Scaling Expertise

What if your business could run and sell, all while you sleep?Systems expert Kronda Adair joins Erin to break down how service providers can stop leaking time and money by automating wisely. Learn why your email list is gold, how to keep your audience warm, and the real ROI of documenting your processes.Are you the bottleneck in your own business? Kronda Adair exposes how a lack of systems keeps you stuck and overwhelmed. Erin and Kronda share practical steps to build automations that serve your clients (and your sanity). It’s time to work less and profit more.Feeling like you’re reinventing the wheel every client project? Kronda Adair says: never again! Discover her proven frameworks to create repeatable success, nurture leads automatically, and finally escape the burnout hamster wheel. If you want to scale sustainably, you can’t miss this one.Key Takeaways:Systems That Set You Free – Kronda explains how documenting repeatable processes stops you from reinventing the wheel every time.Your Email List is Your Lifeline – Why building and nurturing an email list gives you control over your audience, unlike social media.Goodbye Bottleneck, Hello Growth – Tips to stop being the single point of failure in your business operations.Authentic Automation – How automations can feel personal and build relationships rather than alienate clients.Productize Your Genius – Why turning custom services into repeatable offers protects your time and IP.Owned vs. Rented Audience – Erin and Kronda break down the dangers of relying only on social platforms for leads.Small Tweaks, Big Impact – Easy steps to get started with automations that keep your pipeline warm year-round.Protect What You’ve Built – Erin shares how contracts and licensing work alongside systems to keep your business scalable and protected.More About Our Guest:Kronda Adair is a Black lesbian dog mom who wants more Black women to rest and let the robots handle their repetitive tasks.  Through her Million Dollar Systems retainer and her Automation Club Membership, she uses her knowledge and skills gained as a web developer, content marketing coach, automation service provider, and tech strategist to help overworked business owners stop buying technology and start hiring technology to build a software team that supports their business.  When she’s not working, she can be found enjoying time at home with her wife, and cat, hiking or doing dog sports with her two Vizsla's,  reading, cooking delicious food, or enjoying the postcard vistas of the state of Oregon.Connect with Kronda Adair:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTikTokConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page:...

"I was so excited to get the contract—I didn’t read the fine print." Sound familiar? In this episode, Patrice Davis, founder of Grants Works, shares the painful but powerful lesson she learned about intellectual property when a contract misstep led to a cease-and-desist letter and thousands of dollars in losses.Patrice opens up about how she built a scalable training offer from scratch, only to find out she didn’t legally own the product she created. Erin walks through exactly what went wrong—and how you can avoid making the same mistake with your high-value content.This candid conversation is packed with practical insights on contractor agreements, NDAs, and how to protect your IP before you scale. Plus, Patrice shares how she turned things around—and the licensing play she’s launching now that could be her most impactful move yet.Key Takeaways:The Mistake That Sparked a Cease & Desist - Patrice shares how one contract oversight with a client led to losing access to the training materials she created.The Cost of Vague Deliverables - Erin explains how unclear contract terms around “deliverables” can lead to clients assuming full IP ownership even when they shouldn't.Free to Paid: Building the Grants Works Academy - From webinars to a scalable online academy, Patrice reveals how she productized her consulting services with intention.Protecting Your IP from Client Hires - Patrice details how she shields her business from contractors or employees assigned by clients to “help” and potentially steal her systems.Rebuilding with Licensing in Mind - After losing her original materials, Patrice rebuilt her training with future licensing opportunities and legal clarity at the core.Ownership Differences: Employee vs. Contractor Work - Erin clarifies how IP rights shift depending on whether someone is a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor and why that distinction matters.AI, Otter & ChatGPT Cautions - Both Erin and Patrice share risks of using AI or transcription tools with confidential or proprietary content and how to safeguard it.A Resource for Consultants Ready to Scale - Patrice discusses her free eBook for professionals looking to turn their expertise into a multi-six-figure consulting firm.Resources Mentioned in This Episode🔗 Visit Patrice Davis’ websiteMore About Our Guest:Patrice Davis is the founder and CEO of Grants Works, a consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA, and lead trainer at Grants Works Academy. After transitioning from a senior nonprofit executive role, she launched her successful consulting business in 2020, leveraging her marketing expertise to serve universities, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits worldwide. Patrice is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, advocating for professionals to monetize their expertise through niche consulting. In 2022, she founded Ready Set Go Consult, a business accelerator guiding consultants to build thriving independent practices. She also hosts the Age Has No Limit podcast.Connect with Patrice Davis:WebsiteLinkedInli

