The Long Game Podcast with Sandra Scaiano

In this episode of The Long Game podcast, I’m diving deep into understanding human nature and behavior, and learning how we can apply it in our digital businesses. Ever heard of the Hawthorne Effect? Well, applying this century-old observation will change your approach to online courses and memberships for the better. The Hawthorne Effect came from studies of behaviors in the workplace from nearly a century ago. It refers to the phenomenon where individuals behave better and improve their work when they know that they are being observed or watched. But this is only good in the short term. Over time, mental attitudes, proper supervision, and informal social relationships experienced in the workplace proved to be the key to improved productivity. “When we dig in and we find the data backing up our claims, it opens up a whole new arena of confidence in our approach.” – Sandra Scaiano How can we apply these studies in developing our courses and programs, and in all aspects of our business? Here are 3 practical steps: Establish a system of accountability Keep in touch Track progress “Value is not more time online. Value is helping your students move through the material.” - Sandra Scaiano By leveraging our knowledge of the Hawthorne Effect and other behavioral studies, content and program creators can make sure they develop a dynamic learning environment that empowers and encourages participants to finish their goals and succeed. Understanding human behavior is key to driving engagement and maximizing the impact of our online offerings. It’s when we know, understand, and apply that we get to improve what we produce and keep playing the long game. Important Links: https://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/hawthorne/anewvision.html#e https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-hawthorne-effect-2795234 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of The Long Game talks all about messaging and is a must-hear for all business owners. Messaging is at the crux of all our communication: sales, social media, networking, even introductions. Today, Wendy White will be sharing everything we need to know to have effective messaging. “The reason people aren’t clear to the world is they're not clear to themselves.” - Wendy White Wendy is a messaging strategist to coaches and consultants who are ready to become thought leaders. She helps business owners communicate what they do and why it matters. She worked in international sales & business development, winning clients for many companies. Since then, she’s worn many hats, but she kept on doing what she’s good at, communicating a clear message that talks about the business and attracts the right clients. In this episode, we talk about: How getting your messaging right (or wrong) affects your marketing The details that go into your introduction Clarity and concept before copy Using A.I. in messaging and marketing The problem with unclear messaging is that you end up sounding just like everyone else. Your audience can’t figure out exactly what you do, who you work with, or who you are. You try to keep up with the ever-changing trends, SEOs and algorithms but still fail to communicate your message to the people who need to hear them. “You have to connect what you do to why it matters to them.” - Wendy White Crafting your messaging is more than just about being clear about what you do. Underneath that lies key paradigm shifts that empower you in your business and any kind of communication you’ll have. Being clear about your own business makes you a better business owner, and it brings you closer to being that thought leader you want to be. Connect with Wendy White: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instant Impact Workshop Extraordinary Impact® Accelerator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Service business owners always need a strategy. It’s foundational to their business and a part of their work process. It impacts how clients work with them and the quality of service they provide. The problem is that way too often, strategy ends up getting buried under services. As a result, clients don’t appreciate their work, they feel underappreciated, and they don’t charge as much as they should for the value they provide. Today I’m joined by Maggie Patterson, who’ll share her experience and expertise in business strategies. With two decades of experience, Maggie has spent her career in client services and entrepreneurship. She’s the editorial director at Scoop Studios and the founder of BS Free Business, where she works with service-based businesses and agency owners to build BS-free businesses that put trust first in everything they do. Maggie is a podcaster, writer, and vocal advocate for humane business practices rooted in respect, empathy, and trust. As a former freelancer turned agency owner, she knows exactly what it takes to make it when building a business offering services. “Your strategy should be firmly set and semi-rigid.” - Maggie Patterson Maggie shares some important points about strategy: Showcasing your strategy Valuing your strategy Preparing to sell your strategy Going beyond strategy talk, Maggie pulls from her decades' worth of experience and shares how important it is to trust your gut and stick to what’s important to you. You don’t need to follow every hyped-up advice from a business influencer. You don’t need to work with a client who doesn’t value you. You don’t need to sell in a way that feels uncomfortable for you. You’re the business owner. You get to decide how you want to run your business in a way that aligns with your values and goals and still be successful. “The people playing the long game are the people you want to align with.” - Maggie