Tea with the Queen

Are you currently feeling scattered in your business?When you sit down at your desk to start your work day, is the list of tasks insurmountable?You’re feeling so overwhelmed by all the things you need to do, you have a million tasks on your plate and no clear direction on how to tackle them.If you’re currently feeling scattered in your business, here are a few practical tips that I often share with my clients:1. Step Away and Refresh: Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to step away from the keyboard! Take a break, go for a walk, or simply have a cup of tea to clear your mind. Even a few minutes away from your desk can give you the mental headspace that you need.2. Prioritise Tasks: Instead of tackling your entire to-do list at once, identify the tasks that will truly move the needle in your business and prioritise them. I like to plan my week on a Sunday afternoon, and then pull from that list just three tasks to focus on per day.3. Eliminate Distractions: Distractions can worsen the scattered feeling. Turn off notifications, leave your phone in another room if you have to and set specific work periods using techniques like the Pomodoro method. 4. Focus on One Thing: Identify the one key task that will propel you forward and dedicate your efforts to it. Stick to it until you see results. If you have too many things to focus on at once (especially if they’re all decent-sized projects), your ability to finish any of them will be diminished.5. Script Feedback: When giving feedback or addressing issues, use a structured approach like the SBI model (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) to keep emotions at bay and ensure clarity in communication.Navigating through moments where you feel scattered in your business is a common challenge. But with the right strategies, you can regain your clarity and focus. Remember, it's often about stripping away the noise, identifying the core tasks that matter, and committing to them with intention and purpose.LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Sometimes it can be difficult to separate your feelings from those of your clients. They’re going through something hard in their business, their energy is depleted and they are coming to you for guidance.How do you ensure you can hold space for their feelings and work through their issues, without taking on their energy?Today, I want to share with you a personal experience with a client that taught me valuable lessons in managing not just my energy, but also that of my clients.I have three go-to strategies that I hope will help you to maintain your energy levels.1. Preparing for Challenging ConversationsAnticipating the emotional intensity of client discussions and mentally preparing myself helps me approach each interaction with clarity and empathy. Setting boundaries and being in the right mindset before a session is crucial.2. The Role of Physical Activity to Move EnergyTaking a solitary walk or engaging in a calming activity like journaling or meditation allows me to decompress and process the emotions that arise during intense client conversations. Physical movement and quiet reflection work wonders in restoring balance.3. Listening to Your GutRecognising the signals your body sends in response to stress or discomfort is essential. Trusting your instincts and acting on them can prevent emotional overload and help you work through challenging situations. As you come across clients burdened with heavy emotions or challenging situations, remember to prioritise self-care, set clear boundaries, and trust your intuition. By managing your energy effectively, you not only safeguard your well-being but also enhance your capacity to support and empower those you work with.LINKS:Gallup Strengths AssessmentMarco Polo AppWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

There is no shortage of resources for time management optimisation in business. We have software tools up the wazoo to help us operate more efficiently, block out every hour with the help of AI robots, and schedule in our breaks to get ourselves all organised.But even with all these productivity and optimisation tools, we still get to the end of the day ready to fall in a big heap and doom-scroll social media to zone out.Maybe we just haven’t figured out the most effective time management tool for our needs yet. Surely there are others we can try.Well, I think we may be focusing on the wrong thing. So often, we're told to focus on time management, but what if I told you that energy is where the real magic happens?Prior to focusing on my energy levels, my family was probably receiving the “dregs” of my personality. I was always exhausted, had a lot of things on my mind and was never really as present as I should have been. So, if you’re feeling like you’ve got your time management down pat and you’re still a bit of a mess, prioritise your energy instead and see how you feel!LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Do you feel like you never have enough time in your workday to get everything done?Even if you set yourself a task list for the day which looks like it should be achievable, you’re still struggling to get through it. At the end of the day you feel unproductive, overwhelmed and you’re struggling to see where the hours went.It’s an extremely common feeling, and I have three tips to help you steal back your precious time that I know will help you achieve more.1.Batching Your TasksGrouping similar tasks prevents time lost in task-switching and boosts efficiency. Did you know for example that every time you switch tasks, you lose 25 minutes! If you are batching your similar tasks, you lose less time overall.  2.Focus on Three Tasks Per DayI find it extremely important to focus on just three main tasks per day to keep the momentum going. If I have too many items on my to-do list for the day, I actually get way less done and I feel overwhelmed when I don’t cross them all off.3.Stop Scrolling Socials and Checking Emails ConstantlySetting designated times to check social media and limiting email access to a few specific slots a day can prevent unnecessary time drainage. Outsourcing tasks you dislike and prioritising tasks you enjoy are also key practices in reclaiming your time.Stealing back time in your workday requires a conscious effort to optimise how you use the hours available to you. By implementing strategies like task batching, time auditing, and prioritisation, you can take control of your time and increase your productivity. Remember, it's not about finding more time; it's about making the most of the time you have.LINKS:TogglWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

