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Digital Queens

Author: Sarah Thomson - Online Social Butterfly

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Join me, Sarah Thomson, as your host each week as we dive into digital marketing, social media and all the things it takes to run a business in this social circus.
195 Episodes
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EP195 - Claude Ai

EP195 - Claude Ai

2026-04-0728:11

In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of AI, focusing on the cutting-edge dynamics between ChatGPT and Claude. As AI continues to evolve at lightspeed, I'm sharing why it's crucial to stay updated. While ChatGPT has paved the way, Claude emerges with unique strengths tailored for business, particularly in handling nuanced communication, maintaining tone, and managing longer documents. We also explore the impressive Claude Co-Work feature, offering seamless integration with daily tools. I highlight practical steps for transitioning and trialing Claude, comparing outputs for improved business efficacy. Whether you're a steadfast ChatGPT user or curious about Claude's potential, there's something in this episode for you. A 3-day live online bootcamp teaching small business owners how to use Claude AI. From basics to your first agent. 28–30 April. From $147. Claude Camp From first prompt to your first agent in 3 days **Key Takeaways:** 1. Claude enhances brand voice effortlessly. 2. Use AI for detailed client proposals. 3. Claude manages long documents with ease. 4. AI brainstorming vs. agreeable responses. 5. Explore Claude's practical projects feature. **Notable Quotes:** 1. "ChatGPT got us started, but evolution matters." 2. "Claude brings your brand voice to life." 3. "AI should do more than just agree." 4. "A colleague's critique beats an intern's flattery." 5. "Claude remembers, adapts, and assists effortlessly."
I'm so excited to bring you this conversation with Amanda, an amazing urban dark fantasy author. We delve into her incredible journey from practicing law, coaching, to answering the irresistible call to write. Amanda shares the powerful process behind her writing journey that began with a compelling story demanding to be told, leading to a hundred-thousand-word novel in a few months. We chat about the challenges of creating intricate worlds, understanding characters, and managing feedback. She offers insights on how to trust the writing process and start writing even when the ideas feel raw. Amanda’s deep dive into world-building and researching themes of identity and power is truly inspiring. Whether you're aspiring to write a novel or just curious about the creative process, Amanda’s journey teems with lessons. This episode offers a refreshing take on following your creative instincts despite life’s noise.   instagram Website ### Key Takeaways 1. Trust the narrative and let it guide you. 2. Start writing, even if it feels raw or unfinished. 3. Seek feedback and embrace critique as part of growth. 4. Build a supportive writing community or team. 5. Develop structured approaches to manage complex themes.
Today's conversation with Jen Bowers is an inspiring exploration of branding and personal reinvention. Jen shares her journey from a long corporate career to becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse, helping women craft brands that resonate on a personal level. We delve into the essence of a brand and its impact, beyond just a logo, discussing the importance of personality and emotional connection. Through her story, Jen shows us that it's never too late to embrace who you are and create a brand true to your essence. Whether you're just starting or redefining your business, Jen's tips on individuality and standing out in a crowded market are invaluable. It's all about feeling authentic, joyful, and connected to your audience. Website instagram **Key Takeaways:** 1. Your brand is how you make people feel, not just a logo. 2. Embrace your unique brand personality for authenticity. 3. Your story is a powerful connection tool. 4. Visually align your brand with who you truly are. 5. Build your brand on solid foundations for longevity.
