Shelley Tonkin Smith and Francesca Woltanski created this podcast series to share their entrepreneurial journeys and to be a Board of Advisors and a pair of Biz Besties to other solopreneurs. While the series concluded at the end of 2020, there's a treasure trove of great content to support you in making your business simpler, more collaborative, and a whole lot more fun. So go ahead and binge the series!
It's totally amazing.
You've finally started your own business.
You love being your own boss.
Plotting your own course.
But sometimes, being on your own has its downsides — feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and like success (or failure) is all on you...
You might miss comparing notes with trusted colleagues, getting advice from a mentor, and even laughing with your work buddies.If that's how you're feeling, then the solution is simple:
You need a Biz Bestie.
On the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, you've got two Biz Besties, Francesca and Shelley — plus a community of super-passionate entrepreneurs who are running their own businesses, together.
Because Biz Besties own it.
All Simply Biz Besties Episodes
Episode 10:
The End of an Experiment
December 11th, 2020
It started off as an experiment and now it’s time to conclude this season of Simply Biz Besties (cue soppy music!). But not before we do some reflection and analysis! We’re also going to be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to produce the podcast — from tech to editing to promotion — and a whole lot more!
Episode 9:
Self Care for Business Owners
December 4th, 2020
What activities ENERGIZE you? Can you think of a few? Great! Now you have the answer to the question: What is self care?And that’s a really important question for you as a business owner.So in today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season of Simply Biz Besties by talking about self care for business owners—with the hearty encouragement for you to prioritize self care. It really is a non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling like self care is selfish, then just listen to the show, because we’ll convince you that self care is probably the most selfless thing you can do for your family, your community, and your business.
Episode 8 (Part 2):
How to Have Time for All Your Priorities
November 27th, 2020
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the mantra “I have time for all my priorities” (we took such a deep dive, we had to split this one into two episodes!). So in Part 2, we’re looking at how to make this mantra a reality in your business specifically.We’ve discovered that not all business tasks are created equal and that if you’re going to have time for all your business priorities, then you’re going to have to know which of those tasks are going to give you the best return on your time investment.
Episode 8 (Part 1):
How to Have Time for All Your Priorities
November 20th, 2020
“I have time for all my priorities.” What springs to mind when you hear that mantra? Because if you’re like us—or many of the creative, heart-centered business owners we know—it often feels like there is not enough time in the day (or the month or the year!) to achieve your beautifully ambitious goals.
That’s why in this episode, we’re going to unpack this mantra, word by word, so that we can all break through some of those mindset blocks that come up around TIME in our lives and businesses.
Episode 7:
Routine for Business Owners
November 13th, 2020
Having a set of routines that you can regularly just queue up and execute in your business is going to save you so much mental energy, rid you of decision fatigue, and finally get you to that place of ease and flow—even if you’ve got a lot on your plate right now.And if you’re thinking that routine sounds a little… routine (a.k.a. boring and uncreative), then Francesca is going to convince you otherwise in this episode! She’s coached Shelley, a self-proclaimed rebel and routine-sceptic, and the result is that Shelley has now embraced routine in her life and business (she may even quite like it!).
Episode 6:
How to Set Up a Super Sales Page for a Simple Launch
October 30th, 2020
We’ve dropped a few truth bombs in the last few episodes of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast. One of those is that you don’t need a website when you’re just getting started your business (GASP!!). In this episode, we’ll tell you why setting up a simple Sales Page is a way better use of your time. We’ll also dive into how you can get a Sales Page set up quickly and easily — from the copywriting to the tech to the design.And of course, Sales Pages are not only awesome for new businesses. You might be coming off of our last episode, totally pumped to build a digital product, but now you need a simple place to sell it and deliver the product online. Well, hello Sales Page!
Episode 5:
Grow Your Business with a Small Digital Product
October 23rd, 2020
Today on the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, Shelley and Francesca are talking about Small Digital Products. And if you find the idea of teaching your audience appealing, but have found online course creation a bit intimidating or too much of an investment of time and money, then this one’s for you!And in true Simply Biz Besties style, we’ll break down all the things you DON’T need for your Small Digital Product (we’re keeping it simple, people!) — and the few things that you actually DO need to get your Small Digital Product out into the world. Pronto.