When was the last time you took a nap in the middle of the day on a weekday?Most people might not be able to remember a time when they did,  or perhaps it was only because they were unwell. Well, you might be surprised to learn that I take a nap every single day. Between the hours of 12pm - 2pm, I have a dedicated rest period where I give my body and my mind a rest. Yes, just like a toddler. But I wasn’t always this way. Having three kids, a business to run and a household to keep together, I used to struggle with the idea of setting aside time to rest throughout the day. It felt like there were already too few hours in the day to get all the things done, how could I take more time out to nap?I can almost bet that if I hadn’t been forced to stop, I probably would have never started taking my daily naps, but now that I’m here I can’t imagine ever going back. LINKS:Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

How do you know if your community is getting you results?I guess the first question to ask yourself would be, what does “results” actually mean to you.Are you looking for more revenue, connections, advice, sales or maybe you’re just in the community to keep you stay accountable.Results don’t have to be driven by money, but I bet if you sat down and thought about it, you could name what aspects of your community are working for you. And sometimes when we look deeper into the communities we’re in, we realise they’re not serving much of a purpose at all. If that’s you, it’s probably time for a change and you might need to think more deeply about what you need.LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

I am a raging introvert. Yes, I love getting out running business events, meeting new people and being around other humans, but I also need a lot of downtime afterwards.As an introvert, I need a lot of space on my own so that I can recharge.When you run your own business, networking and building relationships is one of the key activities that you need to give attention to. But if you’re an introvert, that’s often not something you feel particularly enthusiastic about doing. So how do you reach out to other business people as an introvert?I have a few key strategies that have helped me build valuable relationships as an introvert, and my hope is that they help you too.LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

If you had to choose between an in-person or a virtual offering, what would be your preference?You might be sitting there thinking, well hang on there are pros and cons to both of them. I want to show up in my pj bottoms and a top knot which is great for virtual, but in-person that may be frowned upon. In-person is a lot more effort.But maybe in-person is better because we feel more connected to the other humans in the room, and we can achieve more results.You’re probably now more confused and for that, I’m not apologising. It’s a long-standing debate and one I’m eager to tackle for you. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each approach for your business, and see where it leads.LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Are you currently involved in a business community that you absolutely love being apart of? I’d invite you to reflect on this for a minute, and establish what it is about your community that you feel makes it so special.To me, the ability for a group of like-minded individuals to come together, share experiences, offer support, and ignite inspiration is truly remarkable. The impact of community goes beyond mere proximity; it allows you to share struggles, benefit from collective wisdom and unwavering encouragement.Recently, I had the privilege of hosting the first Thriving Women Retreat for 2024 and in the words of one of our attendees, it was "amazeballs." When I was reflecting on the experience after the retreat was over, it wasn't just the content or the location; it was the undeniable power of community that we were all surrounded by.LINKS:Website For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

It was October 2017, and my life was about to take a major turn. I was faced with the prospect of starting a new job that I didn't really want. As I approached my 40th birthday, I also had a child who was about to start school and I couldn't shake the sinking feeling in my stomach. My partner was a school teacher, and I knew that taking this job wouldn’t be entirely flexible. I was struggling to see how we were going to be able to ensure our child would have the stability that we wanted. How were we going to manage the inevitable sick child phone calls from the school, volunteering requests and all that other good stuff.I desperately wanted to be available for the needs of the family, and it was hard to imagine how my new role would accommodate this. I also wanted to be able to wear whatever I wanted every day, like my favourite pair of jeans!It was at that moment that I knew I had to make a change. I needed to create my own reality, one that would bring me joy and financial freedom.LINKS:Emma McQueenFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

There are many misconceptions about business coaches. What do they do exactly, what qualifications do they have, and how do you use one to get the best out of yourself and your business? Emma McQueen gets those questions all the time, and today she sets out to answer them. She emphasizes her results-oriented style and the importance of alignment between coach and client. A business coach can serve as a sounding board, cheerleader, and accountability partner, but ultimately the client is responsible for their own success through their willingness to implement strategies and take action.Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.auFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

