The Workshop Weekly

With Rick Magennis By now most of us are familiar with the concept of affiliate marketing. It is basically being paid to promote a product or service using your own network and influence. And yes, you do have influence being paid to promote something that you actually like to people who trust your recommendations is a pretty cool gig and many of the programs and products that you already use and love offer affiliate programs. Rick Magennis has been an affiliate marketing guru for nearly a decade, with most of that time managing affiliate programs for other brands. He believes in growing sales the right way for his clients. And Rick is the president and founder of Bearcat Media Media an affiliate marketing agency. They're all about driving the right results for each client. He has recently run a whole event dedicated to affiliate management best practices for brands called affiliate management Expo. I am really looking forward to this conversation with Rick today and I think you're about to learn a whole lot about affiliate marketing, whether you are running an affiliate marketing program yourself for your business, or if you're thinking about being an affiliate as an individual. So let's get started. In this episode, Rick talks about: How starting out as an affiliate inspired Rick to be the affiliate marketing expert that he is today. 2:04What is an affiliate marketer and how do you make money being one? 4:31Basic steps to getting started as an affiliate marketer. 6:58Protecting your own credibility by - promoting products and services that you actually stand behind. 8:53Getting started using affiliate marketing in your own business. 11:07Determining the right amount of commission for referrals. 13:09Affiliate management software to help you get off the ground and running. 16:14Affiliate marketing strategy, the do's and don'ts. 21:44Quality over quantity, finding the best affiliates for the job and setting them up for success. 23:47The ethics of affiliate marking and how to implement ethical practices. 28:57 I love that we focused on the idea of promoting products that you truly use and love. Affiliate marketing has gotten a bad rap lately and there are a million examples of people using unethical practices to make a sale. You can tell when someone isn't being sincere in their promotion and it certainly doesn't help build the trust factor... run far away from those folks. But if you really do love something, earning a nice tip for sharing it is a great way to make a passive income. I know I trust people in my networks for recommendations over cold and undirected advertisements. Start today by making a list of products or services that you already use and see if they currently offer a program that you can join. When it is time to start your own affiliate marketing program in your business, be sure that your affiliates first of all truly love what you're selling. And second of all, and this one is important. You want to double ensure that your affiliates values align with your values. Because remember, they are an extension of you and your brand. Honesty is the best policy here. Until next time workshop warrior. Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me today. I just love hanging out. So let's do it again next week. Bye for now. Connect with Rick: Website: https://affiliateprogrammanagement.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-magennis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearcatmediaSEO/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearcatmediallc/ Mentioned in this episode The Rick Magennis Podcast Affiliate marketing software: ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, Shopify, WooCommerce, Affiliatly What you need to know to start and affiliate program - Blog A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Shannon Droeske Ethics and marketing. Sometimes we struggle to reconcile the two especially as we mindlessly scroll. With the rise of the Internet and the boom of social media as a marketing platform. We are bombarded with messages every single day. These messages and the tactics used to push them can be expertly crafted, and based on psychology to target people in unethical ways, often exploiting vulnerabilities. And I don't know about you, but that doesn't sit well with me. Today's guest Shannon Droeske, has spent nearly 15 years in the marketing industry, she is on a mission to create a more ethical and inclusive online business culture. And she refuses to engage in tired sales and marketing strategies devised by the good old boys, and is committed to cultivating new paths that raise the standard of what it means to do business as usual. I am so excited to chat about ethical marketing with Shannon today, you have no idea I need a different word because exciting isn't a good enough word anymore. This topic has swept me off the ground and I could literally talk about it for days. In this episode, Shannon talks about: How she came to be a marketing expert and the types of clients she serves. 2:51What it means to be an ethical marketer, using that power for good, and the psychology behind it. 5:48The harm of “Bro-marketting”. 10:08Emotional decision making and how traditional marketing plays on that vulnerability. 11:26Protecting ourselves from harmful marketing and the role of shame. 15:17How to sell in a way that's ethical. 20:09Advice for people as they navigate a toxic self-help industry and the marketing that supports it. 23:00How to further in understanding marketing and use it for a force of good. 40:21 Take a step back, give yourself a minute, and then connect back to why am I doing this in the first place? Why this product? Why this service? And what's that ripple effect?Shannon Droeske I think we can all remember a time when we’ve individually been suckered by unethical marketing techniques...like that pretty dress impulse purchase that graced my scroll and arrived at my doorstep looking absolutely nothing like it did in the cute video of the tanned model twirling and the return shipping cost as much as the dress so I was stuck with a pile of cheap fabric and a garment that looked like a… I won't get into that.. .  but, it doesn’t feel good to be on the receiving end of sneaky marketing tactics so why would we use these same techniques in our own businesses? Our businesses are our greatest tool to create change, and building this change-making machine requires marketing… and that is okay! Ensuring that our marketing efforts are focused on helping people and not just lining pockets will ensure that our message is authentic and truly resonates with people who would buy our products anyway… they just need to know they exist!  It is a beautiful thing to help another human. I think it is safe to say that, if you are listening to this episode, you have a product or service that you can feel good about marketing to the world because you know it will help someone. And I know you’re here because you care more about that than the money anyway. I mean, we live n a capitalist world, so money is great, but the REAL currency in life is the quality of your relationships, in my humble opinion. I would love to know if you agree. I really love Shannons advice of defining success for yourself, and not what is showing up on your Instagram feed, curated by people who are trying to define success for you. So, pay attention. When you see a fit body, fancy car, handbag or house, in your scroll, I challenge you to dig a little deeper before you decide this is the true picture of success. In a world where hussle culture is doing more harm than good, Shannon recommends that we take a step back and re-connect to our why. Don’t lose touch with why you started this business of yours in the first place. And remember, your legacy is not your paycheque. We might have to continue this conversation in a part two, I could talk quite literally about this topic for days. Connect with Shannon: Websites: https://shannondroeske.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannondroeske/ A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Amy Lafko Making the move from a solopreneur to a teampreneur can be daunting and, frankly, a little terrifying. And, If I know you, I know you are probably trying to do all the things by yourself because you think it’s just easier that way. Maybe you are even listening to this podcast as you juggle five other tasks… no judgement my friend. It’s part of what makes you so amazing. Well, today's guest, Amy Lafko, is here to offer her best tips and tricks to make the move to hire, and help business owners and leaders dedicate their time where it is most needed. Amy brings the secrets of the People 1st Paradigm to companies everywhere. Working with clients to transform their organisation and their leadership, Amy’s mission is to shift the way owners and leaders view the lifecycle of their employees. If you are thinking of expanding your human resources or onboarding new talent, this is the episode for you! In this episode, Amy talks about: Amy's journey to becoming the Human Resources guru that she is today. 2:21Why it is important to listen to your team and the risks when you don't. 3:45How setting up clear expectations will help put you on the path to success and focus your energies. 5:49The delegation game changer, how to let go of tasks that someone else can handle. 7:35Being CEO-centric and hiring right, the first time. 10:58Tools and assessments to make sure you are finding the right fit for your team. 14:56How to fully step into your CEO 19:31Interviewing and onboarding new team members and the value of regular check ins. 20:54Achieving work/life balance while running a successful business. 24:25Amy's upcoming book and key accountabilities template. 28:10 Please go make your list of everything that you're doing in your business. And then once you've got that laundry list, start paring it down. I want you to look at what do you love doing, what's your zone of genius what takes your talent. And then I want you to start to figure out how do I shed the rest of it, how do I build a team, so that I can do what I do well, and move the rest to other people.Amy Lafko The moral of the story is: if you put all the time and attention into your customers while skipping over your staff, you are going to have a bad time.  And, consider this your permission slip to delegate and pass off work that is not within your zone of genius, because doing so will actually help your business!  By being crystal clear with your expectations, you aren’t being unpleasant, you are setting up your potential hire for success. Take advantage of the many tools out there to ensure that you are hiring the best staff for you and your business, because remember, what you are really hiring is an extension of you and your brand.  This episode has inspired me to take Amy up on her advice to make a complete list of everything I do in my own business and start figuring out what else I can outsource so I can focus on what I love to do. I suggest you do it too! I can’t wait to check her book that comes out this summer Thank you for joining me for yet another episode. You’re the reason I do it! Bye for now! Connect with Amy: Websites: https://cairncs.