Episode 4:
Why experimentation is the best business strategy
October 16th, 2020
As a solo business owner, do you find yourself thinking things like:
“What strategy should I be using?”
“Is this the right website builder / billing software / online course [insert “thing” here!] to choose?”
“I don’t know if I’m doing this right. Can someone just give me the answer?!”The truth is that there are very few “right answers” in this ever-changing online business world — even though the gurus would have you believe otherwise. But the good news is that you can find the right answers for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS. Want to know how?Experimentation. Specifically by running small experiments in your business (and even in your life in general) and intentionally learning from the process.
Episode 3:
All the mindsets you DON'T need as a business owner — and what you need instead
October 2nd, 2020
As a business owner, you’ve got to be prepared to hustle, pour in the hard work now (the rewards will come later), and not settle for anything less than 6 figures in annual income. You’ve got to have 100% belief in yourself and your business, you’ve got to walk in with the mindset of a CEO, and know all the right answers — if you hope to be successful.Do you believe this? ^^ We don’t.In this juicy episode we challenge you to “think about how you think”. There’s so much power in that entrepreneurial brain of yours. Let’s harness it!
Episode 2:
All the Things You DON’T Need When Starting a Business (or Launching a New Offer)
September 25th, 2020
Feeling overwhelmed or totally STUCK as you start your business or launch a new offer? You're probably doing a whole lotta things you don't need to do. In this episode, we're taking a swipe at all the things you DON’T need when starting a business or launching a new offer. Like a website. Or being on social media. Or having an opt-in freebie. Yip, there are some surprises in our lists of don't-have-to-haves!
Episode 1:
Why Biz Besties are the Best!
September 18th, 2020
In our first official episode, we chat about why having a biz bestie — or several biz besties! — is a great idea for solo business owners. And, we dive in to how you can find a biz bestie and establish a relationship that is mutually beneficial and fun!
Episode 0:
Meet the Simply Biz Besties: Francesca and Shelley
September 9th, 2020
Say hello to the Simply Biz Besties: life coach, Francesca Woltanski and copywriter, Shelley Smith. In this episode, you'll learn more about your new biz besties and why the podcast is going to uplevel your business and be a whole lot of fun!
Latest Episode
It started off as an experiment is now it’s time to conclude this season of Simply Biz Besties. But not before we do some reflection and analysis! We’re going behind-the-scenes to look at what it took to produce the podcast and a whole lot more!
Meet the Besties
Francesca and Shelley are two biz besties on opposite sides of the world, talking business. And they're on a mission to make it simple. Francesca brings her expertise as a Life Coach and her gift for creating community. Shelley brings her copywriting expertise and her teacher's heart for explaining things simply.
All the Episodes
Get all of the Simply Biz Besties episodes plus shownotes. From marketing, websites, tech and launch strategy — to creating spaciousness in your schedule, your email inbox, and your mind. If you're a solopreneur CEO, we've got you covered.
Join the Community
The Simply Biz Besties Community is where you can carry on the conversations we start on the podcast and connect with like-minded business owners. It's a safe space to share ideas, ask for recommendations, and celebrate your wins.
And who knows? Maybe you'll find your next biz bestie in the community too!
Hey there, we're the Simply Biz Besties!
I'm Francesca, and I run my life coaching business in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I started my own business about five years ago as a side hustle, and when I look back now, I see how each year has gotten better and better. The fact that I get to be a Life Coach — a calling that energizes me and fills my soul with joy — AND get paid to do it... well, let's just say that there are days when I have to pinch myself to remind myself I'm not dreaming!And sure, the road of entrepreneurship is not always so "dreamy" — I'm sure you know this if you're also a business owner. But one of the best things I've done for my business is to build and nurture supportive relationships with other like-minded business owners.Of course, one of these relationships is with my biz bestie, Shelley! Before I connected with Shelley, I was deep in a whole lot of drama around my website - tech drama, messaging drama, mind drama...! ;) Shelley simplified all that for me. After months of trying to figure things out on my own, I was finally able to get my website up and get my offer out into the world.Since then, we've had regular biz bestie chats to support each other in our businesses — which is really what the Simply Biz Besties Podcast is based on.I love talking about creating spaciousness in your schedule, your email inbox, and your mind — because this is your self-care as a CEO. I help my clients to discover and live their Most Beautiful Life, which I believe means making an abundant living doing what you love and making a positive impact in your family, your community, and in the world — in a way that feels easy and fun!I'm married to Daniel and we love spending weekends at Lake Michigan, going out for ice-cream, and playing board games.