In today's episode, we're delving into the current heated debate in the world of AI, focusing on the ethical and political implications surrounding ChatGPT and Claude. With big tech companies making headlines over moral issues, listeners have flooded their feeds with claims of canceling ChatGPT and moving to Claude due to ethical concerns. I use both platforms, and today, I'll illuminate the reasons behind this migration, contrasting ChatGPT's user-friendly nature with Claude's deeper responses. By sharing prompts I used with both AI tools, I explore their responses and highlight the nuanced understanding Claude offers. The discussion branches into wider tech industry issues, including substantial political donations and how companies like Apple align themselves with current administrations. My hope is that this episode equips you with more knowledge to make informed decisions without succumbing to selective outrage. 1. Be aware of selective moral outrage over tech ethics. 2. AI platforms differ in response depth and user intention understanding. 3. Big tech political donations influence policy and perception. 4. Evaluate whether tech company alignments match personal values. 5. Decision-making in tech often involves complex ethical considerations.
In this episode, I delve into the complex landscape surrounding International Women's Day. I discuss the significance of this theme, contrasting it with the commercially-driven alternate theme, "Give to Gain". I share staggering statistics about the invisible workload of women and the stark inequalities that persist despite us being the global majority. By dissecting these issues, I emphasise the critical importance of truly supporting women and highlight practical ways we can lift each other up.  **Key Takeaways:** 1. Amplify other women's work and achievements. 2. Support and elevate diverse women's voices. 3. Champion equal value across all areas of work. 4. Encourage transparency and fairness in pay. 5. Contributing small can make a big impact locally and globally.
In today's episode, I'm diving deep into my personal experience with endometriosis, a condition that affects so many and isn't spoken about enough. As someone who has been living with this invisible illness, I've had to adjust both my personal and professional life significantly. We'll explore how the statistics around endometriosis are changing and how ignorance and stigmas still persist. My journey includes a series of medical and holistic interventions, which I share in hopes of raising awareness and fostering compassion for those with similar challenges. This episode isn't just about the hurdles; it's about adaptation, like using AI to optimise my business while honouring my health. I'm thrilled to share how embracing boundaries and systems has helped me to find a sustainable way to balance work and well-being. Join me as I celebrate both awareness and adaptation in the face of chronic pain.
In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Adrienne from Seed VAs share her journey from corporate operations to running three successful businesses, including Seed Virtual Assistance. Adrienne dives into her accidental discovery of the VA world and how word-of-mouth helped her transition into full-time entrepreneurship. She discusses the pivotal role of community and mentorship in the VA space and explains how Seed Virtual Assistance supports VAs and OBMs with resources and connection opportunities. Adrienne also shares insights about their matchmaking service for business owners looking to hire VAs and the importance of awards in recognising industry success. Whether you're a business owner looking to scale or a budding VA, the practical advice shared in this episode is invaluable. ### Key Takeaways: 1. Transition to entrepreneurship can start unexpectedly. 2. Community is vital for VAs to share experiences and grow. 3. Awards elevate and recognize the VA industry's success. 4. Matchmaking helps businesses find the right VA fit. 5. Mentoring is crucial for growth and overcoming business challenges. Website:  Spotify Apple:  ### Notable Quotes: 1. "Human beings aren't designed to be alone; we thrive in community." 2. "Awards are more than recognition; they uplift the whole industry." 3. "Finding a VA isn't just about skills—it's about matching personalities." 4. "Seed's matchmaking services simplify finding the right VA fit." 5. "Mentoring transforms growing pains into growth opportunities."
EP188 Held By Dom

