Capture Inspired Moments and Finally Finish Your Book 

Welcome back Michelle Weger with our second podcast in a row with her! In the previous episode, we celebrated the release of her new book, Don't Snooze Your Dreams: Lessons from Life with Narcolepsy. Now, we're going to talk about how Michelle was able to write her book so quickly and even managed to get it published ahead of schedule. 

Michelle is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and now #1 International Best Selling author of Don't Snooze Your Dreams. As the founder of Venture Creative Collective, home of the innovative 'Website in a Day' service, Michelle helps small businesses thrive with innovative automation and web development solutions.

Living with narcolepsy, Michelle has transformed personal challenges into powerful lessons, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. Her engaging keynotes draw from real-life experiences, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories. Michelle is accompanied by her medical alert service dog, Quinn. 

Keep Moving Forward 

Michelle managed to finish her book in record time of under a year of writing, and it was published five days ahead of schedule. She achieved this feat by disregarding habits we've grown to expect from authors. Instead of continuously sitting at a desk day after day, hoping she'd be inspired until the last word was written, she took a completely different approach. Listen in for the various ways she turned traditional writing on its head and created a book that is so conversational and comfortable that one reader described it as talking with a friend over a latte. 

One Book Written With A Much Bigger Picture In Mind

Michelle's reasons for writing this book are incredible and inspiring. She wants to help others achieve their dreams with her DREAM method, but she also wants to help others like her be diagnosed as quickly as possible by spreading awareness of her journey from not knowing what was wrong to her diagnosis. You won't believe how big she is thinking when it comes to how she'd like her book distributed and who she would love to help her realize her dream. 

I've loved having Michelle on the show for these two episodes! If you're currently stuck writing your book or have always wanted to write a book, then this episode is your inspiration. Maybe something we say will be the tactic that works best for you to finally move forward and finish your book! 

What’s In This Episode

• Unconventional methods for writing a book 
• Natural ways to start collecting stories and advice without spending hours writing at a desk 
• Set word count goals 
• Focus on quality over a self-imposed deadline 
• How to test if your content resonates with your audience

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e169 for all resources from this episode. 

Attract Your Audience with "Marketing Gravity"

In the world of marketing, there's a concept that stands out—Marketing Gravity. Coined by Alan Weiss, this notion revolves around the idea that our marketing efforts have a gravitational pull, drawing your audience towards your brand. In this episode, you will learn the significance of personalized marketing, assertive strategies, and the courage to share your ideas.

Personalized Marketing Strategies

The cornerstone of Marketing Gravity lies in creating personalized marketing strategies that perfectly align with your abilities, passions, and interests. When you do this, you cultivate an authentic and profound connection with your audience, setting the stage for impactful brand-customer relationships.

Assertive Marketing Approaches 

Seize opportunities through assertive marketing strategies. Collaborate with like-minded professionals and take charge of your brand's narrative. When you explore your real-life experiences, such as engaging in projects or guest appearances on influential platforms, you'll discover how assertive approaches can elevate your brand to new heights in the competitive market.

Turning Your Observations into Content 

The Seinfeldian Syndrome is the art of keen observation. The world around us is filled with inspiration, from the brilliance of nature to the subtle nuances of current events. Take these observations and turn them into compelling content that captivates your audience and elevates your marketing.

Remember to nurture your observation skills and grasp the potential of your creativity. Share your ideas with the world, they hold the power to resonate with others in a profound way. Use Marketing Gravity as a strategy that can help to shape the marketing in your business.

If you're eager to learn more about the concept of "creating marketing gravity," check out my book, Marketing Masterfully, co-written with Alan Weiss. It will equip you with innovative ideas and strategies to generate a resounding impact in your marketing.

What’s In This Episode

• Passive vs assertive marketing

• How being assertive can get you what you want

• Gaining confidence in the art of creation 

• How do you use what you are learning 

• Becoming immune to criticism 

• Beating the barrier

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e116 for all resources from this episode.

Four books that can transform your life and business 

Do you want more money in the bank, more sales, more wealth, and more money to pay yourself? If so, then make some room on your bookshelf.

She Talks Business was created to help business owners and entrepreneurs build a more successful and profitable business, so let’s get down to brass tacks and do just that.

In episode 93, I’m sharing four books that can change your life as an entrepreneur. I’m speaking from experience—the insights between these pages helped me 10x my net worth.

If you're ready to do the work needed to generate the money you dream about for your business, grab a pen and a notebook, and let's get started.

What’s in This Episode

• The difference between an asset and a liability
• Good debt versus bad debt
• Getting out of the rat race 
• Be on the lookout for potential sabotage 
• Profit is the result of effective management
• Don’t let perceptions fool you
• How much money do you need to live?
• The fire method
• How you’re richer than you think
• Leveraging your assets

Visit lisalarter.com/e93 for all resources from this episode, including the links to all the books I mention!

Navigating Tax Implications as Your Business Grows

In today's episode, you'll be diving deep into the world of taxes and exploring the critical role they play as your business expands and evolves. I'm thrilled to have Sunita Doobay, a highly respected tax partner at Blaney McMurtry, joining me as our special guest.

Understanding the Importance of Tax Planning:

As my business has grown, I've come to understand just how crucial it is to consider the tax implications and make necessary adjustments to my business structure. Having a trusted tax advisor by your side as you navigate the different stages of business growth is simply invaluable.

Navigating Cross-Border Tax Implications:

Expanding my business internationally brought a whole new set of challenges, especially regarding the subject of cross-border taxes. For instance, if you're a US employer with employees working in Canada, you might run into payroll tax withholding complexities. Understanding the roles and activities carried out in different countries is important to ensure compliance and avoid any potential penalties.

Common Mistakes and Tax Planning Strategies:

Many individuals make mistakes when it comes to managing their business's tax affairs. Staying up to date with changes in tax laws is absolutely critical, as failing to do so can have serious consequences. That's where a knowledgeable advisor well-versed in cross-border tax implications comes in—they can be a game-changer.

Building a Strong Advisory Team for Business Success:

In the business world, having a strong advisory team is one of the most important things when it comes to success. I encourage all of you to take a close look at your current advisors and consider strengthening your advisory team. 

I highly recommend seeking advice from experts like Sunita Doobay, who can provide invaluable insights and ensure your business remains compliant with the ever-evolving tax laws. Remember, understanding tax laws isn't just about compliance—it can also legally save your business money. Tune in to the full episode to learn more!

What’s In This Episode

• Adjusting business structure as business grows

• Common mistakes and challenges in business taxes

• Importance of hiring advisors familiar with cross-border issues

• Value of working with knowledgeable and effective advisors

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e128 for all resources from this episode.

How to Safeguard Your Business and Intellectual Property

Ready for a deep dive into intellectual property on "She Talks Business? Matthew Asbell is joining us this week and he will be talking about the intricacies of trademarks, copyright laws, and patents. Matthew is well-versed in the complexities of intellectual property law, with a background in information technology, entertainment, and medicine.

Understanding Trademarks

When you're going through the process, it's not only about acquiring trademarks; it's about crafting a plan to enforce and safeguard your invaluable assets. Remember, trademark registration isn't a one-time task – maintaining the integrity of your trademarks demands ongoing vigilance.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Copyright isn't just a byproduct of creation; it's an automatic right granted to your work. There are advantages to registering copyright, especially when it comes to legal disputes. And don't forget to attach copyright notices to your creative works as a testament to their protected status.

Strategic Trademark Registrations

Never underestimate the importance of professional evaluation and counsel in your trademark registration. With a guide, you can navigate the strategic considerations involved in prioritizing trademark registrations based on long-term plans and budget constraints.

Beyond Trademarks

Another pivotal aspect of your intellectual property strategy is the use of patents. From software to applications, physical objects, and intricate processes – patenting is a way to safeguard your innovations.

This episode will equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to protect your intellectual property and trademarks.

What’s In This Episode

• Overview of trademark registration and enforcement

• Importance of enforcing a trademark

• Difference between trademark and copyright

• Intellectual property considerations and benefits

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e133 for all resources from this episode.

Uncovering Needs and Building Value

In this episode, you'll learn about essential topics: marketing, understanding customer needs, and the pervasive myth of passive income.

Uncovering Needs in Marketing

In business, it is imperative to know what your customers genuinely require, rather than simply providing what they want. I once worked with a client who believed they needed assistance with their podcast. Looking closer, it was evident that their need was actually related to lead generation. This is just one example of how important it is to have a team of diverse perspectives working with you to identify your needs and help you make informed purchasing decisions.

The Power of Asking "Why"

When you dive deep into customer needs and can understand their underlying motive, you can create more empathetic and meaningful solutions. In my book, Masterful Marketing, co-written by Alan Weiss, I share the necessity of engaging in open-ended questioning in order to gain an enhanced understanding of your customer base. The act of asking "why" leads to a more comprehensive grasp of their requirements, allowing your business to offer tailored and impactful solutions.

