Next Level Influence

Have you observed an increase in people sending poorly crafted cold pitches via Direct Messages lately? This not only discourages potential clients but also casts a negative light on your business and branding. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Adam Urbanski and delve into the art of elevating your social selling strategies. Drawing on his proficiency in developing Strategic Marketing Plans and nurturing the expansion of service-based selling enterprises, Adam provides insights so you can enhance your approach. Adam shares his insights on how to effectively leverage social platforms to organically market your business. He steers clear of excessive self-promotion and instead concentrates on consistent enhancements in key areas: your profile, messaging, content creation, and the demonstration of your expertise. Join us for this valuable and high energy conversation where we explore ways to constantly provide value to clients and excel in the art of social selling.

Achieving beyond your wildest dreams is an incredible accomplishment. It shows the strength of your determination and your refusal to accept limitations on your potential. Continuing the thread from our previous episode, “Is Playing Safe in Business Keeping You Small?”, we explore some ways you can pivot your thinking so you can accelerate your business results and show up at the next level. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson talk about the key pillars to achieve more impact and income. While business owners might think that growth is painful, reaching the next level can actually be an exciting adventure filled with valuable insights that you can use to move your business forward. If you want to have a greater impact and more revenue, you need to be willing to play outside your comfort zone and adopt strategies that can help you realise your unlimited potential and purpose. Discover how these pillars can lead you to expand your influence which will bring new opportunities and unprecedented growth.

Entrepreneurs are likely to face significant moments in their lives when they have to make crucial choices. These decisions can either lead them to greater success or keep them in their comfort zones. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley chat about the pitfalls of playing safe in business. It is said that in the world of business, fortune will always favour the brave and this entails breaking through things that hold us back and keeping a lid on our potential. Staying in what’s familiar may minimise risks but opting to always play safe can have far-reaching consequences that hinder an entrepreneur's visibility, thought leadership, and potential results. Discover the impact of playing it safe on your progress and learn how to avoid its traps, so you can embrace new opportunities and reach new heights. Don't miss this episode to learn more!

As a business owner, you know that new trends and ideas can bring growth opportunities. But it’s important to note that for long-term success, embrace the "less is more" mindset. Cut out the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson talk about why less is more, and the business advantage of removing vs adding so you can identify and streamline your needle movers. In the dynamic business arena, it’s easy to get caught thinking we need to add new products, services or tactics when we’re not getting the results we want. But rather than chasing every shiny new thing, what would happen in your business if you were more intentional about what to let go of, and prioritized what was going to move the needle? Throughout this episode, Samantha and Melanie explore their personal practices and practical strategies for self-mastery, uncover the power of simplicity in business, and the impact of letting go of unnecessary complexity.

Picking up where we left off from last week’s episode 047: AI Solutions To Boost Business Success, we dive deeper into the AI rabbit hole and focus on the dark side of AI, what business owners can do to protect their assets, and how to use it responsibly. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss AI ethics and thought leadership: empowering entrepreneurs in the digital era with Heather Pearce Campbell. Heather is an Attorney and Legal Coach who provides legal education and support and brand protection to information-based businesses AI is labelled as the ultimate game changer since it enhances productivity and efficiency across all business areas. However, we’re also seeing counterarguments about how AI risks our information and a growing concern about data privacy and security. Heather provides valuable insights into the immense capabilities of AI and the responsibility of business owners to make informed decisions. This empowers entrepreneurs about the types of information that can be fed to AI platforms, help them navigate the complexities of the digital business landscape, and preserve their thought leadership.

It’s only halfway through 2023 and yet we’ve seen tremendous growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI). And the AI market is expected to reach an astonishing $407 billion by 2027. There seems to be no stopping AI so how can business owners leverage this technology to be their strategic ally to unparalleled growth and success? In this episode of Next Level Influence Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Deborah Cole aka Coach Deb, Deirdre Tshien, and Alicia Lyttle. These three global leaders in their industries have been leveraging AI to create and deliver valuable content. They elaborate on how to effectively use AI to your advantage and although the possibilities with AI are endless, the crucial thing is to know how to use these tools well. It is important to note that despite the many benefits and business potential that can arise through using AI, embracing it fully should come with caution and thoughts about responsibilities. Using it in a good way and combining it with human components creates a winning formula for business success. AI strategies can be tailored specifically to business owners and being able to understand how to leverage them effectively can help you stay ahead of the competition, make a meaningful impact, expand influence, and drive business growth.