Patterson This episode is full of amazing insights from Maggie. She freely shares her experience and expertise to help business owners make the most out of their strategy by playing The Long Game. Connect with Maggie Patterson: Website Instagram Podcast: Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business BS-Free Service Business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we hear “content repurposing,” most of us think of taking long-form content like a podcast or a webinar and cutting it up into reels or shorts or turning it into a LinkedIn or blog post. That’s an outdated idea of content repurposing. Today, you can take in anything you do in the day-to-day of your business—company meetings, coaching calls, strategy sessions—look at them from a different perspective and turn them into other forms of content: courses, lead magnets, newsletters, social media posts, or even action tasks. “Content repurposing is multifaceted.” - Greg Wasserman To talk about this new definition of content repurposing, I'm joined by Greg Wasserman, head of growth partnerships and community at CastMagic, an AI platform transforming content repurposing for podcasters, coaches, speakers, and marketers. With CastMagic, entrepreneurs can upload their media files, either their podcasts, meeting recordings, talks, seminars, or voice notes, and with different prompts, generate ideas on how to present them in a new way. Greg also talks about: The different facets of content repurposing Utilizing your existing content library The long game of content creation “Invest in learning not only your tool, your craft, but also what others are doing so that you can improve.” - Greg Wasserman As business owners, we think we have to keep coming up with the next great thing, but what if you already came up with a great thing that will elevate your business? Repurposing isn’t just for your marketing, but it can also be applied to your business as a whole, and help you optimize your time and work. Connect with CastMagic: Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Greg Wasserman: LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with another episode of The Long Game Podcast. Today, we're diving into a topic that's important to our businesses: the business structure. Joining us are Jennie & Meredyth, who together, run their coaching empire for people with impatient ambition who want to accomplish more of what actually matters to them. They help people change their views on productivity, schedule, and freedom to shape their life the way they want to. And today, by sharing their experiences, they’ll help you do the same. “Shifting to a place where your commitments are at that no matter what level really means that we have to be realistic.” - Jennie Mustafa-Julock Jennie was a guest on episode 103: Make It Happen with Coach Jennie, when she was known as “Coach Jennie” and Meredyth was helping on the back-end side of the business. But as they recognized the different needs their clients had, and as their lifestyle and goals changed, they decided that their business structure had to change as well. So, they set up a crazy deadline for themselves, changed their branding, updated their systems, processes and services, they turned their business into one that works for them. The three questions Jennie and Meredyth asked themselves as they decided on these changes were: How do we want to be working? How do we want to be marketing? Who do we want to be influenced by? “75% of what you're already doing is probably going to stay. But making the change of that 25% can just change the game.” - Jennie Mustafa-Julock Making changes to your business can be intimidating. Or it can be this thing you do on the side that never really ends. This episode is proof that if you prioritize the changes and shape your business to serve you, it will be worth it and you can have the life that you want. Connect with Jennie & Meredyth: Website Instagram YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, Sandra here from The Long Game Podcast! Today we're tackling a big one: burnout. As entrepreneurs, especially those of us in the course and membership site world, we live in launch cycles. Constant selling, content creation, the pressure to keep up... it's enough to make anyone exhausted. But here's the thing: burnout isn't just fatigue. It's a real, WHO-defined syndrome with physical and emotional consequences. Burnout sneaks up on you: it builds gradually. You might find yourself unmotivated, dreading launches, or even questioning your entire business model. This is your burnout signal: a nudge to change things up. Here's the good news: you have the power to make those changes. As an entrepreneur, you're the boss. Forget "better self-care" - listen to your needs and reimagine your business. Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and create a system that works for you. My client story: They launched a successful $2,000 course, but hated the launch cycle. We scrapped it and built a hybrid approach, selling their existing content in a new way. Now, they're excited and fulfilled! Remember: Don't just push through: acknowledge your burnout and let it motivate change. Think creatively: tweak your systems, present your offers uniquely, and embrace innovation. Breaks are important: rest, exercise, eat well, and sleep to fuel your creative thinking. Burnout is a cycle: break it by making lasting changes. Feeling stuck? You're not alone. Tune in for more on creative thinking to keep your business (and you) energized! Key takeaways: Burnout is a real syndrome, not just fatigue. Listen to your burnout signal and make changes. Create your own business system, not a copycat. Embrace creative thinking and innovation. Break the burnout cycle with lasting