The Myth of Passive Income

I want to address the misconception around passive income and get-rich-quick schemes. The notion that passive income requires no effort or investment is a misperception. Whether you're considering real estate investments or creating sales funnels, these ventures demand dedicated effort. Approach these proposals with a critical mind and withhold from subscribing to the misconception of effortless income. The path to sustainable success requires you to have a profound understanding of your business and an acknowledgment of the effort required.

Success in marketing and business growth depends on your deep understanding of your customer's needs, asking the right questions, and your ability to critically look at propositions that come your way. 

Be sure to subscribe, share, and actively engage with She Talks Business and all the upcoming content.

What’s In This Episode

• Importance of understanding that what people want may not be what they need

• The power of asking why questions in understanding buyer's needs

• The value of gathering information behind buyers' needs to present relevant solutions

• The misconception surrounding passive income

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e122 for all resources from this episode.

A Key to Business Success

When it comes to running a successful business, having a knowledgeable and trustworthy accountant is essential. In this episode of She Talks Business, Steve Parker, the founder of Parker Prince Libano, a chartered accounting firm, shares his insights on the challenges entrepreneurs face in finding the perfect accountant and offers valuable advice on tax planning, financial record-keeping, and the value of responsiveness in the accountant-client relationship.

Finding a Knowledgeable Accountant

Entrepreneurs often struggle to find accountants who possess the depth of knowledge necessary to make informed business decisions. Steve advises asking accountants specific questions about tax planning, slippage in the business, margins, revenue and cost optimization, and profit maximization. This ensures that you have an accountant who can provide the necessary expertise and guidance in these crucial areas.

The Importance of the Right Size Firm

The ideal accounting firm size varies depending on your business's needs. It's important to strike a balance where your accountant is accessible and capable of handling your specific business needs without being overwhelmed. The value of personalized attention is overwhelming against relying on unqualified individuals or larger firms that lack responsiveness.

The Value of Responsiveness

Being responsive is a competitive advantage in today's business environment. Find an accountant who prioritizes responsiveness, it leads to faster decision-making, customer satisfaction, and a stronger business-client relationship. Having an accountant who is available to answer your questions and provide guidance becomes invaluable when you're navigating complex finance and tax situations.

Tax Planning and Financial Record-Keeping

Tax planning is a vital aspect of business success. Consider taxes throughout the year instead of just during tax season. Understand that corporate and personal tax rates and utilizing incentive rules can help optimize your tax payments and maximize your returns. Working closely with an accountant can ensure that you have proper financial record-keeping and an accurate estimation of taxes, avoiding last-minute surprises.

What’s In This Episode

• Difficulty in finding accountants with sufficient knowledge for good business decisions.

• Margins, revenue, and cost optimization.

• Importance of finding the right size accounting firm.

• The value of responsiveness in the accountant-client relationship.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e126 for all resources from this episode.

Building a Solid Financial Foundation

There's a new series starting this week on She Talks Business, the Advisor Series, where I bring you insider wisdom from experts in the world of business. Today, I am beyond thrilled to kickstart this series by sitting down with the extraordinary Jackie Porter, a true champion when it comes to helping entrepreneurs protect their hard-earned money.

A Powerhouse in Finance

Jackie Porter is an absolute powerhouse in the world of finance. Not only is she an award-winning financial planner, but she's also a bestselling author, mentor, and captivating speaker who has positively impacted the lives of countless clients. Jackie's journey to success started from really humble beginnings. Raised by a single mother and hustling through multiple jobs during high school and university, she knows the true value of hard work. Later she had a pivotal moment when a trusted friend suggested she seek the guidance of a financial planner, setting Jackie on a transformative path to greatness.

Strategies for Financial Independence

In this era of the influential FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which has ignited the passions of countless individuals striving for financial freedom, there's an importance of creating multiple income streams and implementing contingency plans and risk management strategies in your business ventures.

Strategic Tax Planning

My conversation with Jackie left me with one crucial takeaway: strategic tax planning is the secret for business owners. When you anticipate income and tax implications, you'll see things shift, which is why collaborating with a dedicated advisory team or a trusted financial planner is an absolute must. If you're on a mission to build generational wealth that stands the test of time, you cannot afford to overlook financial planning.

Finding Your Perfect Financial Advisor

Now, let's talk about finding your own financial advisor—one who aligns perfectly with your vision and goals. This is the move that will set you on the path to incredible success. Take the time to seek out referrals, verify credentials, and most importantly, rely on your instincts. Remember, this is a partnership that can reshape your financial future.

My discussion with Jackie left me filled with inspiration as we discussed the exhilarating journey toward entrepreneurial wealth and the immense value of finding the right financial planner. When you tap into the power of money, diversify your income streams, and seek guidance from a seasoned financial planner like Jackie, you're well on your way to unlocking lasting financial security.

What’s In This Episode

• Wealth as a choice and the importance of saving and spending money wisely

• Importance of proper tax planning for business owners

• Building wealth using your business and the importance of multiple streams of income

• Tips for selecting an advisor based on credentials and gut instinct

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e124 for all resources from this episode.

Sales Strategies for Service-Based Businesses

This episode of She Talks Business is anything but ordinary. With Mackenzie St. Laurent, you’ll learn about sales strategies, mindsets, and invaluable tips that are highly insightful. Forget stale pitches and forced smiles—you'll learn what it truly means to excel in sales and service-based businesses.

Agility in Sales

Agility became our watchword. There's power in adaptability, meeting your clients where they are, and tailoring your approach to their specific needs. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all plans. “Underpromise and overdeliver” should be your core mantra. Give your clients realistic expectations so that you can leave them speechless with your results.

Building Trust Through Understanding

Time spent understanding your client's needs is always well-spent; it's the foundation for building trust and lasting relationships. Think of it as a pre-pitch prep session, laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial collaboration. Speaking of pitches, ditch the pressure of closing deals and embrace "selling as a service." You will then go from a salesperson into a trusted advisor who goes above and beyond to solve problems and exceed expectations. It's a mindset shift that fosters genuine connections and will make your customers happy.

Rejection is a Stepping Stone

Rejection? It's inevitable but not debilitating. Detach yourself from the outcomes and embrace the learning opportunities within each "no." Every interaction, positive or negative, hones your skills and shapes your approach, propelling you forward.

Your Sales Process

This means that you'll need structure. Outline your sales process, creating clear steps that flex with each of your clients. It's about understanding their needs at every turn, ensuring that every interaction moves them closer to their desired outcome.

Asking for the Sale

Ultimately, you'll have to ask for the sale. You've built trust and established expertise to pave the way for confidently closing deals. It's not about pressure but creating a win-win scenario where everyone walks away feeling empowered and satisfied.

This episode isn't just about sales; it's about business, relationships, and the power of understanding and exceeding expectations. So, tune in, share your thoughts, and start making those sales!

What’s In This Episode

- The importance of adaptability and overdelivering

- Handling rejection and building rapport

- Increasing sales conversion rates

- Structuring service offerings for sales

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e139 for all resources from this episode.

Transitioning from the author to the reader

Navigating Transitions, Pivots, & Retirement of the Modern Entrepreneur

We are back with one of my favorite types of episodes - an Ask Me Anything! This week, Kathleen Mundy is taking over the microphone to guest-host and ask me all the questions she can about how I've approached the many pivots in my business, selling a business, and how to do it all with confidence. 

Kathleen, a longtime friend and fellow dachshund mom, transitioned from a successful career as a multi-million dollar entrepreneur to looking for her new passion in life after retiring in 2022 and moving to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Realizing her retirement wasn't as fulfilling as expected, she founded the Retirement Innovation Lab to help others navigate retirement with joy and purpose. Partnering with Yasmin Nguyen, 22 years her junior, they created a platform offering innovative solutions for retirees. 

Kathleen's journey from business success to finding her new passion serves as an inspiring example of resilience and optimism.

To Pivot Or Not To Pivot? How I decide. 

Listen in to hear my thought process about how I decide if a pivot makes sense for my business and my brand and if it aligns with my values. I also touch on how I manage to feel confident when making some pretty big shifts and how I prepare for them. 

Check Before You Invest 

As an entrepreneur and a quick-start, I'm constantly thinking of new ideas, but I realize not all of them will be viable. Kathleen and I discuss my method of testing ideas before I invest extensive time and money into creating or marketing a project or opportunity. You won't want to miss hearing about my invitation marketing technique, which I've used for years to determine if my new ideas have the potential to be a success. The best part? I'm not risking a large investment or missing out on ideas my clients love. 