I'm Shelley and I run my copywriting and website design business in Johannesburg, South Africa.
My jam is all things marketing, copywriting, website design, tech and launch strategy. I’m on a mission to let go of perfectionism and embrace playfulness in my business — which is pretty much essential because I'm running my business alongside homeschooling my two boys.I've been a business owner for over 10 years and my business has evolved over that time. The golden thread though, is writing. I love using words to teach, to inspire, and to sell! And then add a bit of tech to the mix to really get those words out into the world.Running my own business has been a personal development adventure of epic proportions! It's an adventure I could not have undertaken without the support of my husband Garren, who is a business owner himself.And I've also relied heavily on the support of other business owners who're facing the same challenges as me. I'm talking about biz besties here (because honestly, I have too many entrepreneurial stories and ideas for even Garren to process!). And my very special biz bestie is Francesca.The awesome part about having Francesca as my biz bestie is that she can quickly whip out her life coaching skills (it's a gift, really), to lovingly reveal my blind spots and to make me a more effective business owner and a happier human being.I'm so excited to be doing this season of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast with Francesca, because our biz bestie chats have been a game changer for my business, and I'm certain they're going to be the same for yours.
Listen to the introductory episode of Simply Biz Besties to learn more about us and how the podcast can help you to start and run your own business — simply.
Episode 0:
Meet the Biz Besties: Francesca and Shelley
In this episode, we're talking about what you can expect from the Simply Biz Besties Podcast. We'll also share a bit more about ourselves and our journeys as business owners. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let's get this party started!
Show Notes
- Meet Francesca 2:52
- Meet Shelley 4:02
- What we love about being entrepreneurs 6:30Sharing some fun facts about ourselves 10:54
- Funny stories 10:54
- Favorite foods 14:40
- What we’re reading & watching right now 16:34
- Our Tendencies (The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and The Four Tendencies Quiz) 19:44
- Our Myers Briggs Personality Types (Great Myers Briggs Test from 16 Personalities) 21:49What to look forward to on the Podcast this season 24:00
- Episode 1 24:42
- Episode 2 25:10
- Episode 3 25:55
- Episode 4 26:37
- Episode 5 27:22
- Episode 6 28:11
- Episode 7 28:40
- Episode 8 29:43
- Episode 9 31:25
- Episode 10 32:16
Episode 1:
Why Biz Besties are the Best
In our first official episode, we chat about why having a biz bestie — or several biz besties! — is a great idea for solo business owners. And, we dive in to how you can find a biz bestie and establish a relationship that is mutually beneficial and fun!
Show Notes
Here's what we'll cover in this episode:
- What is a biz bestie? 3:13
- How did we become biz besties? 7:40
- Why have a biz bestie? 11:34
- How can a biz bestie support you? 21:09
- How many Biz Besties can you have? 25:21
- Biz besties and boundaries. 26:49
- What's the difference between a biz bestie and a (paid) contractual relationship? And just a person in your network? 40:56
- How can you find a biz bestie? 43:10Continue this conversation on the Simply Biz Besties Community. (And find a biz bestie!)
Episode 2:
All the Things You DON’T Need When Starting a Business (or Launching a New Offer)
Show Notes
Feeling overwhelmed or totally STUCK as you start your business or launch a new offer? You're probably doing a whole lotta things you don't need to do. In this episode, we're taking a swipe at all the things you DON’T need when starting a business or launching a new offer. Like a website. Or being on social media. Or having an opt-in freebie. Yip, there are some surprises in our lists of don't-have-to-haves!And just to be clear: The items on this list come straight out of The School of Hard Knocks! We have totally fallen into the #allthethings trap at various points in our businesses. But we’re hoping that by sharing our mistakes, we’ll be releasing your from any pressure you’ve put on yourself to do #allthethings and instead, simplify your business for maximum results.And don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging. We’ll also be sharing the (few) things that we DO think you need when starting a business or launching a new offer. They’ll still take some work, but this list of to-dos is a whole lot shorter than what you’ve been led to believe.
