can transform your team – even if they aren't actively looking for a new job!

First up, I'll be sharing my insights on how to uncover talent for open roles at your company. We'll discuss the vital importance of tapping into skilled professionals who aren't actively job hunting. Whether you're looking for hourly employees or top-level executives, I've got strategies for you. We'll explore local community boards, trade schools, social media groups, and networking events – all fantastic resources to discover that hidden talent pool. Plus, I'll reveal some unique tips, like partnering with temporary agencies and even hosting contests to attract potential candidates.

But that's not all! In today's fast-paced world, you can't ignore the power of LinkedIn and other modern methods. Learn how to research companies, target industries, and craft effective messages. I'll share my tricks for finding and reaching out to potential candidates, including the art of sending messages and using email sequencing tools to get those crucial responses. Patience is key, with 75% of responses coming after the third email message.

But wait, there's more! I'll spill the beans on a powerful strategy – creating content marketing that showcases your company culture through blogs, videos, and podcasts. This not only attracts top talent but also builds a pipeline of qualified candidates for future roles. I'll even share how I've hired up to 5 people through this method.

Remember, intention and hard work are essential in finding the right people. If you're running a small business and wondering where to start, tune in now!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:55] What is passive talent?

[2:35] Tapping into skilled professionals who are not actively looking for a new job

[3:15] Finding passive talent for job openings

[7:53] Researching companies in a specific industry to create a list of potential targets

[9:30] Using LinkedIn to find and reach out to potential candidates for job openings

[11:30] Online passive sources for talent acquisition

[13:55] Tips for creating tailored, effective messages to potential candidates

[15:35] The importance of intention and work in finding the right people

[18:35] Information on toolkits to help small businesses find and hire the best candidates

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Selling Your Business Through Storytelling with Marisa Corcoran

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The Secret to Hiring Success: Strategies for Finding the Right Employee

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Sometimes you know it's time to fire someone but you can't leave their position open for long. Especially as a small business, you may not have other people who could take over the work! You may be tempted to backfill the position by doing something recruiters call a confidential search. But today we're talking about why you shouldn't do that and what you could do instead!

Confidential searches are incredibly disrespectful and can be detrimental to your workplace culture. The person coming into the team will inevitably find out about the secret search, and that can lead to a pretty messy situation for everyone involved. It often creates a culture of fear among your other team members when they find out as well. Yikes!

I'll cover the importance of conducting HR audits and performance conversations. These conversations, especially with the employee being backfilled, are crucial to ensure compliance and respect throughout the process. It's all about maintaining transparency and open communication within your team.

If you feel like you NEED to do a confidential search, this episode is still for you! I'll be sharing the do's and don'ts of conducting a confidential search. Join me, Jackie Koch, as we tackle the pitfalls of confidential searches and uncover the secrets to maintaining a healthy work culture!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Recruiting and replacing team members.

[2:00] Why confidentially searching for a replacement is disrespectful and creates a poor work culture.

[6:00] Conducting HR audits and performance conversations.

[8:10] Using recruiting for confidential job searches.

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How to Use ChatGPT to Facilitate Team Hiring and Management

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Is It Time to Fire Them? 3 Telltale Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today, we're diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us - overcoming imposter syndrome in leadership roles. As CEOs and founders, we often find ourselves grappling with this gnawing feeling of being unqualified or not measuring up, despite all of the evidence to the contrary.

In this episode, I'll share my personal journey of struggling with imposter syndrome as a leader. Like many of you, I used to overwork myself, thinking that the more I did, the more I could prove my worth. It's a vicious cycle, but I've learned that embracing imperfections and acknowledging impostor syndrome is the first step to overcoming it.

We'll explore the common obstacles that leaders face when dealing with imposter syndrome, from the fear of feedback to the tendency to overcompensate and overthink every communication. I'll also share some practical strategies to combat these challenges. We'll talk about reframing our thoughts, challenging those negative beliefs, positive affirmations, and why I prefer a realistic approach over relying solely on positive affirmations.

We'll also dive into the idea that impostor syndrome may never fully disappear, but becoming more aware of it and shifting our mindset can certainly help manage it more effectively. If you've been dealing with imposter syndrome alone, tune in for support and practical guidance!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:45] How imposter syndrome occurs

[1:50] Embracing imperfections and impostor syndrome

[3:35] Strategies to help overcome imposter syndrome

[7:05] Importance of talking to a mentor or peer for support

[8:35] How Documenting achievements and positive feedback can help manage imposter syndrome

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Unlocking Your Full Potential as a Boss with Self-Leadership Skills

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Greta Schmid, the founder and CEO of Ragdoll PR. This episode promises a whirlwind exploration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and the world of PR in the fashion and beauty industries. Greta takes us on her remarkable journey, touching on her very first hire, the audacious business goals she set, and the incredible growth that unfolded during the course of her journey as an entrepreneur, which I've had the honor to observe over the past couple of years as her mentor and cheerleader.