It's always a pleasure to have my friends on my podcast, and Kathleen came prepared. This episode is beneficial for anyone of any age, so I hope you listen in and get some great advice on how to apply your unique gifts as an entrepreneur. 

What’s In This Episode

• The challenges of entrepreneurship, including addressing self-doubt, resilience, and difficult decision-making 
• The importance of personality, service delivery, and thought leadership 
• Transitioning to Entrepreneurship in Retirement 
• The importance of hiring mentors and investing in your business when transitioning to entrepreneurship 
• Minimizing risk with financial preparedness, risk assessment, and trusting your own capabilities

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e170 for all resources from this episode. 

The path of self-education through reading

This week, in episode 94, I am joined by Michael Devers, a multi-passionate entrepreneur who advises leaders, executives, and business owners on how to prepare to navigate through any crisis expertly. 

Among his many talents and areas of expertise, Michael has successfully executed strategies to reduce customer concentration from 90% to below 30%, and developed compliance programs, IT infrastructure programs, EH&S programs, and more. 

Much like myself, Michael has been an avid reader since he was 3 years old. In this conversation, he shares how as he progressed through life, he realized the true value books could offer. 

Press play to hear him speak about the top books that have made a difference throughout his life. Are you ready to follow us down the path of self-education and grow your success as a business owner and entrepreneur?

What’s in This Episode

• The impact reading can have on your professional life
• The business side of the music industry
• Resetting your perspective 
• Finding time to read vs. making time to read
• The power of books

Visit lisalarter.com/e94 for all resources from this episode. 

Reading with intention can transform the way you do business in 2023

We’re ringing in the new year with a new season of She Talks Business! The focus of this season is one of my favorite things to talk about—reading.

It's not a secret to anyone who knows me that I am an avid reader. The bookcase in my office is full of books that have inspired some of the most influential ideas I have implemented in my business. 

The concepts that you can borrow and expand on when you read books can help you grow, improve, innovate, and thrive in your business.

In episode 92, I share 5 levels of reading, what they mean, and why they matter for business owners. The idea behind these five levels will serve to inspire you in your own reading practice and show you how to use books as a way to drive success in your business.

If you are ready to discover how you can transform the way you read and the way you do business in 2023, press play, and let's get to work!

What’s in This Episode

• The 5 Levels of Reading 
• Level One: Reading for Information
• Level Two: Reading for Insights 
• Level Three: Reading for Ideas
• Level Four: Reading for Implementation 
• Level Five: Reading with Intention

Visit lisalarter.com/e92 for all resources from this episode.

How you deliver any presentation has a direct impact on how an audience will respond

Public speaking is something that probably makes the majority of people shake in their boots, and that is the very reason this week's guest is someone that I admire. Ed Tate is an award-winning international keynote speaker, trainer, author, and former executive. In 2008, Ed earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation by the National Speakers Association, which is an honor bestowed on slightly more than 12% of its members. If anyone has heard Ed speak, they will understand all of the accomplishments he has made throughout his career. 

Ed takes high-stake presentations to the next level for his clients. He is a master at telling stories and engaging the audience.

When a presentation is done right, it can influence the way an audience reacts and reponds to the content you are giving them. But how do you know when it’s time to hire someone to help you become a professional speaker? 

What’s in This Episode

• Connecting with your audience 
• When you give, you get back 
•  Should you hire a speaking coach?
• What masterful speakers do 
• Planting seeds in a presentation

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e88 for all resources from this episode.

Heal Your Mind to Heal Your Business

This week, we're talking with special guest Annie Wright, LMFT, a psychotherapist, about relational trauma and mental wellness and how it affects your business. 

 Annie founded and runs Evergreen Counseling, a boutique trauma-informed therapy center in Berkeley, California, where she practices therapy and oversees a staff of 20 trauma therapists. In addition to her direct clinical work, she runs an online course called Hard Families Good Boundaries. This transformative video-based program helps folks deal more effectively with the difficult family members who may be in their lives—I'm sure we all have some of those. 

She is also a published mental health author, with her opinions appearing in Business Insider, Forbes, NBC, the Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, and more. 

Every bit of Annie's work in the world, her clinical work, the center she founded, the courses she runs, and every article she writes is designed to support ambitious, upwardly mobile women from relational trauma backgrounds.

We talk about mental health, emotional dysregulation, the importance of business owners having a healthy mental perspective, and how to recognize when they might need additional support. 

In this episode, Annie and I have a great conversation about relational trauma and how two people can experience the same relational trauma and have two very different experiences and outcomes. We then discuss resilience and what you can do to create more resilience in your life. 

Finally, we wrap up the show by talking about the impact of mobile devices on your mental health. 

I hope you enjoy this episode—I think it's really important because one of the best things you can do for yourself as a business owner is to really understand your own mental health. 

The more healthy and well you are from a mental health perspective, the better equipped you are to serve your customers, support your team, and take care of yourself.

What’s In This Episode

• How to identify when you should try therapy 

• Defining relational trauma and identifying its effects 

• How to become more resilient 

• The importance of sleep, limited screen time, and exercise to our mental wellness

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e152 for all resources from this episode.

Flow, Energy Audits, and Business Alignment

Feeling the familiar tug of work draining your energy? Buckle up because, in this episode of She Talks Business, the limitations that you have in your mind are about to shatter. This episode's special guest, Makhosi, is a 7-figure entrepreneur, leader, and spiritual high-performance coach. 

After listening to this episode, you'll feel empowered and equipped with unconventional wisdom to align your energy with your business ventures.

Embrace Unconventional Learning

Challenge yourself to reimagine learning beyond the traditional education that you may have experienced. Makoshi carved her path in her learning, prioritizing self-discovery over the traditional college route. She even broke the norms for her son with the decision to homeschool when she noticed he thrived from a learning style different from hers. This challenge created a path of exploration and growth for her and her business.

Owning Your Worth

Let's talk about self-worth and pricing. Do you ever feel the insidious connection between the two holding you back from charging what you're truly worth? This is a common yet harmful mindset. In this conversation, you'll learn to uncouple your value from the price tag and embrace a mindset shift that empowers you to charge confidently based on the impact you deliver.

Energy Alignment

Ignore the generic "one-size-fits-all" success formulas and the comparison trap. There's power in aligning your business with your energy. With practical strategies like energy audits and human design—tools that help you tap into your unique flow and navigate business with intention.

The journey toward a business that aligns with you starts with tuning in now. Dive into the full episode of She Talks Business with Makhosi, and you’ll discover the untapped power within you.

What’s In This Episode

• Strategies to align your work with your well-being and create a business that energizes, not drains you.

• Inspire to explore alternative learning paths and discover approaches that resonate with your unique nature.

• Empowerment to define success on your terms, breaking free from limitations, and embracing your authentic vision.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e142 for all resources from this episode.

Successful Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs

In the second episode of our season on “The Beginner Mind for Business Essentials,” I am being joined, once again, by my niece, a young entrepreneur with a fresh perspective on business. Tune in to hear Mackenzie St. Laurent, a wellness counselor specializing in the menstrual cycle, discuss social media marketing from a business perspective, quality content, and effective strategies for new businesses venturing into the digital landscape.

Setting the Foundation

Three critical points for social media success include relationships, “done is better than perfect,” and frequency and consistency. The imperfection of your posts shows the importance of not obsessing over perfection. Instead, focus on meaningful numbers in your business rather than vanity metrics to drive success.

Crafting Engaging Content

Using videos is a great way to engage your audience on Instagram. You have an opportunity to connect with new audiences by being social on social media (that’s what it’s for, right?!). That means commenting, sharing, and tagging others on your platforms and theirs as well. When creating content, you want it to be dynamic and visually appealing, which includes your videos, swipeable carousel posts, and accessible captions.

Navigating Personal and Professional Content

Incorporating your personal stories into your business content is crucial, however, you have to maintain a balance between personal and professional content on social media. Adding context through metaphors and personal stories is also a strong strategy for enhancing business content. 

Negotiating Emotional Sensitivity and Building Boundaries

Social media's impact and ability to expand your reach is impressive. There's a shift in audiences and communities as they age and begin to go through new phases of life. You also have to be responsible when handling emotional sensitivity and trauma associated with social media and advocate for setting boundaries and routines for your social media usage.

This episode is a fantastic guide for those of you who are looking to learn social media from a business perspective and practical strategies for marketing your business. You'll gain knowledge and inspiration for navigating the ever-evolving social media and business world.

Remember to follow She Talks Business on Instagram to be the first to know when a new episode of Beginner Mind Essentials for Business comes on this season.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of incorporating personal stories into business content

• Using video to engage audiences on Instagram

• Creating visually appealing and accessible content

• Maximizing engagement by recycling and resharing content

• Managing expectations regarding the time it takes to see results

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e136 for all resources from this episode.

