Establish Yourself®: Clear Brand Messaging, Offers, and Systems for Coaches and Consultants

Have you ever worked with a great client—someone you loved parterning with—only to never hear from them again?You did amazing work. They were happy. And then… nothing. No follow-up, no referrals, no second engagement. It can feel like that connection just disappears.But it doesn't have to! Listen to hear how I shifted from seeing the testimonial as the end of a project to treating it as the beginning of a long-term relationship—one that has so often led to repeat business, genuine referrals, and friendships that go way beyond the invoice.🎯 You'll Discover:The 4 S's of Staying Connected that turn clients into lifelong fans (and friends)The live client interview that creates connection from the very last project callTiny, heartfelt actions that can keep you top of mind (without being pushy)A simple weekly habit to naturally create repeat business and referralsHow speaking up can be a sleaze-free way to inspire new opportunities, referrals, and return projects🎟️ LEARN MY LIVE CLIENT INTERVIEW SYSTEM > POP-UP WORKSHOP:Want to start building deeper client relationships that bring in referrals, repeat work, and community?👉 Join me for the Get Better Testimonials workshop:www.greateststorycreative.com/popupI'll teach you my simplified system—from how I run live interviews to the exact scripts, email templates, and next steps so you'll get great reviews AND set a strong foundation for staying in touch. Hosted September 25 (plus 30-day replay!)👋 PREFER PRIVATE HELP?I can help you 1:1 to add this process to your practice... To learn more, set a free time to talk with me here > greateststorycreative.com/consult

Ever wish you could stop writing proposals and still get amazing clients? Then you’re going to love this live interview.In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I pull back the curtain on the exact client conversation I’ve led over 100 times, this time with a past student in my signature program.Designer + consultant, Lauren, joined my Package Your Process™ Accelerator after hitting her limit with RFPs and custom proposals. What happened next? She booked 4+ clients on the spot—without sending a single proposal—and generated $30K+ in business from just ONE clear, packaged offer.How'd Lauren do it? And how do *I* get great feedback and testimonials by interviewing clients live? Listen now to hear firsthand!🎯 You'll Discover:How to stop writing custom proposals (without hurting your close rate)What makes a service irresistible (hint: it fits on one page)Lauren’s journey from proposal fatigue to instant yesesA behind-the-scenes look at the exact client interview process I teach🎟️ WANNA LEARN HOW TO TURN CLIENT INTERVIEWS LIKE THIS INTO TESTIMONIALS? Join me for "Get Better Testimonials: Pop-up Workshop" DATE: Thursday, Sep. 25, from 12-1:15pm EST (plus 30-day replay) Curious how to run a call like this with your clients... so you get better testimonials, more referrals, and deeper relationships?I’ll walk you through the full system I use: interview questions, email templates, even an AI prompt to help you collect authentic reviews in your client’s voice.👉 Get Better Testimonials by Registering Now ( https://www.greateststorycreative.com/popup )💼 READY TO STOP WRITING PROPOSALS + PACKAGE YOUR SERVICES INSTEAD?Loved what Lauren had to share about her results? I do this work 1:1 for you! Go deeper and walk away with your own branded, one-page service that books dream clients without proposals with Package Your Process™ with the Expert.👉 Set a free consultation for Package Your Process™ with the Expert ( https://www.greateststorycreative.com/consult )📝 KEY RESOURCES MENTIONED:Get Better Testimonials Workshop: greateststorycreative.com/popupFree Consultations for Package Your Process™ with the Expert: greateststorycreative.com/consult🎙 KEEP GOING! LISTEN TO RELATED EPISODES:Testimonials / the strategy behind a live client interview like this: Episode 37, "Why Asking for Testimonials Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)" Start packaging your expertise / Learn more about Package Your Process™:Episode 11, "Custom vs. Packages? The Shift That Simplified My Services & Landed Dream Clients"Episode 12, "Signature Offers Made Simple: 3 Steps to Package Your Expertise & Raise Your Rates"👋 THANKS TO OUR FEATURED CLIENT:Lauren Atherton - Branding Designer/Consultant for