A lot of people are trapped into believing that they will only be successful if they burn the candle at both ends. Yes, it’s important to work hard, but it’s equally crucial to know when to take some time out during the day. If you never stop to recharge your batteries, you’re not going to get very far. Emma McQueen is joined this episode by lawyer and good friend Tracey Mylecharane, and they discuss what they do to ensure they’re not overworked and overtired. Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.au For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered how to get the most out of LinkedIn and how to build a snappy, attention-grabbing LinkedIn profile? Karen Tisdell is the go-to LinkedIn guru and she guides Emma McQueen through some of her favourite LinkedIn hacks. If you’re looking to grow your business and pipeline – and who isn’t? – then having engaging content and creating prospects on LinkedIn is crucial. Karen Tisdell – https://karentisdell.com/ Karen’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karentisdell/ Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.au For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of the year, it's hard not to feel an overwhelmed. Emma McQueen offers her top tips to overcome the daunting long year ahead. She emphasises the importance of ditching irrelevant tasks, delegating or outsourcing tasks that can be done by others, and focusing on what only you can do. She also introduces the concept of the master list, where you plan your tasks for the upcoming weeks, and the daily list, where you prioritise three important tasks each day. Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.au For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Riglar readily admits that she fell into owning her own business. As a dedicated physiotherapist, she was presented with an opportunity to run her own practice. But, with no previous business training, she soon came to realise how much she needed to learn. Not only to ensure there is enough money each month for salaries, super and other myriad of things, but she needs to think long-term for business growth. All while still seeing clients. Fortunately, she has the support of other Thriving Women! Carlton Physiotherapy Centre https://carltonphysio.com.au/ Emma McQueenhttps://emmamcqueen.com.au/ Join Emma’s Go-Getter Day Ready to connect with other like-minded, purposeful women and spend a day dedicated to working ON your business? Join Emma McQueen for an exclusive LIVE eventhttps://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/work-with-emma/events-and-speaking/go-getter/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re hiring someone, it’s so important to have a really solid onboarding process. Is it clear they know what to do? Do they have the right tools to get the job done? Are you showing them love and attention? You spend so much time and money finding the right candidate, you don’t want to lose them soon after they join. Kath Harris shares some of her wisdom this episode on how to get your HR on the right track. She explains the DiSC workshops she conducts to help leaders be better. As Founder and Director of UnscriptedHR, she also discusses her own business journey, and she offers advice for others who might be thinking of taking the leap into business ownership. UnscriptedHR – https://unscriptedhr.com.au/ Join Emma’s Go-Getter Day Ready to connect with other like-minded, purposeful women and spend a day dedicated to working ON your business? Join Emma McQueen for an exclusive LIVE event https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/work-with-emma/events-and-speaking/go-getter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of business owners feel icky around the whole concept of hustling. They shouldn’t – it’s a must in business. You can’t shy away from doing the hard yards to get more sales. Afterall, the work you do today will pay off in the future. Just remember to give yourself permission to take a break once in a while, so that you don’t fall in an exhausted heap! That’s the double-headed advice you’ll get as business lawyer Tracey Mylecharane joins Emma McQueen on this special Queen’s Counsel episode.  Tracey Mylecharane https://tmsolicitor.com.au/ Emma McQueen https://emmamcqueen.com.au/ Join Emma’s Go-Getter Day Ready to connect with other like-minded, purposeful women and spend a day dedicated to working ON your business? Join Emma McQueen for an exclusive LIVE event https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/work-with-emma/events-and-speaking/go-getter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you set goals? Goal-setting is great, but it it’s all for nought if you don’t keep looking back at it and seeing if you’re on track. And don’t just do goal-setting for the sake of it, do it in a smart way, says Emma McQueen. Be crystal clear on your goals, and be flexible and realistic. If your goals are specific, you can then detail exactly what you need to do to achieve those goals.  Join Emma’s Go-Getter DayReady to connect with other like-minded, purposeful women and spend a day dedicated to working ON your business?Join Emma McQueen for an exclusive LIVE eventhttps://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/work-with-emma/events-and-speaking/go-getter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s true that the most important asset in any business is its people. And, so, you want to make sure that you get your people stuff right. One of the biggest people issues is a lack of alignment, according to Emma’s guest today, Julia O’Reilly, Director of People & Growth Consulting. She says there could be misalignment between two people or between managers and staff. Whatever it is, she says, you need to sort out those differences so that your business can thrive. It’s more important than ever, because the world is changing more than ever. People & Growth Consulting – https://peopleandgrowth.com.au/ Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.au For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an Italian background, food and quality are terribly important to Michelle Bailey. And that focus on quality is the bedrock to her business Graze with Michelle, Melbourne’s premier grazing table, platter and grazing boxes service. She provides quality meats, cheeses, crackers and other goodies that not only taste great but look sensational. It isn’t all about the food of course. She shares her business lessons, including a pivot to the corporate world. Her reputation has built on word-of-mouth – and a mountain of Instagram followers – by tailoring to the tastes of the individuals she serves. Graze with Michelle – https://www.grazewithmichelle.com.au/ Emma McQueen – https://emmamcqueen.com.au For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.