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.lafko1/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cairn-consulting-solutions/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-lafko/ Mentioned in this episode: People First: a Proven Method for Exceptional Healthcare Practice Key Accountabilities Template A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Katie Wight Surveys say that 68% of people do not think that brands share interesting content. Yikes! Social media has really become an essential platform for businesses to connect with their customers so using it effectively is important, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy. People connect with a brand when it has a personality and our next guest is here to teach us just how to perform our content.  Katie is the founder of KW Content, global content and social media marketing agency that develops and launches content and social media programs for purpose-driven brands. Her newest project is called Strong Brand Social and they provide social media marketing education that empowers small brands to develop their own high-performing marketing programs that are guaranteed to drive growth. Katie helps to simplify the process and demystify the art of social media marketing to offer focus, efficiency, and measurable results to small business owners, brand directors, and social media marketers. I definitely learned new things during our conversation today and i am sure you will too! Let’s dig in! In this episode, Katie talks about: Katie’s own entrepreneurial journey and her background in marketing. 2:17Creative marketing and performance marketing... What is the difference and why that matters. 5:27Why it is important to keep your branding and social strategy in house. 6:42The difference between connecting with a brand V.S. an individual on social media. 8:54Examples of brands who personify their social media accounts. 10:25Tips to bring these strategies into your own business and brand. 12:43How to discover what customers/clients really want to see from your brand. 17:51The narrative of your brand, weaving storytelling into your content as a strategy. 21:21Don't reinvent the wheel, how to recycle your content effectively. 24:25Get one step closer to being more strategic with your content with these tips. 29:15 Build it, and they will come.  I loved this conversation because it stressed that you really do need to focus on building a community that your audience can visualize themselves in and help them connect with your brand. Imagining your brand as a single person with a very specific personality allows you to authentically reach your audience and understanding the type of information that your audience is seeking is sure to stop their scroll. Centering your customer in your brand story is a sure fire way to help them connect with your fabulous offer. Thank you for making me a part of your day today. It is always such an honour.  Until next week, bye for now. Connect with Katie: Websites: https://kwcontent.com/ and https://www.strongbrandsocial.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kwcontent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwcontent/ Mentioned in this episode: Glossier on Instagram as a great example! Are you a growing brand that’s looking to scale? Get Katie's guide on the 7 proven steps we take that work every single time. Visit the website to download! A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With D. Nadia Brown Sometimes, sales can just feel icky. Like, have you ever started a conversation with someone and things were going great and then BAM comes the sales pitch. The rest of the conversation can feel awkward and forced.  Not only does it suck to be on the receiving end of an unwanted sales pitch but it can also be uncomfortable when it comes time for you to make a pitch… gatta pay those bills right? Today’s guest here is to take the pressure out of sales and build a sales process that converts consistently without feeling salesy. Dr. Nadia Brown is a sales strategist, consultant, trainer, and founder of The Doyenne Agency. She works with business owners, companies, and corporations sales teams using the Consistent Sales Method™ and is the author of the book Selling Like a Lady: Courage Diary book. She brings over fifteen years of leadership experience helping people achieve their goals while respecting people and our relationships with them. Dr. Nadia’s clients have seen real results and I am so excited to dig into this conversation with her. Because guess what, You can be in business and make money in a way that respects people and your relationships with them. What Dr Nadia has to say might surprise you and in the very least, it will leave you feeling a lot less icky about selling. Are you ready? In this episode, Dr. Nadia talks about: How a love/hate relationship with sales inspired her to find a new way to sell and build her business. 2:30How we can sell without feeling “icky” about it. 4:59How to build a sales process that converts consistently. 9:02What it looks like to nurture somebody who may become your customer in the future and build a pipeline. 11:09Getting started and scoring your leads. 12:56Qualifying leads, why quality is better than quantity. 14:52Dealing with objections and why you don't need to overcome them. 20:59How to help someone believe your product is worth it and see the value that you offer. 24:03The number one secret to relationship driven sales. 27:15Overcoming your fear of "selling". 31:05Prioritizing activities that promote you offer. 32:48Dr. Nadia Brown’s book: Selling like a Lady and her fabulous free resource. 34:25 Commit to taking imperfect action, it won't be perfect, just do it. Just take the action.Dr. Nadia Brown I feel significantly less icky about sales after this conversation with Dr. Nadia. It really is about building and nurturing a genuine relationship with your customer. It is totally okay that your product or service isn’t for everyone so count those unsubscribes as a blessing that you can now focus your valuable attention on those who get the most value from your offer. Investing in a relationship is never a waste of time. Most people don’t get married on the first date and I hope this chat with Dr. Nadine helps you feel more confident on your “first date” with a potential customer. Maybe that person will like you so much that they are willing to go on another date, and another, and another… you get the point.  Until next time, Workshop Warrior! Connect with Dr. Nadia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrNadia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnadia/ Website: https://thedoyenneagency.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DoyenneLeadership1 Mentioned in this episode: Courageous Conversations That Convert Checklist Selling Like a Lady - Dr. Nadia Brown A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Doris Fullgrabe Do you know your personality type? The internet is full of personality tests of all types. Knowing your personality type is more than just fun, it can be incredibly useful in your everyday life and business. Understanding why you behave and think the way you do will help you optimize your own productivity and effectiveness. Today's guest, Doris Fullgrabe, is a Myers-Briggs®Master Practitioner, an accredited coach, and licensed to facilitate a number of other psychological type models. After 10 years in leadership development and preparing expat couples for their international assignments, she now works with individuals, business owners, and couples who want to feel more connected to themselves and each other.  I love personality tests and I can’t wait to dig into this fun and interesting topic with Doris to learn how to make your personality work for you. In this episode, Doris talks about: How Doris came to be a Myers-Briggs master practitioner. 2:19An introduction to personality foundations - what are they and how they can help you as an entrepreneur. 3:53How understanding your personality type can be used as a tool to help your clients. 6:16Different personality tests and their scope, why Myers Briggs is different. 8:54Demystifying personality type acronyms. 14:25Changes in personality and developing as a well rounded person. 16:54Societal expectations and how they shape our perceptions of ourselves... and why they are often wrong. 21:45Digging deeper - Questions that entrepreneurs can ask themselves. 25:01Outline of Myers-Briggs personality types and key entrepreneurial traits. 34:15Personality types and trails. 36:24Recognizing personality based stress triggers and tips on dealing with them. 43:03 You already know what's right for you. Honor your preferences. You're in business for yourself because you want to do it your way. So don't get distracted by how other people do. There's, I think it was Roosevelt who said, comparison is the thief of joy. So go with your energy because life is hard enough right now, do the stuff that you like, Know thyself, love thyself, and the rest is gravy.Doris Fullgrabe I have the tab open right now to sign up for Doris’s course and I have her free resource bookmarked. I am totally going to take her up on that discovery call too! I love how she approaches this topic like your personality is your superpower that can be used to our advantage. Her tips are practical and you can implement them today and see a real difference in your personal and professional life. Knowing yourself intimately and using that knowledge to leverage your strengths will help you honor your preferences which is the whole reason you became an entrepreneur...right? I hope that you enjoyed this episode, thank you so much for joining us today, and until next week workshop warriors, let that personality of yours shine so bright you’ll need UV protection. Ok. That was lame. Until next week my friend. Connect with Doris: Coaching - www.dorisfullgrabe.com Couples Premarital Prep - www.yourloveprofiles.com Mentioned in this episode: 16personalities.com Personality Type Self Discovery - Find Your Best Fit Pattern Youtube - Self Discovery Best Fit Mindset Who Are You at Your Core Quiz A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Connie Vanderzanden Money is always an uncomfortable topic. I mean, people don’t joyously chit chat about taxes and financial planning at the dinner table, right? I think it is safe to say that most entrepreneurs just want to do the work but many of us are guilty of putting financial planning on the back burner. We all know that we need to get cozy with our business finances but just seem to get stuck and continue with bad habits. Today's guest, Connie Vanderzanden, is on a mission to help entrepreneurs live the lifestyles they desire by learning the simple steps, structure, and discipline to create and save money. With 34 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, a variety of industry knowledge, and her own real-life business growth journey since 2001, Connie developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System, focusing on cash flow planning that creates profitable and sustainable businesses. Connie is here to help you get on track and turn your cash eating business into a self sustaining machine that actually pays you. In this episode, Connie talks about: What brought Connie into the world of money and finances and why she loves mentoring businesses. 