We'll also delve into her intriguing shift from pursuing a career in law to mastering PR and ascending to prominence in the fashion and celebrity PR landscape. Greta's unwavering commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture shines brightly throughout.

Starting a business, navigating the complexities of hiring employees, and achieving remarkable growth are pivotal chapters in Greta's story. She embarked on her ragdoll venture without the crutch of loans, relying instead on her lifelong savings. Her vision? To transform her agency into a global presence with a thriving team.

Our discussion also delves into the fascinating realms of outsourcing, accounting, and the art of cultivating a thriving business culture. Greta shares her pearls of wisdom on the significance of prioritizing cultural fit over mere technical skills during the hiring process, giving us an insider's view of her screening process.

Greta's story serves as a testament to resourcefulness and adaptability, whether it's juggling accounting and HR tasks or navigating the turbulent waters of client relationships during the pandemic. Don't miss this episode—it's a treasure trove of inspiration and practical insights into the realms of entrepreneurship and PR.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[3:35] Greta's transition from her childhood dream of becoming an attorney to pursuing public relations

[8:10] How Greta started her business

[8:45] Greta's ambitious business goals

[10:35] Greta's first hire and goals for her business

[12:55] How Greta was intentional about building culture from the beginning

[16:10] Tips and tricks on how to hire for desired traits and screening potential employees

[25:15] Outsourcing and delegating for the things that you are not an expert in

[27:55] Greta's experience working with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how she continued to work with them for free

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Driving Excellence and Sustaining a Strong Company Culture

Trust and Delegation with Rachel Greiman

Making Your First Hire? Here's How to Nail It!

* Connect with Greta on IG @ragdollpr

* Find more information on Greta's website https://www.ragdollpr.com

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

I've got an episode packed with game-changing insights and tips to help you make just as much progress in less time! First, I'll share about my recent summer trip to Phoenix and the lessons that it brought. Then, I'll share how I was able to work less time in my business but still accomplish just as much.

Learn how I'm breaking free from corporate programming and embracing a four-day work week, using time blocking to boost productivity. We'll also discuss the power of dividing and conquering in business, maintaining accountability, and how Asana can provide support in both areas!

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just seeking motivation and practical tips, this episode is filled with insights to make your workweek efficient and productive. Stay tuned until the end for tips to end social media distractions!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] How Jackie's breaking free from the corporate programming

[3:20] The transition to a 4-day workweek

[4:40] Time blocking to increase productivity

[4:55] The magic of setting up Asana boards and turning emails into Asana tasks

[6:50] The life-changing benefits of dividing and conquering

[8:30] How blocking social media and shopping apps helped Jackie increase her effectiveness

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Mastering Productivity and Work-life Balance as an Entrepreneur with Amy Porterfield

Five Day Work Week - Is it a Fit for Your Business?

Trust and Delegation with Rachel Greiman

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today we have the brilliant Staci Millard, fractional CFO and business mentor, joining us. Get ready for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business management. Staci emphasizes the pivotal role that foundation plays in any organization, whether you're talking finances or people. We explore the components of a strong foundation and why it's vital to your company's growth.

Staci also takes us on her entrepreneurial journey, packed with lessons from the ups and downs. Her experiences provide invaluable insights for aspiring and current business owners. We dive into the essentials of networking, her perspective on traditional leadership paradigms, and so much more!

Staci offers practical advice on nurturing meaningful connections that can open doors and fuel your entrepreneurial journey. She also explains what it looks like to approach leadership in a hands-on way. So be sure to tune in to learn more about adapting for business growth with Staci!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:15] Staci’s corporate falling out and transition to entrepreneurship

[5:55] The importance of having a foundation in place early

[7:00] How to determine if a business has a foundation in place

[10:35] How Staci built her first accounting practice

[16:00] Leaders should have a good understanding of every job

[18:30] When is it time to start working with a finance and accounting person?

[28:35] Why Staci gave up her CPA designation

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* Connect with Staci on IG @ @staci.millard

* Download the Profit Playbook at https://www.stacimillard.com/profit-playbook

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

We're tackling three common habits that might be keeping your business from reaching its full potential!

First, we dive into the habit of hiring employees with the expectation that they'll stay for at least five years. While long-term commitments have their merits, we explore the benefits of hiring for immediate needs and adaptability. Sometimes, short-term hires can provide the relief your business needs right now, and often, they will be who you need for that position down the road.

Next, we discuss the time-consuming habit of seeking consensus for every decision within your team. It might seem like the best way to unify your crew, but often, it's just inefficient. I share strategies to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued without compromising efficiency.

But we're not stopping there! We explore the art of coaching versus enrolling your team. I'll guide you through when it's appropriate to coach employees, especially when developing new skills or empowering them to solve problems independently.