Women Lead Differently In the Best Way Possible 

Our special guest on She Talks Business this week has had a profound impact on some of the most accomplished female entrepreneurs of our time, guiding them to reach new heights in their businesses. 

We are incredibly lucky to have Kris Plachy on the show,  as she is busy doing so many amazing things and is in such high demand.

She does so many great things, including being the founder of The Visionary CEO and the host of the "Leadership is Feminine" podcast. 

Kris has supported powerful women in generating millions of dollars by hiring, leading, and firing hundreds of team members and navigating countless difficult moments, circumstances, and conversations. 

Which Qualities Make the Best Leaders? 

To start the show, we discuss which traits women have that make them exceptional leaders. If you think about it, leaders are usually described as powerful and authoritative with a lot of gravitas, but I want you to think about the leader you've admired most in your own experience. 

More than likely, they weren't the stern, demanding, and commanding figures we picture when we think of leaders. The best leaders cultivate culture; they listen to us, support our efforts, and make us feel motivated and excited to do well. And do you know who excels at creating that kind of environment? Women. 

Define Your Mission, Vision, & Values 

Hiring, firing, and running your team will get infinitely easier once you clearly define your expectations—your mission, vision, and values—within your business. Identifying your values then helps you define each team member's roles and expected performance. By aligning your team with those qualities and goals, you are aligning yourself and your team for success in achieving your next milestone. 

Your Team Members Are Not Your Allies 

In this episode, we also dive into the challenges women must overcome to lead their teams effectively and to keep their goals in focus. 

These challenges include having difficult conversations with team members who may be underperforming or are no longer the right fit. Another common struggle is women finding allies on their team. 

Discussing your roadblocks with someone for their perspective is important, but your allies are not your employees. Your allies will be mentors and third parties with an outside perspective of your business who, more than likely, have already done what you're aiming to do. 

I think you're really going to enjoy this episode! Kris gives you great, actionable tips on how to be more comfortable with difficult conversations and how to approach them with confidence. 

Be sure to subscribe and share this episode if it is valuable to you! 

What’s In This Episode

• Common challenges faced by women leaders 

• How to have difficult conversations 

• The importance of defining your business’s mission, vision, & values 

• Monetize intellectual property

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e153 for all resources from this episode.

How to unlock the power of community in your business

This season has been a treasure trove of book recommendations. I hope you have enjoyed them and that you have a long list of books you want to read.  As we wrap up this first season of 2023, I have a special episode to share with you.

In February, the Thought Readers community read Mark Schaefer's latest book, Belonging to the Brand: Why Community Is the Last Great Marketing Strategy. I reached out to Mark and invited him to come and chat with our community about his book and he generously agreed.  

During this conversation, he spoke about the power of community and why it should be an indispensable aspect of every business owner's marketing approach. However, don't let the title of the book fool you; what Mark has to say goes beyond marketing and emphasizes the importance of relationships.

If you're ready to craft a new strategy centered around community, this episode is for you. Your community is ready to tell you what they want; all you have to do is listen.

What’s In This Episode 

• Community as a marketing strategy 

• How marketing interrupts your audience's lives

• Having a solid brand 

• Internal community

• Protecting your community 

• The Metaverse

• How to earn their attention 

• The delicate balance between leading and allowing

• Where the love of the brand comes from

Visit lisalarter.com/e102 for all resources from this episode.

Be the Best You Can Be

Joining us this week on She Talks Business is a very special guest, Phil Holberton. He is an incredible example of how mental agility can help you overcome some of the biggest physical and mental challenges you face in life. 

With many decades of specialized expertise in strategic planning, business development, operations, and executive coaching for senior executives, business owners, and CEOs, he has consistently stayed at the forefront of his field. He has successfully guided and developed senior management teams in various companies, a testament to his ability to drive organizational growth and success through effective leadership.

Stop Comparing Yourself

After suffering from a massive seizure, Phil shares with us how he grew the most in his own mental agility. He went from doing basic stretches and needing help getting up and down from the floor in the gym to doing 90-pound weighted goblet squats in just five years. 

His physical shape now is in the top one-half of 1% of people his age, but the way Phil achieved that is not by aiming to be in the top 1% but by focusing on being the healthiest version of himself he can be. 

3 Steps to Better Mental Agility 

Phil believes mental agility is preparing yourself to be the best you can be. You're setting yourself up to live your life well and handle whatever is thrown at you. 

There are 3 things he does to be on his A-game: get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. 

Be Who You Want To Be 

Habits and routines set you up for success and get you ready to face the day, but they also help you become who you want to be. 

Mental agility is about mindset and how you react to different challenges and situations. Prepare yourself by adopting healthy habits for your body, and you'll achieve the mental agility you want in your mind. 

We have a great discussion where we focus on continuing to learn and being open and vulnerable to grow as a leader and as a person. I know you'll find some great inspiration and takeaways from this episode, so be sure to share it on social media or with a friend! 

What’s In This Episode

• Managing sleep, diet, and exercise for mental agility

• Commitment to continuous learning and personal development

• Benefits of openness and vulnerability in peer groups

• Impact of personal attributes on leadership and performance

• Promotion of Positive Company Culture

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e156 for all resources from this episode.

From Wiener Dogs to Dropping Out of High School to Going into Business 100% for Myself

This edition of Ask Me Anything was such a blast to do with my new podcasting BFF, Richard Citrin.

Richard, if you don't remember from my previous episode with him, helps people successfully navigate the inevitable happenings of life. Whether they are wins or failures, he helps his clients learn essential lessons and see opportunities for growth. 

Richard's study of resilience and leadership, along with his many years as a psychologist, business entrepreneur, and corporate healthcare leader, prepared him to advise and support global and local corporate and nonprofit organizations, educators, medical professionals, and individuals to find their most extraordinary talents and use them for their success and to better the world. 

Richard did an excellent job preparing a balance of personal and business questions for this Ask Me Anything. This episode is sure to be as much fun to listen to as it was to record! 

It starts off with a bang as we discuss how I discovered my love for weiner dogs, why I dropped out of high school, and how I decided to fully bet on myself and go all-in with my own business.

Resilient from the Very Start 

I have no idea why my kindergarten teacher said this to my mom, but she said, "You could put Lisa out in the world by herself right now, and she would survive." I have this innate resilience to just figure stuff out when I want to do something or don't want to do something. That trait was present when I was 5, and it really showed itself again when I needed to start working at 18. Another example was when I wanted to open my first Telus dealership and further my career. That figure-it-out-no-matter-what attitude is really what makes or breaks an entrepreneur. 

Art: The 1 Credit Keeping Me from a High School Diploma 

For the longest time, I thought I wasn't creative because the one credit I never took to finish high school was art. It's not that I'm not creative. I call creativity strategy. Strategy is about figuring out the best way to shorten the distance to help somebody get to where they want to be. I see how to position and package someone's potential and bring it to life for them. 

Is AI a Threat to Creative Businesses? 

Richard asks about how I expect AI to affect business and entrepreneurs. As someone who has adopted a few AI programs already into my business, I believe that AI is not going away, but it will not replace human connection or human creativity. AI is only as useful as the prompts and guidance someone gives the program. Plus, just as we all got Zoom fatigue during and after the pandemic, we're still going to crave human connection, creativity, and guidance that AI will never replace. 

This was such a fun and valuable episode! Give it a listen, and be sure to subscribe and share. 

What’s In This Episode

• How Lisa came to be obsessed with dachshunds 

• Why Lisa dropped out of school and her start in retail

• Lisa's successful career in business, including owning a Telus dealership

• Creativity as strategy and its value in entrepreneurship

• Why Lisa started She Talks Business 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e157 for all resources from this episode.

Cut Out the Heavy Lifting—Use AI To Gain Momentum For Your Ideas  

Welcome back to week 3 of our 5-week series, Leveraging AI: Proven, Practical, & Tactical Approaches to Using AI in Your Business. Today, we're diving into how we use AI for idea generation and our top tips for writing powerful, time-saving prompts.

This series is in collaboration with my friend and colleague, Mary Fearon.  Mary, if you have yet to hear in the previous two episodes, is a fellow marketing agency owner. She is the Founder and CEO of OnPrPose, a company that helps entrepreneurs and businesses tell their stories effectively, both internally and externally.

If you just found this series, go back to our introduction episode, AI: Introducing Your New Unpaid Team Member. 

Today, we are focusing on how to be the best “creative director” so that whatever AI tool you are using can give you usable, valuable ideas as a brainstorming partner. The magic all lies in your prompts.

How to Talk to AI 

When using AI, you have to shift your mindset around how you request information. With a search engine, you would input strings of keywords and find pretty relevant search results. When using AI, you have to expand your prompt to give context and background for the work you're producing, just like you would to a member of your team.

By taking the time to craft thorough prompts, you're limiting the amount of back-and-forth and getting hyper-relevant copy or ideas in response. Listen in for our top tips on how to frame a thorough prompt for AI!

What Do We Use AI For?

As marketing agency owners, Mary and I use AI to do a lot of the heavy lifting that once took hours for our team to do. For example, Mary uses AI for competitive analysis. Instead of having to comb through several websites and social media pages, AI can give you an overview. 

In this episode, we go over many more ways we use AI in marketing, including creating and writing in our clients' voices, creating client avatars, and even ideas for increasing engagement on social media.

AI allows you to take an idea, cuts down the drafting time, and gets you to a place where you can apply your expertise, style, and perspective in just a few minutes. Mary and I have had so much fun finding different ways to use AI in our businesses, and we hope you're getting inspired on how to start using it in yours!

If you'd like more information about the AI in Business workshop Mary and I plan to host, sign up for our waitlist here: lisalarter.com/ai.

What’s In This Episode

• Shift from traditional search queries to conversational prompts for AI usage 
• Mary and Lisa's experiences using AI to generate fresh ideas for podcasts, newsletters, and workshops
• Viewing AI as a tool to deliver more value without replacing individual perspective and expertise
• Using AI for competitive analysis, establishing a client’s voice, and creating avatars or personas for targeting content to appropriate audiences

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e165 for all resources from this episode.

Business Wisdom and Strategies from Advisors

Today is the last episode of the Advisor series. We had a great, dynamic lineup of industry experts, each providing their own unique perspectives and guidance for business success.

When you own a business, it's vital to seek different advisors for various business aspects. There's so much value in having a board of advisors, whether formally or informally, so you can gain expertise and insights from seasoned professionals. If you can’t afford advisors, leverage your online resources and learn what you can on your own. 

Our various guests shared their expertise across diverse areas, including finance, law, immigration, and business growth. Here are the highlights from each of their episodes:

Insights from Business Advisors

Jackie Porter: In this episode with Jackie Porter, you'll learn insights on strategic tax planning and the importance of finding the perfect financial advisor to build generational wealth that stands the test of time.

Eleanor Beaton: Eleanor Beaton, an experienced coach and advisor, shared the necessity of a business coach, the value of coaching relationships, and the significance of setting clear goals for success.

Steve Parker: With Steve Parker, he shared the importance of finding a well-staffed accounting firm with a hands-on partner, especially tailored to your needs as a small business owner.

Mo Syed: Mo Syed, an expert in immigration law, shares practical advice for ensuring a smooth and successful immigration process. This episode will give you valuable strategies to navigate the complexities of immigration options for a worry-free immigration experience.

Sunita Doobay: With Sunita Doobay, you'll learn the importance of tax planning for your growing business as it expands. Her insights highlight the critical role of a knowledgeable tax advisor in avoiding common mistakes to legally save your business money and ensure compliance with ever-evolving tax laws.

Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harvey: Business consultant Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, shares her story of persevering through adversity in this series, sharing her journey as the award-winner of a multi-million-dollar coaching and consulting brand and a best-selling author with eight books to her credit.

Kristen Herwitz: In this episode, you'll hear from Kristen Herwitz, a business attorney and strategist who shares her expertise on contracts and the importance of protecting client relationships. Kristen assists marginalized groups, and her values-based approach to legal services has made her a sought-after advocate for fair and equitable business practices.

Suzanne Mariga: Susanne Mariga, a fractional CFO and profit-first expert, shares her insight on the role of a fractional CFO at various stages of business growth, underlining the significance of specialized advisors. You'll dive into important financial topics that can help your business improve its profitability and make informed decisions.

Matthew Asbell: From Matthew Asbell, you'll hear expert guidance on intellectual property and its essential nature of protection and rights associated with it. He is a well-versed attorney in the complexities of intellectual property law, with a background in information technology, entertainment, and medicine.

Within this series, you’ll learn a broad spectrum of financial, legal, immigration, and business growth matters. From investing in financial knowledge to finding the right legal and financial support, their guidance was invaluable.

What’s In This Episode

• The value of continuous learning and gaining insights from others

• Financial advice and wealth-building

• Copyright and trademark law

• Legal and immigration advisory

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e134 for all resources from this episode.

Dial into your employees’ superpowers to help them on their journey

Adan was formerly the Marketing Team Manager and Marketing Strategist for the Lisa Larter Group and once served as a special guest host for six episodes of "She Talks Business" with our current Team Manager, Cass Bald. In this episode, Adan puts me in the hot seat for one of my favorite types of episodes where she gets to ask me anything! 

Adan co-owns The Small Business Marketers and serves a few businesses as a Fractional Sales Manager. Her mission is to bring corporate-style marketing and sales teams to small businesses.

In 2020, Adan began her marketing career by helping brick-and-mortar stores go digital during the pandemic. Over the past four years, she has helped over 75 small businesses implement effective marketing and sales strategies.

Outside of her professional life, Adan is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and ADHD in the workplace.

Navigating Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace 

In this episode, Adan and I discuss how an employer should approach working with an employee with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. 

Adan thinks of her ADHD as her superpower—she loves talking to clients, and that's what she does best. We agree that open communication is a must for deciding where an employee can excel based on their individual superpowers. What do you think?

Cultivate a Winning Environment for Your Employees 

Do you view your role as an employer as being part of your employees’ journeys? When you give your people an environment where they can be honest about their goals to move on to entrepreneurship, or whatever the next step is in their journey, you will foster a relationship of trust and empowerment.  

In this episode, we also cover the importance of marketing, whether it's for lead generation or credibility, and focus on sales skills. We end off with a fun discussion on which designer bag means you’ve “made it.” Thanks for listening in! 

What’s In This Episode 

• How to accommodate employees with ADHD or other mental health conditions 
• Sale skills for small businesses 
• Best way to view employer/employee relationship 
• The role of marketing in your business 
• Which designer bag means you’ve "made it?" 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e162 for all resources from this episode. 

A Guide to Business Growth and Self-Worth

Today marks the beginning of a new season for She Talks Business—the Beginner Mind Essentials for Business. In this episode, you’ll learn about the transformative shift from perfectionism to embracing imperfect action and recognizing the intrinsic value of self-worth in business. Our special guest, Mackenzie St. Laurent, shares invaluable insights from the early stages of launching her own business, offering profound wisdom applicable even to seasoned entrepreneurs.

Overcoming Perfectionism

Perfectionism, a significant barrier to business growth, can be conquered by seeking support and feedback. To detach your self-worth from your work, consider enlisting the help of a coach or peer group, fostering accountability and overcoming the pitfalls of perfectionism. Focus on comparing your current self to past achievements rather than fixating on an idealized future.

Shifting Mindset: The "Gap" vs. "Gain" Philosophy

The "Gap" vs. "Gain" concept encourages focusing on the progress made, diverting attention from future aspirations. This mindset shift proves crucial for personal and professional growth, fostering the acknowledgment of achievements and appreciation for the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.

Creating Accountability and Support

Investing in coaching generates the necessary tension for behavioral change and maintaining focus on progress. Practical strategies for accountability include preserving a collection of thank-you cards and letters to serve as reminders of the positive impact made. Regularly reviewing the past year's accomplishments aids in reflecting on progress too.

Energy Management and Seeking Validation

Conscious awareness of the impact of positive and negative energy on success is essential. Seek advice and validation from experienced individuals, aligning with those who provide support, encouragement, and expert guidance for sustained business growth.

Embrace imperfection, conquer perfectionism, and adopt the mindset of progress over perfection. This season is meant for every entrepreneur to help you get back to the basics so that you can continue to grow and succeed.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram so that you get updated every time a new episode comes out!

What’s In This Episode

• Overcoming perfectionism and separating self-worth from work

• Putting work out for others to see and interact with to receive feedback and improve

• Finding support and creating accountability to overcome perfectionism

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e135 for all resources from this episode.

Strategies to Unlock Your Organization's Potential

Creating buy-in for business profit and value is a game-changer. It is the catalyst that propels organizations to success. I think that Greg Schinkel has such a unique perspective on leadership that I just had to bring him into the conversation. 

Greg is a successful business owner who specializes in leadership for manufacturing companies with his company Unique Training and Development. Not only is he a successful leader and business owner but he is also a Certified Speaking Professional and author. 

In our conversation, we discuss how important it is to get your organization excited about the value that they bring. So, when you are empowering your employees, and fostering a problem-solving culture, you will unlock your organization's true potential and turn it into the one that you envision. 

Empower Your Team: 

When you empower your team, you create a culture of excellence and unlock their potential which overall creates a motivated team that is aligned with your business goals.

Champion Profit and Value:

As a leader, you have to advocate for profit and value to not only showcase your dedication to sustainability and growth but also to create a magnetic force that attracts stakeholders and unlocks new business opportunities.

Strategic Financial Management:

If you are maintaining a lean operating account and tapping into capital reserves to provide financial stability and flexibility, you are enabling your business to weather challenges and seize opportunities.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of empowering your team

• How advocating for profit and value will allow growth

• Strategic financial management and how it will propel your business

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e109 for all resources from this episode.

Sharpen Your Business Systems for Success

This week on She Talks Business, I’ll be recording the second “My Take” series where I will give you my opinion and what I took away from my most recent read. We’ll be talking about Nick Sonnenberg’s Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work. 

The short version: This is excellent. It’s a fantastic, super smart book. I highly recommend you read it and apply its principles to your team. 

Essentially, this whole book is about doing more efficient work so you can literally come up for air. This includes taking your communication and separating it between internal and external, taking your planning for projects and ensuring that you have the right work management tools, and then taking your resources and making sure you have an efficient knowledge base and the right process management tools. 

Your Business is Only as Effective as Your Systems 

I open the episode with Dr. W. Edward Deming’s 94% Rule, which basically says 94% of the results you experience in your business all stem from your processes and systems, not the individuals making up your team. 

When operating in your business and setting up systems for your team, there is a tendency to outgrow your system or identify how a system isn’t working the way you’d hoped. Instead of reassessing and starting from scratch with a new system, we tend to put bandaids and make exceptions so we can continue using this already established but not very effective system. 

What really needs to happen, and Nick really sheds light on this, is we need to assess all of our systems in their entirety to ensure that they are serving their purpose and making your life and your team’s life easier. 

CPR: Communication, Planning, Resources

Nick Sonnenberg's CPR framework lays the foundation for categorizing and optimizing business processes. Breaking down internal and external communication, streamlining planning tools, and effectively managing resources can prevent your team from "drowning in work." This method strategically simplifies processes, enabling teams to focus on what they do best: driving the business forward.

Effective Systems Improve Your Culture 

I even argue that good systems not only increase efficiency and your team’s bandwidth but they can also enhance your company's culture. Clear guidelines can reduce frustration and allow employees to focus on their work without unnecessary interruptions or too much time trying to find what they need to do their work. Effective systems show your team that you value their time and well-being and that you want to make it as easy as possible for them to succeed. 

Nick’s book, Come Up For Air, helps you figure out your communication processes,  your project management system, and how to manage your resources. It even goes into how to better your onboarding and shows you how to buy back time with more efficient systems. It’s an excellent book that will have you setting your team and your business up for success. 

I hope this take was useful for you and that you grab your own copy. If you do, be sure to tag me and Nick on social media so we know you were inspired by this episode. 

What’s In This Episode

• The 94% Rule by W. Edwards Deming states most workplace results are due to systems and processes, not individual efforts.

• Defaulting to temporary solutions rather than evaluating the system as a whole cuts down on efficiency.

• CPR stands for Communication, Planning, and Resources.

• “Stop the scavenger hunt" for information by implementing effective systems that cut down on time and increase productivity. 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e151 for all resources from this episode.

Balancing being a multi-passionate business owner

Andrea Bailey-Brown is on a mission to help entrepreneurs build wealth through franchise and business ownership. In the next 40 minutes, you will hear about what it took to become an award-winning entrepreneur and a multi-unit franchise owner who has generated over $30 million in revenue.

In this episode, Andrea shares how she discovered what she needed from her businesses and combined that knowledge with the speed she needed to gain momentum. Tune in to hear our discussion about business intuition,  the benefits of franchise ownership, finding balance, faceless businesses, and much more.

By the way, Andrea’s accolades are extensive. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Andrea is a former teacher with an MBA. On top of her franchise success, she is also the founder and CEO of both Bailey Brown Business Consulting and Bailey Brown The Franchise Agency, where she uses her business knowledge and love of franchising to transform the lives of her clients.

But how does she balance being a multi-passionate multi-business owner? Hit play now to find out!

What’s in This Episode

• Being intuitive in your business 

• Benefits of franchise ownership 

• A franchise model for scaling your business

• Owner vs. operator

• Finding a balance in your business

• What is a faceless business? 

• A commitment to learning 

• Who should consider a franchise?

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e90 for all resources from this episode.

Start Early for Success

Are you an author who wants to have a successful book?

If so, you need to start marketing early. In this episode of She Talks Business, Alan Weiss and I discuss the importance of early planning and marketing for a successful book launch.

The Timeliness of Book Marketing

Many authors leave book marketing until the last minute. Book reading and sales are on the rise, which makes early planning crucial for success. Starting early allows you as an author to build momentum and leverage the growing interest in books.

Building a Marketing Plan

Creating a strategic book marketing plan involves several key steps. You must pay attention to book cover design, ensuring it resonates with the target audience. Additionally, creating a compelling landing page with bonuses and incentives encourages your readers to pre-purchase the book. Organizing events, such as Fireside chats and summits, will engage your audience and increase book visibility.

Time and Effort Investment

There is a parallel between book marketing and successful business marketing. Many people only focus on marketing when they need business, instead of approaching it as a long-term endeavor. You must understand that book promotion requires proactive planning and execution, just like marketing a business.

Expanding Your Presence

Traditional book tours are no longer the primary means of marketing. Marketing through online platforms and social media has gained prominence. You should prioritize obtaining verified reviews, as they hold more weight than testimonials. Maintaining authenticity and originality in promotion helps complement your unique voice.

Mastering book marketing requires early planning, consistent effort, and proactive execution. These lessons can be applied to business marketing as well. I encourage you to start early, create a solid marketing plan, and invest time and effort into your book or business endeavors. Remember, success comes to those who embrace the long game and approach marketing strategically.

What's In This Episode

• Importance of starting book marketing well in advance

• Parallel between marketing a book and marketing a business

• Importance of applying the same effort and talent to promote a book as to create it

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e120 for all resources from this episode.

Your customer experience starts with your positioning and messaging

Take a peek behind the curtain of what it's like to work with us as your marketing team! I'm here with my Senior Team Manager, Cass Bald. We're starting a new series where we walk you through five of the key elements of creating a marketing strategy for your business using the same strategy we would use. It’s called the Strategic Marketing Roadmap, or SMR for short. 

In our first episode of this series, we focus on branding, positioning, and messaging. We address misconceptions about brands and dive into what a brand truly is. We discuss how what your brand makes people feel is the real impact you're looking for and the importance of tapping into what people remember most about you and your business. 

One key point we make, and you don't want to miss hearing what we have to say, is about alignment. Aligning your brand with your personality builds more trust with clients than any impressive marketing strategy. We even share our own stories of misalignment between brand and business owner to explain why.

Lastly, we differentiate between messaging and positioning. Differentiate and leverage these two elements to appeal to your ideal customer. The words you use on your website, in your content, and the way you position yourself within the market set the tone for their expectations. 

After listening to this episode, you'll be equipped with tips to assess and adjust your brand to make the best impression.

We hope you use these episodes to assess how strong your marketing strategy is as we make our way to the end of the year and prepare for new goals in 2025. 

What’s In This Episode 

• Common misconceptions about branding
• Importance of brand alignment and consistency
• Distinguishing positioning and messaging
• Aligning messaging with customer expectations

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e171 for all resources from this episode. 

How self-awareness can be your business superpower

Anna Levesque is a superstar in the outdoor industry for whitewater kayak instruction, but what makes her unique is she inspires, leads, and coaches people to an empowering life. 

But she wasn’t always this way and this confident with her career and business.  

This week Anna takes us through the adventure that brought her to white water rafting and how the confidence she found in becoming self-aware, shaped who she became as a leader and coach.

What’s in This Episode

• How to face your fears
• Finding your passion in life and then following through with it 
• The importance of finding a routine 
• Self-awareness
• Are you bringing yourself joy? 
• Doing what you want to do
• Being mindful of where you focus your energy

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e85 for all resources from this episode.

Gut Instincts and Common Sense Over an MBA Any Day

We are so lucky to have an amazing woman who also happens to be an incredible businesswoman join us on the show this week! Amber Vilhauer and I started our businesses only one year apart in 2007 and 2008, so I wanted to ask her some questions focused on longevity and what she believes are the reasons she's stayed in business for 17 years and counting. 

Amber is a Books & Business strategist, multi-bestselling author, speaker, and Founder of NGNG Enterprises (No Guts No Glory), an Inc. 5000 top marketing agency. She is the author of Infinite Impact and co-author of The Long Forest Trail with her son, Clay.

Since starting NGNG in 2007, Amber has helped thousands of entrepreneurs align their businesses with their core talents and desires, empowering them to build the business and life of their dreams while naturally scaling revenue and impact. 

Among her clients, Amber has a reputation for getting quality work done quickly. She and her team routinely get in the trenches, implementing custom marketing strategies that attract qualified leads, launching bestselling books, and growing engaged followings that convert. Her strategies are comprehensive, deep, and built to align every aspect of her clients' businesses with their ultimate visions.

No MBA? No Problem. 

Amber and I do not have MBAs and we didn't plan to have our own businesses when we first entered the workforce. We learned the skills necessary to keep our business growing and profitable, but it's not finance, marketing, or other technical skills keeping us in business. Amber believes consistency and her non-negotiables around how she treats clients and the quality of her work truly make a difference. 

Get Over Perfectionism & Get Scrappy 

Amber has great advice on how to shift your perspective on getting work done. By letting go of perfectionism, we can better help people in need of our services. 

Don't underestimate the value of being scrappy as an entrepreneur. When we live in an age where we can learn about anything with just a few searches and countless resources, there is no excuse to let, "I haven't done that before" or "I don't know how to do that," stand in your way.  

Find A Balance and the Right Fit 

As a single mom, Amber lets us in on how she's able to be a present mom AND a successful businesswoman. Her priorities are always top of mind. She even lets us in on her process of deciding if a client is still in alignment with her values and if they still light her up when working with them. If they don't, she lets them go in a gentle but straightforward way. 

As you'll hear in our discussion, Amber and I agree that treating your clients well, prioritizing your energy as a business owner, and confronting your perfectionism will help you go the distance. Happy Listening! 

What’s In This Episode 

• Non-negotiables and consistency lead to longevity in business 
• Prioritize effort, energy, and intention over perfectionism 
• How to let a client go 
• Running a business as a single mother 
• Word of mouth is the most powerful piece of marketing 

What To Do Next 

Visit lisalarter.com/e161 for all resources from this episode. 

Taking the deep dive to understanding your business 

Bold promises and the capacity to learn are two things that gave Stephanie Rainey the trajectory she needed to build a successful business that was ready to sell. 

Stephanie started her business with the end game planned, she knew exactly where she wanted to go and was ready to do whatever it took to get her and her business there, but she didn’t know anything about the numbers side of her business. 

Stephanie saw this roadblock in her plan and knew a business coach was what she needed to help her to continue to clear her path to success. After hiring the wrong business coach, she was more ready than ever to start learning. 

But what does it mean to truly have the capacity to learn? 

What’s in This Episode

• Following your intuition
• Did you hire the right business coach?
• Having the desire to learn  
• The myth of making money in the early years of your business
• How to get the best results from your business coach 
• Building a business you can sell

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e82 for all resources from this episode.

Two books that completely changed the trajectory of my business

Throughout this book-themed season of She Talks Business, I have, of course, been thinking a lot about what I have read and what’s still on my TBR list (that’s To Be Read, for those who didn’t know).  Having used this time to reflect on all things books, two, in particular, stand out... These two very different books have impacted how I do business and have changed the trajectory of my life.

Books can give you the courage to try something new. They can push you to do things you’ve had lingering on the back burner for months or even years. They can be the source of inspiration, the driver of breakthroughs, or what leads you to generate more business. 

If you're ready to get the traction you need to get things done in your business, you don't want to skip episode 98!

What’s in This Episode

• Gaining leverage with the right partner

• The impact filter 

• Ideas that were on the backburner 

• Emulating what you see someone else do 

• Capturing the big idea

Visit lisalarter.com/e98 for all resources from this episode.

Four books that will change the way you lead

Entrepreneurs don't always think of themselves as leaders, but if they want to scale and grow their business, leadership skill development is a must. As a business owner, you are always leading - you lead your clients, you lead your team, and you lead yourself. 

Therefore, the more you know and understand leadership, the better off you will be. 

During this episode, you’ll hear about four leadership books that can set the foundation for your learning as a leader. Even if you’re already a pretty good leader, the more you know and understand your own leadership style (aka the good the bad, and the ugly), the more successful you will be. 

Listen to this episode to hear about four key books that can help you on your leadership journey, and why they were pivotal to mine.  

What’s in This Episode

• The different styles of leadership 
• Where to apply which leadership style 
• Are you a multiplier or a diminisher?
• The art of inquiry
• How to delegate and empower others
• How to use positive affirmations

Visit lisalarter.com/e95 for all resources from this episode. 

Giving yourself permission to prioritize your well-being and success

​​This week we continued our thought-provoking and informative discussions around books. I had the pleasure of talking with  Allyson Byrd, who is a long-time friend and colleague of mine, and an all around unapologetic and fascinating individual. She shares her unique perspective on how reading can maximize its impact in your life and magnify your intentions.

In this conversation, Allyson spoke about the importance of self-care but also highlighted what happens when you stop focusing on it. We often get caught up in our daily routine and forget to care for ourselves. Allyson believes that self-care is crucial to create success for yourself, and it starts with permitting yourself to prioritize your well-being.

Allyson shares some pretty interesting information as the topic moves to the new world of plant medicine, where Allyson shares her practice of microdosing on psilocybin while reading, and why she does this.

And in true Allyson style, none of her books are conventional, and one hasn’t even been released yet, but she managed to snag an advanced copy, and I won’t lie, I am jealous of this one.

If you are ready to be reminded of the power of books and how they can shape your perspectives and open your mind to new possibilities, then you don't want to miss this episode.

What's in this episode

• Why Allyson Byrd Reads 

• What happens when you stop focusing on self-care 

• Creating success for yourself

• Working less and living more 

• The power of psilocybin 

• The fight against fear 

• Practicality to our imagination

• Not hiding behind worry

Visit lisalarter.com/e101 for all resources from this episode.

Dive into your sales strategies and start making more money

We are kicking off a new season of She Talks Business! During this season, we are going to talk a lot about money, and that means we will be discussing things like sales, profit, mindset, and more.  

When it comes to talking about money, most people want to know how they can make more so I’ve dedicated the first episode to sharing 13 strategies you can put to use to immediately increase sales in your business. None of these strategies include things you might expect like creating a sales funnel, a new sales page, a webinar series, or dancing on Instagram.

If you want to learn practical and actionable advice that you can apply to your business immediately, tune in and begin the journey of taking your business to the next level.

What’s In This Episode

• Increasing your marketing efforts to get more clients 

• How to increase your prices the right way 

• Is it time to introduce new products or services? 

• The power of upselling 

• Recurring revenue models 

• Understanding invitation marketing 

• Looking out for referral patterns 

• Communicating your offers

• Testimonials, recommendations, and reviews

• Asking for the referrals (Check out episode 72 for more details on referrals) 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e103 for all resources from this episode.

Thought Leadership vs. Content Marketing: Fueling an audience who knows, likes, & trusts you 

Let’s answer all of your questions about thought leadership! This week, we are diving into what it is, where it should go for your audience to find it, how to keep it safe, and how to repurpose it for your preferred social media channels. We even address a common misconception: the difference between thought leadership and content marketing.

Importance of Thought Leadership 

Establishing, growing, and maintaining your business requires a content marketing strategy, but the true strength of your credibility lies in your thought leadership. From picking your topics to establishing a sustainable cadence, this episode will give you the information you need to be confident in establishing your expertise with your audience.

Staying Inspired 

This week, we also share our favorite thought leader role models who inspire with fresh, impactful content. You’ll hear how they keep ideas flowing and manage to incorporate lessons from real-life experiences, which they then use for content on socials or in books. Plus, we’ll cover a variety of content formats to bring your ideas to life, from visuals and writing to audio and video.

This episode really is jam-packed with useful tips and insights on how to create content and thought leadership. Your business and authority will never be stronger than when you continue to create. 

What’s In This Episode

• Definition and importance of thought leadership 
• Need for consistency and focus 
• Various formats for thought leadership and content 
• Building recognition and trust through frequent content publication 
• Strategies to overcome these challenges with time management and content prompts

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e173 for all resources from this episode.

The impact a book can have on your life and business

Have you ever read a book that completely changed your perspective and life in a lasting way? It's incredible how words on a page can have a profound and lifelong impact on us.

This week's episode of She Talks Business is a milestone episode. 

We have finally reached 100 episodes on the show! 

And we have an incredible returning guest, Margy Feldhuhn, who loves talking about books and learning new things as much as I do.  

Margy is a Forbes-featured podcast host, a multi-7-figure CEO, and co-owner of Interview Connections, a podcast booking agency that is the first and leading of its kind. She started working at Interview Connections as a part-time contractor earning $15/hour and became the CEO and 50% owner of the company within two years.

Margy shares three books she has implemented into her life, whether through action or a mindset shift. We spend a lot of time discussing how to eliminate friction and create a culture of agility that empowers everyone on your team to do their best work.

We also take a little dive into the intersection between leadership and the nervous system, but you'll have to tune in to uncover that concept!