Here's what we'll cover in this episode:
- Overview of #AllTheThings - 4:30
- You don’t need a website - 8:11
- You don’t need a logo or business card - 12:33
- You don’t need to be clear on your Ideal Customer Avatar - 14:36
- You don’t need differentiated offers - 22:35
- You don’t need perfect, refined copy - 27:35
- You don’t need a blog or content creation calendar - 38:37
- You don’t need to be on social media - 40:42
- You don’t need a professional photoshoot - 47:18
- You don’t need Facebook Ads - 49:35
- You don’t need an opt-in freebie - 51:13
- You don’t need a CEO mindset - 53:43
- What you DO NEED instead - 56:14Continue this conversation on the Simply Biz Besties Community.
Episode 3:
All the mindsets you DON'T need as a business owner — and what you need instead
Show Notes
As a business owner, you’ve got to be prepared to hustle, pour in the hard work now (the rewards will come later), and not settle for anything less than 6 figures in annual income. You’ve got to have 100% belief in yourself and your business, you’ve got to walk in with the mindset of a CEO, and know all the right answers — if you hope to be successful.Do you believe this? ^^ We don’t.In fact, we believe that these are all examples of mindsets that could be holding business owners back from achieving their version of success. And so, as with last week’s episode on all the “things” you don’t need in your business, we’re taking a Devil’s Advocate approach and challenging some of the mindsets that business owners think they need in order to be successful.Francesca shares her experience as a Life Coach to firstly explain what “mindset” is exactly. She and Shelley then dive into the mindsets they thought they needed when they started their businesses — but that they’ve now come to realize were not serving them.Of course, we’ll share some alternative mindsets that we believe business owners DO need to cultivate and work on. Examples include playfulness and experimentation, trust in your own intuition, an openness to listen and take on board feedback from trusted advisors, and knowing that you have the power over your thoughts.It’s a juicy episode that we think will challenge you to “think about how you think” — but there’s so much power in that entrepreneurial brain of yours. Let’s harness it!
Here's what we'll cover in this episode:
- What is Mindset - 2:34
- Mindsets the gurus usually recommend - 6:20
- You don’t need the CEO Mindset - 12:02
- You don’t need 100% belief - 13:53
- Belief Gradients - 15:56
- What is Design Thinking? - 21:02
- Building Belief in yourself - 23:37
- Stacey Boehman’s Belief Triad - 24:16
- What are the Mindsets you do need? - 29:16
- The Mindset of Play - 29:58
- SeeSaw App - 36:41
- An Intuitive Mindset - 42:43
- Listening to feedback from others - 49:41
- Thought work and feelings - 54:30Continue this conversation on the Simply Biz Besties Community.
Episode 4:
Why experimentation is the best business strategy
Show Notes
As a solo business owner, do you find yourself thinking things like:
“What strategy should I be using?”
“Is this the right website builder / billing software / online course [insert “thing” here!] to choose?”