changes. Don't let burnout win! Turn it into flow and build a business that works for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of The Long Game is a continuation of episode 184 where I shared the story about getting an invite to attend a panel discussion on writing about trauma, and how my schedule conflicted with the panel, and I wouldn’t be able to attend. Well, as a happy end to the story, I was able to attend the panel after all, and it was so fulfilling to be in a space that invited me to think and reflect. It inspired and encouraged me. Here are 5 key takeaways from this panel discussion: Term of survival, concept of hope, and healing Explicitness Relationship between trauma and empathy Being clear with your personal boundaries Using form and structure to move through trauma “Keep at your story and keep digging deeper into telling it.” -Sandra Scaiano It’s amazing that we’ve developed a culture where we can openly share our experiences without the stigma around trauma. These stories are everywhere; in social media, books, and pop culture, but this doesn’t take away from your own story. Each story is different and equally important. When we share our stories and hear other’s, it lets us know that we’re not alone. Dr. Roxane Gay Leslie Jamison Tochi Onyebuchi Jacqueline Woodson If Everything Is Trauma Is Anything? The Trauma Plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As business owners, joining business or industry events is part of the game. We get to build connections, engage in the community, and participate in groups to stay on top of the latest trends, developments, and news. Sometimes, as much as we’d like to join these events, we just can’t. And the reason why may be because of the season of life we’re in, which is what we’re exploring today; the idea of having different seasons of life, and how important it is to live in each one. “I can’t have it all right now. I’m choosing my priorities.” -Sandra Scaiano Today I share a recent story about receiving an invitation to an event I want to go to and balancing that with my other roles. Also discussed: Designing our own seasons The importance of each season Maximizing opportunities at any time I'm not trapped in the world I created and the season I’m in. I’m here because I want to be here.” -Sandra Scaiano Each season is important and a part of our journey. Take some time to think about all the seasons you lived through and how they brought you to where you are now. And remember, every season brings its own experiences and challenges, and they all contribute to the person you’re becoming. It’s all part of the long game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of business owners rely heavily on email marketing to connect and engage with their customers. But did you know that on February 1st, there will be a new rule book on emails, and it’ll be harder to get into people’s inboxes? This could be bad news if you’ve spent a lot of time and resources building your email list, but it doesn’t have to be! Joining us today to guide us through the changes Google, Yahoo (and soon others as well) are making is Cheryl Rerick. She’s an email marketing strategist, automation engineer, and creator of the Automate and Chill™ method. Cheryl will lay out the changes that will happen and explain in easy terms the authentication process we can do to make sure our email gets into those inboxes. We also discuss: Email Automation Welcome sequences Trends vs Data “You can't have blanket strategies, because the truth is everything works, and nothing works.” - Cheryl Rerick Cheryl also shares some email strategies we can apply, but her biggest advice is about your email list. Know what your customers want, and from there, you can build your strategies. There’s no one right way to write an email. Listen in to hear all of Cheryl’s tips, and if you want a more in-depth explanation of the new rules, you can attend Cheryl’s on-demand webinar. Connect with Cheryl Rerick: Website Facebook Instagram Email Deliverability Webinar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first episode of the new year! And what better way to start than talking all about goals. Did you know that 93% of people fail within 30 days of setting their goals? Today, we break down goal setting to make sure that we're not part of the majority who end up quitting. “We work with people to change their thoughts so that they can achieve their goals.” - Abbie Schiller Joining us today is Abbie Schiller. Abbie is a professional goal coach, founder & CEO of The Mother Company, and a manifester. As a coach, she’s deeply invested in improving the lives of others. She’s also the creator of Visioning, a revolutionary course that helps people take an honest look at the results in their lives and decide what and how they want to change. Abbie introduces us to the concept of "kind goals." Unlike the rigid, strict goals we’re used to, kind goals allow us to be flexible and adjust. They have a have Plan B. Kind goals are fun and connected to who you are and serve who you want to be and bring you closer to the life you want to achieve. Also discussed in this episode: The relationship between success, failure, and lessons Anticipating obstacles and building resilience The necessary skill of embracing discomfort The importance of support and community Abbie also addresses some of the reasons why people give up their goals—lack of clarity, unexpected challenges, undefined steps, or lack of support system. She gives easy, applicable tips on how to deal with them. “Water boils at 212 degrees. What degree are you giving up at?” - Abbie Schiller It’s possible to not quit the gym when February comes, or give in to your cravings a week into your new diet. Goals can be achievable and kind at the same