We often applaud business owners for their unyielding ambition that drives progress and takes their companies to great heights. But when you're constantly chasing after your goals without a break, something called "ambition fatigue" can sneak up on you. It's like a threat that not only affects your business performance but also takes a toll on your personal well-being. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley share their ideas on the impact of ambition fatigue on business performance. It’s typical to experience business turbulence regardless of the industry you’re in. These events lead to contemplating what you really want in business. This frustration can create a narrative that questions your ability to operate a business. Instead of constantly hitting your head against the wall and dwelling on diminished motivation, you can look for guidance that sets you on an aligned path and learning opportunities. It is crucial for business owners to recognise the importance of a well-balanced approach; where one can reset and plug back into the business. Uncover how you can reframe ambition fatigue and disappointments into something that can showcase business growth and performance when you tune into this episode.

Establishing credibility is more crucial than ever before. Whether you're a business trying to attract customers or an individual seeking to gain influence, credibility is the foundation upon which trust is built. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson delve into the power of case studies and testimonials as effective marketing tools. They explore the differences between the two, discuss their advantages, and provide practical tips on how to use them to showcase your products or services. Case studies and testimonials are indispensable marketing assets that can significantly boost your business's credibility and attract new customers. By understanding the differences between the two and implementing effective strategies for structuring and presenting them, you can leverage their power to showcase your products or services, build trust, and drive growth. If you’re ready to leverage social proof and build credibility, this episode is for you.

In the world of coaching and consulting, your success hinges on your ability to attract and engage clients. However, some coaches are finding it more and more difficult to fill their programs, and tactics that were once working are no longer bringing in clients. Despite the coaching industry being highly competitive and always changing, coaches need to embrace the challenge and develop strategies to attract more participants to their courses so they can increase their income and make a greater impact. In this episode of Next Level Influence Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Shay Wheat, Ryan Bowles and Cindy Schulson about the strategies they are currently using to fill their courses and programs. They share useful tips on what’s working in social media right now, understanding how your ideal clients are most likely to spend their time, and how conducting market research before launching a program can benefit you. The strategies shared in this conversation will help you generate more leads and increase the number of people enrolling in your programs.

Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. From the simplest errors to the most significant blunders, we all make them at some point. While the immediate aftermath of a mistake can be disheartening and discouraging, it is crucial to recognize that mistakes are not the end of the world. They offer us valuable opportunities for growth and learning. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive deep into why it’s not only okay to make mistakes, but it’s an essential part of being an entrepreneur. As Albert Einstein once famously said, "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." Being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with risks, challenges, and, inevitably, mistakes. The path to success is often paved with failures and setbacks. While making mistakes may be daunting, embracing them as valuable learning opportunities rather than sources of discouragement is important. In this era of constant change and complexity, embracing learning from mistakes is crucial. Doing so unlocks our potential for growth, resilience, and success.

In today’s business landscape, standing out is crucial for success. However, there is a major difference between being known and being known for what you do. So as a business owner, what are the strategies that can help leverage your uniqueness and expertise? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson deep dive into helping your step into the spotlight and stand out from the crowd. There’s so much impact on your brand and business when you become known as someone with expertise in your market. However, expertise will not always guarantee you getting clients, hence the importance of standing out so you can share the value you offer. When people recognise your brand, it’s easier for them to send you business opportunities. If you’re ready to stand out, be remembered, and be referred, then this episode is for you.

The scarcity mindset is often a product of deeply ingrained limiting beliefs that have developed into a habit, and usually operate unconsciously holding back business owners from their next level of success. So how can you shatter these restrictions and transform into a better thought leader? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss flipping the impact of scarcity thinking and discovering abundance. Scarcity thinking developed from situations that make entrepreneurs think they have limitations in energy, finances, and time. Flipping the scarcity thinking into an abundance mindset begins with being aware of the thought that may be restraining your ability to grow, reach more people, and achieve wealth. This episode will serve as your guiding light on how you can flip frequently limiting thoughts into abundant thinking and unlock better opportunities in business.

Having co-founders and business partners can be a strategic way to leverage other’s resources, capabilities and create unique solutions for mutual benefit. However, forming successful partnerships require careful consideration of each partner’s vision and what can possibly make a business venture fail. Although partnerships are a powerful tool for businesses to expand reach, increase profit and gain new markets, recent studies show that 70% of business partnerships are bound to fail. The major underlying cause of this is the friction between business partners. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat with Tanis Jorge and Anne Lackey about what happens behind the scenes to sustain successful business partnerships. Whether you’re starting a business with a colleague, significant other or a friend, it’s important to set the intentionality of your partnership and commit to making sure there is a healthy business relationship.

