In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m shaking things up by exploring creative alternatives to the typical Black Friday frenzy. With November 28th fast approaching, I delve into ideas that align more closely with our values and economic realities, offering refreshing concepts like coworking sessions, clear out Friday, and client love day. The aim is to foster peace and alignment during a time known for chaos and consumption. Let's think of Black Friday not just as a shopping day, but as an opportunity for growth, creativity, and meaningful connection—concepts you can implement even if they go against the norm. I assure you, you don’t have to boycott Black Friday, but you can certainly tailor it to fit your business ethos. After all, business should reflect who we are, not just what everyone else is doing.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Cassie from Stardrop Cleaning. We took a deep dive into her fascinating career change from a voiceover artist to a cleaning business owner, focusing on the neurodivergent community. Cassie shared her love for Twitch, a live streaming platform she has been passionate about for years. Together, we explored the vast opportunities Twitch offers for businesses beyond gaming, including her own unique approach with cleaning and co-working streams. From sharing insights about body doubling to organizing tasks online, Cassie highlighted practical applications for business owners interested in tapping into the Twitch community. Her journey exemplifies how exploring new platforms can fuel business growth and align with personal passions. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Explore Twitch for unique business exposure. 2. Body doubling motivates task completion. 3. Co-working streams enhance productivity. 4. Authenticity attracts the right audience. 5. Streaming can complement existing business strategies. https://stardropcleaning.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/stardropcleaning/ https://www.facebook.com/stardrop.cleaning.au/ https://www.twitch.tv/stardropcleaning https://au.pinterest.com/stardropcleaning/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/stardrop-cleaning E: cassie.stardrop.cleaning@gmail.com
In this episode, we dive deep with Jo, an experienced graphic designer and the founder of Creativault. Jo shares her journey from starting as a freelancer to creating Joanne Tapodi Creative. We explore how she launched Creativault to connect creatives and offer them a platform to collaborate and support each other. Jo discusses the importance of community, particularly post-COVID, and shares insights into managing both online and in-person meetups. We also ponder delightful possibilities for Creativault's growth, driven by Jo's passion for collaboration. Whether you're a creative professional or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on the value of community in fostering growth and success. ### Key Takeaways: 1. Community can transform solo work into fulfilling collaboration. 2. Online directories can serve dual purposes: visibility and community. 3. Regular meetups keep community connections strong. 4. Passion projects can evolve into valuable businesses. 5. Thoughtful event organization fosters deeper connections. http://www.joannetapodicreative.com.au https://www.instagram.com/joannetapodicreative/ https://www.facebook.com/joannetapodicreative https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannetapodicreative/ https://au.pinterest.com/JoanneTapodiCreative/ https://www.creativault.com.au https://www.instagram.com/creativault.au/ https://www.facebook.com/creativault https://www.linkedin.com/company/99393215
Today, I had an insightful conversation with my friend and business ally, Kasia from McNaught Media. We delved into the intricacies of Facebook (Meta) ads, a field where Kasia excels, especially in the e-commerce domain. Despite common fears around ad spending, Kasia reassures us that understanding metrics like ROAS (return on ad spend) is crucial for tracking the success of ad investments. She shares her effective strategies, highlighting her preference for nurturing relationships with fewer clients for a more personalized approach. Kasia also discusses the benefits of leveraging AI and automation in the latest e-commerce campaigns and offers practical insights for businesses, emphasizing the importance of a solid marketing strategy, which goes beyond just ad management to include aspects like email marketing. Her refreshing perspective is both enlightening and encouraging for business owners aiming to maximize their ad efforts. www.kasiajones.com.au McNaught Media Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Reseources we mentioned in the episode - Design Check App: - Meta Reel Templates:
Hey there, welcome to episode 172 of The Social Circus! If you missed the first part of this series, make sure to catch it for the full picture. Today, we're diving into the final three of my six-marketing pillars beyond social media. First up is podcasting and long-form content, which I absolutely love for its deep connection capabilities. Then, we delve into digital products and funnels, my happy place, where you can scale impact and income without burnout. Lastly, we discuss the power of human connection and word of mouth. These tips are not just theoretical but actionable steps to expand your marketing repertoire. Invest your efforts in areas that resonate with your energy, values, and current business season. Enjoy these insights and remember to reflect on your new marketing actions! **Key Takeaways:** 1. Long-form content fosters deeper audience connections. 2. Digital products offer scalability without burnout. 3. Human connections enhance word-of-mouth marketing. 4. Email funnels guide curious clients to commitment. 5. Trust is more valuable than tactics in marketing.