time. You can hit your milestones while enjoying the journey. The key is in starting right and playing the long game. Connect with Abbie Schiller: Website Instagram LinkedIn The Visioning Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you noticed a big gap in resources in your industry? Have you ever had an idea that would make things easier or more efficient? You’re going to love my guest this week. In this episode Jane Goodrich, an accomplished photographer who has expanded her business by creating customized software called Picsello joins me to talk about her long game experience taking her idea from concept to development to product launch. Jane talks about her journey from marketing to photography, her experience mentoring other photographers, and the motivation behind creating Picsello. The software serves as an all-in-one back-end solution for photographers, helping them with pricing, selling, and streamlining their business processes. This is a great example of seeing a need and figuring out a way to help others succeed. Jane has a passion for photography and she’s equally passionate about helping other photographers make a living doing work they love. Jane discusses the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, her initial idea of teaching a course about photography pricing, and how she pivoted to develop Picsello. The conversation covers the development process, including the initial idea, seeking advice from tech experts, choosing an American development company, and the importance of a strong team. She’s also upfront about how long it took and why her background in marketing gave her a leg up when working with the development team. The interview emphasizes the educational aspect of Picsello aiming to help photographers understand the business side of their profession. Jane explains the software's features, including automated emails, client questionnaires, and a business mastermind community. She highlights the importance of customer feedback in shaping the software's roadmap and mentions the joy she finds in helping photographers succeed. Jane also shares insights into managing her time between photography, software development, and personal health challenges. She emphasizes the value of staying connected to the client services realm to understand market needs and enhance the software's offerings. In true Long Game style, this conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to extend their brand through software development and emphasizes the significance of community building and continuous learning in the process. Picsello Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited because we have a return guest. It’s interesting to see the transformation and growth since my last conversation with her. Today I’m talking with Tracy Otsuka, who is a certified ADHD coach and the host of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, the podcast, which has had an amazing 5 million downloads. She also moderates a Facebook group by the same name with nearly 100,000 members! Tracy is releasing her book ADHD for Smart Ass Women on December 26. I am beyond thrilled to have her to talk to us about everything that’s going on. Tracy explains that whenever she has conversations about ADHD, lives are changed. There’s a brilliant woman with ADHD out there who is thinking, this isn’t me. By the end of this podcast, she’s going to say, that IS me! Hear how Tracy decided to go with the name ADHD for Smart Ass Women. I wanted to know if there’s any push back or problems with that or has it been a plus for her. She explains that being an outsider is part of who she is as a person, and it’s part of her brand as well. Are some people put off by the name? Maybe, but overall, it’s been a positive. Tracy also talks about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how common that is, especially for women. There are a few reasons for that, and she also explains how the lifestyle changes we all experienced during COVID had an impact as well. One myth Tracy has busted is that having ADHD means you’re not intelligent or can’t learn. That’s completely the opposite of her experience. Drivenness is a form of hyperactivity. If you are an entrepreneur or a woman always on the go coming up with new ideas and having success with lots of different things and possibly struggle with mundane easy-to-do tasks, then you may want to see if you have ADHD. ADHD brains are focused on interest, not importance. It’s a big distinction that shows up in lots of ways, both positive and negative. Tracy outlines 3 things to look for if you think you may have ADHD and how it manifests in women and girls differently than in men and boys. This is eye-opening! Be sure to check out the discussion about being diagnosed. Who makes those calls? Should you find out or does it matter? What steps can you take and how will it impact your health? Tracy provides loads of insight here that will help simplify any next steps you might want to take. This entire conversation is so helpful, and fun. Big thanks to Tracy for coming back. I hope you’ll all get a copy of her book and let me know what resonates for you. Episode 20 with Tracy Otsuka Get the Book ADHD for Smart Ass Women Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re winding down 2023 so I’m doing a look back and a look ahead. Listen in as I review the trends that defined 2023 and look forward to the exciting developments to expect in 2024 for entrepreneurs. From the rise of super niche online summits to the growing demand for authenticity, we uncover the strategies that will shape the future of business. But as we navigate these trends, I can’t help but wonder what will this mean for the long game of business and life? Here are a few of the topics that made an impact for me and my clients. I’m sharing how things worked, and what made a difference on a number of topics. 