If you've ever had a client rave about your work—but then disappear when you ask for a testimonial—this one’s for you! I’m sharing how one painful experience (involving 20 emails 😬) led me to 3 powerful shifts that changed everything about how I get great reviews, regular referrals, and repeat business from my favorite clients... zero awkwardness required!🎯 You'll Discover:Why email is the worst way to ask for a testimonial (even for people who love you!)The simple 15-minute conversation that unlocks raving reviewsThe 3 testimonial shifts that helped me earn 65+ 5-star reviews (and how you can use them)How to turn a testimonial ask into a moment of magic for your client🎟️ LEARN MY TESTIMONIALS SYSTEM > POP-UP WORKSHOP: SEPT 25Ready to ditch the awkward email and get authentic, raving testimonials that deepen relationships and attract new clients? 👉 Sign up for my Get Better Testimonials workshopwww.greateststorycreative.com/popupI’ll walk you through the full system I use—interview questions, email templates, even an AI prompt to help you write reviews in your client’s voice.📝 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Get Better Testimonials Workshop: greateststorycreative.com/popupJim Henson’s Letter to His Children: Read It Here ( https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jim-henson-letter_n_3983895 )#testimonials #clientexperience #businesssystems #socialproof #referrals #reviewstrategy #establishyourself

Having a branded method is a smart move—but knowing how to use it is what turns your brilliance into a client magnet. In this third and final part of the Find Your Frameworks series, I’m sharing my 4-step game plan to help you take your frameworks off the shelf and into the spotlight where they belong.You'll learn how to actually use your frameworks to get more clients, build authority, and grow your business—the exact steps I teach my clients to turn their methods into powerful brand assets they can use again and again. If you’ve ever thought, “I know I have something valuable here, but I don’t know how to put it to work,” this episode is your next step.🎯 You'll Discover:Why naming your method gives it power (and makes it referable)How to clearly explain what your framework does in one sentenceThe #1 way to make your framework more teachable and visualHow to build your own framework bank to scale your messaging, content, and offers🎧 RELATED EPISODES – Find Your Frameworks SeriesThis 3-part series will help you turn your expertise into a body of work that builds trust, attracts clients, and scales your business:New to frameworks? Start Here: Episode 33 – From Random Posts to Real AuthorityPart 1: Episode 34 – Brand Your Methods to Stand Out and ScalePart 2: Episode 35 – The Framework Pyramid: 3 Types of Frameworks Every Expert NeedsPart 3 (this episode): Episode 36 👋 YOUR FREE RESOURCEHave powerful expertise—but not sure how to turn it into a signature framework, system, or sticky phrases? I’d love to help.👉 Book your free 20-minute consultation with me: https://www.greateststorycreative.com/consult🎙️ FEATURED EXPERTSMichelle Edelin – Speak Your Excellence, Activate Your Inner Excellence, Connect Your ExcellenceJames Clear, Author of "Atomic Habits: – 3-2-1 NewsletterBrandon Birkmeyer – The Brand TriangleStan Phelps – Goldfish Growth Series#frameworks #clarity #scaleyourbusiness #expertpositioning #brandingtools #frameworkgameplan #establishyourself

The key to turning your expertise into a business that scales? It’s not just about having one great method. It’s about building a body of branded work—an ecosystem of frameworks that makes your value undeniable.That’s exactly what the Framework Pyramid helps you do.In this episode, I’m walking you through the 3 types of frameworks that elevate your authority, clarify your messaging, and make it easier to scale your offers. You’ll even hear how my client Michelle used this exact approach to book her first workshop within weeks and finally articulate what she really does.🎯 You'll Discover:The 3 levels of the Framework Pyramid—and what goes whereReal client examples of sticky phrases, supportive systems, and signature frameworksHow to identify the gold in your business (yes, you already have it!)Why naming and stacking your frameworks is the key to becoming more referable🎧 RELATED EPISODES – Find Your Frameworks SeriesThis is special multi-episode series designed to help you package your expertise and create your own clear, client-attracting ecosystem:New to frameworks as a concept? Start Here: Episode 33: From Random Posts to Real Authority Part 1 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 34: Brand Your Methods to Stand Out and Scale (Why frameworks are essential—and how to start spotting yours)Part 2 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 35 (this episode)Part 3 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 36: Turn Your Methods Into Authority, Clients, and Revenue (How to leverage frameworks)🧠 More Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 9: Elevator Pitches That Get Clients: My Brand CHIPS™ Messaging Formula👋 YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONIf you’re sitting on brilliance you can’t quite name or organize yet—I’d love to help.Set a free consultation with Annie to start branding your methods and building your own framework pyramid:👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/consult🎙️ FEATURED CLIENTS + MENTIONSMichelle Edelin – Speak Your Excellence, Activate Your Inner Excellence, Connect Your ExcellenceWendy Gates Corbett – The Energy of BelongingKimberly Benoit – We've All Done It™ Leadership Framework (and Podcast)Marcey Rader – Design Days + Health-Powered ProductivityStan Phelps – Goldfish Growth SeriesChris Lysy – O.S.E.E. Framework for Data Visualization#frameworks #clarity #packagingyourprocess #businessstrategy #consultingbusiness...

Here’s the thing about standing out as a coach or consultant: it’s not about posting more generic content. It’s about becoming known for methods and frameworks people remember, repeat, and refer.That’s exactly what branding frameworks can do for your business.In this episode — Part 1 of my "Find Your Frameworks" series — I’m breaking down what frameworks really are, why they’re your secret weapon for scaling your practice, and how to start spotting the ones you already have.You’ll hear real-world examples from my clients, colleagues, and my own work that show the incredible staying power of clear, repeatable methods, metaphors, and memorable phrases - all the gold ready to be found in your current body of work!🎯 You'll Discover:The 3 big benefits of a branded framework: authority, scalability, and being more referableMy “3R Rule” to test if your framework is worth brandingThe simple definition of a branded framework (and the many names it can go by)How my clients have turned one good idea into books, keynotes, and entire businesses🎧 Find Your Frameworks SeriesThis is special multi-episode series designed to help you package your expertise and create your own clear, client-attracting ecosystem:New to frameworks as a concept? Start Here: Episode 33: From Random Posts to Real Authority Part 1 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 34 (this episode) Part 2 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 35: 3 Types of Frameworks Every Expert NeedsPart 3 of Find Your Frameworks, Episode 36: Turn Your Methods Into Authority, Clients, and Revenue (How to leverage frameworks)🎧 RELATED EPISODES:Episode 12: Signature Offers Made Simple: 3 Steps to Package Your Expertise & Raise Your Rates (My Package Your Process™ Approach)Episode 14: The "One Client" Value Ladder: A Smarter Way to Simplify Marketing (The concept I once called the Streamlined Service Value Ladder)Episode 6: Marketing Without Social Media: 3 Alternate Ways I Attract Premium Clients (The Establish Yourself® Framework, E.S.T.)👋 YOUR FREE CONSULTATION:Ready to package your expertise into clear, memorable frameworks? Book a free consultation with me today to explore how to turn your ideas into a signature methods that stand out and scale → https://www.greateststorycreative.com/consult#frameworks #brandyourmethod #coachlife #consultingbusiness #businessgrowth #scaleyourbusiness #brandingclarity #establishyourself🎙️ FEATURED EXPERTS:Bonnie Artman Fox...

Does marketing yourself feel like an endless tornado of tactics? You’re not alone. If you’ve ever stared at LinkedIn wondering what to post—while others seem to be landing big speaking gigs, publishing books, and becoming known—you’re in the right place.In this episode, I’m sharing a clear, 4-step process to help you stop chasing tactics and start building something bigger than your next post: a body of work. Having gone from struggling with what to share to a 3x bestselling author, in-demand expert, and podcast host: I'll teach you what it actually means to create content that builds momentum over time, helps you find your voice, and brings your favorite clients straight to your door.✨ If you want to grow your visibility and simplify your marketing without being a social media rock star, this episode is for you.🎯 You’ll Discover:Why posting more often doesn’t always grow your authorityWhat a body of work really is—and why it makes you referableThe surprisingly simple 4-step path I’ve followed to build books, talks, and this podcastAnd how my clients, Sarah (an executive coach) and Wendy (a belonging expert) have been successfully building visibility one smart step at a time🤝 Your Free Resource:Need help clarifying your message or figuring out what your body of work could look like?📅 Book a free 20-minute clarity consult with me: ➡️ greateststorycreative.com/consultTogether, we’ll pinpoint where you are, what’s next, and how to simplify your message so you can get known without endless posting.✅ Dive Deeper:Listen to this related episode, Episode 28: "My Secret to Marketing Without Losing My Mind: Consistency Containers"Check out Sarah Elder's Substack, "I Make the Rules" for Women Founders & LeadersWendy Gates Corbett's book, "The Energy of Belonging"Plus my husband Gus's new YouTube Channel (MrGreatestStory)

If you've ever felt like you're the worst boss you've ever had, you’re not alone. When I started my business after leaving Disney, I thought I was escaping hustle culture—only to recreate it in a whole new way.But in this episode, I'm sharing how I broke that cycle with The Better Boss Method™, a 6-part, permission-based framework to give you fresh ways to take back your time, protect your energy, and build a business that actually loves you back.Through the acronym B.E.T.T.E.R, you'll learn the personal systems, mindset shifts, and boundaries that have helped me (and many of my clients) go from overwhelmed solopreneurs to more confident CEOs.✨ If you're ready to take back your calendar with confidence, this one's for you.🎯 You’ll Discover:Why protecting your time doesn't have to mean losing clients and money—and how it can help you growHow I take every December off (and how to design your own version)What my “no meeting Mondays and Fridays” taught me about revenue and restThe 6-part Better Boss Method™ and how real coaches and consultants are applying it How to stop working from leftovers and start designing your week with intention📕 Your FREE Resource:Want more behind-the-scenes strategies on how I built a life-first business with less burnout?📖 Get the first 50 pages of my book "Establish Yourself"—free! ➡️ greateststorycreative.com/readInside, you’ll discover the business shifts that have helped me (and hundreds of my clients) find clarity, confidence, and space to breathe - without sacrificing success.#betterbossmethod #solopreneursuccess #lifefirstbusiness #boundariesinbusiness #establishyourself #worklifebalance #coachingbusiness #consultinglife #confidenceatwork

When you don’t have a lead magnet / freebie—or you’re not loving the one you’ve got—it’s easy to put it on the back burner.What if you spend all that time creating something… and it doesn’t lead to discovery calls? Or worse—it just collects digital dust?In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 factors that make a lead magnet worth your time to create and share—whether you’re building your first one or finally ready to replace what’s not working.🎯 You’ll Discover:Why “just growing your list” is the wrong goal—and what to focus on insteadMy 5-part "Smart Freebie Formula" that helps turn downloads into conversationsWhat changed when I fixed one thing and saw conversions jump from 7% to 60%How to strike a balance between helpful and hireable (so you don’t give away too much)🎧 Keep Going With These Related Episodes:More on the Referral Message Creator™ > Episode 18: Want Better Referrals? Here’s How to Get Great Intros, FastMore on my Brand CHIPS™ Messaging Formula > Episode 9: Elevator Pitches That Get Clients: Clarify Your Message With My Brand CHIPS™ Formula👋 Your Free Invitation:If you're ready to create a lead magnet that actually sparks client conversations and builds your know, like, and trust with others, I’d love to help.🎯 Set a free kickoff call with me to explore a Magic Strategy Day → greateststorycreative.com/magicTogether, we’ll create a smart freebie that aligns with your offers, builds trust, and sparks real results—not just downloads.#leadmagnetstrategy #clientattraction #coachingbusiness #consultingbusiness #messagingclarity #smartfreebie #establishyourself #emailmarketingtips #brandstrategy

When budgets tighten and clients seem to disappear, it’s easy to believe the answer is more marketing. More posting. More pushing. More panic!But in this episode, I’m pulling you out of the tactic tornado.You’ll learn how to stop scrambling for visibility—and start confidently marketing yourself with a message and offer that feel grounded, clear, and totally aligned with what your best-fit clients need right now.🎯 You’ll Discover:Why “more marketing” without clarity can actually hurt your businessHow to show up as essential—even when the economy feels uncertainThe EST Framework I teach my clients to get booked up, not burned outThe difference between being a salad bar and a chef (yep—it matters)🎧 Keep Going With These Related Episodes on Client Attraction + Clarity:Episode 6 | Marketing Without Social Media: 3 Alternate Ways I Attract Premium Clients (Deeper Dive into The Establish Yourself® Framework)Episode 7 | The Clever Way to Find Your Niche Without RebrandingEpisode 12 | Signature Offers Made Simple: 3 Steps to Package Your Expertise & Raise Your Rates👋 Your Free Invitation:If you're done spinning your wheels and ready to clearly articulate what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters—let’s talk.🎯 Start doing marketing that matters by setting a free consultation with me to explore Package Your Process with the Expert soon!→ greateststorycreative.com/consultTogether, we’ll clarify your elevator pitch, shape a signature offer, and equip you with the tools to start selling it—no funnels, just focus.#marketingclarity #sloweconomy #consultingbusiness #coachingbusiness #messagingstrategy #brandvoice #signatureoffer #clientattraction #establishyourself #confidenceinbusiness

I've made a LOT of mistakes (and survived!) Discover how by grabbing a free chapter of my bestselling book: https://www.greateststorycreative.com/read------I used to think that being successful and having confidence in business meant getting everything right. But after 11 years as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned something far more freeing: you can make BIG, messy, even wildly embarrassing mistakes—and still thrive.In this episode, I’m opening up about some of the hardest moments behind the scenes of my six-figure business. From visibility blunders to failed launches and too-many-niches syndrome, I’m sharing the real missteps that helped me grow, not in spite of them—but because of them.If you’ve been quietly beating yourself up for not having it all figured out, I hope this feels like a permission slip.Part 4 of the "Greatness, Not Perfection" Series🎯 You’ll Discover:What I got totally wrong in the early years (and what I’d do differently)A surprisingly costly visibility mistake I made for 3+ yearsHow a failed offer turned into one of my best-selling programsWhy perfection isn’t the goal—resilience is🎧 Tune into all 4 episodes of the "Greatness, Not Perfection" SeriesEpisode 26 - Stuck in the Perfection Trap? This New Mindset Keeps You Moving ForwardEpisode 27 - Unexpected Ways I Use AI to Stop Overthinking, Hold Boundaries, and Play BiggerEpisode 28 - My Secret to Marketing Without Losing My Mind: Consistency ContainersEpisode 29 (this episode) - These Embarrassing Mistakes Made My Business More SuccessfulPlus this related episode: Episode 21 - What Happened After I Picked the “Wrong” Marketing Strategy👋 Your Free Next Step:Want to feel better about your business missteps—and start creating a brand that grows with you?📕 Get the first 50 pages of my book "Establish Yourself" for FREE, and start designing a business that feels like home: ✨ https://www.greateststorycreative.com/read✨ Free Business Fulfillment Live Event with me:Find encouragement and fresh ideas to enjoy your business more by joining me and Quinn Tempest of Create Your Purpose Collective® for a relaxed, valuable discussion on "Bringing Fun & Fulfillment Back to Your Business!" on Thursday, July 24 @ 1pm EST / 10am PST via ZoomFree RSVP here: https://quinntempest.com/annie-quinn-roundtable/#businessgrowth #greatnessnotperfection #brandingclarity #coachinglife #sixfigurebusiness #confidenceinbusiness #establishyourself

How to Market Yourself Consistently Without Burnout 🔄 ✨ Check out My Summer Read-Along (https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost)-------So here’s the truth: Consistency is my least natural strength. And yet… I’ve built a business that shows up, speaks clearly, and draws in my dream clients regularly.How? Not through grit—but by designing repeatable marketing systems I actually want to use.In this episode, I’m revealing the exact strategy that’s helped me—and many of my clients—market consistently without the burnout. If posting on social media feels like shouting into the void, this one's for you.Part 3 of the "Greatness, Not Perfection Series"🎯 You’ll Discover:What a “consistency container” is (and why it’s your secret to sustainable, ongoing marketing)The #1 mindset shift that helped me stop ghosting my audienceReal-life examples of what consistent marketing actually looks likeThe hidden Disney metaphor that will totally reframe your marketing strategy 🏰🎧 Keep Going With These Related Episodes About Consistency Containers:6. Marketing Without Social Media: 3 Alternate Ways I Attract Premium Clients21. What Happened After I Picked the "Wrong" Marketing Strategy🎧 Tune into the full "Greatness, Not Perfection" SeriesEpisode 26 - Stuck in the Perfection Trap? This New Mindset Keeps You Moving ForwardEpisode 27 - Unexpected Ways I Use AI to Stop Overthinking, Hold Boundaries, and Play BiggerEpisode 28 (This Episode) - My Secret to Marketing Without Losing My Mind: Consistency ContainersEpisode 29 - These Embarrassing Mistakes Made My Business More Successful👋 Your Invitation:Ready to stop stressing marketing content, create your consistency container, and take your business to new levels of fun, possibility, and profit? 📕 Join us for the Business Boost Read-Along with the Author this summer! We’ll walk through my book Establish Yourself together and build sustainable marketing systems that fit you. Starts July 9 – Just $19 to join → https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost#marketingstrategy #consistency #visibilitywithoutburnout #coachlife #consultingbusiness #sustainablemarketing #brandingclarity #establishyourself🎙️ Featured Clients Mentioned:Jami Yazdani (Yazdani Consulting & Facilitation) – LinkedIn Lives on Project Management for Nonprofit Orgs and CompaniesValerie Ehrlich (Mission Bloom) – Substack on AI & Leadership for Nonprofit Leaders and ConsultantsWendy Gates Corbett – “The Spark” Monthly Newsletter on BelongingTheir consistency containers are lighting up inboxes and LinkedIn—go check them out!

Make this your summer of action! 📕 Check out book club here: 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost________I used to obsess over every client email, second-guess every post, and spend way too long trying to say things “just right.” But recently, I’ve discovered a surprisingly effective tool to help me break that perfectionist cycle: AI.If you’ve ever felt drained by decisions, overthinking client communication, or struggling to post consistently—this episode is for you.I’m sharing 5 unexpected ways I use tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to save time, protect my energy, and do more of the work that matters (without losing my voice or values).Part 2 of the “Greatness, Not Perfection” series🎯 You’ll Discover:How I use the “Spaghetti Thoughts” method to clarify messy ideas fastThe Boundary Script technique that helps me write kind, firm emails (without spiraling)How to fix admin mistakes and content hiccups without wasting mental energyA 5-minute system for turning one podcast into multiple marketing piecesThe Bold Pitch system that helps me ask for more of what I want—with confidence🎧 Tune into the full "Greatness, Not Perfection" SeriesEpisode 26 - Stuck in the Perfection Trap? This New Mindset Keeps You Moving ForwardEpisode 27 (This episode) - Unexpected Ways I Use AI to Stop Overthinking, Hold Boundaries, and Play BiggerEpisode 28 - My Secret to Marketing Without Losing My Mind: Consistency ContainersEpisode 29 - These Embarrassing Mistakes Made My Business More Successful👋 Your Invitation:Come take action and simplify your business with me this summer! 📕 Business Boost Read Along with the Author runs July 9 – August 13 and includes a free copy of Establish Yourself + weekly coaching to take aligned action. 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost#aiinbusiness #perfectionismhelp #boundariesforcoaches #clarity #coachlife #smoothsystems #consultingbusiness #establishyourself #greatnessnotperfection

Clarity, confidence, and a business book! 📕 Check out my Summer Read-Along here: 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost------Like building the perfect house, for years, I believed that building the perfect brand was the key to business success. But the longer I stayed in business, the more I realized that kind of perfection isn’t the goal—it’s really a trap.If you've ever felt stuck in motion, tweaking endlessly, or waiting for the “right time” to take action—this episode is for you.I’m sharing one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve made in my business (inspired by a surprising animal metaphor 🦈). It’s helped me break out of the overthinking loop and grow a business that’s not only profitable—but alive and well.Part 1 of the new 4-part "Greatness, Not Perfection" series🎯 You’ll Discover:Why chasing the “perfect brand” can quietly stall your growthThe powerful mindset shift that helped me stay in business for over a decadeWhat I learned from Disney about striving for greatness—not perfectionA metaphor you’ll never forget that will change how you see your businessA simple daily question to stay in motion and out of the perfectionism trap✨ Keep Going With This Related Episode:Episode 2 - What I Learned from Working for Disney, including the origin of "Strive for Greatness, Not Perfection" 🎧 Tune into the full "Greatness, Not Perfection" SeriesEpisode 26 (this episode) - Stuck in the Perfection Trap? This New Mindset Keeps You Moving ForwardEpisode 27 - Unexpected Ways I Use AI to Stop Overthinking, Hold Boundaries, and Play BiggerEpisode 28 - My Secret to Marketing Without Losing My Mind: Consistency ContainersEpisode 29 - These Embarrassing Mistakes Made My Business More Successful👋 Your Invitation:If this episode resonated, come swim with us this summer: 📕 Business Boost Read Along with the Author is back July 9 – August 13! Sign up now to read Establish Yourself together and turn inspiration into aligned action: https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost#businessmindset #perfectionism #clarity #coachlife #consultingbusiness #sharkmindset #purposefulgrowth #establishyourself #brandingstrategy🎙️ Featured Clients Mentioned:Kris Liebau – "Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet"Kimberly Benoit – "We’ve All Done It"Marcey Rader – "Health-Powered Productivity"Give their shows a listen—they’re all feeding their business sharks beautifully and leading with purpose!

Dread marketing because you're always having to restart your efforts? I used to feel that way too, until I figured out a simple business system I call “chain smoking.” (Yes, really.)Inspired by author and artist, Austin Kleon, I’ve turned this concept into one of my most powerful business strategies. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to show you 5 real ways I use “chain smoking” to build momentum, save time, and make my marketing, offers, and client delivery way easier - so you can get inspired and start leveraging it, too!🎯 You’ll Hear:How one small workshop turned into a four-year visibility machineThe exact moment I realized I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel every timeThe client delivery tweak that helped one of my clients boost her revenue by 25%A book club idea that unexpectedly sold out my group program5 real ways I “chain smoke” to connect the dots between marketing, delivery, and repeat businessI’ll also walk you through how you can start applying this strategy right now—no new tools or fancy tech required!🎧 Dive Deeper in This Related Episode:Episode 14: "The "One Client" Value Ladder: A Smarter Way to Simplify Marketing"📕 Save Your Spot for the Next Read-Along!Join the Free waitlist for "Business Boost Read-Along with the Author" at https://www.greateststorycreative.com/boost📝 Create Your Free Referral Message Now:Get a 3-sentence personalized paragraph others can send to refer you with confidence (and see that chance to grab a bonus Professional Biography template!) 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/message✨ Level Up Your Business Systems With Ease (Magic Strategy Day):Want a fresh perspective and ways you could use chain smoking to make your marketing, offers, and client work more effective with less effort? See if a Magic Strategy Day with me is your perfect next step! 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/magic#SmoothSystems #ClientFlow #MarketingMomentum #CoachingBusiness #ConsultingTips #EstablishYourselfPodcast💡 Also mentioned in this episode:"Steal Like an Artist" & "Show Your Work", both by Austin Kleon"Permission to Try" by Annie Franceschi (my first book)

📖 Want a more fun, sustainable business? Start with a FREE chapter of my book: https://www.greateststorycreative.com/read-----Coming from Corporate America and The Walt Disney Studios, I believed serious hustle was just how business worked. But once I stepped off the treadmill and chose to restructure my consulting practice around a sustainable business mindset of clarity, boundaries, and joy—everything changed.In this episode, I share the reframe that's helped me triple my revenue while working fewer, more fulfilling hours, and why putting FUN FIRST isn’t just possible, it’s profitable. You’ll hear practical shifts you can try this week to get out of overwork and back into the work you love!🎯 You’ll Discover:How I designed my 3-day workweek with simple systemsWhat a “No Meeting Monday” and my famous Batch December sabbatical really look likeWhy fun is a strategic filter—and how to use it to protect your energyHow to create a repeatable content system that fits your strengthsA mindset shift to help you confidently turn down misaligned clients🎧 Keep Going With These Related Episodes:Episode 2: "Scaling a Consulting Practice: 3 Magic Strategies from My Disney Career"Episode 5: "3 Surprising Truths Behind How Real Coaches Grow Without Burnout"📝 YOUR FREE RESOURCE:Start building a business that fits your life with a FREE first chapter of my bestselling book, Establish Yourself 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/read👋 Your Invitation: Pick one small or big way to add more fun to your week, and come tell me about it! Let’s connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anniefranceschi#businessmindset #funfirst #worklifebalance #smoothsystems #boundaries #consultinglife #clarity #creativefreedom #coachingbusiness💡 Also mentioned in this episode:“Self-inclusion” concept from Beth Ruffin, host of You Belong Here → bethruffin.com

Ever feel pulled between giving free advice OR feeling like a jerk for saying no? I share how one awkward coffee meeting became a turning point—and how you can turn those brain-picking requests into aligned, paid opportunities without guilt. This isn’t about being cold or transactional—it’s about being clear, confident, and generous on your own terms.🎯 You'll Discover:The mindset shift that changed everything about how I respond to “Can I pick your brain?”How to say “yes” and protect your time (without guilt)A simple offer strategy that turns casual asks into booked sessionsWhy setting boundaries is one of the most authentic, generous things you can do📝 Resources Mentioned:Get help to craft your ready-to-go brain picker offer by checking out Package Your Process™ with the Expert: https://www.greateststorycreative.com/pype#coachingbusinesstips #businessboundaries #signatureoffers #streamlinedsystems #consultingbusiness

What do you do when your calendar is full, but you still want dream clients and new opportunities coming your way?In this episode, I share 7 low-effort, high-impact marketing moves you can make in 15 minutes or less this week. Swipe my favorite smart, quick marketing strategies to stay top of mind, spark referrals, and keep your momentum going even when you’re fully booked!🎯 You’ll Discover:A powerful mindset shift that helps you stay visible without adding to your workloadMy go-to tool to get better referrals (in 60 seconds or less)How to make sure your best clients and connections actually know what you’re up to nowA simple way to reconnect with past clients (that could lead to your next “yes”)📝 Resources Mentioned:🔗 Try the free Referral Intro Generator: https://greateststorycreative.com/referral-intro-generator📖 Check out Annie’s book, Establish Yourself, for more visibility tips + access to the "Do They Know What I Know?" checklist: https://greateststorycreative.com/book#StayTopOfMind #StayVisible #SmartMarketingStrategies #VisibilityForCoaches #SmartMarketing

Worried about picking the wrong marketing strategy?Well… I did! For 4 years!!! And my "mistake" turned into something I didn’t expect.In this episode, I’m sharing the real story of a major choice I made in my business — one that didn’t check all the boxes, didn’t go viral, and definitely wasn’t “perfect”. But it still taught me something that changed the way I approach marketing, growth, and consistency today.If you’ve been frozen on marketing, afraid to move forward unless your plans are perfect, this might be exactly what you need to hear.🎯 You’ll Learn:How choosing a “wrong” marketing strategy can still lead to real growthThe mindset shift that helped me stop spiraling and start moving againWhat I wish I had tracked sooner (and how I track marketing ROI now)How I used that experience to build my current podcast strategy with more clarity📝 Resources Mentioned:📘 Get more key advice like this by claiming your FREE CHAPTER of my bestselling book, Establish Yourself: greateststorycreative.com/read✨ Discover how to get my help to pick your best next marketing strategy in a Magic Strategy Day: greateststorycreative.com/magic🎥 Check out past episodes of Branding with Friends: brandingwithfriends.com

I hear this all the time: “It's taking forever to update my website,” or “I’m reworking my social captions again.” But here’s the truth—if you have to keep rewriting how you talk about your business, the real issue isn’t the you. It’s that you don't have your clear brand story nailed down.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what doing that looks like (including the behind-the-scenes of my client Melissa’s website nightmare) and sharing the powerful tool that’s helped 100+ service-based businesses finally stop second-guessing what to say and start showing up with clarity, consistency, and confidence.🎯 You’ll Learn:Why writing your website or social media feels so hard (and how to fix it)The strategy I use to create a “brand voice guide” that tells your story for youHow this one resource can align your team, attract better clients, and scale your business with easeWhat happens when your message finally matches your magic📝 Resources Mentioned: Ready to stop spinning your wheels with your message? Let’s talk. Book your free 20-minute consult: 👉 https://www.greateststorycreative.com/consult💡 If you’ve been rewriting your bio or homepage again (and again), this episode will show you why—and how to finally move forward