Hey there, lovely listeners! Today, I kicked off the first part of a super insightful two-part series based on one of my most popular webinars, "Beyond the Scroll: Marketing Without Social Media." We're diving into why so many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by social media and how significant changes in 2025 have made it even more challenging. My focus today is on three key pillars of marketing: email marketing, SEO and evergreen content, and collaborations. I shared actionable insights on nurturing genuine connections through emails, leveraging the power of SEO to keep your content working for you, and exploring collaborations for greater reach. These strategies offer a holistic approach to marketing that feels more sustainable and aligned with our values. I'm really excited for you to try these out and can't wait to continue this journey next week! --> Webinar: Beyond the Scroll: Marketing Without Social Media ### Key Takeaways 1. Build your email list—it’s your most valuable marketing asset. 2. Leverage SEO to boost long-term visibility and relevance. 3. Collaborations expand reach and introduce your brand to new audiences. 4. Evergreen content ensures you’re always findable online. 5. Nurture relationships to create genuine, effective marketing.
In this episode, I have an enriching conversation with Nina from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle. Nina shares her journey into podcasting, sparked by her passion to help parents discover calm and joy in their parenting journey. She candidly discusses the process of starting her podcast "Mindful Parenting Lifestyle" in 2025, offering insights on overcoming technical challenges, and the importance of crafting content that resonates with listeners. We also dive into her personal tips on using AI in podcast preparation and her strategies to ensure episodes offer actionable advice for parents. This episode is a gem for aspiring podcasters and anyone eager to add more mindfulness into their daily interactions. We delve into themes of authenticity, the joy of podcasting, and valuable tactics that can aid in podcasting and parenting alike. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Start podcasting with a clear purpose. 2. Use AI to refine your podcast script. 3. Small changes can make big impacts. 4. Tailor your podcast to your lifestyle. 5. Podcasting fosters business confidence. Website Facebook Instagram
In this episode, I'm joined by the ever-insightful Marianne of Thrive Admin Services, a recurring guest who never fails to deliver fresh insights. We dive deep into the world of tech stacks and explore the vast potential of Microsoft 365 tools. Maz shares her journey from corporate EA to Microsoft 365 trainer, highlighting her passion for creating flexible systems that cater to individual business needs. We discuss the allure of shiny new tech and the importance of finding a methodology that resonates with how you think and work. Maz also introduces us to lesser-known Microsoft tools like Teams, Bookings, and Power Automate, illustrating how these can effectively replace several other paid applications and integrate seamlessly with your existing stack. You'll appreciate Maz's practical advice that's relevant for listeners eager to streamline their operations and enhance tech efficiency. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Embrace Microsoft tools you already pay for. 2. Customize your tech stack for personal workflow. 3. Explore Teams as a viable Zoom alternative. 4. Power Automate eases manual processes. 5. Systems should adapt to you, not vice versa. www.thriveadmin.com https://www.facebook.com/thriveadmin https://www.instagram.com/thriveadminservices/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-tansley/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-B05_2yxkmrE3-Vxqd8LFw
In this episode, I explore the latest in AI with the release of GPT-5 by OpenAI. I discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of this new version, touching on the accessibility across all plans and its alleged improved conversational abilities. However, I candidly share my skepticism, highlighting issues like hallucinations, sycophantic responses, and the broader ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. I emphasize the importance of cross-checking AI outputs with verified sources and maintaining our creative spirit. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial for us to navigate these changes responsibly, using AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, our unique human contributions. Join me in this insightful session as we ponder the role of AI in our lives and businesses. Key Takeaways: 1. Always verify AI-generated information. 2. Maintain your creative spirit alongside AI. 3. Understand AI's limitations like hallucinations. 4. Keep informed on AI ethical challenges. 5. Leverage AI responsibly for business optimization.
In this episode of The Social Circus, I dived deep into a topic that's not widely discussed but crucial for every entrepreneur - boundaries in business. I shared insights on how to identify the signs of weak boundaries like exhaustion, feeling undervalued, or dealing with resentment. I discussed why it's essential to establish and maintain boundaries, not just with clients but also within ourselves regarding work hours and personal time. I recounted my own experiences in setting boundaries and how they ebbed and flowed according to life stages. By sharing personal anecdotes, I aimed to shed light on how boundaries can prevent burnout, encourage creativity, and enable us to sustain our businesses in the long run. Tune in and discover how you can strengthen your business boundaries and avoid the common pitfalls that might lead to burnout. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Recognize signs of weak boundaries: exhaustion, resentment. 2. Clearly define personal and work time limits. 3. Adjust boundaries as life and business evolve. 4. Firm boundaries prevent burnout and promote creativity. 5. Flexibility is possible, but consistency is key.