3:32The common mistakes people make that puts them in tough financial positions and how to avoid them. 5:47Starting the journey to transform your cash eating business to a money eating machine. 10:54Tips to understanding your most basic and minimal financial commitments. 13:48Setting up a cash handling system. 17:53Some quick and easy actions to start you on a healthy financial path. 24:03Savings and why you need a cash reserve. 26:45Resisting the urge to spend every dollar and change your money mindset. 30:13Making intentional money related decisions as an entrepreneur. 33:17 Have a profit cushion. Create a system in your business where your savings, a little bit of money, half a percent to up to 5% or 15% if you're more successful business, but something that creates a cash cushion so that you don't have to be dependent on a bank loan. You don't have to be dependent on credit card or pay those outrageous interest rates that you have can actually physically see how money is supporting you and your business.Connie Vandersanden Connie’s honesty is so refreshing. I love that she reminds us that money isn’t good or bad but a tool for us to make a difference in the world.  We need to let go of the shame around not being great with finances, especially when we have people like her around to help guide us with expert advice and actions that we can implement into our lives… today! Understanding our cash flow is so important to a successful and sustainable business, and Connie provided us with a ton of resources to help us get there - be sure to check out her socials for all the goodies. Connect with Connie: LinkedIn: Connie.Vanderzanden1 Website: www.profitwithconnie.com Instagram: @Connie.Vanderzanden YouTube: Profit With Connie Mentioned in this episode: Quickbooks Connie's Resource Vault A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Mylène Després If there is one good thing that has come about recently, it is that people are really making an effort to support their local businesses and this is made easier when you see these businesses pour their heart and soul into their work.  Community focused businesses are feeling the love and thriving with an outpouring of support from the communities they serve. Today’s guest embodies what it means to be a heart-centered entrepreneur. Mylène Després turned her professional life upside down in pursuit of making a bigger community impact, and founded La Station in order to support entrepreneurs by sharing her knowledge and connections. Working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations, Mylène’s goal was to help them level up to make a bigger impact. Today’s episode is a little different. It is simply a candid conversation with a heart centered entrepreneur who I believe has something important in common with you, and that is, her desire to leave people better than she found them. This conversation with Mylène goes deep and may be triggering to our friends in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced discrimination on their entrepreneurial journey.  Now, without further ado, let’s get heart centered with Mylène. In this episode, Mylène talks about: Mylène story and why she chooses to bring her heart into her work. 2:20The importance of reconnecting with people genuinely as a heart centered entrepreneur. 5:12What does professional really mean? Questioning how we gather, connect, and what topics are "appropriate" as we start to reconnect after a pandemic. 10:55Retro inspection, asking yourself about your values and what you care about. 11:35How purpose in your work can help your mental health. 14:35Issues with a our current capitalistic mindset and recognizing our privilege to better the system. 16:55What listeners can do today to help contribute to a better system. 18:34Tough conversations, why it is important to inform yourself on important topics. 21:45How we can return to social media instead of business media. 29:12What is heart-centered networking? 35:03The economy... and what matters more. 36:16How she recommends listeners get started introducing their values, their beliefs and their heart-centeredness into their day to day lives and business. 41:06 Be human. Be yourself and making mistakes is part of it. We will all make mistakes, whether it's something that we say that has roots in racism, or mis-gendering somebody - we will all make mistakes. The important part to remember as you're opening up, is that it's very scary to put yourself out there. But if you're putting yourself out there in the most vulnerable way you can and with not the intention of being perfect, but with the intention of learning, you can't go wrong. And when you make a mistake, you apologize, and you do better next time. That's it. That's all there is to it. Mylène Després I am both inspired and humbled after this conversation with Mylène. Her desire to make her community shine is undeniable and has not gone unnoticed. Her willingness to share her story with me so openly affirms that she really does walk the walk and integrates her passions into her work. Her abundance mindset has afforded her so many opportunities and her flexibility as an entrepreneur has made it possible for her to pursue meaningful projects and connections. We can all learn from this conversation with Mylène and I hope that you were also inspired to center your heart in your business. Thank you for spending some time with me today, I know there are all kinds of things you could be doing right now but you chose to hang out with me. See you next time! Connect with Mylène: Facebook: LaStationInc Website: LaStationSupport.com Instagram: @LaStationInc Mentioned in this episode: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality Check. Seeing Gender Book recommendations: ANYTHING Brene Brown A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Taylor de la Fuente An apple a day keeps the doctor away but have you considered that your website may also need a check up? There's a lot of marketing advice out there, but if you don't have a killer website, none of that matters. Your website is the last stop a client makes before they reach out, and if it sucks, you're dead in the water. Words are a supper effective way to bring people into your funnel and up your conversion rate. Copy that converts sends the message that you have the solution to your customer's problem but can also send the message that you actually see them. Taylor de la Fuente is an award-winning writer, champion for inclusive language and the owner of Lemon Tree Editorial and she is here to tell us how it is. As a website copywriter serving the wedding industry, Taylor writes authentic and inclusive web copy for wedding pros who want to sell their services while they sleep. Before starting Lemon Tree Editorial, she worked in journalism, SEO and marketing. Taylor has a message that any business owner needs to hear… like… right now! So pull up a chair or snuggle in on the couch and check out this not to be missed episode of The Workshop Weekly Podcast. In this episode, Taylor talks about: Her experience that lead her on the path of being the copywriter and website expert that she is today. 2:34The difference between regular content, copywriting, and conversion copywriting and why that matters. 3:57Converting online - using your words to help people take action. 5:41Sales funnels and where your website fits and how it will help build your business using this model. 8:59How to structure a great website homepage so that you are clearly inviting people to stay, look around, and buy. 12:31The importance of considering the "fold" and what to put there. 15:38Do's and don'ts for different pages of your website. 24:44Top mistakes people make on their about page and how you can avoid them. 30:59Being clear on your values on your website and how to be inclusive in your content and offer. 33:01Inclusive VS exclusive language and how it can effect your business. 41:39 My recommendation and my one piece of advice is treat your website like the number one sales and marketing tool that it is invest some time some money into it, and it will sell your services or your products for you.Taylor de la Fuente Being inclusive in your website copy tells people that you see them and that you welcome and appreciate their business. I love Taylors example of looking at your website like it is your home - warm and inviting. And like you home, your website should say something about YOU. People buy from people, not companies so being sure to personalize your website and include your story will build a relationship that will have your customers coming back and even sharing your business with the people they care about. I know that it is uncomfortable to talk about yourself sometimes but, as Taylor says, your About page is one of the most important spaces on your website so show it some love and be sure to include a professional looking photo so everyone can attach your face to your business. This was a great conversation and I hope you walk away from this episode motivated to give your own website a check up! Connect with Taylor Website: www.lteditorial.com Instagram: @lteditorial Mentioned in the Podcast Understand how users are experiencing your website with Hotjar! A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Sara Alepin. A room packed full of strangers invokes different feelings in the context of a pandemic. Networking in 2021 looks a little different now, doesn’t it?  The idea of networking was triggering for some people even before COVID - bad experiences getting trapped in a conversation with someone you know isn’t your target audience, social anxiety, and even general awkwardness ring a bell?  The constant pitching can really dampen the mood yet we are constantly being advised to pitch at every opportunity… and it is exhausting! Whatever happened to a “happy” happy hour? Today’s guest is here to tell us that there is a better way. Sara Alepin is a master connector. She’s so good at it, she turned it into a business when founding the District Bliss Community. District Bliss is a community of creatives and business owners who want to expand their networks quickly, build their businesses with ease, and just find their people! They host socials that take the “work” out of networking and workshops taught by leading experts to get you on the road to success without the stress! Are you ready to talk networking? Let’s do it. In this episode, Sara talks about: How Sara's own experience with networking inspired her to break the current networking experience and rebuild it to be to be collaborative instead of competitive. 2:18Her theory on what networking will look like in 2021 and beyond and advice for making the most of the experience. 3:51How to have a positive networking experience online that feels like a casual happy hour. 5:51Things we can do to get out of our own heads and be truly present at networking events. 