There are many challenges in taking your coaching business to 7 figures and beyond. These challenges can affect all areas of your business - not having enough time to build your authority, marketing your brand, and hitting an income ceiling. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive into a topic that they’re both passionate about - how to coach at 7- figures and beyond. Many coaches feel like they're stuck or not making progress, and that makes them really want to make their business even more successful. As coaches focus on their primary growth catalyst, they tend to pivot towards strategies that allow them to grow revenue, and not so much on scaling the delivery of their coaching. However, there also needs to be a focus on the transition from having one-on-one clients to group coaching, so the business is scalable. Join Samantha and Melanie and discover how you can make a smooth and effective transition in your coaching business, so you can achieve your 7-figure income goal.

Running a business can easily become overwhelming and all-consuming, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Entrepreneurs may find themselves feeling uninspired and stuck in moments where everything in business feels draining. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley tackle one of the topics that they are both very passionate about - the importance of taking time away from your business. Most business owners, especially those who are new in business, often feel guilty of taking time off. Hustling too much is identified with unbreakable commitment, purpose and drive. However, if this continues, your physical, emotional and mental state will demand a break and you’ll see the consequences bleed through your business. Taking a step back from the business provides an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It relieves you from the stress and pressure, allows you to think outside the box and look at things with a different perspective.

Achieving 7-figure success in business is no easy task and entrepreneurs consider this a major turning point. It’s often an indication that the right decisions were made at every level of business dilemma and success. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson share their reflections from episode 36, a panel interview with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis. During the discussion, it became clear that a common thread in everyone's experiences was the need to make decisions that aligned with their desired identity and values in order to achieve a seven-figure business. In the long run, these decisions led to unapologetically owning who they are and becoming aware of present and potential opportunities and challenges that could affect how they run their business. Join Samantha and Melanie as they share valuable insights that can help you continuously create forward momentum and make the decisions that drive you toward achieving your business goals.

In the world of entrepreneurship, there's no doubt that achieving 7-figure success is a significant milestone. It's a sign that your business has reached a level of profitability that many aspiring entrepreneurs only dream of. But how do you make the transition from 6 to 7 figures? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley speak with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis about how to unlock your seven-figure success. They discuss the key strategies and insights entrepreneurs can apply to take their businesses to the next level. Taking your business to 7-figures requires strategic planning, smart decision-making, and a willingness to take calculated risks. It's important to build a solid foundation for your business, including establishing your brand identity, defining your target audience, and developing a solid marketing strategy. Ultimately, achieving 7-figure success is about making more money and creating a business that aligns with your values so you can impact the world positively. By following the tips and strategies these successful entrepreneurs share, you can take your businesses to the next level and achieve long-term success.

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, more and more entrepreneurs are seeking guest spots on their favorite shows. However, many are pitching in a way that is unlikely to get them booked. While having a good story or expertise in a particular subject is important, there are other qualities that podcast hosts look for in their guests. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss the traits of a great podcast guest, and how you can increase your chances of being invited to appear on a podcast. They also delve into the importance of respecting the podcast host and their audience and building strong relationships. Becoming a podcast guest can be a great opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your story, and reach a new audience. However, it can also be a competitive field, with many people vying for a limited number of guest spots. By preparing and building relationships with podcast hosts, you can position yourself as a valuable guest and increase your exposure to new audiences. So if you're interested in becoming a podcast guest, don't miss this episode!

Letting go and surrendering to the unknown can be scary. We can get so accustomed to staying within our comfort zones that the thought of venturing beyond them can feel intimidating and resistance can show up in a big way. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak about perfectionism vs progress: How to let go and move forward. Hitting the next level of business growth is usually masked in fear and confusion which cripples many entrepreneurs to move forward. Although surrendering to the unknown is terrifying, it can also be incredibly exciting. It can potentially be far more rewarding; it teaches us to push boundaries, experience new opportunities, and see the business from different perspectives. Letting go of what you know and embracing the unknown transforms your life and business. It creates the space to ponder what needs to happen next, how to do things differently and explore the best way to reach your next level of success.

When it comes to getting things done, the conventional wisdom is that perfection should be the goal. We’ve been taught to take the time to plan and then slowly execute to get the best results.. But while this kind of delayed perfection may seem like a no-brainer move, there's something to be said for messy success as well. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about messy success and why it can be a great place to start. They explore why taking an imperfect approach—with plenty of trial and error along the way—isn't such a bad thing after all. We’ve all been there – we let perfection get in the way of our success. We obsess over small details and wait until every last angle is polished before expecting to see results from our efforts. But when it comes down to it, is delaying progress for perfect outcomes really worth it? While a well-planned approach offers an attractive idea of what’s possible in the long run, aiming for messiness rather than perfection can kick start a much faster path towards your desired destination.