Tune in to break those bad habits, learn what to do instead, and elevate your leadership game together!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:55] Common habits that leaders default to that hold your business back

[4:10] How to Hire for Immediate Needs

[6:15] How to Avoid Using Group Consensus as a Decision Strategy

[8:35] Why Aiming for Consensus Doesn't Always Work

[11:35] Stop Coaching and Instead Enroll Your Team

[13:30] When it's Appropriate to Coach Employees

[18:55] How to Get Your Team on Board With Your Strategy

[21:35] Lead by example and be the Change You Want to See

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today's guest, Greame Barlow, kicked off his entrepreneurial adventure at the age of 10 and today he's here to share his journey! He reveals how he used his early passion for gaming to ignite his tech journey. From building his first team at age 10 to co-founding Iversoft, a game-changing software development company, Graeme tells all!

He gives insights into their swift transition from office to remote work at Iversoft and discusses how the leadership team's commitment to this change was crucial. We'll dive into the heart of company culture at Iversoft, where transparency and employee input reign supreme. Graeme's insights into accountability, leadership strategies for remote work, and the bold move to a compressed four-day workweek are a masterclass in innovation.

Don't miss out on Graeme's wisdom. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or a leader seeking inspiration, tune in to unravel the secrets of remote work and company culture together!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[3:35] Graeme's entrepreneurship journey

[7:00] Graeme's biggest "Oh Shit, I'm the Boss Now" moment

[13:00] How Iversoft transitioned to remote in less than a day

[14:10] What broke in the first 30 days of remote work

[23:55] How Iversoft reinvests into remote culture

[34:00] The four day work week

[39:00] Graeme's advice for Zoom's CEO

Listen to Similar Episodes:

How to Build and Support High-Performing Remote Teams

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* Connect with Graeme Barlow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemebarlow

* Find everything you need on his website https://www.iversoft.ca

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

You have the best of intentions, but are these four management mistakes hindering your team's effectiveness? First, we're digging into the nitty gritty of finding that sweet spot between effective leadership and avoiding micromanaging. It's a delicate balance. Unfortunately, you can't assume that everything is great if you haven't heard from your team! I'm here to share my top tips to connect, share updates, and address any concerns on an ongoing basis.

Now, here's a golden nugget of wisdom: you can prescribe a decision to your team. Yep, you don't always have to lead them to the answer if you already know what it is. You can be the leader, guiding and coaching them, all without micromanaging their every move.

Another common mistake: Wanting to reach a consensus on every decision. Spoiler alert—it's not gonna happen, we can't always all see eye-to-eye. Instead, create a culture where they feel comfortable sharing their opinions, even if they differ from yours.

The fourth mistake is one that can really hinder team dynamics: not getting to know your team members personally. I know, you're the boss and you want to be professional, but that doesn't mean you can't be a compassionate leader. Learn about their interests outside of work, discover what makes them tick, and build those personal connections!

If you find that you're making one or more of these mistakes, it will be okay! Tune in to dive deeper into these topics and learn from my expert advice!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] The power of your team.

[1:55] The difference between micromanaging and not checking in.

[4:35] Don’t prescribe a decision to your team.

[9:15] Tell them why you're not on board.

[10:30] Not getting to know your team personally.

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Workshop Reflections: Unraveling Leadership and Team-Building with Molly

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How to Build and Support High-Performing Remote Teams

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

I'm thrilled to have the Asana guru himself, Bastien Siebman, joining us today. Get ready to unlock a world of productivity and management insights that will redefine your business journey. We kick off with a burning question: Should your employees nurture side hustles? Then, Bastien and I dive deep, exploring the benefits and challenges of embracing your team's entrepreneurial spirit alongside their day jobs.

Bastien reveals how Asana helps transition from time tracking to results tracking and how that transition revolutionizes the way you measure success and efficiency. Asana isn't just a tool; it's a strategic powerhouse. We unpack core techniques for setting up and wielding Asana to transform your workflows. From personal tasks to recurring tasks, and everything in between – we've got you covered.

But wait, there's more! Bastien drops priceless advice on best practices, steering you clear of common Asana mistakes to maximize its potential. Before we wrap, we dive into how Asana eases employee onboarding and the magic of integrations. Plus, why setting up a project management tool should top your to-do list for business success.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:40] Introduction to Asana expert, Bastien Siebman

[8:00] Should your employees have a side hustle?

[11:50] How Asana helps with transitioning from hours-based to results-based productivity

[14:05] Core ways to set up and use Asana

[16:25] Personal tasks vs. Recurring tasks in Asana

[22:20] Common mistakes people make when using Asana

[27:55] How Asana makes onboarding employees easier

[31:20] Integrations

[31:55] Setting up a project management tool should be the first priority for businesses

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Thriving as an Entrepreneur: Keziah Bollinger's Lessons Learned

Mastering Delegation to Empower Your Team for Success

5 Tips for Onboarding New Employees

* Connect with Bastien on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/siebmanb

* Find everything you need on his website siebmanb.com/

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/