11:56How to navigate online events when you are craving the physical connection with somebody. 15:06Places to go to find online networking events to attend. 19:11Red flags to look out for when deciding on a networking event to attend virtually. 21:59What you can expect at an online networking events. 27:12Where you can find Sara’s specific networking events. 32:22  So homework item one would be to grab that (free resource) so that you can be successful in your online and in person networking events. This is geared toward online but applicable to in person events. And then what I want you to do is I actually want you to reach out to Kelly and tell her what one of your favorite topics that she has covered is on this podcasts. And then also I would like you to tell her if you have someone that you would recommend that she interview. So I want you to reach out to her on Instagram and tell her that information. One, it is so lovely as someone who hosts something like a podcast and who gives so generously like you do Kelly, to actually know that people cared about something that that has so much value. So if you do that, if you show up in Kelly's DMS, you are going to stand out immediately as an amazing connection to her. Sara Alepin Repeat after me...You don’t need to be an extrovert to be an excellent networker. When you start treating every opportunity as a networking one and learn to listen and ask questions more than you pitch, you can really start to enjoy these opportunities and make valuable connections. Being prepared is key and Sara gave us some great pointers that will ensure that you have a great networking experience. Leveraging your connections is key to succeeding in your business… and you can do it from the comfort of your own home! Sara is changing the face of networking and I really like where it is going. She loves to find ways to make building a business easier — and more fun! Connecting people and curating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who support one another… sound familiar? She shared some fantastic tips with us and some resources including her own podcast, be sure to check them out in the show notes at KellyLawson.ca/059. And thank you again so much for lending your earbuds to this episode. You’re the reason I do this. Bye for now. Connect with Sara Website: districtbliss.com Instagram: @districtblissevents Podcasts: The Wedding Dish Podcast and Laughing With Gingers Mentioned in the Podcast Places to find networking events: Eventbrite, Six Degrees Society, LinkedIn Events A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Erika Holmes. Raise your hand if you have more emails than you can shake a stick at. You may not be able to see me but I am raising my hand as high as I can. That said, Email is still one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. When Facebook changes their algorithms for the hundredth time or when Instagram changes their priority to video content, we can always fall back on the good old faithful email as a reliable way to show up for our customers.  So how can you entice your customers to click open on your email when you have so much noise to compete with? Today’s guest, Erika Holmes, is a copywriting expert who helps entrepreneurs find the sweet spot between clarity and personality in their marketing message. Through her work with big and small brands alike, she’s seen firsthand that putting personality in your copy is the fastest, best way to attract dream clients. In addition to online entrepreneurs and personal brands, Erika’s list of clients includes eBay, StubHub and Levi’s and many more. She’s on a mission to show her kids and other aspiring entrepreneurs that they can make a damn good living doing what they love — even with an English degree. Erika shares her top tips and tricks for adding a little personality to your email content that your customers can’t wait to click on! In this episode, Erika talks about: How emailing became her area of expertise and how it all started with a purple notebook with yellow moons and stars. 3:06Welcome sequence, nurture sequences, welcome series... oh my! Erika breaks down this necessary part of successful email campaigns. 6:33Harnessing the power of the magic subject line and embracing the bestie vibe. 8:10What you can expect as a benchmark for your open rate and building creditability with your presence in the inbox. 11:32How unsubscribes can be a good thing! 14:20How consistency sets the expectations for your audience. 15:17How being clear on your goals will help you develop copy to reach them. 16:38Erika's email rules to live by. 17:45The effectiveness of a good P.S. (or TLDR). 18:45Never missing an opportunity to personalize you email content. 22:03Know, like and trust factors and the right proportion of email types to build this relationship. 24:38The ideal number of emails and how to generate great content to populate them. 26:09The golden metric you should be watching. 29:47 The one thing I think you can do to uplevel your email marketing is make it a date, put it in your calendar. Like, when you stop listening to this, look at your calendar and figure out what's going to be your dedicated writing time, think about your magic hours...a lot of times I don't always know what the takeaway from my email is gonna be, it kind of reveals itself through my writing. So that would be my put on your calendar, make it a date.Erika Holmes I took so many notes during this episode and am just itching to put them into practice in my own business emails. Bestie vibe subject lines… that’s genius!  Erika is a wealth of knowledge and I am so grateful that she shared a ton of tangible advice that you can easily start implementing in your own business right away. She also made me feel a little better about the occasional unsubscribe. Being consistent is key in your email marketing and will help to keep you top of mind as you navigate all the noise that is the email inbox. Building a relationship with your audience will help them know, like, and trust you making them much more likely to click that catchy subject line. And P.S. (see what I did there?) I know I say it all the time but I am so grateful that you lend me your valuable attention week after week.  So, check out the show notes at kellylawson.ca/058 to see how you can connect with Erika and additional resources. Until next time, Workshop Warriors! Connect with Erika Website: www.erikaholmes.com Insta: www.instagram.com/erikavholmes/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/erikavidalholmes Mentioned in the Podcast Atomic Habits by James Clear A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Jill Wise Does your business have a personality? Like, does what you put out there convey that you're a real person who is friendly and personable and a great choice to do business with? Or is it a faceless business and a bit robotic at times? Well, your business and your brand aren't built by robots and your brand isn't something that's mass produced on an assembly line so it should never feel like that. Because you create it, you carefully cultivate and grow it from a fragile dream up inside your beautiful mind to the result of a million cups of coffee, long day's hard work and perseverance. Believe it or not, creating a brand with no personality is a surprisingly, very common small business mistake. But why does it matter? Whether or not you're conveying personality in your business, be it on your website, your social copy, or ads, is often where you are creating first impressions of your small business to potential customers. When a potential customer visits your website, they are looking at how capable you are of solving their problem also if you're someone that they can connect with. If they have a choice between two businesses, and one looks bland and robotic, while the other one looks friendly, and approachable and personable. Who do you think they'll call? You got it - The business with the personality every single time. So, how do you add personality to your small business website or online assets without making it seem all me, me, me? Well, my new business friend, Jill Wise, is a brand strategist, growth marketer and the creator of the client attraction equation. And she is here today to show you exactly how to do it. Because guess what, despite the pandemic, Jill was able to double her revenue in 2020 by injecting her personality into her business, and she wants the same for you. So let's dig in and learn all of Jill's business personality secrets, shall we? Okay. In this episode, Jill talks about: Why Jill cares about injecting personality into brands and teaching people to build their business around this personality. 3:20The key to ditching the feeling that showcasing your business personality is self absorbed and embracing authenticity. 7:26Defining authenticity in regards to your brand. 8:11How do we know what we should/shouldn’t be sharing from a brand strategy point of view. 9:30Listening as an essential part of knowing what to share on behalf of your business and what to keep behind the scenes. 10:47Figuring out what clients care about VS what they don't care about and whether your content is landing with them. 13:09Best tips to get off the social media struggle bus and curate effective content that shows your personality. 17:57 How to know if you’re oversharing. 20:59The concerns about coming off as inauthentic and why it is not as likely as you may think. 23:10Jill’s advice to people who encounter crickets after posting and how to deal with this inevitability... at least at the start. 24:43Getting criticism from the wrong people, knowing who to listen to and who to ignore. 31:09Common mistakes people make injecting their personality into their brand. 34:23 My only regret in business is not starting sooner and not starting all of these things sooner. I let fear get the best of me for so long. Fear, insecurities, imposter syndrome, wondering who would want to listen to what I have to say, all of those sorts of things. And I just wonder how far along my business would have been if I just started sooner just started telling stories sooner and trying to connect with people sooner.Jill Wise Jill is a wealth of knowledge. And I think we can all agree that the client attraction equation or the sum of experiences they have with you and your brand is way too important to not give attention to and in the age of information. These interactions with your brand go far beyond the bricks and mortar and far beyond the experience that happens face to face. So we need to pay attention to how we show up and how that goes beyond the messaging to offer our audiences a sense of community, entertainment and connection to us. Incorporating personality into your content is one of the most overlooked ways to help you stand out and hone your uniqueness. To connect with Jill and to find any other resource mentioned in this episode. Please visit the show notes at KellyLawson.ca/057. And thanks again for hanging out with me. Was it just me or did this go by way too fast? I appreciate you, you know. Bye for now. Connect with Jill Website: www.wordsbyjill.