“I don’t know if I’m doing this right. Can someone just give me the answer?!”The truth is that there are very few “right answers” in this ever-changing online business world — even though the gurus would have you believe otherwise. But the good news is that you can find the right answers for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS. Want to know how?Experimentation. Specifically by running small experiments in your business (and even in your life in general) and intentionally learning from the process.In this episode of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, Francesca and Shelley dive into the mindset and practice of experimentation in business. They share how experimentation has helped them to build momentum and get results in their own businesses by taking action — one small step at a time. Emphasis on small.And if “experimentation” feels too sciency for you, then don’t worry (there’s no need for a lab coat!). Experimentation is really more about playfulness and about applying a bit of intentional reflection on what you’re already doing — so that you can get the answers you need to move forward with confidence in your business. So it’s just as much for the creatives and dreamers as it is for the data junkies and math nerds amongst us ;)
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: Experimentation in your business - 1:12
Range by David Epstein - 2:04
Why should you experiment? - 8:40
What could experimentation look like? - 9:25
Examples of experiments - 15:00
The scientific nuts & bolts - 18:32
Examples of hypotheses - 21:03
An experimental mindset - 24:47
What about “best practice”? - 39:29
What happens when an experiment “fails”? - 40:37
How long should an experiment take? - 45:56
Episode 5:
Grow Your Business with a Small Digital Product
Show Notes
If you’re an online business owner, you’ve probably heard that creating an online course is a great way to “make money in your sleep” by sharing your knowledge and expertise with your audience! But you may have realized that creating an online course is a big time and money investment — if you want to do it well. And so “Create My Online Course” continues to languish on your To-Do List!Today on the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, Shelley and Francesca are talking about Small Digital Products. And if you find the idea of teaching your audience appealing, but have found online course creation a bit intimidating or too much of an investment of time and money, then this one’s for you!Small Digital Products are also a great idea for service providers who are offering one or more high-ticket offers and aren't ready to commit to a 4, 6, or 12-month program yet..Why? Because a Small Digital Product starts the customer journey. People are actually handing over their money (rather than just claiming a freebie), so they legit become your customers. And once a customer has bought from you and likes what you have to offer, they are very likely to buy a second time.There are tons more reasons why a Small Digital Product is a great product offering, and the Simply Biz Besties go through all of these and how you can use Small Digital Products strategically in your business.And in true Simply Biz Besties style, we’ll break down all the things you DON’T need for your Small Digital Product (we’re keeping it simple, people!) — and the few things that you actually DO need to get your Small Digital Product out into the world. Pronto.
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: Small digital products - 2:25
What is a small digital product? - 4:00
MVP: Minimum Viable Product - 5:18
Why should I launch a digital product? - 12:44
The mind drama of Imposter Syndrome - 17:12
The start of the customer journey - 23:04
How easy is it to create a digital product? - 26:26
What do I NOT need when creating a digital product? - 32:31
What DO I need when creating a digital product? - 39:42
Episode 6:
How to Set Up a Super Sales Page for a Simple Launch
Show Notes
We’ve dropped a few truth bombs in the last few episodes of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast. One of those is that you don’t need a website when you’re just getting started your business (GASP!!). In this episode, we’ll tell you why setting up a simple Sales Page is a way better use of your time. We’ll also dive into how you can get a Sales Page set up quickly and easily — from the copywriting to the tech to the design.And of course, Sales Pages are not only awesome for new businesses. You might be coming off of our last episode, totally pumped to build a digital product, but now you need a simple place to sell it and deliver the product online. Well, hello Sales Page!Whatever you’re launching, we believe that each offer needs its own Sales Page, it’s own place to shine and show off all of its fabulousness — free from the distraction of anything else. Your Sales Page will become the home of your launch, and if it does its job well, it’s going to save you heaps of time and have those sales numbers soaring!So tune in to find out how setting up a Sales Page can simplify your launch, get some awesome Sales Page copywriting tips, and find out what tech options are available without getting googly eyes from all the Googling 😳. And if you want to get started today, then Shelley has got a great Video Course + Sales Page Template called Sales Page Superhero that’ll help you DIY your Sales Page with Superpowers! Boom!
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: Sales Pages - 2:26
What is a sales page? - 4:28
What makes a sales page different from your website? - 6:04
Why selling is great and doesn’t have to be sleazy - 9:41
Why a sales page is a great idea for a beginning entrepreneur - 14:12
Using a sales page for your small digital product - 17:00
Are sales pages a good idea for service providers? - 23:39
How to create a super sales page - 28:57
AIDA principle- 37:58
What platforms can you use to create a sales page? - 46:02
How payments and integrations work - 55:02
Episode 7:
Routine for Business Owners
Show Notes
Do you find yourself mentally drained when you think of all the things you have to do in a day for your business?
How about decision fatigue—do you find yourself overwhelmed with options and exhausted because of all the decision-making you have to do?
Are you struggling to find your flow in business—and in life?