In this exciting episode, I’m thrilled to share that The Social Circus Podcast has been recognized at the Ausmumpreneur Awards, ranking second in the Podcast of the Year category! Today, I dive into a fascinating topic: custom GPTs and how they can revolutionize the way you operate your business. I break down the differences between standard chats and projects that help you stay organized. Custom GPTs, which are bots tailored for specific needs, can enrich your audience's learning experiences by providing interactive guidance based on your own unique methodologies. I also discuss the impact these tools can have on both teaching and learning, emphasizing shortcuts they create for busy entrepreneurs. Whether you're in coaching or online education, embracing custom GPTs is a game changer. Find out more at the Build a Bot workshop. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Custom GPTs enhance learning and ease for your audience. 2. Use projects for detailed organization in business planning. 3. Regular chats are useful for brainstorming and casual inquiries. 4. Don’t spend excessively to learn about custom GPTs—affordable workshops are available! 5. Explore existing custom GPTs for inspiration and practical use.
In this episode, I have an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anita Heiss about her journey as an author and her mission to improve representation within Australian literature. We discuss how her background shaped her aspirations and her groundbreaking decision to launch Bungee, an imprint focused on First Nations authors. Anita shares powerful insights into why representation matters, not just in literature but in all areas of society. Her journey highlights the importance of telling stories from diverse perspectives and using authentic voices to reclaim history and identity. We also explore Anita’s experiences writing in underrepresented genres and her commitment to mentorship in empowering new voices. This episode is filled with practical advice for aspiring authors and insight into the changing landscape of publishing. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Read extensively in your desired genre to become a better writer. 2. Understand the significance of representation and storytelling from diverse perspectives. 3. Start your own publishing imprint to amplify underrepresented voices. 4. Embrace honesty in writing to reflect personal experiences and culture. 5. It's never too late to pursue your passion and start your author journey. www.anitaheiss.com https://linktr.ee/dranitaheiss Dr Anita Heiss AM (@dranitaheiss) https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-heiss-am-dlitt Anita Heiss Author on TikTok Anita Heiss E; curringa@ozemail.com.au
In this episode, I chat with Mel from Little Biz about the rapidly changing landscape of websites and online business. Mel shares her journey into entrepreneurship, starting from humble beginnings with a focus on helping micro-businesses access valuable coaching. We dive deep into the importance of WordPress, the benefits of page builders like Elementor for easier website updates, and the necessity of regular website maintenance to avoid critical errors. Mel emphasizes the significance of understanding SEO and how crucial it is to configure websites for search visibility. We also discuss the importance of retaining control over your own online presence, advocating that websites and email lists are essential assets. Our conversation is packed with practical advice that every business owner can use to elevate their online presence, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their digital footprint. **Key Takeaways:** 1. WordPress offers customizable options for building and managing websites. 2. Front-end page builders like Elementor simplify website updates for non-tech users. 3. Regular website maintenance is crucial to avoid errors and security issues. 4. SEO is essential for enhancing visibility; understanding search intent is key. 5. Owning your website and email list is vital for controlling your online presence. https://littlebiz.com.au @littlebizfoundations on FB & Insta https://au.pinterest.com/littlebizfoundations/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/littlebiz
In this episode, I dive deep into my recent 30-day Substack challenge, where I committed to daily blogging and utilized AI, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance my writing. I discuss my past blogging experiences and how I hoped to bring personality into my content, blending my authentic voice with AI's capabilities. Along the way, I share my firsthand experiences of being a beginner on Substack, the power of community interaction it fosters, and the excitement of curating an ad-free newsfeed free of digital noise. Listeners will learn how to make the most of this platform and why it might be the ideal space to foster deeper connections with their audience. Join me as I reflect on the challenges and joys of this creative journey! **Key Takeaways:** 1. Use AI to support your writing, not replace it. 2. Infuse your unique voice into AI-generated content. 3. Explore the importance of user-friendly platforms like Substack. 4. Engage with your audience for meaningful feedback and interaction. 5. Embrace your beginner status to foster personal growth in digital skills.
In today's episode, I'm diving into how to get recommended by ChatGPT – a topic I stumbled upon recently but quickly saw its potential for business growth. I discuss how AI is no longer on the horizon; it's already here, and it's crucial for competitive advantage. I explain how being active on ChatGPT offers visibility through reputation signals and strong profiles and emphasize the importance of creating your own custom GPT. By doing so, you take control of your brand's narrative, ensuring that the AI recommends you as a trusted authority. My practical tips include enhancing your online presence and using custom GPTs effectively, so you’re not waiting for opportunities but actively creating them. Get ready to embrace AI as not just a tool, but an extension of your business identity.
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunita, a corporate medium and mindset coach. We dove into the importance of understanding our energy and addressing internal blocks to thrive in business. Sunita shared her transformative journey, from her corporate past to becoming a medium after a personal tragedy. We discussed how personal growth and spiritual development go hand-in-hand, emphasizing that as business owners, we must acknowledge our limitations and the energy we project. Sunita highlighted the significance of self-awareness, encouraging listeners to embrace their challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Her insights resonate deeply for anyone eager to elevate their business and personal lives. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Self-awareness is vital for overcoming business blocks. 2. Address internal beliefs to unlock potential and success. 3. Energy impacts business interactions; be your true self. 4. Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth. 5. Understanding your ‘why’ fuels motivation and direction.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lily from Align Marketing. We discussed the importance of niching down and how it can help service providers attract their ideal clients. Lily emphasizes that many entrepreneurs hesitate to choose a niche, fearing they might miss out on potential clients. However, the key takeaway is that specificity in messaging fosters better connections. We explored how to hone messaging to reflect one's true selves and align it with their values, which is crucial in these tough economic times. I found our conversation both insightful and heartening, as Lily shared that simplifying messaging and focusing on what lights us up can drive success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to refine their marketing journey with authenticity and confidence. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Niching down allows for clarity in messaging and client attraction. 2. Specificity in marketing helps connect with the right audience. 3. Focusing on personal skills and passions enhances authenticity. 4. It’s important to simplify offerings, especially in tough times. 5. Marketing should align with personal values for lasting joy.
In today's episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Rachel Johns, a multi-talented bestselling author who revealed her journey into the world of writing and entrepreneurship. We touched on the evolution of her career, highlighting that being an author today requires a strong marketing strategy beyond just writing. Rachel shared her experience transitioning to Substack, telling us about the organic growth of her readership and how this platform combines aspects of blogging and social media. We dove into her innovative approach to creating a paid subscription model for her readers and the unique interactive elements that Substack offers, including her plan to write serial fiction. Join us as we explore practical tips for authors looking to establish their online presence and the exciting possibilities Substack brings to the literary community. Pink Ink https://www.instagram.com/rachaeljohnsisanauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/RachaelJohnsRomance https://www.rachaeljohns.com https://rachaeljohnsauthor.substack.com
In today's solo episode, I dive into the platform Substack, urging you to explore its potential for your business. Launched in 2017 and still privately owned, Substack has become a space for independent writers to publish newsletters and earn money through subscriptions. With over 20 million monthly active subscribers, this platform presents an alternative to traditional social media channels. I'm also sharing my personal journey as I undertake a 30-day Substack challenge to document my writing process, where I'll be posting daily and utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance my content. I encourage you to see Substack as an opportunity to share insights, connect with your audience, and potentially monetize your passions in a more manageable way. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Substack allows independent writers to monetize their content easily. 2. Writing daily can help build a connection with your audience. 3. You can utilize AI tools to enhance your writing process. 4. Substack offers a clean and simplistic user interface for easy navigation. 5. Consider Substack if you're looking for an alternative way to connect with your community.
In today's episode, I had a conversation with Melissa, owner of MelissaMade with Love, about the crucial role of self-care in our busy lives. We delved into her entrepreneurial journey and how her passion for skincare merged with a mission to foster mindfulness in daily routines. One standout insight was her approach of "micro moments" of self-care, emphasizing that even brief, mindful practices can create a significant impact. Melissa encouraged us to treat daily tasks, like caring for our skin, as rituals rather than chores, highlighting how this mindfulness can decrease stress and enhance well-being. We shared practical tips for integrating self-care into our densely packed schedules and explored her beliefs about the importance of human connection in building supportive wellness practices. Overall, the conversation underlines the idea that self-care doesn’t need to be grand but can be elegantly woven into the fabric of our daily rhythms. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Practice self-care through micro moments in daily routines. 2. Mindfulness in simple tasks transforms them into rituals. 3. Small, consistent practices lead to significant wellbeing improvements. 4. Prioritize connection and touch to enhance mental health. 5. Self-care can fit into busy schedules without added pressure.