Welcome back to The Bubbles Effect, formerly Bubbles & Biz! Iâm Nicole Bernard, and this show is where mindset, marketing, and momentum meet. đ„ Mondays are for mindset, Wednesdays are Power Hours packed with actionable strategy in 30 minutes or less, and Fridays keep our classic tradition alive: champagne + founder stories because just like bubbles, we rise to the top. đ„This weekâs Power Hour dives into a topic Iâm super interested in: nervous system regulation and how it fuels sustainable wealth and business growth. đMy guest, Gigi Bier, is a nervous system wealth coach who went from corporate burnout to bookkeeping pro to coaching entrepreneurs on profitability, mindset, and the body-based tools that make success stick. We unpack:Why mindset alone can lead to quick wins⊠and quick backslidesThe nervous system âstatesâ and how to spot yoursPractical daily regulation tools Gigiâs â3 Câs of SafetyâHow a regulated nervous system helps you create and keep wealth (goodbye, imposter spiral)Takeaways you can use today:Do 2â10 minutes of belly breathing, twice a day.Build awareness: notice your state, then pick a matching micro-reset (walk/stretch for freeze; movement for fight/flight).Strengthen the 3 Câs: check your context, lean into real connection, and reduce choice overload.Connect with Gigi and grab all of her goodies here: https://gigibier.comIf this episode resonated with you, please follow/subscribe and share it with a friend whoâs building big things without burning out. See you Friday for champagne and an inspiring founder story! đ„
Hey guys! Welcome to the very first episode of The Bubbles Effect, formerly Bubbles & Biz! I started this podcast back in 2019 (in my closet đ) with a glass of champagne and a mission to connect with other entrepreneurs. Six years later, the show has evolved just like entrepreneurship itself and now itâs where marketing, mindset, and momentum meet! In this episode, Iâm kicking things off by sharing how my marketing journey began 20 years ago as an intern at Microsoft. From learning creative strategy (before social media even existed!) to understanding the power of brand loyalty, that experience shaped everything I do today.Iâll also share my biggest marketing tip, how to blend creativity and strategy to build lasting connections, and a mindset reminder that itâs always okay to evolve. Whether youâre rebranding, shifting directions, or simply craving something new in your business, this is your permission slip to make the change.Because just like bubbles, we rise to the top. đ„Get the weekly newsletter here: https://nb.marketing/freebies
On this weekâs Power Hour, Iâm joined by Tianna Mamalick, an SEO + content strategist and founder of SMB Marketing School. đ„We dig into what SEO really means in 2025 (hint: itâs inseparable from content), how AI is changing discovery without replacing the basics, and why âzero-clickâ answers and multi-path customer journeys demand clearer messaging than ever. Tianna breaks down technical vs. practical SEO in plain English, the role of backlinks again, and why your Google Business Profile is a must, even for service-area businesses. We also chat Threads (we both love it!) and the difference between branding flair and the clarity Google, and your buyers, actually need. đQuick wins you can tackle today:Add clear service/product categories to your homepage and link to dedicated pages.Create separate pages for each core service (no more âone giant services pageâ).Claim + complete your Google Business Profile and load it with plain-spoken keywords.Connect with Tianna: smbmarketingschool.com and @smbmarketingschool on Threads/Instagram.If this episode helped, share it with a fellow biz owner and leave a review!
Raise a glass (of coffee, ha) y'all, itâs Power Hour Wednesday! đToday Iâm chatting with Cortney St Clair, the âIt Factorâ stylist behind the ICON Style Method, and wow⊠this convo flipped the way I think about style, branding, and showing up as the nextâlevel version of ourselves. đ Cortney breaks down how strategic style + subconscious reprogramming + magnetic personal branding work together (yes, your closet can be a growth tool!) and why congruence and consistency across your photos, reels, stories, and real life matter more than we think. We also chat about âenclothed cognitionâ (the science-y proof that what you wear changes how you think and perform), building outfit templates so getting dressed takes under five minutes, and the simple clarity questions that turn a wardrobe into a system. đ„Power Hour Takeaways:Style isnât a reward for success, itâs a tool to step into it.Congruence wins: your onâbrand image should match your message everywhere you show up.Outfit templates = less decision fatigue, more momentum (hello, fiveâminute mornings).Your 30âMinute Homework:đ Answer Cortneyâs clarity questions about who youâre becoming and how she looks below.đ Do a quick audit of your IG: does your image match your message across posts, reels, and stories?đ Create one goâto outfit template you can grab tomorrow morning.Resources mentioned:Cortneyâs pinned IG carousel on building your sevenâfigure style and the ICON Style Method here: https://www.instagram.com/cortneystclairHer downloadable clarity questions: https://www.cortneystclair.com/style-success-journal-promptsâ Connect with Cortney here: www.instagram.com/cortneystclairwww.cortneystclair.comCheers and see y'all Friday đ„
This weekâs Power Hour is packed with game-changing PR wisdom from the one and only KJ Blattenbauer, powerhouse publicist, founder of HearSay PR, and author of How to Be a Media Darling đ„We dive into why visibility isnât vanity, itâs a business strategy, and how entrepreneurs like us can start showing up without feeling overwhelmed. KJ shares her signature 3-part framework, busts the myth that you need to âwait until youâve made itâ before pitching, and offers incredibly simple (yet powerful) ways to get noticed without a flashy agency.âš If youâve ever felt invisible in your industry or unsure of how to start sharing your story, this episode is your permission slip to step into the spotlight, one thoughtful pitch at a time.We also talk about:The biggest mistakes business owners make with PRHow one design client went from local to House Beautiful cover starTips to turn everyday questions into media goldWhat to post if you only have 30 minutes a weekWhy âtalking about yourself like you talk about your best friendâ is a mustđ§ Grab a glass, press play, and get pitchworthy. PR doesnât have to be intimidating, it just needs to be intentional.đ Connect with KJ:Instagram: @kjblattenbauerWebsite: hearsaypr.comJoin us for free networking and co-working in the Bubbles & Biz Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bubblesandbiz
Hey friends and welcome back to another episode of Bubbles & Biz! I know itâs Tuesday⊠not Monday. But life, am I right? Between school starting, a few injuries and illness, and just trying to get back into the swing of things, Iâm embracing the season Iâm in. âšIn todayâs episode, I share some quick but need-to-know marketing updates including new LinkedIn metrics, Instagram testing clickable links in posts (finally!), and some big AI news from Apple and a TikTok update. Then I take a more personal turn with a mindset reflection around loss, legacy, and why I jumped back into entrepreneurship nine years ago after losing my dad. â€ïžItâs a reminder to check in with your why, honor the journey, and make space for pivots if what youâre doing no longer aligns. Life is short, letâs build businesses that light us up! Thanks for sticking with me as I get back on schedule. Power Hours are back on Wednesdays, and our Friday Bubbles episodes are bubbling this week, too đ„đ Want these updates and freebies delivered to your inbox? Head to nb.marketing/hello to get on the list!
We're back!!!After an August break, Iâm SO excited to be back! In this episode, I dive into a brand-new Buffer report that analyzed 27 million Instagram posts and the findings might surprise you. From how often to post (spoiler: 3â5x per week = double the growth) to the surprising performance difference between Reels and carousels, I break down what âgoodâ engagement really means and how to build a content strategy that works.On the mindset side, Iâm sharing reflections from The Alchemist, specifically how the desires in our hearts are there for a reason. If youâve been feeling stuck or uncertain in your journey, this episode is a reminder to reconnect with your purpose and trust that the universe is conspiring to help you.âš Marketing momentum. âš Mindset clarity. âš All in under 10 minutes.So grab a glass and let's chat!
Hey y'all! đ Itâs August, and I wanted to let you know that Bubbles & Biz is taking a short summer break before coming back refreshed and ready for an exciting fall season. đ«¶In this episode, I shares why I'm pressing pause for the month! I have been fighting off a lingering cough, savoring the last days of summer with family, making some podcast updates and gearing up for a strong September comeback đ„I also drop a few quick marketing updates youâll want to know:Instagramâs Edits App: Why using it could boost your Reels reach.Google & AI Content: Why human involvement is still essential for ranking and reader trust.AI Search Updates: How Googleâs AI is pulling and displaying content differently (with a blog on https://nb.marketing/blog for more details).And for this weekâs mindset tip? I open up about the power of rest. Even for entrepreneurs who feel wired to hustle, taking time to slow down can lead to more creativity, clarity, and joy. I encourage you to listen to your intuition, embrace the pause, and trust that amazing things can still happen in the background. â€ïžThe podcast turns six years old this month, and I am SO grateful for every listener and guest who have been part of this incredible journey! đ„See y'all in September! đđBinge the website or book a free strategy session here: https://nb.marketing
This week on Bubbles & Biz: Marketing + Mindset Monday, I'm diving into two big topics that every entrepreneur should care about: smart PR moves and deep mindset work đ§ First up, we look at how Ryan Reynoldsâ ad agency, Maximum Effort, teamed up with Gwyneth Paltrow to help a brand turn a viral mishap into a clever PR opportunity đThen, we shift gears to explore the power of subconscious programming and I share a little of my personal journey of uncovering and rewiring deep-seated beliefs, explaining why true transformation goes beyond surface-level affirmations and into the operating system of your mind. âšIf youâve been working on your mindset but still feel âstuck,â this episode is for you đ«¶Resources & Links:Watch the Gwyneth Paltrow x Maximum Effort video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vich2C-Tl7Q&ab_channel=AstronomerThe new blog on AI & SEO: nb.marketing/blogConnect with me on Instagram: @nb.mktg
It's Friday, y'all! Grab a glass and let's chat đ„What if leaving your dream job was actually the first step toward your dream life?In this episode of Bubbles & Biz, I sit down with Annie Franceschi, former Disney storyteller turned brand strategist, author, and host of the Establish Yourself podcast. Annie shares the powerful story of how walking away from the âperfectâ job led her to create a business that helps over 400 entrepreneurs find clarity, confidence, and connection through branding and storytelling.We chat about the difference between a dream job and a dream life, why so many of us struggle to describe what we do (and how to fix that!), and how to actually get more referrals by owning your message and following up with ease. đ€Annie also drops her favorite time-saving tools and mindset shifts that can help you grow a fulfilling business and enjoy your life. â€ïžIf youâre ready to embrace your story, simplify your message, and market with more ease and authenticity, this oneâs for you!âš Connect with Annie here: https://www.greateststorycreative.com
This week on Bubbles & Biz Power Hour, weâre diving deep into personal branding with Forbes-featured thought leader, author, and founder of Mashman Consulting Group, Isaac Mashman. đ„Isaac shares his journey from high school entrepreneur to branding expert, and breaks down his proprietary Identity Positioning strategy which is designed to help emerging and established public figures scale their influence authentically. đ«¶We unpack the real meaning of personal branding, how to build a standout presence online, and the mindset shifts required to overcome imposter syndrome and take up space.From practical social media tips to cultivating credibility and consistency, Isaac delivers real talk and a step-by-step framework you can use to start amplifying your personal brand today.đĄ Tune in for the conversation, then use the next 30 minutes to implement the 3 powerful actions Isaac shares at the end of the episode: 1. Decide that you want to be a public figure (be ok with being visible)2. Decide what you're trying to achieve: money, mission, vanity or all 33. Create your strategy! Connect with Isaac here: https://www.isaacmashman.comGrab his book Personal Branding: A Manifesto on Fame and Influence anywhere books are sold.
Welcome back to another Monday Marketing + Mindset episode of Bubbles & Biz đ„ Today, I'm diving into the most-clicked link from the latest newsletter which is about shareable content and how it fuels the algorithm. I break down 10 powerful content types you can start using to increase your reach, from âpermission slipsâ and cheat codes to shortcut lists and uplifting feel-good moments.Then we pivot into mindset with a heartfelt reminder that life is short and itâs okay to take the leap, make the change, or start fresh. If you've been waiting for a sign, this might be it. đ«Tune in, take notes, and remember: your business (and life) can look however you want it to.Need some marketing advice? Book a free strategy session here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh
Y'all don't want to miss this weekâs Power Hour! đ„ It is all about deep healing, aligned success, and letting go of whatâs not you. âš Iâm joined by holistic life + leadership coach Lonnie Mitchell, founder of Weightless Warrior, who helps ambitious women entrepreneurs expand their income, impact, and inner peace without burning out. â€ïžWe dive into:What it really means to regulate your nervous system (beyond the buzzwords)How to reclaim your identity and confidence through mindset + emotional healingWhy perfectionism, people-pleasing, and low energy are symptoms, not flawsA powerful nervous system grounding exercise you can do right nowHow to do an energy audit that sets the stage for your next level of successđ§ Listen in, then use the next 30 minutes to implement what we discussed. Start with nervous system regulation, follow with an energy audit, and get curious about who youâre becoming! Connect with Lonnie here: Lulubellalifestyle.comAnd here: @Lonniemitchell_ on IGNeed help with your marketing? Schedule a free strategy session here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh
Happy Monday and hope y'all had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend đToday, I'm diving into the most clicked article from last week, which is all about digital PR, plus and a powerful mindset shift to kick off your week. đ„In this solo episode, I share:A quick overview of what digital PR is and why it still mattersHow it boosts your SEO, brand visibility, and credibilityActionable ways to start getting featured using free tools like HARO and QwotedThe importance of quality over quantity in backlink strategiesA quick mindset boost inspired by Tim Ferriss: âSuccess is a learnable skill.âIf youâve been feeling like you need to have it all figured out before you start pitching, growing, or scaling, this episode is for you. đ«¶ Tune in for marketing tips, PR strategies, and a reminder that success comes from learning and taking imperfect action.đ§ Grab your favorite bubbly beverage and letâs go!Read the article here: https://neilpatel.com/blog/digital-prGrab a free strategy session here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh
In this weekâs Power Hour, Iâm joined by brand strategist and founder of Beechwood Farm Brand Consulting, Abby Feinberg, for a value-packed 30 minutes you wonât want to miss. đAbby has spent over a decade shaping experiences for powerhouse brands like Nike and Illumina and now sheâs bringing that big-brand clarity to small and mid-sized businesses. đ„łWe dive deep into:Why clarity beats being âthe bestâThe difference between brand strategy and brand activationHow to define what makes you unmistakably youWhat to do when your business evolves but your brand doesnâtHow to use your internal brand as your businessâs bouncer đȘ©Plus, Abby shares one of the best metaphors Iâve ever heard for personal branding!đ As always, take the next 30 minutes after the episode to reflect and work on your brand using Abbyâs actionable prompts!đ» Connect with Abby here:Website: www.beachwoodfarmconsulting.comInstagram: @beachwoodbrandcoWant a free marketing strategy session with me? Grab one here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh
This week on Bubbles & Biz, Iâm joined by transformational coach, somatics practitioner, and founder of the Metamorphosis Collective, Jakob Gricar. đ«If youâve ever felt stuck despite years of personal development, or found yourself hustling your way into burnout, this episode is for you!Jakob shares his incredible journey from growing up in Slovenia, through spiritual immersion in India and the jungles of the Amazon, to building a multi-six-figure business rooted in nervous system regulation and deep healing. We dive into how dysregulation shows up in entrepreneurs, why âwatering the rootsâ leads to effortless success, and how somatic awareness is the missing piece for many high performers. đ±We also talk about limiting money beliefs, subconscious patterns that keep us stuck, and the truth behind sustainable high performance. Jakobâs wisdom, presence, and clarity are a gift and this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and grounded. âšSo grab a glass and let's chat! đ„Connect with Jackob here: Jakobgricar.com
Welcome back to our Wednesday Power Hour! đ„łThis week Iâm joined by Candace Dudley, podcast guesting coach and host of the Better Brave podcast and weâre diving into how you can strategically use podcast guesting to grow your visibility, authority, and business. đ„After years in the classroom and juggling motherhood, Candace knew something had to change. Podcasting became her creative outletâand ultimately the launchpad for a thriving business and brand.In this quick but jam-packed episode, she walks us through how to:Tackle mindset blocks (bye imposter syndrome đ)Craft compelling podcast speaking topicsPitch hosts the right way (hint: skip the generic emails!)Avoid common mistakes guests makeTurn guesting into a long-term strategy that builds community and trustAt the end, Candace even gives you a simple homework assignment you can tackle in the next 30 minutes to get started right away!âš Grab your favorite drink, hit play, and then set your timer for 30 minutes of focused action after the episode! Connect with Candace here: https://www.candacedudley.comOverwhelmed with marketing? đ±Book a free strategy session with me here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh
Welcome back to Bubbles & Biz, where we raise a glass to small business owners and entrepreneurs! đ„In this Monday Marketing & Mindset episode, Iâm diving into AI-powered marketing and the key takeaways from a recent HubSpot article on how AI is shaping strategy, creativity, and customer experience in 2025 and beyond. đWeâll chat about:How marketers are actually using AI (and whatâs working)Why human creativity still matters more than everWays to start incorporating AI into your content and customer experienceAnd of course, a little mindset boost to help you start your week strong đȘWhether youâre curious about AI or feeling behind, this episode breaks it down simply and gives you practical tips to stay ahead.đ§ Want to build a smarter marketing strategy without the overwhelm? Book a free 30-minute strategy session with me at https://nb.marketing and letâs map it out together!Here is the link to the article mentioned in the episode: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/ai-marketing
This week on Bubbles & Biz, Iâm popping bubbly with brand strategist, truth-teller, and community builder Kelly Brito đŸKelly is the founder of Brand Hive and Defiant Studio and has over 20 years in the branding world! She is on a mission to help women entrepreneurs break free from bland marketing and confidently own what makes them different. đWe dive into everything from the power of differentiation and personal branding (spoiler: you are not your brand!) to her thoughts on the branding mistakes too many business owners still make. đ«Kelly also shares how she went from coding websites to building a buzzing community of ambitious founders, plus why she ditched traditional networking and started hosting sold-out events across NYC. đœGrab your glass and join us as we talk:Why different is better than betterColor psychology + brand distinctionThe power of Threads (the platform, not fashion)AI tools she actually usesAnd yes... vampire balls. đŠđžKellyâs unapologetic, insightful, and wildly fun, this is one convo you donât want to miss!đ Connect with her: https://brandhive.socialđŹ DM her on Threads or IG: @brandhive
Hey y'all! Even though itâs Thursday, weâre diving into a special Monday-style Marketing + Mindset episode! đ€©In todayâs chat, I break down Googleâs brand new Search Live update which is a major move toward real-time, voice-based AI search. đ€ This is a BIG shift for small business marketing, and Iâm sharing three simple strategies to keep your content showing up: focus on questions, optimize for voice + snippets, and boost your authority with backlinks. đThen we shift gears into mindset and dig into a powerful quote from Cameron Hanes: "Learn to control your fear or your fear will control you." â€ïžWhether your business is in a summer slowdown or youâre just feeling off, this oneâs for you! Youâve got this. Iâm cheering you on always đ«¶P.S. Iâve got an amazing interview episode dropping tomorrow with the fabulous Kelly Brito, you donât want to miss it đ„Learn more about the update here: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-launches-search-live-real-time-voice-search-in-ai-mode/549298/Get your free strategy session here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/strategysesh