Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I shared a personal story about feeling misled by an organization I volunteer with. After being told I’d be part of a new video project, I later discovered the call was actually a sales pitch. That experience gave me a chance to apply my “Accountability Code,” a step-by-step process I use to reflect, plan, act, and learn from situations that feel off.I walked through each stage of the code, reflection, humility, planning, implementation, commitment, and feedback, to show how I used it to sort my emotions, set better boundaries, and decide what to do next. My takeaway was to keep volunteering where it feels right, communicate clearly, and only spend energy where the relationship is mutually beneficial. Accountability, I reminded listeners, is about following through on what you can control.Key Topics Covered:Returning from a family road trip while feeling sickFeeling obligated to record a podcast despite being tiredVolunteering for an organization and the misunderstanding about a video projectBeing invited to what turned out to be a sales callReflection as the first step of the Accountability CodeRecognizing and practicing humility instead of staying upsetMaking a plan to step back from parts of the organizationShowing up by communicating feelings honestly and respectfullyMaking a clear commitment to only give time where it’s valuedUsing feedback to grow, stay at peace, and reinforce personal accountabilityMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode of Your Loving Kick in the Pants, I talk openly about grief, why it’s so hard, but also how it can shape us for the better. I share how serving in my church inspired me to bring up grief as a discussion topic after several recent deaths in my community. I remembered losing my father-in-law to cancer and how that experience changed my outlook on life, family, and purpose. Through loss, I’ve learned that grief gives us “stunning awareness”, a deep understanding that forces us to grow, change, and appreciate what really matters.I also share stories of two other people who changed my life: my friend Steve, whose faith journey showed me what it means to live right up until the very end, and my friend Bee, who inspired me to stay ready to serve and express love through handwritten cards. These memories remind me that even when we’re hurting, grief helps us remember lessons of love, compassion, and service. My loving “kick in the pants” is that we can’t avoid grief, but we can choose to let it make us better, more caring, and more aware of the legacy we’re building.Key Topics Covered:Why grief is difficult but purposefulHow serving in church inspired a discussion about deathThe emotional impact of losing close loved onesLessons learned from my father-in-law’s life and passingFinding meaning in life when everything feels small or pointlessThe idea of “stunning awareness” and how it changes behaviorHow my friend Steve transformed through faith and serviceRemembering loved ones by what they taught usMy friend Bee’s example of kindness through handwritten cardsLearning to face grief, feel it fully, and use it for personal growthMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I talked about how social media management really works for business owners. Many people think hiring someone will fix their consistency, but the truth is, you first need to know your own content, your audience, and your goals. I explained that knowing the basics of your business, what you sell, who you sell to, and what makes you different, is the foundation for creating effective posts. Once you’re clear on that, social media becomes less overwhelming and way more powerful.I also shared my framework for content creation using five pillars: personal life, growth, real talk, wins, and purpose. These pillars help guide what you share and make your posts more relatable and useful. I explained how every post should have a purpose, either nurturing your audience, showing results, or converting people to take action. Social media is free and, when done with strategy, can lead to real sales and long-term business growth.Key Topics Covered:Why submitting podcast topics is like getting free coachingThe truth about hiring people for social media vs. knowing your own contentKey questions to ask about your business before postingHow to define the problem you solve for clientsUnderstanding your ideal client beyond surface-level detailsWhy people buy outcomes instead of just products or coursesThe importance of knowing how people find and buy from youFive content pillars to guide your social media postsThe three goals of content: nurture, results, and conversionHow social media, done with strategy, can create sales without paid adsMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

I shared my journey of starting a business while raising four young kids, and how that shaped the way I balance work and family. I opened up about screen time struggles, the need to create healthy play options, and the reality that I can’t do it all at once. What keeps me going is being clear on my values, setting boundaries, and reminding my kids why I love what I do.Over the years I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about integration. I’ve included my daughters in my business, taught them responsibility, and leaned on the support of my husband and community. My hope is to encourage moms to align goals with values, ask for help, and give themselves grace while building both family and business.Key Topics Covered:Why I chose to talk about juggling motherhood and businessStarting my business when my kids were very youngManaging kids’ screen time and creating healthier play optionsThe reality of not doing everything perfectly at onceFinding space for myself to rest, study, and workThe difference between work–life balance and work–life integrationIncluding my kids in my business and putting them on payrollThe role of retreats and travel in my growth and family lifeAsking for help and building supportive communitiesEncouragement for moms to give themselves grace and clarity in valuesMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary in business and shared the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. I talked about starting my business when my kids were very young, the bold steps I took to stand out, and how I slowly built confidence by putting myself out there even when it was uncomfortable. Over the years, I discovered that growth required raising prices, learning new skills, hiring help, and even letting go of toxic people who held me back.I also shared how I had to keep adapting, through challenges like COVID, shifting my business into alignment with what I loved, writing my book, trying new things that scared me, and learning to manage money better. Looking back, I see how every year taught me a new principle that shaped my journey. My main message is that we are always building a legacy with our choices, and accountability is what keeps us moving forward toward the life and business we truly want.Key Topics Covered:Starting a business in 2015 while raising four young kidsThe importance of being bold and standing outRaising prices to match the value you bringContinuing to learn and grow your abilitiesHiring the right people and building a supportive teamFiring people who cause problems in your businessPushing forward during tough times like COVIDRealigning your business when it no longer feels rightGetting clear about your brand and what you’re sellingManaging money wisely and remembering that your legacy is being built every dayMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode of Your Loving Kick in the Pants, I share a short but heartfelt message as I prepare to celebrate 10 years in business. I talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, admitting there were many times I felt like giving up, but the rewards have been worth it. I also give a sneak peek at a future episode where I’ll reveal my top 10 lessons learned, one from each year of my business journey.Today’s focus is all about community and why it matters so much for entrepreneurs. I highlight my Boss Minded Facebook group, especially our weekly Successful Saturday tradition where members celebrate their wins, both big and small. From new clients to personal milestones, these successes inspire and remind us that we are not alone. I also share about a recent women’s Bunko night I hosted, showing how powerful and uplifting it can be to gather, connect, and build friendships. My final message is a loving challenge: stop waiting to be invited and start showing up, because your people are out there waiting for you too.Key Topics Covered:Celebrating 10 years in businessSneak peek of upcoming “10 lessons in 10 years” episodeStruggles and rewards of running a businessThe importance of community in entrepreneurshipIntroduction to the Boss Minded Facebook groupSuccessful Saturday tradition and member winsStories of clients and friends achieving breakthroughsHosting a women’s Bunko night and building connectionsOvercoming feelings of isolation in business and lifeEncouragement to take action and join supportive communitiesMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I share how accountability shows up in my life and business, and I reflect on reaching ten years as an entrepreneur. I talk about how much I’ve grown, not just in building a business but also in shaping a legacy that will last beyond me. I explain how my journey hasn’t been about chasing “success” as the world defines it, but about learning from mistakes, being grateful for growth, and staying true to my values.I also introduce my upcoming event, Reignite the Light, created for Christian women to connect faith, friendship, and business. I open up about my own complicated relationship with mixing faith and business, why I avoided it in the past, how living in Utah shaped my perspective, and how moving to the South shifted my view. I share stories about scams, MLMs, and cultural pressures, and contrast that with the openness I’ve found in the South where faith and business can blend in healthier ways. Through it all, I emphasize the importance of accountability, anchoring in faith, and choosing what’s good in both life and business.Key Topics Covered:Celebrating 10 years in business and reflecting on growth, not just successThe role of accountability in business and personal lifePlans to share 10 key lessons learned over a decade of entrepreneurshipAnnouncing the Reignite the Light event for Christian women in faith, friendship, and businessWhy I hesitated to ever mix faith and business in UtahPersonal experiences with scams, MLMs, and church culture that shaped my viewsDifferences between religious culture in Utah vs. the SouthThe importance of building true friendships and supportive communitiesUsing faith as an anchor for decision-making, guided by scripture (Moroni 7:11)Creating a legacy built on family values, accountability, and living faith authenticallyMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I talk about how to dedicate time to getting things done, especially when life feels busy and overwhelming. I explain that accountability is the key to follow-through, and that we don’t need to do everything alone. Instead, we can lean on coaches, friends, or family for support. I also stress the importance of being bold about sharing what we’re working on and recognizing that accountability isn’t just about pressure, it’s about support, progress, and encouragement.I then walk through the six steps of the Accountability Code: reflection, humility, planning, implementing, commitment, and feedback. Each step helps us move from thinking about our goals to actually taking action in a manageable way. The main message is that progress doesn’t have to be perfect or massive, just consistent. Even small steps, paired with reflection and support, add up to big changes over time.Key Topics Covered:Why accountability matters for getting things doneThe importance of sharing goals and updates with othersReflection on goals, values, and obstaclesPracticing humility and giving yourself credit for progressThe value of planning and adjusting when life changesCreating non-negotiables and better work environmentsUsing start and stop rituals to support focusImplementing by taking small, consistent actionsCommitment as binding yourself to small, doable outcomesFeedback as fuel for improvement and self-motivationMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I talked about confidence, how people see us, and how that affects our growth in both life and business. I shared personal stories, from watching Wednesday with my kids, to getting compliments about my hair, to playing tennis and realizing I was better than I gave myself credit for. The main lesson was that when we accept compliments and believe in ourselves, we show up with more confidence, and that changes how others see us too.I also dove into business coaching and explained my process of nurture → results → conversion. I explained why nurtured people don’t always buy, and how it takes more than just making people feel good, it also requires showing results and giving clear offers. I gave real client examples to show how this process works and encouraged listeners to look at their own client journeys to see what worked. At the end, I reminded everyone that being authentic and organized makes business much easier.Key Topics Covered:Taking away kids’ Xbox/computer and watching Wednesday togetherFeeling confident about hair and style (Morticia Addams vibe)How confidence changes how others perceive youAccepting compliments and updating self-beliefsTennis practice story and being seen as the “better player”The impact of encouragement from others (family, clients, teammates)Why nurtured people don’t always buy in businessThe three-part system: nurture, results, conversionClient success stories and how they moved from nurture to conversionThe importance of honesty, authenticity, and strategy in sales Marci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I talk about the common feeling of “everyone’s trying to sell me something” and how to avoid wasting time or money on the wrong solutions. I share my own experiences of jumping into offers too quickly, thinking they were signs, only to regret it later. The key lesson is that if I’m actively solving my own problems, I can spot whether an opportunity truly supports my goals or is just a distraction. I explain the Accountability Code, which starts with reflection, humility, and planning, so I can decide what fits my long-term vision before committing.I also walk through the second half of the Accountability Code: implementing, commitment, and feedback. I give examples from my business and personal life, like hiring help for projects or finding a cleaning service, to show how important it is to protect boundaries, stay focused, and avoid getting sidetracked by offers that don’t match my needs. By sticking to this process, I make better decisions, keep momentum, and enjoy the work without being pulled in the wrong direction.Key Topics Covered:How jumping into offers too quickly can lead to regretWhy actively solving my own problems changes how I see opportunitiesThe first step of the Accountability Code: reflection on goals, values, and possible solutionsThe second step: humility, acknowledging gaps in my understandingThe third step: planning, how a solution fits into my long-term goalsThe risk of hiring others to do what I should be learning myselfThe importance of commitment to my original goals and boundariesHow distractions can come disguised as “perfect” opportunitiesThe last step of the Accountability Code: using feedback to improve decisionsWhy staying focused makes work easier, more enjoyable, and more successful Marci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I talked about BNI (Business Networking International) and how it helped me grow my business. I first discovered it when a friend invited me to her presentation and I found out it was a structured weekly meeting where local business owners share referrals, learn together, and hold each other accountable. I explained their core values like “Givers Gain” and accountability, and how being around serious, supportive people gave me motivation and a sense of community.I also shared what it’s like to be part of a chapter: showing up every week, continuing to learn, inviting visitors, giving referrals, and meeting one-on-one with other members. BNI has given me both friends and business growth, even though I left for a time when my business changed and later rejoined a group that fit me better. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re willing to show up and give, it can be a powerful tool for your business.Key Topics Covered:How I first learned about BNI through a friendWhat BNI (Business Networking International) is and its purposeThe seven core values of BNI, especially “Givers Gain” and accountabilityThe commitments required to be a member of a BNI chapterHow BNI meetings work, including weekly presentations and one-to-one meetingsThe benefits of having a group of business owners referring clients to each otherHow I chose the right chapter to joinThe personal growth and community I found in BNIChallenges and lessons I experienced, including when to leave or rejoinEncouragement to visit local chapters to see if it’s a good fit for your businessMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode of Your Loving Kick in the Pants, I shared a story from my book Becoming Boss Minded about how to write copy that actually converts. Even if writing isn’t your main focus, I explained why learning how to guide people’s decisions is so powerful. We talked about how stepping just a little outside your comfort zone, what I call “finding the edge”, is the key to getting results, whether you’re selling, persuading, or just asking people to take action.I walked through the steps of building great marketing messages, from creating an attention-grabbing headline and subtitle, to connecting with people on a personal level by naming their problems and showing that you understand them. I also explained how to clearly present the solution, share testimonials, and use strategies like urgency, bonuses, and a strong call to action to help people decide. By the end, listeners learned a clear process they can use to write better copy and influence others in an authentic way.Key Topics Covered: Why copy that converts matters, even when you’re not in marketing“Finding the edge” – taking small steps outside your comfort zoneHow AI has changed copywriting and why people still need real skillWriting strong headlines and subtitles that grab attentionBuilding connection and showing you understand your audienceNaming pain points and showing empathy before giving a solutionPresenting your solution, its benefits, and giving it a clear nameUsing proof: testimonials, trust, and what makes you differentCreating urgency, adding bonuses, and handling objections earlyEnding with a clear call to action so people know what to do nextMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode of Your Loving Kick in the Pants, I shared some thoughts that came to me after attending a BNI business meeting and listening to a podcast during my drive home. I reflected on the difference between acting with intensity and acting with intentionality, especially when it comes to making decisions in business and life. I talked about how easy it is to get excited and jump into things quickly (like I did years ago with Mary Kay), but how much more powerful it is when we pause, plan, and make decisions based on purpose and clarity.I opened up about past experiences where I made impulsive choices just because someone else planted the idea, and I shared how much I’ve grown by shifting toward intentional living. I also discussed key steps from my book Becoming Boss Minded, like defining your values, staying focused on results, and testing one thing at a time. The main message? It’s okay to be intense, but only after you’ve gotten clear on your direction. When intensity is backed by intention (not impulse), that’s when real success happens.Key Topics Covered:Visiting a BNI business group and choosing to joinUnderstanding the difference between intensity and intentionalityHow acting on impulse can lead to burnout or regretA personal story of impulsively joining and selling Mary KayLessons learned from impulsive business decisions about sales and self-awarenessThe downside of competitive, performance-based environmentsHow writing The Accountability Code and Becoming Boss Minded shifted my mindsetSteps to innovate without losing focus, shared from my bookThe importance of slowly evaluating new ideas to prevent burnout and grow wiselyThe power of accountability and staying honest with your personal and business goalsMarci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I share marketing and messaging tips for introverts and ideas for doing scary things to grow your business. A follower requested this topic, and I was excited since I'm super extroverted but know many of you aren’t. I explained how introverts can still show up, set boundaries, and make real connections without feeling drained.I also shared my client Laura’s A to Z business guide and used "MARCI" as an acronym for five powerful steps: master your topic, add value, build relationships, connect consistently, and ignore negativity. I told personal stories and encouraged everyone to try scary things to build confidence and succeed, no matter your personality.Key Topics Covered:My excitement about creating a podcast episode from a follower's topic requestHow to submit your own topic ideas for free coaching on my websiteMarketing and messaging tips specifically for introvertsThe importance of setting boundaries to protect your social energyFinding an extroverted business buddy to help boost your visibilityThe power of one-on-one connections at events instead of trying to meet everyoneStories about my own experiences speaking at conferences and building confidenceUsing the "MARCI" acronym to share scary but helpful business actionsThe value of ignoring negativity and focusing on improving constantlyEncouragement to embrace scary steps to build confidence and grow your business Marci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants

In this episode, I open up about why I moved my family from Utah to South Carolina and share a powerful post by Sarah Steed about the struggles many Mormon women face with self-worth and trying to meet impossible standards. I really related to her words because I grew up in that culture and it made me think about how I want to raise my daughters differently.I also talk about my own struggles with body image as a personal trainer and the pressure to look a certain way. I encourage you to question the expectations you've taken on and choose what truly feels right for you. We all have divine worth, and we don’t need to prove it to anyone.Key Topics Covered:Why I moved from Utah to South CarolinaSarah Steed’s viral post about Mormon women and self-worthPressures on women to be perfect and "chosen"The struggle between modesty and beauty standardsMy personal experience considering breast implantsHow social media and culture shape body imageThe importance of listening to your own inner voiceQuestioning and letting go of old expectationsParenting my daughters in a different way than I was raisedLearning to trust yourself and embrace your true worth Marci BarkerLife Coach specializing in Accountability for Business Owners Author of The Accountability CodeIt's Time to Wake Up and Show Up!www.marcibarker.com⬆Grab my free audiobook here⬆ https://thesarahsteed.substack.comFollow me on FacebookMarci Barker Accountability Coach & SpeakerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcibarker.fast/Follow me on Twitter Marci Barker (@MarciBFitness) on XFollow me on Youtube Your Loving Kick in the Pants