Are you just sick of having to think all the time?!If that’s how you’re feeling, then you need to make friends with ROUTINE. Having a set of routines that you can regularly just queue up and execute in your business is going to save you so much mental energy, rid you of decision fatigue, and finally get you to that place of ease and flow—even if you’ve got a lot on your plate right now.And if you’re thinking that routine sounds a little… routine (a.k.a. boring and uncreative), then Francesca is going to convince you otherwise in this episode! She’s coached Shelley, a self-proclaimed rebel and routine-sceptic, and the result is that Shelley has now embraced routine in her life and business (she may even quite like it!).So tune in and get ready to get into the CEO Flow as you incorporate simple, but powerful routines into your business and life.
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: Routine as a business owner - 1:36
What is a routine? - 2:32
The difference between routine and habits - 5:08
The importance of routine for business owners - 7:03
Routine as a support system - 11:00
Routine for rebels - 14:01
The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin - 15:20
Layering your routines to suit you - 20:14
The difference between rituals and routines - 31:39
Routine and the CEO flow - 38:21
Episode 8 (part 1):
How to Have Time for All Your Priorities
Show Notes
“I have time for all my priorities.” What springs to mind when you hear that mantra? Because if you’re like us—or many of the creative, heart-centered business owners we know—it often feels like there is not enough time in the day (or the month or the year!) to achieve your beautifully ambitious goals.
That’s why in this episode, we’re going to unpack this mantra, word by word, so that we can all break through some of those mindset blocks that come up around TIME in our lives and businesses.
We focus first on prioritization, because you’ll notice that this mantra doesn’t say: “I have time for all the things” or “I have time to do it all” (a trap that many of us over-enthusiasts could fall into!). So setting clear priorities is—yes—a priority…
Then we dive into the concept of time and we’ll share some mindset shifts that we’ve made to make time feel more abundant and less pressured. There’ll also be some practical time management tips and we’ll share quite a few recommendations for books and courses that we’ve enjoyed (this is a topic we can really nerd out on!).
And on that note, we nerded out so much in this episode that we’ve had to split the episode into two parts. In next week’s episode, we’ll be zeroing in on how you can apply this mantra to your business more specifically.
We believe you can unlock so much power and energy when your priorities are clear and aligned with your vision. It’s at that point that time stops feeling like a ticking clock or an hourglass draining—instead it feels like a gift that keeps on giving.
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: “I have time for all my priorities” (Part 1) - 2:11
Cailen Ascher - 2:20
Priorities and Prioritisation - 2:47
Eisenhower Matrix - 4:12
‘All my priorities’ is not the same as #allthethings - 5:49
Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz - 6:40
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Looking at time as a gift - 12:26
Shelley’s Time Stewardship Vision - 24:50
Art of Efficiency by Ashlyn Carter - 25:10
Focusing on the “I” and “Me” - 28:25
Episode 8 (part 2):
How to Have Time for All Your Priorities
Show Notes
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the mantra “I have time for all my priorities” (we took such a deep dive, we had to split this one into two episodes!). So in Part 2, we’re looking at how to make this mantra a reality in your business specifically.We’ve discovered that not all business tasks are created equal and that if you’re going to have time for all your business priorities, then you’re going to have to know which of those tasks are going to give you the best return on your time investment.We also talk about outsourcing to free up time and energy. As solo business owners, we can default to doing everything ourselves—perhaps because it feels like a waste of money to outsource and because as multi-passionates we often can do quite a lot in our businesses. But Francesca argues that defaulting to a DIY mindset is not always the most helpful path to take. Often, the most helpful thing to do is to invest a bit of money—and get some expert help.Outsourcing frees you up to work in your Zone of Genius for a greater percentage of your working hours. And for all the moms and side-hustlers out there who have limited work hours, this can be particularly powerful. More time spent in your Zone of Genius means more flow in your day and the work just seems easy!So if you want some of that ease and flow in your business, then tune in!
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s topic: Having time for all your priorities in business - 1:38
The Pareto Principle - 2:43
CEO Retreat with Racheal Cook - 3:12
Eisenhower Matrix - 4:06
The DIY mindset of business owners - 5:06
Our VA & Social Media Manager: Pin Pal Media - 6:23
Outsourcing tasks to free up time and energy - 6:30
Working in your Zone of Genius - 16:44
Francesca’s Schedule Audit - 26:00
Key Takeaways from Episode 8: Part 1 and 2 - 27:39
Episode 9:
Self Care for Business Owners
Show Notes
What activities ENERGIZE you? Can you think of a few? Great! Now you have the answer to the question: What is self care?And that’s a really important question for you as a business owner.Over the last season, the Simply Biz Besties have shared a lot about what it takes to start, run, and grow a business. But the reality is that all of the strategies, tips and tactics we’ve shared up to now are going to be useless if YOU, the very heart and soul of your business, are lying on the couch, completely burnt out.So in today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season of Simply Biz Besties by talking about self care for business owners—with the hearty encouragement for you to prioritize self care. It really is a non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling like self care is selfish, then just listen to the show, because we’ll convince you that self care is probably the most selfless thing you can do for your family, your community, and your business.So in today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season (well, just about) of Simply Biz Besties by talking about self care for business owners—with the hearty encouragement for you to prioritize self care. It really is a non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling like self care is selfish, then just listen to the show, because we’ll convince you that self care is probably the most selfless thing you can do for your family, your community, and your business.Now just in case you’re wondering, self care doesn’t have to be about bubble baths and pedicures—especially if these activities don’t energize you. Because remember, self care is any activity that energizes you. As such, self care activities in your business could include things as seemingly mundane as creating a schedule that honors your natural energy levels, doing a budget, or outsourcing work that falls outside of your Zone of Genius.We’ll also be sharing each of our own self care routines and how self care has even been embraced by every member of our families—big and small.So if professional development and being part of a community of biz besties energizes you, tune in—you’ll be practicing self care as you listen! Yes, this is our last official episode of this season, but we will be back next week with a reflection episode, where we’ll be sharing what it’s been like to launch and record a co-hosted podcast. There’ll be some practical podcasting tips and also some behind-the-scenes of our successes and challenges along the way.
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s Topic: Self Care for Business Owners - 0:35
What is self care? - 1:58
Myths about self care - 5:10
Self care in your business - 22:58
Katie Scott- More With Money - 35:26
Dawn Patton- Accounting & Tax - 35:49
Rowena Mabbott- Career & Life Confidence Coach - 37:16
Your Color Guru - 41:46
Our self care routines: Shelley - 49:06
Our self care routines: Francesca - 56:23
Racheal Cook - 1:00:07
Episode 10:
The End of an Experiment
Show Notes
It started off as an experiment and now it’s time to conclude this season of Simply Biz Besties (cue soppy music!). But not before we do some reflection and analysis! We’re also going to be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to produce the podcast — from tech to editing to promotion — and a whole lot more!And while doing this podcast has been an absolute blast and we’ve grown so much as business owners, we’ll have you know that it was not all sunshine and rainbows. Yip, producing a co-hosted podcast had its fair share of conflict and a few disagreements — so we’re going to be sharing a bit more about how we dealt with the conflict and how the podcast ultimately came out stronger for it!One of our big wins, looking back, was to establish a workflow that effectively repeated every week. This really helped us to “walk the talk” and keep things simple and flowing! In the episode, we also take a moment to celebrate the many wins that we achieved during this season.There’s something in this episode for everyone, whether you’re considering starting a podcast, doing a joint venture with a business friend, or experimenting in your business in 2021. So tune in!As for the Simply Biz Besties podcast, we don’t have plans to do another season at this stage, but this season will continue to be available wherever you listen to podcasts for the foreseeable future. Thank you so much for your support! And before 2020 is over, please take some time to celebrate your wins and reflect on your accomplishments this year — we’re certain there are way more than you think!
Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:
Today’s Topic: The End of an Experiment - 1:35
Why we love experimentation - 2:39
How this podcast started - 5:57
The most fun part of doing this podcast - 8:45
The tech pieces- 11:05
Rachael Cook’s Promote Yourself to CEO Podcast
Why the name ‘Simply Biz Besties’ - 16:36
The challenges and solutions - 19:38
Team formation model - 26:46
What we’d do differently - 30:52
What worked really well for us - 32:50
A look at the numbers - 37:56
Celebrating the wins -41:48
What’s next for us - 46:33The Tech and Tools
Website: Carrd
Editing: Camtasia
Podcast Hosting: Buzzsprout
VA/Editor: Pin Pal Media