Making Good: Small Business Podcast

<p>Want to make money, do something you love, AND make the world a better place? You're in the right place. Making Good is the podcast for small business owners who want to make a big impact. This podcast is about two things: building a strong small business, and using it as a tool for good. We cover topics like marketing, business philanthropy, finding community, doing purpose-driven work, mindset - and everything in between. If you have (or want) a small business and life that make a difference, this podcast is for you. I'm your host, Lauren Tilden, ex-corporate marketer turned maker and shop owner. I'm so glad you're here.</p>

How to Play the Long Game | Book Club | 311

Is your calendar full, but your progress feels... stuck? In this Book Club pick, The Long Game, Dorie Clark teaches us how to create white space, focus on what matters, and build a business that lasts. Tune in for real talk on saying no, playing the long game, and finding your North Star. LISTEN TO NEXT → Feeling Stuck? Try a "Tiny Experiment" | Book Club | 308 SHOW NOTES → How to Play the Long Game | Book Club | 311 WHEN YOU'RE READY 🌼 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Making Good Happen🫶 Browse th...

10-28
01:01:51

The 3 Biggest Drivers of My Email List Growth | 310

BUCKLE UP! Scratchy voice and all, in this episode, I get a little vulnerable and strategic by pulling back the curtain on my own email marketing data. I share why email still holds a special place in my heart (even when my voice is scratchy!), why growing your list matters so much, and the three biggest drivers that have fueled my email list growth over time. If you want actionable insight and a peek behind the scenes of how I build real relationships (and real revenue) via email—this episod...

10-15
23:40

Best. Q4. Ever. Here's how to plan it. | 309

⚡️ Get 90 Days of Magic (with special podcast discount) here. Picture this: You sit down with the best intentions. You write down some goals. Maybe even fill out a calendar. But a few weeks in... you’re off track, overwhelmed, and wondering where all that motivation went. And then—before you know it—another quarter’s gone. And you’re carrying the same goals into the next one. If you’ve ever felt like that, especially heading into Q4—the busiest, most chaotic, most emotional quarte...

10-04
26:26

Feeling Stuck? Try a “Tiny Experiment” | Book Club | 308

Feeling stuck, burnt out, or over it with hustle culture? In this episode, we explore Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff—a radically refreshing approach to productivity. Learn how to use curiosity, reflection, and small challenges (aka “pacts”) to make real progress without the pressure. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/308 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden GET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!): https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

09-24
59:36

How to Design Your Life (and Business) | 'Designing Your Life’ by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans | Book Club | 307

In this episode, Charelle and I share how Designing Your Life reframed career and lifestyle goals through design thinking, energy mapping, and creative experimentation. Learn how to map your values, draft multiple life options, and move forward with curiosity—not perfectionism. Whether you're running a business or reevaluating your path, there’s something here for you. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/307 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden...

08-20
53:42

10 Easy Marketing Wins You Can Use Right Now

Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? In this episode, I share 10 real and practical ways to make marketing easier—especially when you're short on time or energy. From foundations to AI tools and everything in between, let’s simplify your strategy and get results. LISTEN TO NEXT → ⁠⁠⁠⁠303: Why I’m In a Funk (And How I’m Climbing Out of It) SHOW NOTES → ⁠⁠⁠⁠306: 10 Easy Marketing Wins You Can Use Right Now *** WHEN YOU'RE READY 🌼 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Making Good Happen🫶 Browse the Shop*** CONN...

08-05
19:15

What’s Really Holding You Back ('The Mountain Is You' by Brianna Wiest | Book Club | 305)

In this Book Club episode, we're discussing The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest. We explore self-sabotage, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to change. From micro shifts to future self visualization, this episode is full of insights to help you get out of your own way and create a more aligned life and business. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/302 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden GET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!): https...

07-21
57:14

The One Thing That Could Change Everything

GET YOUR FREE TICKET: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/summit This episode is a little different—because I’m shining the spotlight on something I created just for you: the One Thing Summit! If you've ever stared at a blank screen trying to figure out what to post, or felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting marketing advice out there, this summit is for you. I brought together over 40 of the most generous, wise, and brilliant marketing experts and asked them each one question: What's one thing ev...

07-11
07:06

This Tool Can Transform Your Content Chaos with Colie James | 304

Feel like your content marketing is pure chaos? In this episode, I chat with systems strategist Colie James about how one tool can bring calm, clarity, and serious efficiency to your content workflow. We talk about organizing your ideas, repurposing smartly, and creating systems that give you your time back. This one’s a must-listen for any creative business owner who’s ready to end the chaos and simplify. Want to try the tool? Sign up for a free account here. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://...

07-03
49:06

Why I’m in a Funk (And How I’m Climbing Out of It) | 303

In this solo episode, I share an unfiltered look at a tough season I’ve been in—a long-lasting funk that’s affected my work, energy, and mindset. I open up about what led to it, how I’m moving through it, and the habits and changes that are starting to help. If you’ve ever felt stuck, off, or burned out, this one’s for you. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/303 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden GET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!): https://ma...

06-25
27:21

7 Principles for an Oversubscribed Business (Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley | Book Club | 302)

In this Book Club episode, Charelle Griffith and I dive into Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley—well, two versions of it! We talk about building demand, the power of signals, and what it takes to create offers people line up for. If you’re tired of chasing customers and want to flip the script, this episode is for you. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/302 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden GET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!): https://making...

06-17
01:01:57

A Real-World Guide to Inclusive Marketing with Kate Wolff | 301

Let's talk inclusive marketing! Kate Wolff, founder of Lupine Creative and co-founder of Do the WeRQ and LumiTerra, shares how she’s building impact-driven businesses through inclusive marketing, queer representation, and sustainability. We talk about what it really takes to lead multiple ventures and how small business owners can take action, even imperfectly. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/301 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden GET 10...

06-10
58:01

Building a Better Future, One Small Choice at a Time with Andy Hunter | 300

To celebrate episode 300, I’m joined by Andy Hunter, founder of Bookshop.org—a mission-driven alternative to Amazon that’s sent over $35M back to independent bookstores. We talk about building ethical businesses, grassroots marketing, and why even small choices matter. This conversation is inspiring, energizing, and full of practical wisdom for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/300 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurent...

06-06
52:23

Business Can Be Chill ('Chill & Prosper' by Denise Duffield-Thomas | Book Club | 299)

Perfectionism, burnout, and endless hustle—what if you could leave all of that behind and still build the business of your dreams? That’s what we’re exploring in this month’s Book Club episode. In this Book Club episode, we discuss Chill & Prosper by Denise Duffield-Thomas—an invitation to run your business with more ease, alignment, and flow. We explore mindset shifts, pricing, passive income, and what it looks like to protect your most valuable business asset: yourself. MAKING GOOD SH...

05-29
01:16:25

Pinterest 101: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Small Business Owners with Heather Farris | 298

ALERT! This episode is seriously valuable (like in a we-could-charge-for-this kind of way.) Get a pen and paper out and take notes! One of the best ways to get more eyeballs on your business is to be where people are already looking for you. And one of those places that people are looking for you... is PINTEREST. Pinterest is one of the most powerful but underused marketing tools for small businesses. In this practical episode, Pinterest expert Heather Farris walks us through exactly how to g...

05-21
01:02:39

How to Actually Get Stuff Done (Even If You Struggle With Follow-Through)

This episode is all about getting things done—for real. I share my simple, powerful approach to productivity that helps you follow through without burning out. Whether you're overwhelmed, stuck, or just tired of procrastinating, you’ll walk away with practical strategies (and a few mindset shifts) to help you take action and make real progress in your business and life. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/297 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/laurentilden...

05-07
23:07

Impact + Profit: Your Business Can Do Both with Brian Thompson

How do you build a business that reflects your values, serves your community, and supports the life you actually want to live? That’s the heart of this conversation with Brian Thompson, a financial planner and founder of Brian Thompson Financial, who helps LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs build profitable, mission-driven businesses. We talk about what it really means to align your business with your mission and how to make money while doing good. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/29...

04-30
58:37

The Anti-Overwhelm Guide to Marketing

Feeling overwhelmed by your marketing? This episode is your calm, clear roadmap to doing less—and making more impact. If you're overwhelmed, you’re not alone in feeling it. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through a gentle but strategic way to move past the chaos and into clarity. I share a step-by-step system for building a sustainable, doable marketing plan that doesn’t ask you to do everything, just the right things. From managing perfectionism to using tools like the Eisenhower Matri...

04-23
15:04

Rethinking Business Strategy (‘This Is Strategy’ by Seth Godin | Book Club)

In this Book Club episode, we discuss Seth Godin’s This Is Strategy, a nontraditional (and very bitty!) book with 297 mini-lessons on business and planning. We explore big themes like systems, games, time, and empathy—and how they shape strategy. It’s a deep dive into what strategy actually means, with insights for marketers, business owners, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggoodpodcast.com/294 CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM: ...

04-20
51:08

ADHD-Friendly Prioritization, the Dopamine Dial, and Consistency with Skye Waterson

ATTENTION FELLOW ADHD BIZ OWNERS! This one is for you. ADHD coach and founder of Unconventional Organisation, Skye Waterson, joins me to talk about navigating business with ADHD. We dig into the real-life struggles—overwhelm, inconsistency, and scaling—and Skye shares research-backed strategies, from dopamine-stacked routines to prioritization hacks. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a business that works with their brain. MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES: https://makinggood...

04-09
53:41

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