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/wordsbyjill LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wordsbyjill A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Jessica Totillo Coster So, I know we are all pretty tired of hearing about 2020 as the year of the panny, but if there’s one thing that really stands out as an irreversible cultural shift from it all, it is the need to push our wares onto the internet. I know you are already thinking: but how in the H can I actually really make a go at this ecommerce thing in such a wildly noisy and oversaturated space? There is SO MUCH competition out there. Well my friend, with more consumers shopping online than ever before, and a particular interest in supporting small businesses above the giants like amazon, it’s really the perfect set of circumstances for small businesses and solopreneurs to really get serious about e-commerce. And I get it, taking the plunge can be super intimidating for a small business owner like you, especially if you have a one-person businesses with a tight budget.  the good news is, it’s not as hard as you might think, and one of the very best ways to learn is to see how other people did it. That is exactly why my guest, Jessica Coster, is here today. After 20+ years in retail and 3 years as the only employee of a 7-figure eCommerce business, Jessica now works with the top experts in eCommerce and helps female business owners like you achieve the same by teaching the secrets of 7-figure eCommerce businesses. Today’s episode is so jam packed with tangible takeaways and simple actions you can take with your own business that will yield super delicious quick wins. You’ll honestly be losing money by not listening in today. So grab a cup and open your treatbag because today’s episode is jampacked with goodies. In this episode, Jessica talks about: How she became an eCommerce badass. 2:57Learning the hard way so you don't have to, sharing her best secrets. 5:55Keeping it simple - the paradox of choice and the real cost of decision fatigue. 9:30Misunderstood and underutilized - strategies for using Email marketing effectively. 13:54How you can really get up close and personal with your customers. 18:28Tips for making sure subscribers actually open your emails. 20:59The target open rate for emails, what that means for your business, and how to increase it. 25:45Strategies for bringing the same customers back again, and again... and again! 30:15Recycle, reuse, and repost - how often customers need to see a product before making a purchase (hint: it is more than you think). 32:02Standing out in all the noise as an eCommerce business owner. 35:23Opportunities for eCommerce business owners to involve satisfied customers to generate and share content. 36:49 Go look at the feedback that you're getting from your customers. Look at your reviews, look at your customer service inquiries, look at your comments on social media, and start really getting a sense of how your customer talks about your product and then use that same language when you talk. about your product. Because now when that new customer comes and reads it, they're gonna be like, how did she know? That's what I was thinking, oh my god, she's in my head. So as much as you can use your own customers language, the better off you'll be. And there's so much of it there. We just have to take the time to look for it.Jessica Totillo Coster Well, I told you that you are going to learn a whole lot by listening to today's episode. I can't wait to get away from this recording studio to go make some changes in my own business after speaking with Jessica. She is such a wealth of knowledge. And really, I could have spoken to her all day about this stuff. It's very clear to me that she's super smart and pays attention to the right stuff. So, if you're like me and you want to learn more from Jessica, be sure to check out the show notes for ways to get in touch with her and to download some of her free resources at KellyLawson.ca/056. Was it just me or did this episode go by way too fast? I love hanging out with you like this and I'm really excited to grace your earbuds or ear holes (I don't know why I just said that) next week. Until then, bye for now. Mentioned in the episode: Stormboard The eCommerce Badassery Podcast Connect with Jessica: Website: eCommerceBadassery.com Facebook: facebook.com/ecommercebadassery Instagram: instagram.com/ecommercebadassery/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicatotillo/ A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Lauren Schwartz In today’s world of content overload and shortened attention spans, quick snappy content is every business owner’s secret weapon.  Recent studies have shown that the average person spends about 15 seconds skimming online content as they scroll. To put this into perspective, that’s about the amount of time it takes to check a notification on your smartphone, send a single short text, stretch at your desk, or the length of one Instagram stories slide.  The good news is, there are a few different ways that you can cut to the chase and grab your potential customer’s attention in 15 seconds and that’s exactly what today’s guest, Lauren Schwartz is here to teach you about today.  Lauren is a thought leader creating profitable creative strategies for e-commerce brands.  Lauren's passions lie in creating top-performing ad creatives and she is obsessed with strategy. In her downtime, Lauren enjoys teaching others how to create effective content for their own businesses using, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest. So, how do you create a compelling, branded narrative in the time it takes to fire off a text? Well Lauren is here to teach you exactly how, so let’s dig in! In this episode, Lauren talks about: How she came to be a digital marketing guru and an E-Commerce strategist. 2:20Her successful work with multi-million dollar bands. 3:21How to generate engaging content that improves click-through rates. 5:04The key to using video ads to get more leads. 6:48User Generated Content (UGC) and how to leverage it in your own business. 8:20Why it's important to tell your story in less than 15 seconds and how to extract the most important information to include in such a short time frame. 10:21Creative testing, how to use it it in your pitch, and how to decipher what works and what falls flat. 14:35Actions to take if you test an ad and feedback is negative. 16:56A three second hook and what images and content to use to create one. 19:09What to do to keep people from scrolling past and forgetting about you. 24:17Putting out entertaining content without implying you’re trying to sell a product. 25:43The type of content to present at different stages of the buying journey for the best response. 28:15Common mistakes in the world of digital marketing and how to avoid them. 31:05Influencer marketing and how it fits into the digital marketing world. 33:15 I think the biggest thing that you can do is really find that hook, that really clear headline that calls out what your product does, and how it could be beneficial to someone. Take that very clear image and just put that headline on a piece of creative to test out. And again, it could be three different headlines that you test in a creative testing campaign, but I think sitting down and really figuring out how this product is going to work for you is what you should do with a clear image and clear headline.Lauren Schwartz Things happen fast in today’s world of hypermedia and content overload. We make quick decisions nowadays and keeping our attention is perhaps harder than ever. Like, remember when we used to have to sit through ads on old fashioned public streaming television? And now, we sit there waiting for the 4 second timer to pass so we can click “skip ad.” Or, we start a new Netflix series and if it doesn’t have us at the edge of our seats within the first minute, we go back to surfing. Born from this firehose of on demand content is the need for punchy headlines, eye catching imagery and immediately compelling narratives. Gone are the days of rambling on and mediocrity. I hope today’s episode inspired you to think of how you’re showing up online in that first 15 seconds. About the same amount of time it takes someone to move what you’ve posted through their scroll. Lauren is a wealth of knowledge and she has had some serious success for her clients in considering that first 15 minutes of interaction. To connect with Lauren or any other resources mentioned in this episode, please visit our show notes at kellylawson.ca/055. Connect with Lauren: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theloft325/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theloft325 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schwartz-07354312/ Website - http://theloft325.com/ A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Kim Houlahan Nothing inspires like a story. People have been captivated by stories since the beginning of time. It is the very reason that any one of us will get lost in a good book or binge on Netflix.  Storytelling is essential to our human existence, it helps us draw a connection to the things around us while also appealing to our intrinsic emotions. When it comes to business storytelling, it’s a highly effective strategy that is so often overlooked. Let’s take some familiar ones for example: like the rise of Apple’s enigmatic Steve Jobs or how The Kardashians got their start. By telling the ‘whole story’ you tap into your audience’s emotions and genuinely connect with them. Your story makes you memorable and can lead your potential customers into believing in your product and/or service and what it stands for, gently encouraging them to buy. Every company has a story to tell, and if your business can’t properly convey its story, your products likely won’t have as much appeal to your audience. To perfect your story, my friend, professional storyteller and business coach Kim Houlahan is here today with some tips to get your creative storytelling juices flowing. Kim talks about the easy strategies you can use to get started with your own business storytelling. She does a phenomenal job in her own business! So if the word storytelling for your business makes you squirm a little, you’re in good hands today. Without further ado, let’s dig in to how you can begin to tell those captivating stories for your business. In this episode, Kim talks about: Kim's incredible and unique offer for her clients. 3:01Navigating insecurity and her formula for sharing personal stories with confidence. 5:09Kim’s own story! The career path that led her here. 7:23Tangible steps that you can take today to achieve success in setting goals and measuring the results. 11:12The art of focusing on fewer channels and being consistent. 16:07Her thoughts on changing marketing abilities on social platforms. 18:18The power of a response, what you should and shouldn't respond to. 20:02DIY marketing coaching resource. 21:00Results that clients can expect when following the process. 22:53 Marketing your business is like a marriage, you got to get your house in order. First you gotta get your strategy and your planning done, figure out who your ideal customer is, pricing, branding, all that stuff. That's the wedding. And then there's the marriage, and you have to keep that house in order. And this is where I think people struggle. It's not boring. But people might think of it as being boring. It's consistent. It's where you do your email marketing, your social media, your podcasts, your blogging, your phone calls, your sprinkling, whatever you're doing, to keep that steady rhythm going in your communications. That's the marriage.Kim Houlahan So what’s the moral of this story today? It’s this: Storytelling isn’t just for marketing. The benefits extend well beyond a simple ad. I hope after today’s episode you have begun to think about how you can weave YOUR story into your own business narrative to draw a connection with your fans, pepper it throughout your social posts and your website, arm your sales reps with the story of your brand’s founding, or let your customers use your unique story to attract new customers. After all, a good story is fun to tell. It makes us feel like we are part of something. And, it’s addicting. It’s why we binge netflix and leaves your fans wanting more. So please, never underestimate the power of a good business story. To connect with Kim or to find any other resources mentioned in today’s episode, please visit the shownotes at kellylawson.ca/055. And until next time workshop warrior, I can’t wait to hear  your business story so I can draw a deeper connection with you, too. So get out there and shout it from the hilltops. Until next week, bye for now. Mentioned in this podcast: Just Get Out There - Blog Connect with Kim www.thehoulahangroup.com/ www.instagram.com/kimhoulahan/ www.facebook.com/thehoulahangroup/ www.linkedin.com/in/kimhoulahan/ A note from our sponsors: So you bought a fancy camera or you're thinking about buying one because it's clear to you that there is no shortage of beautiful moments or things in your life that you'd like to capture beautifully, but the record scratches because all the dials and buttons and settings are standing between you and your life in stunning photos. Well, my friend I have just the fix the Ultimate Photography Starter Kit. This free resource includes a recommended equipment list, quick start checklist, and a beginner's guide to creating natural poses and candid moments to give you the confidence you need to dust off that fancy camera and start documenting your moments so they can last forever. The Ultimate Photography Starter kit is completely free and It is everything you need to get started. So grab yours today at Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. That's Kellylawson.ca/starterkit. And I can't wait to see your framers in my scroll. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Gretchen George You might have noticed a drop in your traction on Facebook over the past year, and just so you know, it’s most likely not because people have randomly just stopped caring about you.  Nope. It’s the evil, elusive and ever-changing Facebook algorithm that has made it increasingly challenging to connect organically with your fans. Looks like Zuckerberg wants our money to use his platform after all.  And, Because Facebook’s micro-targeting ad features allow you to reach your exact target audience, the good news is, Facebook ads can get your message in front of the people who are most likely to want your products or services and not just click like and move on with their scroll. So there is a bit of a silver lining... if you’re willing to open your purse strings. Facebook advertising is a pretty effective way to connect with highly targeted audiences, the kind that will click add to cart, on the world’s largest social network. And I have to admit, I have seen some early success in my business with Facebook ads. Since I've begun using Facebook ads to sell my digital programs, I have seen a 5x ROI on my ad spend, and not only that, I  have learned a whole lot about the people who I am trying to reach. Specifically, which audiences are most likely to buy from me, and what language and imagery resonates to name just a few. So, you know when you see an ad in your scroll and you’re like, how did they know I wanted that? Well, it’s not a coincidence my friend. It is the result of intricate data mining and tracking your activities on the platform. And recently, Apple iOS has rolled out new anti tracking features on their most recent software update that is keeping Facebook advertisers on their toes. It is a lot to keep track of. Pun intended. And that’s why today’s guest, Gretchen George, is here today to help you make sense of it all. Gretchen simplifies an otherwise pretty technical topic, gives us her recommendations on what you should be doing online for your business, and although important, why Facebook ads are just part of an overall integrated marketing plan. She also reveals how Facebook ads can be used as a highly effective research tool, the benefits of split testing your Facebook ads, how you can get started if you’re a complete beginner and the ONE THING you should absolutely do with your Facebook account today, even if all this stuff flies at a high altitude over your head. It’s all about taking it in in bite sized pieces. This conversation with Gretchen is sure to get you one giant step closer to using Facebook as the super powerful business tool it can be. You don't wanna miss this one. So let’s dive in.   In this episode, Gretchen talks about: Why Facebook advertising is important for your business. 6:23 What small business owners should be doing online considering new algorithms. 7:30How Facebook and Instagram ads fit into a bigger plan (and I can almost guarantee that they do!). 8:53Tips for businesses to get prepared for a Facebook ad spend. 10:25Facebook pixels and what kind of data it can collect. 15:24Information, statistics and effectiveness of retargeting ads. 17:27Resources for step by step instructions to set up Facebook pixels. 18:36How business owners can be strategic about spending advertising dollars. 20:07Appropriate budgets for Facebook ads. 24:26Running a split tests on Facebook as a tool to learn about your audience. 25:42What people fear most about Facebook ads. 27:23What happens when you boost a Facebook post and why it is important. 29:28Common mistakes people make when they're setting up ads. 30:30Getting started with ads. 32:33Results you can expect to see from your ads. 36:17Exciting examples breakthrough discoveries with Facebook ads. 38:12Helpful resources for people getting ready for Facebook ads. 40:17Making Facebook ads work for YOU. 41:26 Don't leave marketing behind in your business, don't put it on the backburner. Make it a priority and come up with a strategy so that when you are ready to go, you can hit the ground running. Set up the pixel. Also, make sure you're including marketing and your strategy for 2021. Even if you don't even ever use Facebook, Instagram, ads ever, just set up the pixel so that if you choose to one of these days, that you're ready to go, you have some data in the pot already cooking, and you have an audience that you can speak to, that you don't have to cultivate from scratch.Gretchen George Pixels and ROI and split tests oh my! I loved chatting with Gretchen. She makes an otherwise intimidating topic feel a little less scary, and I hope you learned a whole lot from her today. If nothing else, I hope you will walk away from this episode and get your Facebook pixel set up. It truly only takes a short amount of time, and even if you don't do a thing with it over the next little while, the data generated in the meantime could be very important in the future of that booming little empire of yours. I hope that Gretchen helped to show you that being consistent and believing in yourself enough to make this kind of investment in yourself and in your business is what it takes to be successful, and Facebook ads can get you there if you are practicing what she shared with us today. To find out more about Gretchen and anything mentioned in todays episode, please visit the show notes at kellylawson.ca/053 Thank you so much for tuning in today, I had a lot of fun. Who knew talking Facebook pixels could be so rad?  Until next week my friend, bye for now. Connect with Gretchen www.millingtonandgeorge.com https://www.facebook.com/millingtonandgeorge/ https://www.instagram.com/millingtonandgeorge/ Mentioned in the episode: Using Facebook Pixels A note from our sponsors: Do you ever think about starting your own podcast but you worry that the sound quality might hold you back? Well don’t let that be the culprit. I wanna let you in on a little secret... lean in... East Coast Studio East Coast Studio is the reason that this podcast sounds so amazing and they will take care of all your sound editing needs so that you can focus on the fun stuff. The experts at East Coast Studio will ensure your podcast is the highest possible quality, to reflect well on you and your brand and to deliver the best possible listening experience to your audience. East Coast Studio is a proudly Atlantic Canadian business and today they are offering 25% off of your first audio editing service. Just send an email to info@eastcoaststudio.ca and tell them Kelly sent you. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Matt Edmundson We’ve seen this story play out a million times before. Someone gets that entrepreneurial fire blazing inside them only to have it quickly extinguished when they find themselves faced with indecision, fear, lack of direction or simply any sign that failure is afoot. So many of us stop at the first sign that a profitable, life-changing business might not be possible for someone with no prior business experience. First, let me say that experience isn’t a prerequisite for starting a business… But willingness to learn, to get uncomfortable and to fail is. If you’re looking for proof that failure and discomfort are both a prereqs to stoking that entrepreneurial fire, let me direct your attention to the incomparable Matt Edmundson. A guy who admits to having had more failures than successes, he states humbly that his successes have simply outweighed the failures, and he makes it abundantly clear that in the world of ecommerce entrepreneurship, the two are rarely sold separately.  From shipping popcorn with his products instead of bubble wrap to generating $50 million dollars of revenue worldwide from his own ecommerce site, Matt proves over and over again what’s possible when you start an online shop. He helps people uncover what they can sell, to the tune of a collective $100 million dollars of revenue generated for his ecom students, and he shares the brilliant strategies you can implement in your own business to stand out in a noisy industry. This conversation is the complete guide for anyone who is ready to start and scale a product based business online with our fearless leader, and super down to earth guy, Matt Edmundson. You’re gonna learn alot and have some fun today, my friend. In this episode, Matt talks about: How he came to be an eCommerce guru. 3:06The evolution of eCommerce over time and how things are different today. 5:47What factors were in place that allowed his business to grow and scale so effectively. 7:30What platforms and setups that he recommends for those just getting started with eCommerce. 10:46The metrics that you should be looking at. 13:29Understanding your conversions rates, how they compare to your industry, and setting your benchmark accordingly. 15:35The Seven Pillars of eCommerce marketing. 18:26Leveraging your marketing budget in creative and innovative ways. 21:37Tapping into repeat customers. 24:14The value of a personal touch and creativity in your packaging. 25:25Tips for maintaining a positive customer experience or enhancing your existing one. 31:04The importance of great product photos (even videos). 34:04His masterclass, a deep dive into eCommerce and success stories from the course. 36:33 If you're going to do one thing today, I would figure out what products it is you're going to sell online and research it. Who else is selling it? How are they doing it? What does their website look like? Go through their website with a fine tooth comb, what stands out what needs to be changed? Buy stuff from their website. What worked for you what didn't work for you? Find out if Amazon sell that product. Read all the reviews, find the positive ones and the negative ones. Look at the language look at how people are feeling about it, and do their research.Matt Edmundson Matt was so truly lovely to chat with. He is so down to earth and approachable, and he is a complete wealth of knowledge in the eCommerce space. I mean, he’s been doing it since it’s inception practically. Matt has loads of resources for eCommerce entrepreneurs whether you are just getting started, shifting your business online, or if you’ve had an online shop for years. Be sure to connect with Matt online, he has a free masterclass on his website. As always, thank you again for joining me here today. I know I sounds like a borken record but I want you to know that I really mean it when I say thank you. You have hundreds of thousands of podcast options, and some seriously really good business podcasts, so the fact that you take the time to tune into my little corner of the podcast world week after week truly means everything. Ok I’ll stop gushing, but thank you again. Bye for now. Connect with Matt mattedmundson.com/ecommerce-masterclass linkedin.com/in/mattedmundson facebook.com/theecommercepodcast Mentioned in the Podcast Some popular eCommerce platforms include: Shopify, Squarespace, and Curious Digital. Jungle Scout is a great platform for selling on Amazon. A note from our sponsors: Do you ever think about starting your own podcast but you worry that the sound quality might hold you back? Well don’t let that be the culprit. I wanna let you in on a little secret... lean in... East Coast Studio East Coast Studio is the reason that this podcast sounds so amazing and they will take care of all your sound editing needs so that you can focus on the fun stuff. The experts at East Coast Studio will ensure your podcast is the highest possible quality, to reflect well on you and your brand and to deliver the best possible listening experience to your audience. East Coast Studio is a proudly Atlantic Canadian business and today they are offering 25% off of your first audio editing service. Just send an email to info@eastcoaststudio.ca and tell them Kelly sent you. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Jessica Rasdall When we talk about the things in life that humans fear the most, public speaking often tops the list. In fact our collective fear of standing up in front of a group and talking is so great that some surveys suggest we actually fear it more than death. And, on one hand I totally get it, having had total panic attacks myself about needing to speak on stage before a crowd, or into this podcast mic even. But on the other hand, doesn't it seem strange that we’re so friggin afraid of something inherently not life threatening? Like, what exactly are we so afraid of, anyway? What do we think will happen to us? We’re unlikely to suffer any real physical or lasting harm, and for the most part good things come from public speaking. I mean, for one thing it’s great for building credibility, authority and growing our businesses - so why all the fear? Well, today’s guest, Jessica Rasdall has definitely figured out how to overcome the thing we fear most as she has made her way onto countless stages telling her incredibly gut wrenching story to hundreds of thousands of people. She has told her story of turning her “mess into a message” and has been featured on major international media outlets such as ABC's 20/20, Katie Couric, The Guardian, MTV, Netflix, and many more. I mean just Google her - she’s a big deal and so is her story. And while the fear of public speaking is super real, and the idea of showing up in front of masses can be totally anxiety inducing, THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING YOU’RE MISSING THAT COULD TURN this all AROUND FOR YOU. And today Jessica is letting us in on the secret of how to flip this self induced anxiety on it’s head. You’re about to learn the one thing that is far more important than a slightly irrational fear of people looking at you while you talk. So get ready, you’re gonna learn a lot.  Also I want to add a trigger warning here because this episode discusses a drunk driving incident resulting in loss of life. In this episode, Jessica talks about: The transformative story that brought Jessica into the world of public speaking and storytelling for business owners. 3:18Billboard statements - telling the story that supports the message your audience needs to hear. 7:33How to find your one (yes one) key message. 10:13How to dismantle objections in advance to be receptive to hearing your message. 12:11How to overcome the fear of speaking (being an introvert is NOT an excuse). 15:09Speaking not being for everyone, and that is okay! 17:43Getting to the bottom of what your audience really needs to hear from you. 18:28Tips for ensuring that your message will resonate before you go live. 21:10Getting comfortable with your message and staying in your lane as a way to build confidence. 23:35The value of recording yourself speaking. 26:57Using public speaking to grow your business. 28.37The four steps to getting to the stage. 29:44Helping people tackle their mindset around public speaking. 32:11What common mistakes are people making in their talks and how to avoid them. 33:38 I'm going to challenge you to go write that billboard statement today, that is huge for you is going to gain so much clarity on what it is you're speaking about, and what message the difference that you're making for the audience. So I want you to really sit down and think about "if I can only tell them one thing, What will I tell them?".Jessica Rasdall Wow. Such an amazing conversation with Jessica. There’s just so much to stew on. I have a feeling you’re gonna think about this episode a few more times before the day is out. Here’s what stuck with me… while the fear of public speaking is super real, and the idea of showing up in front of masses is totally anxiety inducing, your WHY should always be paramount. I love how Jessica explains that public speaking isn't actually about you, but it’s about your message and the people who need to hear it. It is about leaving people who see you and hear you better than you found them. That’s what stuck to my ribs, if i can use that in this context, and, when she put this spin on it, it is easy to see that serving your audience should be far more important than a slightly irrational fear of how you will be received. And then I got chills because I remembered that’s exactly the message I needed to hone within myself to bring this podcast to you. And, if I didn't think about how much it meant to me to bring this to YOU, how that was far more important to me than my fear of judgement, well, this podcast wouldn't exist and that makes me sad. Because, you and I wouldn't be meeting cool business experts, learning new things about common business topics, and growing and learning and leveling up our businesses, together. So yeah, we grew this great little podcast with a great little following and super amazing expert guests all because one day I finally faced it that YOU are more important than my silly fears. So yeah, the next time you fear something, like something irrational (not hungry bears you should definitely fear hungry bears) but, your fear for being yourself, or showing up as you are, or doing a live video, or public speaking, any of that stuff. The next time you find yourself sitting in irrational fear like that, I challenge you to remind yourself that its only holding you back, and I challenge you to remember Jessica’s message and then think about the people who are missing out on what you have to give because of your silly fear. Ok. Okay. Thank you once again for tuning into another episode of the workshop weekly podcast. To find more information about Jessica or anything else mentioned in this episode, please visit the shownote at kellylawson.ca/051. And, I gotta say, I really like hanging out like this, y’know? Til next week! Connect with Jessica JessicaRasdall.com facebook.com/OfficialJessicaRasdall instagram.com/JessicaRasdall/ A note from our sponsors: Do you ever think about starting your own podcast but you worry that the sound quality might hold you back? Well don’t let that be the culprit. I wanna let you in on a little secret... lean in... East Coast Studio East Coast Studio is the reason that this podcast sounds so amazing and they will take care of all your sound editing needs so that you can focus on the fun stuff. The experts at East Coast Studio will ensure your podcast is the highest possible quality, to reflect well on you and your brand and to deliver the best possible listening experience to your audience. East Coast Studio is a proudly Atlantic Canadian business and today they are offering 25% off of your first audio editing service. Just send an email to info@eastcoaststudio.ca and tell them Kelly sent you. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Rachael Kay Albers Laughter isn't just a gimmick, it really is better than medicine. It helps us learn faster, it helps us retain information, it reduces stress, brings our energy up and it gets our hormones flowing so that we can be better problem solvers. It does very good things and lately I think we all wish that we could have a little more of it.  Well my friend, you are in for a treat today. As soon as I learned about today’s guest, I was immediately so inspired and enthralled by her content and how she shows up in the world, I KNEW I had to have her not only on the show, but in my world. I mean, I straight up wanted to immediately become her best friend. And the thing is. That isn't a coincidence. It is truly a product of an incredibly unforgettable, stand out, dialed in marketing strategy. Rachael Kay Albers is a business comedian, marketing educator, and no stranger to creating what she refers to as ‘UNFORGETTABILITY’ in business. Rachael Kay, otherwise known as RKA uses her SNL-like comedy angle to help people learn the things she teaches in her business and on her YouTube channel 'Awkward Marketing.' Her content is entertaining and fun and quite honestly like no one else I’ve ever seen before. So above all else, RKA is a marketing educator and strategist who full-on practices what she preaches. She walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to creating a business and a brand that truly stands out. I mean, I binged her youtube videos harder than the first season of Ozark and Tiger King combined, and I laughed and learned along the way. How about that for an endorsement? I am beyond excited to introduce you to today’s guest Rachael Kay Albers, creative director and business comedian. And in this episode she is sharing how YOU can follow her lead and create unforgettability in your own business to skyrocket your business growth too. So, settle in and get ready to meet my hilarious new business inspiration and hopefully future business bestie, Rachael Kay Albers. In this episode, we talk about: How she came to be the unforgettable entrepreneur and marketing genius she is today. 4:39How marrying education, entertainment, and humour came together to create Awkward Marketing. 7:27Not needing to be a videographer to learn the skills to craft great video content. 11:58Different types of content: in the moment and evergreen and why they are both important to validate the information you are putting out into the world. 15:20The beauty (yes beauty) of low production quality content. 17:28Being rewarded for just hanging out and engaging with your clients and followers. 20:51Her best tips for entrepreneurs to become unforgettable. 24:03The benefits of becoming a GIFfluencer. 31:23 I think you need to follow awkward marketing on YouTube. I really I have given so much value in this episode, I am just gonna come in hot with a self promotion. That's the kind of marketer I am today. So Awkward.Marketing.tv I think that's going to be your first step. I think you're gonna need a crash course and letting your hair down and just having fun while learning about business.RKA What can I say. You are welcome. But really, please don’t walk away after listening to this episode and NOT look Rachael up on the internet. Her content is truly where comedic entertainment meets social media and business marketing education and I truly believe she is paving the way for the future of how we show up online.  I mean, I took one look at her and then immediately back at myself and realised, hang on, I don't look annnnny different than anyone else in my industry. There is no reason for someone to remember me over another podcaster, photographer or educator. My branding and messaging are safe, and objectively similar to others in my field, and somehow I never recognised that as a problem until RKA. And so, I challenge you to do the same. Look inward at the business you are building and the brand you are creating and ask yourself those hard questions too. Like, do I truly stand out in my industry? Or have I fallen into the trap of more of the same? And so now I blend. And if the answer to that is yes, I wanna encourage you to do some deep digging and make some changes. Be your own thing. Stop looking sideways and give yourself permission to be different, bolder, more memorable - and to be true to yourself while you’re at it. I know I feel called to do better with how I show up after meeting Rachael. I will link to all of her corners of the web in the show notes, but if you wanna skip that step, simply search Awkward Marketing on YouTube, or type RKA into your next GIFY search and you will be well on your way to getting your daily RKA fix. And I’m going to go ahead and say it, I believe she is someone to watch, because she is definitely someone who is doing things unforgettability and we are all about to see where that takes her. No presh RKA. Today was such a treat for me, I can’t thank you enough for tuning in to yet another episode of The Workshop Weekly podcast. I am so grateful to get to introduce to you so many incredible business experts and grace your earbuds, or car speakers, or google mini week after week. Until next week my friend, I'm gonna miss ya. Bye for now. Mentioned in this episode: Interview with John Snow, Tarzan Kay, and Sage Polaris (I swear it is relevant) Everything you need to know about Doves. Connect with Rachael rachaelkayalbers.com rkaink.com instagram.com/rachaelkayalbers youtube.com/rkaink facebook.com/rachaelkayalbers A note from our sponsors: Do you ever think about starting your own podcast but you worry that the sound quality might hold you back? Well don’t let that be the culprit. I wanna let you in on a little secret... lean in... East Coast Studio East Coast Studio is the reason that this podcast sounds so amazing and they will take care of all your sound editing needs so that you can focus on the fun stuff. The experts at East Coast Studio will ensure your podcast is the highest possible quality, to reflect well on you and your brand and to deliver the best possible listening experience to your audience. East Coast Studio is a proudly Atlantic Canadian business and today they are offering 25% off of your first audio editing service. Just send an email to info@eastcoaststudio.ca and tell them Kelly sent you. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.

With Kelly Lawson Does the end of the weekend make you want to cry, and not just because you might actually have to put on real pants again? If the idea of returning to your corporate gig after a little time away feels soul crushing, know this: you are not alone. Too many people are dragging their butts to jobs that pay the bills but require waaay too big of a payoff when it comes to personal satisfaction and happiness.  So, what if I told you that leaving the 9-to-5–or, let's be honest, 9-to-9, for many of you–behind is totally do-able?  Cause it is. I should know. I’ve done it a few times now.  And trust me, I remember how scary it was to even entertain the thought of leaving.  But you know what? I also have the inside scoop on how life-changing and straight-up rewarding it can be to go your own way too. So, in honour of this fancy new year we’re already A MONTH into, and of the new beginnings we thought it might bring, this week’s episode of the Workshop Weekly Podcast is going to be both really personal AND very practical. Along with sharing my story, and some insights I’ve picked up along the way talking to dozens of other people who told their boss to take their job and shove it (in a nice way), I’m going to give you a to-do list of concrete actions you can start taking today to get into the mindset of making a big move. My hope is that I can save you some time and pain in taking a big leap and making your move from corporate drone to independent operator. So if you’ve been longing for something else, today’s show is for you. In this Episode, I talk about: My journey from occupational therapist to photographer, finding fulfillment in a creative outlet. 5:30The belief that you are capable of making a change. 11:40Getting up close and personal with failure so you can get up close and personal with success. 13:57How hiring a great accountant will make your life SO much easier. 15:51Avoiding debt at all costs. 17:25Branding yourself and your business, setting yourself up for success. 20:16Taking advantage of advertising opportunities and measuring your results. 22:29Taking the time to fill your calendar with fulling work that will quickly replace your old income. 25:50 Being an entrepreneur isn’t some crazy unattainable dream. Really, when you peel down all the layers and fluff, it’s a simple process. It’s all about defining problems and coming up with the best possible solution and then testing the solution and measuring the results. If the results are unfavourable, you go in and try again. That’s it.Kelly Lawson OK, so there you have it, the things you need to do to get ready to shift from day job to being your own boss, from the mindset you need to make the change, to those five practical actions you can start taking this very day to get started with confidence and clarity.   And hey, I know it’s scary as heck, but please know that if you do happen to fail, you will be okay. For me, I had to just make the leap and know that even if “failure” occurred, I could still make it work. Like I said earlier in the show, failure is baked right into being an entrepreneur. It’s the way we know we’re challenging ourselves and learning. So embrace the f-word. I have!  And maybe you’re thinking, sure, Kelly, easy for you to say, things worked out for you and your dream came true. Well, my friend, to that I say: I am not an extraordinary case! I had zero connections, I was new to the city I lived in when I quit my day job and was burning the candles at both ends working the corporate job by day and building an empire by night. If I can do it, you can too!  I’d love to hear about where you’re at in your journey, and what’s keeping you from making the leap. You deserve to chase your dreams, invest in your business, set yourself up for success. Let me know how it feels when you can finally say, “I am a boss!” Thanks for joining me on today’s show. I will see you at the same time, same place next week! Resources Mentioned in the Episode Everything is Figureoutable - Marie Forleo 016: Are You Legally Protected? Click Play to Find Out. - Mel Norton 034: Don't Fear the Tax Man: Here's How to Crunch Your Business Numbers - Donna Mazerolle A Note From Our Sponsors: Do you ever think about starting your own podcast but you worry that the sound quality might hold you back? Well don’t let that be the culprit. I wanna let you in on a little secret... lean in... East Coast Studio East Coast Studio is the reason that this podcast sounds so amazing and they will take care of all your sound editing needs so that you can focus on the fun stuff. The experts at East Coast Studio will ensure your podcast is the highest possible quality, to reflect well on you and your brand and to deliver the best possible listening experience to your audience. East Coast Studio is a proudly Atlantic Canadian business and today they are offering 25% off of your first audio editing service. Just send an email to info@eastcoaststudio.ca and tell them Kelly sent you. - If you’re looking to elevate your business or brand photos using your smartphone or any other photo-taking device, I don’t want you to miss out on my most downloaded free resource. The results people are getting from this guide are crazy, some say I should be charging actual money for it. But for now, I don't want to because I want everyone to get the beautiful photography results that they deserve. No more blurry, dark, dull, yellowish, shadow-y embarrassing photos for you! It’s so much easier to get a beautiful photo than you probably think. Simply visit kellylawson.ca/freeguide to download your free photography guide and start taking better photos for your business TODAY. Click here for the transcribed version of this podcast.