1) The need to stay up to date. Things change and evolve and as small business owners we have to do the same. 2) Online summits. They make an impact when they are done well, and they are evolving too. 3) Masterminds aren’t new but it seems they are more popular than ever. I’m not surprised. The ability to connect with others and get some support and perspective from business peers is something I’ve always found helpful. 4) Digital marketing can’t exist, it seems without the manipulative tactics and guru-driven promises that everyone, everywhere can have million-dollar results in a few easy steps. It impacts all of us who are marketing with integrity. Additionally, I review the prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life and its implications for entrepreneurs. Ignoring the impact and inevitability isn’t a strategy. It’s only going to become more prevalent. We’ll continue to see improvements and additional capabilities. What are you doing to learn how it impacts your world? I think we’ve got to adapt and grow and using AI where it makes sense and I want to make sure I know how it can be helpful to me and my clients. I also know there also are lots of discussions about ethics and the legal impacts too. Lots more coming in 2024 on all of this. I’m also breaking down my thoughts on the impact of the new Google Analytics that was rolled out. Tracking and measuring is important so as business owners we have to adapt to the changes and leverage the opportunities the GA4 brings to SEO strategies. As we ring in the new year with new possibilities, keep playing the long game in your business and life as well. You know, it's that journey that matters the most. I am thrilled to have you all along for the ride with me. Thank you for listening. I'll see you next week. Episode 158 Summits Episode 124 Artificial Intelligence Episode 125 Artificial Intelligence Episode 152 Google Analytics 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unleash your creative potential and defy societal expectations as guest Cara Steinmann challenges the norms, embraces messiness, and empowers business owners to think boldly and authentically, igniting a battle between conformity and innovation. Cara is a highly accomplished business development strategist, community builder, and certified meditation and mindfulness coach. She has dedicated her career to creating online spaces that empower women entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while prioritizing their mental health. Through her renowned community, the Literation Lab, Cara provides a platform for women to cultivate their creative confidence and express themselves through writing. With her extensive expertise in creativity and confidence-building, Cara has become a trusted resource for business owners seeking to break free from conventional thinking and implement innovative ideas. What is Creative Confidence? The definition that Cara shares is believing in your ability to change the world around you. If you think about it, that's your future. That's the business you're building, the offers you're creating. You have to have the creativity and the confidence to put them out there. Business as flow. Creative confidence gets squeezed out of us. Cara shares the NASA study of 1600 kids who were considered creative geniuses at age 5. You’ll be blown away when you hear what happened to their creativity at age 20. When we allow our creativity to flow, we unlock new ideas and new ways to look at our work, and our entire world. 4 Fears that impact our creative confidence: Fear of the messy unknown. Fear of being judged. Fear of the first step. Fear of losing control. Cara explains how we’ve forgotten how to find our own answers. Finding answers via google or following the formula that someone else created is a shortcut but we might be missing an even better solution if we noodled on it and really gave some thought to how we might create our own answer. Creativity and confidence are both muscles. The more you use them, especially without getting criticized, the more they grow. It’s one of the reasons why community can help. Being with people who are interested in supporting one another makes it easier to take a chance on yourself. The creative spark. I asked Cara how the Literation Lab helps grow creativity. She shares daily prompts for her audience and herself and they write them for the group to read if they feel comfortable, it’s not required. The prompts are in 7 research-backed pillars to help unlock and grow your confidence while you are being creative. Mistakes and messiness and letting perfection go. Life is messy and what if we just allowed the mess and kept moving? What if we learn what we need from having tried instead of worrying about what was wrong. There’s a freedom that comes from being confident, knowing it’s not about perfection, it’s about trying new things and seeing what happens. Being creative is a practice, like writing or designing. Confidence comes when we give ourselves permission to jump into action and tap into the genius we have inside. Connect with Cara Literation Lab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s world, it’s never been easier to implement a new idea, start a new venture, or build up a new business. But it’s also never been more intimidating. There are countless resources telling you how something should be done, and the market can seem incredibly saturated with so many competitors, ads, experts, and millions of content creators. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. If intimidation and fear are getting to you, this episode is going to be your boost of encouragement. Our guest is Ben Albert. Ben was a sales executive when the pandemic hit, and, like millions of other professionals, he was let go. Today, he shares how this moment was his rock bottom and from this point of zero, he became his own hero. It took a lot of work, creativity, and networking, but in just one year, he was able to launch and grow his marketing company, Balbert Marketing LLC. He also became the curator of the Real Business Connections Network, where he hosts five podcasts. “Rock bottom was such a blessing in disguise.” - Ben Albert Insights from Ben’s journey: How his long-game knowledge helped him when he decided to start his business. What collaborative partnerships look like and how they help your business. The necessity of trying something different, new, and creative. Ben says there’s no such thing as a key to success. Instead, it's a combination lock, and we each have our own unique combination. Each of us has our own idea or definition of success, and we each have our own path to get there. “What is your creative spark? And how can you bring someone in with you?” - Ben Albert Tune in to this episode for a dose of inspiration and practical insights as we explore Ben’s remarkable journey from zero to hero. Connect with Ben: Website Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love and have embraced the term “intentionally selfish” since I first heard it. To be intentionally selfish is to be unapologetic for raising yourself up. It is to give yourself what you need to heal, and to let go of all the shame from the experiences you went through. This episode is all about being “intentionally selfish.” It’s a gift to yourself, an encouragement to move you further in your healing journey, and a discovery of your goals. My guest, Naketa Ren Thigpen, is breaking down the importance of being intentionally selfish. She’s a Balance and Relationship advisor, combining the tenants of licensed clinical social work, psychotherapy, trauma work, metaphysics, and coaching. She’s the CEO of personal development company, ThigPro Balance and a podcast host. Also the author of Selfish: Permission to Pause, Live, Love and Laugh Your Way to Joy. “I’m rebellious by nature. It’s just in my core. You tell me ‘We have to go down this block,’ and I’ll follow you down the block the first time. But I’m literally doing it so I can see the shortcuts that I can do the second time.” – Naketa Ren ThigpenTopics discussed in this episode: We need to make the decision for ourselves that we’ve had enough and need to change and heal. We can either “stay in the box” or “break the box”. We need to choose what we would do. Do not minimize the pain and experiences you went through just because it’s not worse than what other people have gone through. “The long game is knowing how to play it, but also finding out your unique shortcuts and ways so you can actually win the game you’re trying to play.” – Naketa Ren ThigpenNaketa shares her story, how a childhood experience impacted her, needing to learn to let go of a burden that she wasn’t supposed to bear, and how to deal with the shame that went with the experience. She also breaks down G.I.F.T. which stands for gratitude, imagine, forgiveness, and take action. She describes this process of healing as a gift we give to ourselves. Naketa guides us through each letter and how we can apply them. If you want to work with Naketa, consider the Intentionally Selfish Suite. It is a Personal Development Incubator deliberately designed to equip and certify women entrepreneurs as they evolve, arrive, and expand the version of themselves that’s unchained, free, unconquerable, and spacious enough to create work/life that serves their highest good. This episode is jam-packed with Naketa’s wealth of knowledge, words of wisdom, life lessons, and relatable experiences. Listen to the full episode to hear everything she shares. Links from Today’s Episode: ThigPro Website Naketa Ren Thigpen LinkedIn Balance Boldly Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LinkedIn is one of the top social platforms for entrepreneurs and professionals. We know we need to get into it, but it can be intimidating because it also reflects on our professional profile. But what if getting started on LinkedIn doesn’t have to be so intimidating? In this episode, we’ll learn how to get started, transitioned, and consistent on LinkedIn. “LinkedIn is a hard platform… It’s also one of the kindest networks.” - Donna Serdula To help us navigate the world of LinkedIn, we have Donna Serdula joining us today. In 2009, Donna walked away from her successful sales career and founded Vision Board Media and LinkedIn-Makeover.com. Her mission is to help people realize their internet identity and shape one that makes an impact and leads to opportunity. Her book, LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies helps professionals get started on the platform. Donna has built the SOAR Framework. This gets you straight to connecting and engaging on LinkedIn. Start by building a STRATEGY—decide why you’re using LinkedIn, identify your target audience, and develop your brand. Then OPTIMIZE your profile and posts so that the right people will find you. AMPLIFY your brand and message through a strong network. Then it’s time to RELATE and build your network on LinkedIn so that what you post will actually be heard. Other topics discussed in this episode include: Practical strategies to build up your network Getting started on LinkedIn Engagement strategies to curate the feed you want “LinkedIn wants the feed to be the people you know talking about the things you care about.” - Donna Serdula One common perception about LinkedIn is that it’s a platform where you need to be buttoned up and with a stiff upper lip, and that was true—until five years