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with Jillian Dolberry, team and systems strategist and founder of Jillian Dolberry HQ, to talk about what it really takes to scale a business with integrity. Jillian shares why values are the compass for sustainable growth — and how mindset can either fuel or stifle your potential as a business owner.We get honest about the emotional toll of leadership, the myth of perfect systems, and why grace — not grit — may be your best growth strategy. Plus, Jillian introduces her 90-day intensive, built to help you step into your CEO role with confidence and clarity.Whether you're building your first team or rethinking your systems to scale, this episode will help you align your operations with what matters most.Key Takeaways:Grace Fuels Growth - Jillian shares that giving yourself grace during setbacks is essential to scaling with confidence and authenticity.Decisions Shape Your Business - Poor delegation and disconnection often stem from reactive decision-making that isn’t grounded in your values.Delegation Requires Clarity - Understanding your business functions through tools like the Team Task Tracker makes effective delegation possible and scalable.Mindset Is the Real Obstacle - Many scaling challenges aren’t about resources—they’re about internal beliefs that need to be addressed with awareness, action, and accountability.Structure Enables Sustainability - Building systems that reflect your values and leadership style is key to running a business that grows without burning you out.More About Our Guest:Jillian Dolberry is a coach and business manager for women entrepreneurs, specializing in operations management and creative services. She's known for her work with virtual assistants and online business managers, guiding them on setting boundaries, developing systems, and navigating difficult conversations. Jillian also hosts the Grace-Filled CEO Podcast, further sharing her expertise in business management and leadership.Connect with Jillian Dolberry:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Paphos by MountaineerA Team Dklutr production

What are you willing to do to stop playing small?That’s the provocative question Gill Moakes asked herself—and it completely changed the trajectory of her coaching business. In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I welcome Gill to talk about what it really takes to grow a coaching practice into a business that makes real money and real impact—without selling your soul to the algorithm.Gill shares her journey from corporate to virtual assistant to powerhouse business coach, how personal loss pushed her to take bold leaps, and how she codified her one-on-one coaching into a scalable, step-by-step framework. We also dive deep into mindset shifts around “playing big,” pricing as women, and protecting your IP in the age of AI.If you’ve been on the fence about growing your business in a way that feels aligned and expansive, this conversation is your permission slip.Key Takeaways:Redefine Playing Big: Scaling doesn’t always mean going bigger—it means getting clearer and braver about what success looks like for you.Codify Your Coaching Journey: Turning your client experience into a step-by-step framework isn’t just helpful—it’s the foundation of a scalable business.Speak Like a Human: Ditch the coach speak. Messaging that resonates starts with the language your ideal clients actually use.Protect What You’ve Built: Your ideas, frameworks, and voice are assets. Own and protect your IP before someone else does.Raise the Bar (and the Price): Playing small often hides behind low pricing. Charge like you believe in the value you create.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Visit Gill Moakes’ website🔗 Book a call for The Coaching Business AcademyMore About Our Guest:Gill is an award-winning, international business coach who specialises in helping great coaches build phenomenal businesses. Gill is the founder of The Coaching Business Academy, the co-founder of Unapologetic Retreats and the host of the Heads Together podcast where she delivers a weekly dose of entrepreneurial real talk to coaches on the grow.Connect with Gill Moakes:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramCharity: MicroLoan FoundationConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page:...

What if your most valuable asset isn’t your time, but your unique way of thinking?In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I chat with business strategist and OG podcaster Jason Van Orden to talk about building a business that scales beyond your hours and your inbox.Jason has been turning ideas into scalable assets since launching his first podcast in 2005 (yes, really). Today, he helps consultants and coaches package their knowledge into branded methods and systems that create real leverage—and real impact. We talk about why your signature method is more than just marketing—it’s your filter, framework, and freedom. How to detach your business from your presence and turn your ideas into repeatable assets. What traps to avoid when you serve too broadly, and how to position yourself to attract premium clients who buy into your method, not just your minutes.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your expertise into intellectual property that can scale—without losing your voice or burning out—this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:Create a Signature Method: Your method isn’t just a framework—it’s a strategic filter that helps you stay focused and aligned.Detach Value from Time: To scale, you must shift from selling access to you, to selling results through a system.Define Who You Serve Best: Narrowing your ideal client and solution makes growth simpler, not smaller.Systematize Your IP: Organizing your knowledge into processes allows for more impact with less burnout.Your Voice Matters: Even if your approach uses common tools, your perspective and values make it unique—and that’s worth branding.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🎁 Free Worksheet: Signature Method Framework📩 Join Jason’s newsletter (via website)More About Our Guest:Jason helps coaches and consultants grow their businesses by creating offers that scale without overloading their time and energy. Since 2004, Jason has worked with over 10,000 entrepreneurs and created more than 60 online courses and programs. In 2005, he launched the first-ever internet marketing podcast, Internet Business Mastery, which spent a decade as a top ten business podcast.Connect with Jason Van Orden:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookCharity: Girls Who CodeConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: a...

What if the biggest thing holding your business back… is you?In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with Jill James, founder of The Jill James, a fractional COO firm that helps expert founders scale without burning out or staying stuck in operator mode. Jill built her firm by asking one powerful question: “How can I help people do the work they love without being buried in admin?”We dig deep into the invisible costs of overwork, the identity shift from doer to leader, and the moment Jill realized she needed to break her own rules to scale. If you’re feeling like your business can’t run without you, this episode is your wake-up call.Jill shares hard-earned wisdom from scaling businesses to $10M+ and offers actionable ways to reclaim your time, build operational clarity, and let go of control—without compromising your vision.Key Takeaways:Founders can be the bottleneck. If your business can’t function without you, it’s not scalable.Don’t sell your time—sell your thinking. Experts grow when they stop doing and start designing systems.Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. Create space so the business can operate without you.You don’t need to be a “visionary.” You just need to be clear about where you want to go.Resist the "fixer" urge. Let your team solve problems so they can grow into their roles.Fractional leadership. This can help expert founders transition out of operator mode with structure and sanity.Jill is a featured author in The Wisdom Collection: Stories That Transform How We Live, Connect, and Lead—an anthology of powerful insights from business leaders who’ve built, failed, and figured things out the hard way so you don’t have to. Each chapter is practical, quick to read, and full of hard-won wisdom.The book launches June 24 and will be available for just $1.99 during its first 24–48 hours.Want the launch link or more details? Check out Jill’s announcement post on LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Check out Jill’s firm: The Jill James📬 Get her insights: Subscribe to the newsletter🤝 Connect via BeehiivMore About Our Guest:Jill James is CEO & Founder of The Jill James. As a recent client summed up, she is what would happen “if you could hire Sallie Krawchek, Dany Garcia, and Mackenzie Scott to run your company.” Jill started her career in New York City as an investment banking analyst with J. P. Morgan and personal wealth planner with AXA Financial (now Equitable). She moved to tech start-ups and held nearly every non-programming job in early stage companies, including product, marketing, sales, and...

What if scaling your consulting business wasn’t just about making more money—but about making it work for you?In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I am joined by Jessica Fearnley, a business consultant and expert in sustainable growth strategies, to discuss the real challenges consultants face when scaling their businesses. Too often, we chase bigger revenue numbers, assuming that more clients and higher earnings automatically lead to success. But Jessica reveals why that’s not always the case—and how growth can actually hurt your business if it’s not intentional. We dive into why traditional scaling strategies don’t always work for consultants, the common pitfalls of hiring and expansion, and the mindset shifts necessary for building a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable consulting business.If you're a consultant looking to scale without burning out, this conversation is for you.Key Takeaways:Bigger revenue ≠ bigger success. Many consultants increase their revenue but see little to no profit growth. Jessica explains why revenue isn’t the ultimate measure of success.The hidden costs of scaling. More clients, more staff, and bigger contracts can sound great—but they often come with increased stress and complexity.Hiring isn’t always the answer. Scaling doesn’t mean immediately building a huge team. Jessica shares how to assess whether hiring is the right move for your business.Intentional growth is key. Sustainable success comes from a business model that supports your goals, lifestyle, and energy—not just higher numbers.Mindset shifts for scaling success. Jessica discusses the biggest mindset blocks consultants face when trying to grow—and how to overcome them.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Visit her website at jessicafearnley.com🔗 Avail her book - Too Much: How To Thrive Being More Instead of Settling for LessMore About Our Guest:Jessica Fearnley is a business coach who helps women build seven figure consulting firms. She specializes in the transition from six to seven figures in turnover, and is an advocate for earning more by working less. Jessica has bachelor's and masters degrees from Nottingham University, and a career background in project management, business planning and business development in both the public and private sector. In December 2019 she was named as one of the LinkedIn Top Voices for Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and is passionate about closing the gender pay gap for women in consulting.Connect with Jessica Fearnley:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramp...

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business growth strategist Maiko Sakai to dive into the key strategies expert-preneurs need to scale their businesses sustainably. Maiko shares her insights on finding the right balance with delegation—avoiding both hesitation and premature delegation—while emphasizing the crucial role that intellectual property (IP) plays in creating a leverageable business.We explore how to develop unique frameworks, test and protect your IP, and transform your expertise into scalable assets. Maiko also breaks down how service-based business owners can structure their offerings to move beyond one-on-one work while still maintaining profitability. If you're looking to scale your business without burning out, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!Key Takeaways:The Delegation Sweet Spot: Avoid being too hesitant or too aggressive in hiring; instead, build systems that allow for smart, sustainable delegation.IP as Your Growth Engine: Your intellectual property is your most valuable asset. Develop, test, and secure your frameworks before scaling them.Testing Before Scaling: Ensure your methodologies and frameworks are robust by stress-testing them before rolling them out widely.Creating Scalable Offers: Keep your 1:1 services as a stable revenue source while developing both a gateway product for new clients and a high-ticket offer for deeper transformation.Quizzes as a Lead Generation Tool: A well-structured quiz can help filter ideal clients and boost engagement.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Visit her website at MaikoSakai.com📩 Free Quiz Blueprint: Download Maiko’s 10-Step Quiz Creation Blueprint on her website.More About Our Guest:Maiko Sakai is a quiz alchemist and business consultant who helps service providers attract ideal clients with psychology-driven quizzes—without the overwhelm. Using her Quiz Creation 10-Step Blueprint, Maiko transforms quiz-building into an inspiring, creative process that boosts email lists, builds trust, and delivers rave-worthy results. Her mission? To help small business owners turn their expertise into a scalable marketing tool that grows their visibility and revenue effortlessly. Originally from Japan and now a proud New Yorker, Maiko has an MBA from Cornell University, a love for ethnic cuisine, and a weakness for ultra-modern design and exotic houseplants.Connect with Maiko Sakai:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into...

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I am joined by Anjel B. Hartwell, a seasoned business development strategist, to uncover the secrets of sustainable growth through authentic sales and relationship-building. Anjel shares her journey from corporate sales to helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships and personalized outreach.We discuss how business development differs from traditional sales, the importance of cultivating genuine connections, and why a long-term mindset is key to success. Anjel also breaks down actionable steps for entrepreneurs and experts looking to expand their reach without feeling pushy or transactional.If you're ready to rethink sales and build a business that thrives on meaningful connections, this episode is for you!Key Takeaways:Business Development vs. Sales: Business development is about fostering long-term relationships, not just closing deals.The Power of Personalization: Generic outreach doesn’t work—craft messages that show you’ve done your research.Follow-Up is Key: Persistence and consistency build trust and increase conversion rates.Networking with Purpose: Focus on quality connections rather than mass outreach.Value-First Approach: Lead with value before asking for anything in return.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader's Guide To Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed – Get it on Amazon or download the free eBook.🔗 Wealthy Life Readiness Quiz – Take the quiz here.More About Our Guest:Anjel B. Hartwell is an internationally known author, artist & evolutionary alchemist.  A Be The Change “Movement To Watch” Award Winner and one of America’s Premier Experts, she’s appeared multiple times in major media.  Creator, Executive Producer & Host of 14X Award Winning & Apple #1 Internationally ranked Wickedly Smart Women Podcast, 3X Award Winning Top 50 Internationally ranked Leading Visionaries Podcast, International Impact, Global Book & BookFest Award Winning author of Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny, she's hired to consult with high achieving visionary leaders who are called to be the Vanguard of the Creative Age. Connect with Anjel Hartwell:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.p...

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business coach and consultant Liz Wolfe to dive into the mindset and strategies essential for scaling a business. Liz shares powerful insights on overcoming business roadblocks, understanding value and profit, and optimizing resources for sustainable growth.She also introduces her CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz, a tool designed to help business owners identify and leverage their unique leadership strengths. We explore the importance of aligning spending and investments with the right stage of business growth, making strategic outsourcing decisions, and navigating the challenges of marketing and customer acquisition.If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or a business owner seeking clarity on your next steps, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Key Takeaways:Mindset and Strategy: Why success requires both a clear vision and purposeful action.Smart Investments: How to balance costs and spending for long-term profitability.Outsourcing Wisely: When to delegate and when to do it yourself.Marketing with Intent: Why not every strategy works for everyone—and how to find what fits your business.Leadership Awareness: Understanding your unique leadership style to maximize business growth.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:🔗 Liz Wolfe’s CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz – Take the Quiz Here🔗 Liz Wolfe Consulting Website – lizwolfecoaching.com (Wolf with an "E"—as Liz says, "Wolfe’s the name, sheep’s the game!")🔗 Infusionsoft (Now Keap) – keap.com (CRM & marketing automation)🔗 BNI (Business Networking International) – bni.com (For networking and referrals)More About Our Guest:Liz Wolfe is a business coach, author, and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs to get unstuck so that they can launch and grow an abundant business. She got her entrepreneurial start growing up on a sheep farm in Western Pennsylvania with her mother and two sisters. Later she moved to NYC, where she created a successful computer consulting business with her husband, Jon. Eventually she transitioned out of the technology business to coach business owners to develop an abundance mindset. She recently launched a quiz on her website that helps you figure out whether you’re wired for business success.Liz says that one of her greatest accomplishments is staying married to her husband for 28 years while running a business with him. Once aspiring to be a rock star, she now runs multiple bluegrass jams in New York City.Connect with Liz Wolfe:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable...

Scaling a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about maximizing profit, optimizing systems, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cheryl Texeira, founder of the S.O.O Advantage, to discuss the strategies she uses to help businesses break through plateaus and reach the next level.Cheryl has a background in IT, project management, and marketing, and she specializes in helping businesses—from startups to multi-million-dollar companies—streamline operations, optimize their messaging, and create sustainable growth strategies.Key Takeaways:🔹 The Power of a Market-Dominating PositionOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make is failing to differentiate themselves. Cheryl explains how crafting a bold promise and a strong market-dominating position helps businesses stand out, attract more customers, and increase conversions—sometimes even before implementing any marketing assets.🔹 Scaling Isn’t About Size—It’s About ProfitabilityScaling doesn’t just mean hiring more employees or expanding for the sake of growth. Cheryl breaks down how solopreneurs and small businesses can scale by maximizing efficiency, cutting unnecessary costs, and ensuring every part of the business is working toward higher profits.🔹 Mindset and the Role of Coaching in Business GrowthMany business owners unknowingly hold themselves back due to mindset hurdles. Cheryl shares her own experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and explains why working with a coach—or even a hypnotherapist—can be a game-changer in unlocking new levels of success.If you’re looking to scale your business strategically, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize operations, refine your messaging, and increase profitability.Listen to the full episode now and start scaling your expertise! 🎧 🚀Resources Mentioned:Small Business Profit Acceleration Simulator AppMore About Our Guest:Cheryl Texeira is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs unlock untapped growth potential by building efficient, high-impact systems. With a focus on boosting revenue and increasing profitability, Cheryl empowers business owners to generate sustainable success without sacrificing more time.With years of experience in sales, marketing, business processes analysis and organizational change, Cheryl leverages a unique approach that combines proven strategies with data-driven insights, guiding her clients to achieve measurable growth. Her methods help entrepreneurs overcome common business barriers and reach new levels of success through proven, actionable steps.Cheryl’s programs offer a blend of coaching and done-for-you services, catering to business owners who want either guided support or the independence of self-implementation. Her mission is to make business growth attainable and rewarding, enabling entrepreneurs to create businesses that offer both financial success and personal fulfillment.Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIna...

I had the pleasure of chatting with Melanie Herschorn, founder of Big Impact Books, about how professionals—especially attorneys—can use books to build their reputation, attract clients, and scale their businesses. Melanie has a background in journalism, PR, and entrepreneurship, and she now helps experts turn their knowledge into powerful, reputation-building books.We talked about how writing a book can be a game-changer for thought leaders, the biggest mistakes people make when approaching the process, and why books are an essential marketing tool rather than just a passion project.Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:🔹 Writing a book doesn’t have to take years – Melanie breaks the process down into manageable steps, helping busy professionals get their ideas out of their heads and onto the page in just two hours a week.🔹 A book is a lead magnet that works 24/7 – Instead of spending time answering the same client questions repeatedly, a book establishes authority and attracts pre-sold clients who already trust you before they even reach out.🔹 Scaling requires systems, not just effort – Whether it’s writing a book or running a business, success comes from creating repeatable processes and leveraging other people’s expertise instead of trying to do it all yourself.If you’ve ever thought about writing a book but felt overwhelmed, this episode is for you! Listen now and take the first step toward scaling your expertise. 🎧🚀Resources Mentioned:📖📘 Your Big Impact Book: Learn more about Melanie’s process and get started at yourbigimpactbook.com📅 Book a Call with Melanie: meetmelanie.vipMore About Our Guest:Known for helping attorneys and professionals become bestselling authors and get positioned as experts in their practice area, Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist, she’s on a mission to empower new authors to make an impact and grow their income with their signature book.With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book.She earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California where she graduated first in her class. Melanie grew up in Canada, has lived on both US coasts and now resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and son, her dog Marty and her cat Phoebe.Her award-winning book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now.Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube...

Marketing strategist and author Veronica Romney joins me to discuss how entrepreneurs can scale their expertise while building a brand that truly connects with their audience. With 17 years in marketing—from corporate roles to consulting and speaking—Veronica has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to scaling a business.Key Takeaways:✅ The Power of Identity Marketing – Veronica’s book, Identity Marketing, shifts the focus from selling products to aligning with the identity your customers aspire to. When your audience sees themselves in your brand, conversions follow.✅ Scaling Starts With Proven Frameworks – Before turning knowledge into courses or products, test it through one-on-one services. Many entrepreneurs jump to scalable offers before refining their process, leading to unhappy customers and damaged reputations.✅ The Future of Small Business Marketing – Consumers are more skeptical than ever, and aggressive scarcity tactics aren’t the answer. The real opportunity? Building trust through genuine, personalized experiences—something small businesses can do better than big corporations.🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode and gain insights on how to take your marketing from “Buy This” to “Be This”.🔗 Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn and Instagram (@V.Romney).Resources Mentioned:📖Grab a copy of Identity Marketing and explore bonus resources at identitymarketingbook.com.More About Our Guest:Veronica Romney is a certified master marketer, international keynote speaker, podcast host, and author with over 17 years of experience helping elite brands transform their marketing strategies. A former Speaker and Trainer for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, Chief of Staff at BossBabe, and Director of Marketing Suite Products for a $2B software company, she’s seen the industry evolve from every Angle. Veronica’s mission is to empower marketing teams to achieve record-breaking results while reigniting their passion for their work. When she’s not “making it rain,” she’s hosting the Rainmaker Podcast or wrangling her two man cubs in North Carolina.Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Paphos by MountaineerA Team Dklutr production

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celi Arias, an entrepreneur, business strategist, and creator of the Grown Ass Business Method. Celi has spent her life building, running, and fixing businesses—from launching her first venture as a kid to working as a COO in the startup world and coaching business owners to scale with confidence. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes, condense time, and build businesses that truly work for them.Key Takeaways from Our Conversation🔹 Growth vs. Scale—Know the DifferenceMany entrepreneurs confuse growth with scaling. Growth increases revenue but often increases costs at the same rate. Scaling, on the other hand, allows you to increase revenue without a proportional rise in expenses.Not all businesses are scalable—understanding your business model is key before trying to "scale."🔹 Mindset Meets StrategyMindset is crucial, but it doesn’t fix broken pricing models or business structures. True business success requires the right balance between strategy, tactics, and mindset.Celi’s journey as a mindset coach and business strategist led her to combine these elements into a holistic framework that empowers business owners.🔹 The Power of Intellectual PropertyTo truly scale, you need intellectual property—a framework, process, or tool that can exist beyond you.Business owners who document their methods and create repeatable systems can remove themselves from day-to-day operations and increase long-term value.Resources Mentioned:📌 Join Celi’s free monthly business roundtable discussionsMore About Our Guest:Celi Arias is the CEO and Founder of The Grown Ass Business, where she guides entrepreneurs through her proprietary methodology, Key Growth Systems, to build strong business foundations. Recognized as a top coach by The Upside in 2024, Celi helps clients break free from revenue plateaus and burnout by focusing on core business principles over quick fixes. Her approach emphasizes clarity and control, optimizing essential business departments to ensure solid foundations for scaling up to seven figures and beyond.With an impressive educational background, including two bachelor's degrees, an MBA, a Master of Divinity, and two additional certificates, Celi brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Her diverse experiences, from professional tango dancing to working in the fashion industry, coupled with her immigrant background from Argentina, have shaped her into a dynamic and passionate coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and realize their full potential.Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: a...

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I’m sitting down with Suzanne Tulien, founder of Brand Ascension and a self-proclaimed "brand clarity expert." With a deep passion for helping professionals uncover and articulate their unique value, Suzanne shares how she empowers businesses and solopreneurs to harness the power of authentic branding to stand out and scale.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Branding vs. Marketing: Branding is about defining how others perceive you, while marketing is how you communicate that brand. Without a clear brand, what are you marketing?Personal vs. Business Brand: For small businesses, personal and business branding often overlap. Suzanne explains how to align your unique traits with your business values.The Power of Niching: Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on a niche. The more specific you are, the bigger your opportunities become.Want to dive deeper?Check out Suzanne’s Personal Brand Presence course at personalbrandpresence.com or learn more about her work at brandascension.com.I loved this conversation and hope it inspires you to define your brand and scale with clarity!More About Our Guest:For 30 years, Suzanne has been inspiring and driving personal & organizational brand alignment through internal brand definition, stakeholder engagement, process & customer service alignment.Suzanne is co-pioneer of the proven, step-by-step, Brand DNA methodology & transports her clients & audiences into a refreshingly brand-conscious, authentic and inspiring way of being.As co-author of Brand DNA: Uncover Your Unique Genetic Code for Competitive Advantage, & author of Personal Brand Clarity, she is helping to pave the ‘alignment highway’ for business growth through conscious, internal brand definition and coherence. As a dynamic, high-energy speaker and certified trainer in accelerated learning methodologies, Suzanne is leading business growth with advocacy, intention, engagement & purpose.Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInCharity: Sue's GiftConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Paphos by MountaineerA Team Dklutr production

This week I’m joined by Katie Nelson, founder and CEO of Sales Uprising. Katie is a sales expert who helps solopreneurs scale their businesses, break revenue ceilings, and build sustainable, community-driven growth.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Why Niching Matters: Katie explains how narrowing your focus boosts profitability and positions you as an expert.Scaling Smart: Learn Katie’s strategies for leveraging time, refining pricing, and packaging services effectively.Protecting Your IP: Discover why safeguarding your intellectual property is essential for long-term success.Connect with Katie:Follow Katie on YouTube at Sales UpRising for her “Feed the Fire” series and find details on her master classes and retreats in the show notes.Get ready to scale smarter with Katie Nelson!More About Our Guest:Katie Nelson, Founder and CEO of Sales UpRising, is a three-time business owner who has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs to playing smarter, better games in the Big Leagues. She is firmly committed to changing the current statistic that 90% of businesses do not meet their sales goals. She has developed the message: Cashflow Is Oxygen and made it her mission to bring the fun back into sales. Katie uses her charismatic style as a speaker, consultant, and business coach to encourage business owners that they, too, can make their revenue dreams happen. With a total 25 years of in sales and $150 million sold in products and services, Katie is adamant that every business action is a sales conversation. She has proven strategies for success that she shares to transform companies into profit-making powerhouses. Katie has learned through hard work, determination, and networking the tips to growth that she teaches across the country to entrepreneurs who are hungry to take their businesses to the next level. Katie’s workshops, Mastermind courses, one-on-one workshops and business retreats are in high demand. She is known as “The Sales Catalyst,” and her personalized-yet-versatile message empowers business owners to be their own best spokesperson. Her strategies have achieved sales of more than $7 million in her own businesses. Katie is active in the small business community in Northern Virginia, and she works with a wide variety of business associations as a member and as a coach to steer them towards successful, profitable business growth. Connect with Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInCharity: National Association of Women Business OwnersConnect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Paphos by...

I recently had the pleasure of hosting the inaugural episode of my rebranded podcast, Scaling Expertise,  with a remarkable guest, Jenn T. Grace, the passionate force behind Publish Your Purpose. We had an in-depth conversation about scaling her business, hybrid publishing, and the transformative power of AI.Here are three key takeaways from our chat:🔑 Scaling Your ExpertiseGroup ProgramsJenn first successfully scaled her business by creating group writing and publishing programs, demonstrating that you can extend your reach beyond one-on-one consulting.Utilizing EmployeesRemember, you are the most expensive resource in your business. Delegating tasks to your team can help you serve clients more efficiently and free up your time for higher-value activities.🔑 Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both WorldsFlexibility and ControlHybrid publishing offers the quality and service of traditional publishers while allowing authors to maintain control and ownership of their intellectual property.One-Stop SolutionInstead of juggling multiple vendors for editing, designing, and marketing, hybrid publishers provide all necessary services under one roof. 🔑 AI in Publishing: A Double-Edged SwordEfficiency BoostAI can drastically reduce content creation time, enabling you to generate blog posts, social media updates, and more with unparalleled speed.Proceed with CautionBe aware of AI’s limitations, especially regarding the accuracy of information and intellectual property issues. Use AI to assist, but not replace, human creativity and authenticity.Tune in to listen to the full episode and get some incredible insights for scaling your expertise and navigating the evolving landscape of publishing!Connect with me on LinkedIn for more updates and engaging discussions! 🚀More About Our Guest:An award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist, Jenn T. Grace is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, the acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience & marking their place in the publishing world.Publish Your Purpose is a certified B Corp social enterprise that meets the gold standard of socially and environmentally-friendly business practices. Jenn leads ambitious authors through every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing so their book strategically aligns with their business objectives. Whether it’s a business guide that shows the breadth of their expertise or an emotional memoir that takes readers deep into life’s challenges, she helps authors articulate their purpose and fulfill their mission.Jenn has published the books of over 200 business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, and memoirists so more diverse stories can exist in the world and her authors can make a positive impact and achieve the recognition and success they deserve. She is the author of seven books, including, Publish Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea. Jenn has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. Jenn lives in Connecticut with her family and loves spending time outdoors with her son, kayaking, golfing, skiing, and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature....

I’m Erin Austin, an intellectual property lawyer passionate about helping experts like you turn your knowledge into scalable, recurring revenue. Scaling Expertise is the evolution of Hourly to Exit, and I’m thrilled to dive even deeper into building sustainable businesses rooted in expertise.In this first episode, I’ll cover:The mission behind Scaling Expertise—helping consultants, coaches, and entrepreneurs protect their IP while creating profitable, repeatable revenue.Why contracts and copyrights are key to safeguarding your knowledge and scaling with confidence.What to expect in future episodes, including real-world strategies and success stories to inspire and guide you.Don’t miss our rebranded Scaling Expertise newsletter for even more insights.Thanks for kicking off this new chapter with me. Let’s get started on building a business that thrives on your expertise!Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Paphos by MountaineerA Team Dklutr production

I am thrilled to announce that the Hourly to Exit Podcast has reached its 100th episode! As I take a step back for the summer to revamp and rebrand, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. When the podcast returns in the fall, expect a fresh title and renewed focus on what matters most—protecting your expertise for scalable and profitable growth.Here are three key takeaways from this episode:Importance of Legal Protection for Leverage: Without the right legal protections, creating leverage is nearly impossible. Ensuring your intellectual property is safeguarded enables you to grow your business legally, safely, and profitably.Transitioning to a Scalable Business Model: Moving away from an hourly billing model to a scalable and potentially saleable business model is essential for long-term growth. This involves standardizing processes, leveraging intellectual property, and developing products that can generate income independent of your time.Focus on Expertise-Based Niches: Specializing in protecting expertise-based businesses, particularly those working with corporate clients, allows for more targeted and effective solutions. Owning and managing your intellectual property correctly can greatly enhance your market position and profitability.As we close this chapter, I am excited about the new horizons ahead and eager to continue providing value in protecting your expertise. Thank you for your unwavering support!Stay tuned, and remember, IP is fuel. 💡🔥Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:This week’s episode of Hourly to Exit is sponsored by the NDA Navigator. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are the bedrock of protecting your business's confidential information. However, facing a constant stream of NDAs can be overwhelming, especially when time and budget constraints prevent you from seeking full legal review. That's where the NDA Navigator comes to your rescue. Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business owners with corporate clients, the NDA Navigator is your guide to understanding, negotiating, and implementing NDAs. Empower yourself with legal insights and practical tools when you don’t have the time or funds to invest in a full legal review. Get 20% off by using the coupon code “H2E”.  You can find it at www.protectyourexpertise.com.Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Yes She Can by Tiny MusicA Team Dklutr production

Enjoy this reminder about why copyright protection and contracts are key to growing legally, safely and profitably. 💡 Here are the 3 key takeaways:Copyrights are Essential: You cannot scale your expertise-based business without  copyright protection. To maximize the value of the materials that your clients actually pay for, such as your trainings, workshops, and custom deliverables, you need the protections provided under copyright law.Legal Benefits of Copyright Registration: Registering your copyrights provides significant advantages, including the ability to file lawsuits for infringement, presumed validity of your copyright, and access to statutory damages which simplify the enforcement process.Contracts Are Key: Strong contractual agreements with both clients and contractors are essential. These contracts should clearly define ownership rights and restrictions on the use of your intellectual property to prevent unauthorized use (or reuse) and ensure you retain control over your assets.By incorporating these elements into your business practices, you can protect your intellectual property effectively and leverage it to create a more profitable and sustainable business.Resources Mentioned: U.S. Copyright Office: For registering copyrights and learning more about copyright laws.Sample Client and Contractor Agreements: Templates or guidelines for drafting agreements that secure your intellectual property rights.Previous Podcast Episode: A reference to the last episode discussing the importance of auditing your business assets.Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:This week’s episode of Hourly to Exit is sponsored by the NDA Navigator. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are the bedrock of protecting your business's confidential information. However, facing a constant stream of NDAs can be overwhelming, especially when time and budget constraints prevent you from seeking full legal review. That's where the NDA Navigator comes to your rescue. Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business owners with corporate clients, the NDA Navigator is your guide to understanding, negotiating, and implementing NDAs. Empower yourself with legal insights and practical tools when you don’t have the time or funds to invest in a full legal review. Get 20% off by using the coupon code “H2E”.  You can find it at www.protectyourexpertise.com.Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videosMusic credit: Yes She Can by Tiny MusicA Team Dklutr production