EP188 Held By Dom

2026-02-1726:30

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dom of Held by Dom, who has been my personal coach for the last three months. We dive into her profound journey from personal trainer to a sought-after nervous system-led coach. Dom shares her struggles, such as dealing with chronic pain and overcoming personal adversities, which shaped her expertise today. We discuss the importance of aligning your nervous system with business goals, a topic that deeply resonated with me. You'll learn how recalibrating your nervous system can keep you from self-sabotaging and help you love the journey of business. This conversation is packed with transformative insights on joy, alignment, and living authentically, especially for those who feel the weight of overwhelm. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Recalibrate your nervous system to align with your business goals. 2. Overcome burnout by truly embodying joy and aliveness in your work. 3. Listen to your body; it's key to sustainable success. 4. Embrace contrast and challenges as they shape your path. 5. Engage in activities that raise your frequency and become magnetic.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Marie from Crafty Fox by Design, who is an absolute wizard when it comes to Canva. Marie shares her journey of starting a flexible business from a small town, fueled by her love for creative design and helping others. We discuss how Canva makes graphic design accessible and delves into the differences between its free and paid versions. Marie reveals some innovative features, like creating websites and interactive quizzes directly in Canva, which blew my mind! For business owners, these insights could save money and enhance design capabilities without the need for complex software. Marie's experience and passion shine through, and her tips could truly revolutionize how you approach your design needs. http://www.craftyfoxbydesign.com Facebook http://www.instagram.com/craftyfoxbydesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-fox/ Here is the direct Canva quiz link What's Your Canva Confidence Level Quiz Website   **Key Takeaways:** 1. Canva offers design accessibility without needing graphic design background. 2. Explore Canva's website building feature for cost-effective online presence. 3. Utilize Canva's AI for design help and interactive quizzes. 4. A well-organized brand kit saves time and maintains consistency. 5. Leverage Canva's mobile responsiveness for marketing materials. **Notable Quotes:** 1. "Canva just gave access to graphic design without needing expensive software." 2. "You can build a professional website entirely in Canva." 3. "My brand kit keeps me focused and stops me from getting distracted by fun templates." 4. "AI features in Canva streamline tasks and save time." 5. "Having my skills up-to-date helps my clients benefit from the latest Canva tools." --- Connect with Online Social Butterfly 💗 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
In today's episode, I dive into the real and relatable struggle of finding motivation and productivity, especially after a long, chaotic holiday season. We all know the pressure to hit the ground running once the kids head back to school. But guess what? It's perfectly okay to feel a little worn out and in need of some couch time with a favorite Netflix show. I share some tried and tested techniques that help tap into motivation gently, like organizing your home to create a calm environment, using the Pomodoro technique for focused work, and syncing productivity with personal energy rhythms. These insights are simple yet impactful, showing that sometimes it's the little changes in routine that make the biggest difference for us business owners. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Honor your energy cycles, not just arbitrary deadlines. 2. Resetting your home can boost productivity. 3. Use Pomodoro for focused work sessions. 4. Small rituals can enhance motivation. 5. Be compassionate to your current season. Connect with Online Social Butterfly 💗 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
In this episode, I delve into the unique challenges faced by business owners who are also parents, especially as school resumes in Australia. I reflect on my experiences of juggling entrepreneurship with parenthood, sharing insights on transitioning back into work after lengthy school holidays like the summer break. Listeners will hear stories of finding balance, the importance of setting intentional work weeks, and creating flexible systems that allow for life's unpredictability. I also discuss the value of taking a day off as school resumes to reflect and recharge. This conversation aims to provide practical guidance to make the school term a time of productive yet balanced business growth. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Schedule a day off when school starts to unwind. 2. Transition to a weekly to-do list to reduce stress. 3. Build routines that align with school terms. 4. Plan for unexpected events to avoid burnout. 5. Create efficient systems to support work-life balance. Connect with Online Social Butterfly 💗 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
EP184 My Word for 2026

EP184 My Word for 2026

2026-01-2023:56

In this episode, I delve into the trend of choosing a "word of the year" alongside traditional New Year's resolutions. For 2026, my word is "connection," which signifies aligning with personal values, increasing connection in business, and promoting sustainability. I share my personal resolutions, like buying no new clothes and eliminating food waste, aiming for responsible living. The essence is to feel more connected to the global community, business peers, and personal life. I discuss using ChatGPT as a brainstorming tool to discover your word, enhancing how you want to feel throughout the year, not just what you want to achieve. Join me in creating a more intentional, connected, and present year. Connect with Online Social Butterfly 💗 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
In this episode, I discuss the exciting shift and rebranding of the podcast from "The Social Circus" to "Digital Queens." This change mirrors my personal and professional evolution towards supporting women in building sustainable digital businesses. I delve into my journey, the switch from face-to-face training to embracing digital products during the COVID era, and the birth of the podcast's new identity. The conversation highlights the importance of alignment and values in business, the move towards scalable offers, and how AI and automation are pivotal to this journey. Join me as I share insights and invite you on a journey of growth and transformation into 2026. Key Takeaways: 1. Embrace evolution in your business aligning with your values. 2. Transition to digital products can offer freedom and scalability. 3. AI and automation are key tools for business growth. 4. Rebranding signifies growth, not failure. 5. Aligning offers with audience needs can drive success. Notable Quotes: 1. "Evolution is an important part of your business growth." 2. "Rebranding signifies alignment, not failure." 3. "Digital businesses create freedom and sustainability." 4. "AI and automation offer smarter ways of working." 5. "Our businesses are living things; they grow as we grow." Connect with Online Social Butterfly 💗 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
As we wrap up 2025, I'm excited to share how I approach the holiday season with a non-contact month in my business. This is a time to step back from live sessions and deadlines, allowing for a deeper focus on behind-the-scenes work and quality moments with family. I discuss the concept of non-contact weeks that provide the necessary downtime to reset and recharge, emphasizing that this isn't about inactivity but about engaging in activities that truly resonate with us. I share how planning for 2026 involves reflection and identifying what systems might need tweaks. For business owners, considering a non-contact period could open doors to new creativity and less stress, guiding you into the new year refreshed and ready.
EP181 - 2025 in review