ago. You can speak in your voice and let your personality show in a way that’s true to your brand. LinkedIn, like other platforms, has an algorithm that’s continuously changing. Sometimes, it’s short posts with photos that do well. Other times, it’s the long-form document posts. The key to maximizing your reach on this platform isn’t to catch the algorithm, it’s to build a large network and post quality, engaging and consistent posts. For more information and practical tips on getting started on LinkedIn, listen to the full episode, and check out the resources Donna shares on her website. Connect with Donna Serdula: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paid advertisements are one of the most effective ways to market your product or service and reach your ideal clients—if done right. However, the nuances of each social media platform's ad manager can feel like entering a new, foreign world. In this episode, we cover multiple Facebook ads strategies with our guest, Laura Ball. Laura works with 6 to 7-figure clients who sell directly to consumers using the power of paid traffic. She specializes in live launches, but also works with clients around brand awareness, lead generation, and evergreen funnels. Laura talks about: Demystifying Facebook ads management Essentials before hiring a Facebook ads manager Factors for a successful Facebook ad campaign “Ads amplify what you are already doing.” - Laura Ball Laura shares that a key to successful ads is to run tests and fine-tune them. There’s no overnight success in running ads. It’s important to present yourself and effectively communicate who you are so that you can attract the right clients. Listen in as we unravel the secrets of Facebook ads. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just stepping into the advertising arena, this episode promises valuable insights to elevate your marketing game. Connect with Laura Ball: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When running a business, it should be expected that sometimes things will go south, and we’ll have to put out fires. Sometimes these situations can be solved in a day with a phone call, but sometimes they can potentially end your business. That’s what happened with our guest today when her Stripe account was hacked. Shannon Mattern is the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she teaches web designers how to create profitable, sustainable, freelance web design businesses. She also hosts the Profitable Web Designer Podcast where she shares insights and strategies for web design professionals. In this episode, Shannon talks about her recent experience and relates it to these business lessons: Be transparent and communicate with your clients In the middle of a challenge, look for rational and uninvolved perspectives There’s more than one way to do things “There's multiple ways to handle any situation. Why not give myself the opportunity to find out all of them and then make a decision with way more information than just what's in my head or I can Google.” - Shannon Mattern Today’s show highlights the importance of relationships and networks in the business world. Having the right people around you, especially during challenging times, can make a world of difference. But they can only help you to the extent that you’re asking for help. If you don’t share your challenges, the right people who can help you overcome them won’t come. In the world of business, it’s necessary to have the ability to navigate adversity with resilience, transparency, and with the support of your network. Listen in as we explore the lessons learned from Shannon's experience. Connect with Shannon Mattern: Website Instagram LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a robust multi-faceted business is no easy task, not even for the most seasoned entrepreneur. Creating a business that seamlessly incorporates all of your passions while providing a rewarding and fulfilling experience at the same time is the ultimate goal for many people building a business. Dr. Kristy Sumner has successfully combined her passion for historical stories and paranormal into two businesses: Soul Sisters Paranormal, and The Historic Scott County Jail Museum. The work that she does is totally fascinating to me, but maybe paranormal isn’t your jam and that’s okay. What stands out the most about Kristy is the way she’s created two businesses that flow so well together that allow her to live the life she finds most fulfilling. “If you look at us, just from the outside, it looks like we have a very robust company, but it’s just the two of us.” -Dr. Kristy Sumner Key areas we’re highlighting in this episode Kristy’s first overnight stay in a haunted penitentiary, developing passion and excitement Learning the technical skills it takes to produce the content they want to share How a collaboration turned into a reopening of a historical location with paranormal research Martin Yan, a chef and food writer says, “when you enjoy what you do, work becomes play.” For Kristy, she’s allowed herself to lean into her passions for fun, play, and discovery in the presence of her friends. She’s turned a corporate background and life as a college professor into a life that is filled with excitement. The excitement of researching historical stories and investigating paranormal activity is one aspect of it, but she’s also leaning into solving problems and learning new skills that allow her to build something meaningful. “We wanted to start out with a bang and really show people that we are legitimate in what we're doing.” -Dr. Kristy Sumner Mentioned in this episode: Lizzie Borden Story Connect with Dr. Kristy Sumner Soul Sisters Paranormal Website Historic Scott County Jail Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices