Small Business Lifestyle

What Debbie O’Connor doesn’t know about brand building isn’t worth mentioning. As the author of Brand Magic - How to Build a Brand with Personality, Debbie understands just what it takes to create a brand that customers connect with – and let’s say it’s more than simply getting creative with a logo. Debbie has over twenty years of experience working with businesses helping them to create beloved brands, and her creative agency White River Designs is one of the most awarded in Australia. If you want to find out how to make branding or brand building a foundation of your business, then listen up, as Debbie has some incredible advice to share that could help you take your business next level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we sit down with digital marketing expert Meg Coffey, founder of Coffey and Tea, to delve into the intricate world of social media content planning. Meg shares valuable insights on leveraging AI for idea generation, the importance of niche targeting in business, and the evolving trends in social media platforms. As the founder of State of Social, Australia’s digital marketing conference, Meg brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation. Key topics Social Media Content Planning and Strategy - Image and link sourcing, client approval, and scheduling - Integrating AI for content backfilling and idea generation - Measuring success and trends for 2024 Building Connections Through Authentic Engagement - Leveraging storytelling and user-generated content - Emphasizing social media etiquette and authenticity Adapting to Changes in Social Media Platforms - Understanding and adapting to platform changes - Focusing on niche markets for business success Importance o

Ros Weadman  is an expert on trust – in fact when it comes to brand reputation – she’s written a book on it - Enhance your Reputation – How to build a brand that people want to work for, buy from and invest in. In it, she delivers actionable advice to help you build a business that is steeped in trust. Ros joins us on the show to explain why trust is such a vital component of business success, how you can gain your customer’s trust andi what to do should the worse happen and you lose it… Key topics The Changing Landscape of Trust and Reputation - Impact of declining trust and rise of fake news on business - Importance of trust in branding, workplace, and consumer behavior - Building a credible and purpose-driven brand to align with changing expectations Strategies for Brand Positioning and Public Profile Building - Leveraging social media for consistent brand messaging - Empowering employees as brand ambassadors - Creating a brand manifesto and aligning values with marketing strategy - Forming strategic allia

Steve McKnight is an expert when it comes to personal finance and money management. He’s a self-made multi-millionaire, real estate mogul and a financial educator. He joins us to share insider tips from his book Money Magnet and gives us valuable insights into attracting money, building wealth, and creating a purpose-driven financial future. Key Topics Mindset and Attracting Money ·     Attracting money as a learnable skill ·     Insider tips from Steve's book "Money Magnet" ·     Influence of childhood experiences with money on financial habits ·     Contrast between parents’ financial habits and their effect on Steve's mindset ·     Importance of having money conversations in relationships ·     The possibility of changing one's money mindset and seeking help to do so Real Estate and Wealth Creation ·     Early investment experience with term deposit and first investment property in 1999 ·     Challenges of property investment and the need for new real estate buying tactics ·     Viewing real estate as a me

Tracy Sheen is an AI and digital expert with a focus on helping small businesses to stay informed on the latest tech trends. She's the author of The End of Technophobia, and she's about to launch a new book that reveals everything you need to know about how you can use AI for your business. She joins us today to give us a bit of a sneak peek and share her top tips for AI and tech in 2024. Key topics The Impact of AI on Business and Education   - Overwhelm and struggle to keep up with technological advancements   - Concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and industries   - Mixed feelings about the use of AI in education Practical Tips for Businesses in the AI Era   - Embracing curiosity and exploring new tools and possibilities   - Utilizing AI tools like Chat GPT for business purposes   - Conducting research and keeping prompts clear for better AI responses   - Being cautious about signing up for annual agreements and exploring monthly options Leveraging AI for Business Automation and Efficiency   - Implement

If you're thinking of starting a side hustle - business coach and workplace expert Michelle Gibbings has you covered. In this episode of Flying Solo, Michelle shares invaluable wisdom gained from her own experience, including the importance of testing and developing a business concept while still employed, strategic planning, systematic approaches, and documenting processes. She emphasises the significance of finding a niche, seeking mentorship, and aligning expenditures with business goals. Tune in to discover the key components of running a successful business when you're starting from scratch. Key topics Transitioning from a corporate career to starting a business: - Desire for autonomy leading to starting a business - Financial advice and stability before venturing into entrepreneurship - Managing expenses during challenging times Strategies for running a successful business: - Systematic approach and task management - Documentation of processes and importance of organization - Assessing the market and

In this episode of Flying Solo, Olivia Carr founder of Shhh Silk opens up about her own entrepreneurial journey, from experiencing financial hardship to launching a successful silk pillowcase business that is beloved by celebrities and every day consumers all around the globe. Olivia shares valuable insights on mindset training, building relationships with influential figures, and the importance of taking daily action to achieve your goals. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Key Topics Entrepreneurial Journey - Starting her first business at 24 - Winning the World Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007 with a touring educational business called Shows For Kids - Experiencing burnout, working in corporate roles, and in a breast cancer foundation - Returning to entrepreneurship and launching a silk pillowcase business, ZILK, 8 years ago - Idea for silk pillowcases coming from a lost case during a trip and wanting an improved version with a zipper - Travelling to China to research silk and manufacture the

Michael McQueen is a renowned expert in the field of human behaviour and change. His latest book, "Mindstuck," delves into the complexities of why individuals find themselves trapped in unproductive patterns of thinking and behaviour. McQueen explores the dichotomy between the two minds we possess and tackles the pressing question of why people struggle to change, despite their desires and knowledge of what is best for them. He sheds light on the nature of stubbornness and its detrimental impact on personal growth. And offers invaluable insights and strategies for understanding customer behaviour. Key topics The Nature of the Human Mind and Decision Making - Difference between an inquiring mind and an instinctive mind  - The inquiry mind: methodical, rational, linear, used for 5-10% of decisions  - The instinctive mind: associated with the limbic system, processes emotion, identifies patterns or threats, leads to stubbornness - Impact of fight, fright, and freeze response on decision making - Importance of re

Kevin Higgins is the executive director at Vantage Performance, and he is passionate about creating more resilient businesses. When it comes to the ins and outs of financing, Kevin is an expert and in this episode of Flying Solo, he shares all the tips you need to know to help you put your business in the best position to access finance. He understands that one of the main challenges in securing funding is the lack of clear visibility and timely information provided to funders. Kevin shares invaluable insights on managing working capital, the role of banks in funding peaks and troughs, and the importance of accurate and well-articulated financial forecasting. Key topics Importance of a Secure Balance Sheet - Funders rely less on personal assets with a secure balance sheet - Be cautious when giving personal guarantees - Negotiate to remove personal guarantees if possible Managing Working Capital and Cash Flow - Working capital includes debtors, creditors, and stock - Banks evaluate debt collection efficiency a

Friska Wirya is a change management expert who helps big businesses implement change to tackle the future of work. However, her strategies are equally applicable to small businesses. Friska joins us to share her insights on how you can prepare your business to face the challenges of the future. Join us as we discuss the background of change management, the importance of embracing change, and practical ways to overcome resistance. Get ready to transform your business and step into the future with Friska Wirya on Flying Solo. Key topics covered Change Management for Small Businesses - The human-centered nature of change management makes it applicable to businesses of all sizes - Tools, techniques, and strategies in change management remain the same regardless of the company's size - Importance of influencing people to feel psychologically safe and cultivating innovation and growth in businesses Understanding Resistance to Change - People naturally resist change due to fear of losing power, prestige, protection,

Evelina Bereni is an expert in assisting businesses to be more creative and embrace transformation. In this episode, Evelina will be sharing her insights on the importance of creativity and problem-solving in business, and why innovation should be a part of our everyday routines. We'll be diving into the ProSci methodology, microdosing fear, the power of diverse stimulus, and so much more. This episode is jam-packed with practical tips and strategies to help you take your business to new heights. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Evelina Bereni on this episode of Flying Solo! Key Topics Change management and innovation: - Introducing the ProSci methodology - Building awareness about innovation - Training people on how to innovate - Importance of active and visible sponsorship for innovation Creativity and stimulus: - Using different stimuli to enhance creativity - Bringing hidden creative ideas to the conscious - Examples of using stimuli in virtual sessions and personal experiences Failure,

Tess McCabe is a graphic designer, author, marketing expert, and publisher. She has recently released a groundbreaking book titled Self Promotion Without Social Media. In this episode, Tess shares her insights and expertise on how to effectively promote your business without getting lost in the constant grind of content creation on social media. As a fellow solopreneur, Tess understands the struggles and challenges faced by small business owners when it comes to self-promotion. She provides valuable advice on connecting with customers, building relationships, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. We'll dive into topics such as personal branding, networking, website optimisation, reviews and testimonials, and the power of word-of-mouth. Join us as we explore alternative ways to promote your business and free yourself from the overwhelm of social media. Key Topics Self-Promotion Strategies - Understanding target clients and attracting them - Building personal relationships and showcasing expertise - Import

Donna McGeorge, one of our favourite productivity experts, and she joins us today to help you prepare for the busiest time of the year. With sales season and the holidays approaching, business owners face increasing challenges in juggling tasks. But fear not, Donna will share loads of practical advice on harnessing AI's power to streamline your processes, optimise your productivity, and ultimately save you time and mental energy. Whether it's using ChatGPT for written communication or exploring the AI features in popular programs like Microsoft and Google, Donna's insights will help you make the most of these tools now! Key topics AI and Productivity - Use of AI and ChatGPT in businesses to save time and mental energy - Using ChatGPT for business: such as written comms, emails, proposals, and presentations - Time-saving benefits of using Chat GPT for everyday administrative tasks - Integration of AI in popular programs like Microsoft and Google Processes to Improve Productivity - First lever to create time: S

Now, if you think that transformation is only in the realm of big business, it's time to reshape your view. Transformation is a precursor to innovation, and today’s guest knows all about it. Adam Bennett is the author of Great Change – The Way to Get Big Strategy Done. He’s a former CEO and big four bank CIO, and these days, he devotes his time to management consulting, where he assists businesses of all sizes through transformational change. If you're ready to reshape your business for the better, listen up as Adam has plenty of great advice. Key Topics Transformation in Business - Three elements of transformation: external disruption/opportunity, strategy/choice, action/implementation - The importance of implementation for an effective strategy - Universal principles applicable to small and large businesses - Crucial mindset elements for successful business operation: curiosity, humility, openness to change - The consequences of clinging onto old ways of thinking - The role of ambition and urgency in the o

If you’re a small business owner, chances are there have been times when you’ve put your health and wellbeing into the too hard basket. But today’s guest, Dr Brett Lillie, believes it doesn’t have to be that way. By rediscovering the 'athlete within' Dr Brett says you can rekindle your love for movement and find your mojo to live a happier, healthier life. He joins us today to share some science-backed strategies from his new book Rediscover Your Athlete Within, which will get you moving and grooving again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If presenting to an audience or pitching to clients is part of the bread and butter of your business, then today's guest has some fantastic strategies to share. David Fish is a renowned keynote speaker and author whose new book, What It Takes To Create Winning Presentations, delivers some fabulous advice on how to employ storytelling to connect, engage and convince. If you’d like to become a more effective communicator, listen up as David has a wealth of experience in the advertising industry, working on strategic thinking and creating impactful campaigns for big brands. While his keynote 'Attitude for Altitude' catapulted him onto the world speakers stage with its message of personal growth and triumph over adversity. So buckle up as we this inspiring aviator takes flight on the latest episode of Flying Solo. Key Topics and Talking Points Telling your story effectively   - Ineffective content delivery hinders the impact of great ideas and strategic thinking   - Emphasis on story structuring and content or

Today's guest, Fleur Heazlewood, firmly believes in the power of resilience. She understands that resilience is not something innate but rather a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. And when it comes to avoiding burnout and managing stress, resilience is your best friend. Fleur believes building up a resilience toolkit allows you to recognise when stress becomes overwhelming and prevent its negative consequences. In this episode Fluer shares her best strategies for taming stress and avoiding burnout. She sheds light on the impact of stress on our bodies and provides valuable insight into different stress responses. If you're looking for practical strategies for managing stress and fostering resilience, join us today as we explore ways to navigate stress, enhance self-care, and promote overall success and resilience. Get ready to take flight and embark on this transformative journey with us on Flying Solo - your podcast for thriving in a hectic world. Let's soar together! Key topics Stress

In today's episode, Andrew May, shares an incredible story of transformation and entrepreneurship. Brace yourself for a tale that involves gambling syndicates, art galleries, and even a Ferrari. But it doesn't stop there! Andrew also dives into his journey as a performance and mindset coach; shares the rituals and lessons that have helped him assist 1000s of business owners, elite athletes and corporate leaders to become more focused and productive and explains where culture and values sit when it comes to creating a positive work and home life. Key Topics 1. The Power of Morning Rituals - Resetting the body clock and optimizing cortisol levels - Morning sunlight and physical movement to increase alertness - Delaying caffeine consumption for sustained energy 2. Aligning Values with Work - Shift in mindset due to COVID-19, prioritizing purpose and meaning - The possibility of finding a job that aligns with values and provides financial success - Importance of self-awareness in determining success and refusin

In today's episode, we delve into the concept of meaningful work and its importance in finding fulfilment in our careers. Our guest, Nina Mapson Bone, is the Managing Director of Beaumont People and an expert in helping individuals discover their unique path to career satisfaction. She shares her insights from decades of experience and stories from her new book, "Meaningful Work." Join us as we discuss how meaningful work can impact not just our personal lives, but also our businesses, recruitment processes, and overall culture. So, let's dive in and discover how we can find meaning in our work with the help of Nina Mapson Bone. Welcome to FlyingSolo EP 392: The Power of Meaningful Work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we are joined by the incredible Leah Mether, a communication expert and author of the book Soft is the New Hard. Leah's expertise lies in helping individuals navigate the challenges of change, difficult conversations, and communicating more effectively. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of curiosity and empathy in dealing with resistance to change, especially in the context of the disruptive changes brought about by the pandemic. Leah outlines eight reasons why people resist change and provides practical strategies to address each one. We also discuss the impact of change fatigue and the role of leadership in effectively managing change within teams. We also delve into the significance of soft skills in today's ever-evolving business landscape and why developing effective communication and emotional intelligence is crucial for success. So, grab your headphones and get ready to learn how to navigate change, communicate effectively, and ultimately thrive in this intriguing ep