EP181 - 2025 in review

2025-12-0220:46

In episode 181 of The Social Circus, I dive into how we can thoughtfully review 2025, not as a year to critique but as a learning experience. I emphasize that one year does not define your business. Social media often portrays an idealized success story, whereas every business owner faces challenges. I explain that reflecting on the past year is not about just the numbers; it's about understanding the emotional theme and the wisdom that can be drawn from it. Before setting intentions for 2026, consider how the year felt in your body and heart, what challenges taught you, and how you’ve grown. By taking inventory of these personal insights, you're better prepared for the next chapter. As the year closes, I stress the importance of setting realistic goals for December and closing the year on a positive note. 
In this episode of the Social Circus Podcast, I chat with Nikki from "She is Mental" about her personal and professional journey into mental health advocacy. Nikki shares how she transitioned from her career in the justice system after experiencing traumatic events that led to complex PTSD. She emphasizes the significance of acceptance and the healing power of journaling to manage trauma. Nikki discusses the role of her book in helping others and the importance of redefining personal narratives through the Hero's Journey framework. Her journey reminds us of the importance of accepting ourselves and transforming pain into purpose. Business owners and listeners will find practical advice and insights as Nikki opens up about her path to healing and growth.   She is mental instagram - Sheismental_PTSD  facebook - Nikki Everett
In today's episode of the Social Circus Podcast, I had a captivating conversation with Jane from Jane O'Reilly Transformations. We dove deep into the world of hypnotherapy, exploring its role in managing stress and anxiety. Jane beautifully explained how hypnotherapy serves as an effective tool to tap into the autonomic nervous system and combat the overwhelming pressures we face in our fast-paced lives. We also shared insights on avoiding generational trauma and fostering resilience in ourselves and our children. Jane’s experiences, especially working with individuals who've faced life-altering changes, were both moving and inspiring. This episode is packed with practical advice for business owners dealing with stress and those interested in holistic personal development. I can't wait for you to listen and be enlightened!   Jane O'Reilly Transformations | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Hypnosis Perth WA   **Key Takeaways:** 1. Hypnotherapy is an effective tool for stress management. 2. Recognize your body's signals and respond calmly. 3. Dedicate time daily for personal relaxation. 4. Engage in creative activities to reduce comparison and anxiety. 5. Embrace and nurture your innate resilience and identity.
 Today I chat with Chris Ross, an amazing resilience coach and author. We dive into her journey from a traumatic life event to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Chris shares valuable insights on transforming adversity into personal growth, balancing expectations, and embracing vulnerability in storytelling. Her book "Holding on to Hope" is a testament to her belief that everyone can unlock resilience within themselves. Tune in to discover practical insights for business owners and anyone facing life's challenges. It's a conversation that will leave you inspired and motivated to face your own 'circus' with grace and determination.    facebook instagram Linkedin
In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with the amazing Carmen from Scribe Cartel about her inspiring journey into entrepreneurship amidst unexpected personal challenges. Carmen shares how she transitioned her side hustle into a full-time business and bravely navigated hidden homelessness after a series of life changes, including a relationship breakdown and the challenging housing market in Western Australia. We discuss the stigma around hidden homelessness and the emotional toll it takes, while Carmen provides insight into maintaining resilience and determination. Her story of perseverance, despite the odds, offers valuable lessons in adaptability and empathy for all business owners and listeners. Join us for a heartwarming conversation that highlights the importance of compassion and support in difficult times.
In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m shaking things up by exploring creative alternatives to the typical Black Friday frenzy. With November 28th fast approaching, I delve into ideas that align more closely with our values and economic realities, offering refreshing concepts like coworking sessions, clear out Friday, and client love day. The aim is to foster peace and alignment during a time known for chaos and consumption. Let's think of Black Friday not just as a shopping day, but as an opportunity for growth, creativity, and meaningful connection—concepts you can implement even if they go against the norm. I assure you, you don’t have to boycott Black Friday, but you can certainly tailor it to fit your business ethos. After all, business should reflect who we are, not just what everyone else is doing.
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