What’s in This Episode

• Reading that has impacted Margy's personal and professional life

• Restructuring your business 

• Why you should choose to go all in

• The agility umbrella 

• Eliminating friction

• How Margy reads to maximize the impact of books in her work

• The power of surrendering

• The cycle of grief to gain perspective 

• Neurosomatic intelligence

Visit lisalarter.com/e100 for all resources from this episode.

Our favorite AI tools, user tips, and privacy considerations 

Mary Fearon and I are back with the second episode of our AI series! In this series of conversations, we deep-dive into how we use AI in our businesses, and today's episode is all about how we use AI in meetings. 

If you missed it from last week, Mary is the founder and CEO of On Prpose, a company helping entrepreneurs and businesses tell their stories effectively. With a keen eye for uncovering hidden narratives, Mary and her team excel at distilling complex information into compelling, relatable content. 

Mary and I both run marketing agencies, and it goes without saying we attend a lot of meetings every single week. There are lots of meeting notes to keep up with and action items to implement, so it is imperative we have reliable meeting notes. Having AI take those notes and summarize our action items has been a huge time saver, but there has been a learning curve as we get used to using this tool and find our favorite AI notetakers for our needs. 

Let's Compare & Contrast 

Mary and I go over the AI tools we started with, got rid of, and our overall favorites for making our meetings more productive and our implementation even faster. We hope our experience and advice help you decide which one to try for yourself in your next meeting. 

We Cover Privacy & Productivity 

Mary and I also go over our thoughts on privacy within our businesses and with our clients when using AI for meeting notes, before we end the episode with a great time-management AI tool suggestion that has helped alleviate stress in Mary's company. We hope this was useful for you to begin seeing the value of using AI in your business! 

Next week, we will discuss how AI helps us with idea generation and even how to craft effective prompts. Stay tuned for the rest of the series, which will cover using AI for content creation, customer service, and more! 

If you'd like more information about the AI in Business workshop Mary and I plan to host, sign up for our waitlist here: lisalarter.com/ai. 

What’s In This Episode

• Overview of AI tools for recording, transcribing, and summarizing meetings
• Translating meeting information into implementation effectively
• Establishing protocols for using AI in meetings and respecting privacy and confidentiality agreements

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e164 for all resources from this episode. 

Seeing the Positive in Life

Have you ever found yourself wondering where your next paycheck is going to come from? Do you constantly worry about your financial situation and find it hard to imagine how you're going to make ends meet? 

This week, I have such a special guest, Arielle Ford who is a renowned author, speaker, and love and relationship expert who has been promoting consciousness and personal growth for the past 25 years. She is the author of several books, including the popular “The Soulmate Secret” and her new book, “The Love Thief”.

In this episode, I’m reminded that while we may not always know where the next influx of money is going to come from, it always finds a way to manifest itself in our lives. Whether it's through unexpected job opportunities or serendipitous encounters with business partners, the universe has a way of providing for us when we least expect it.

But how can we tap into this abundance mentality and start to trust that, indeed, the money always comes? 

One key shift is to move away from fear and scarcity and towards positivity and abundance. Choosing to focus on what's right in our lives rather than what's missing helps us to bring more of that positivity and abundance into our lives.

Of course, this isn't always easy, especially given the current state of the world. Between the pandemic and economic uncertainty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future. But, we have a choice in how we respond to these challenges. We can choose to stay optimistic and believe that the money will come, even if we don't know how or when.

The key to attracting abundance and financial prosperity is to shift your focus away from what you lack and towards your abundance. When you have a positive and hopeful mindset, you can open yourself up to a wealth of opportunities and abundance. So the next time you find yourself worrying about money, remember—the money always comes.

What’s In This Episode

• Career transitions and dealing with uncertainty

• Manifestation and feelingizations

• Learning to look for what's right

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e112 for all resources from this episode.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Pricing, Fees, and Debt for Business Success

Today, we are going to dive deep into a topic that is near and dear to my heart: pricing, fees, and debt. I’m going to share essential insights that I believe every entrepreneur should know. Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies that will empower you to make informed decisions, propel your business forward, and ultimately achieve financial success.

Pricing for Profit:

When it comes to pricing, don't let fear hold you back. Find that sweet spot where your business can thrive while ensuring profitability. Take into account the costs of running your business and your desired profit margins. It's about striking a balance that keeps your business sustainable and your pockets happy.

Pricing to Be Generous:

Why not infuse generosity into your pricing strategy? By including a buffer in your prices, you can accommodate reasonable client requests and create a positive experience for your customers. It's about going the extra mile and fostering a lasting relationship that goes beyond a transaction.

Pricing for Value:

Take the time to dive deep into why your offerings resonate with your target audience. What makes them tick? When you align your prices with the perceived value, you will have a fair exchange and a loyal customer base.

Increasing Your Fees:

As your business grows, adjust your fees to reflect those changes. Evaluate your pricing regularly, considering inflation and operational costs. Be transparent with your customers about any fee increases to continue the strong and trusting relationship that you established.

Debt: The Good and the Bad:

Not all debt is created equal. Good debt can be a powerful tool for fueling your business's growth and expansion, while bad debt can quickly become a burden. Be wise in your borrowing decisions and use debt strategically to invest in your business's success.

I want to emphasize how vital it is to master money for your own success. When you implement the strategies I've shared, you have the power to build a financially sound and thriving business. Remember, financial literacy and smart financial decisions are key to achieving your goals and creating a sustainable venture.

What’s In This Episode

1. Understanding Pricing Strategies:

2. Embracing Generosity in Pricing

3. The Power of Knowing Your Value

4. Navigating Fee Adjustments

5. Harnessing the Potential of Debt

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e110 for all resources from this episode.

Take your website from good to Google-worthy.

Welcome back to the second episode of our “Strategic Marketing For Your Business” series where this week, Cass Bald, my Senior Team Manager, and I are talking you through our top 10 recommendations to start having your website work for you. Our discussion ranges from simple, quick fixes to more complex website maintenance, and we even dive into SEO tactics to help your business rank on Google. 

Create A 5-Star User Experience 

When building a website, your customer should always be the lens through which you view your site. Is it easy to navigate? Can I browse my site for 60 seconds and come away answering the questions, what do I do, and what do I offer? We address how to create a site that guides and informs the user in a way that converts them to customers. In fact, we reveal one simple misstep many businesses make, and you’d be shocked by how obvious it is!

Technical Tricks & Savvy SEO Tips 

Whether you manage your site yourself or have a team to do it for you, you don’t want to miss hearing the horror story of a website disappearing and how to avoid it from ever happening to you. Plus, while you may know SEO is important and links to your Google ranking, we go over how to create an SEO strategy to keep yourself relevant in Google’s eyes with regular recurring content. 

I hope you enjoy this episode and that it gives you some smart ideas for improving your website. If this was valuable to you, be sure to tune into next week’s episode, where we’ll talk about thought leadership and content marketing!

What’s In This Episode

• 10 strategies to audit the efficacy of your website 
• Clear communication of business offerings 
• Calls to action should be in clear places on relevant pages 
• Benefits of regular recurring content 
• Clear and minimal navigation tactics 
• Create a contact page utopia for inbound leads 
• SEO guidance for keywords and keyword phrases for the pages and posts of your website

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e172 for all resources from this episode.

What To Focus On So Your Business Succeeds

Something new is starting for She Talks Business this week, and I'm excited to share it with you. I recently did a season with my niece, Mackenzie, and I had so much fun answering her questions about owning and running a business. So, I called out on Facebook and asked if anyone else would be interested in sitting in the host seat, picking my brain, and asking me anything.

Today's guest, Ali Marks, is the first to volunteer. Let me tell you a little bit about her. She is a vibrant force in Sarasota, Florida's real estate scene. 

Ali is a dedicated realtor and a passionate small business owner of Loyd Robbins Co., a boutique brokerage specializing in residential, commercial, and business brokerage. Her work is deeply rooted in a rich tradition of honesty, integrity, dedication, loyalty, and customer service.

Business Results over Vanity Metrics

Social media engagement metrics, including likes, comments, and shares, can be easily inflated. The true measure of success is if your business is actually generating outcomes. 

Focusing on vanity metrics like engagement can be misleading. The ultimate goal is growth; the most important indicator is whether your customers find your business through social media channels. 

Companies should prioritize real-world outcomes over chasing social media engagement metrics.

Change in Entrepreneurship

"Pivoting" in business is nothing new. As an entrepreneur, you should understand it as a continuous process of growth and adaptation. The key is embracing change and experimentation and constantly seeking new and improved operating methods. 

Don't be afraid to let go of things that no longer serve you, even your successful ventures, to avoid stagnation and maintain your creative spark. 

Make responsible decisions, though, by considering the financial impact and potential consequences before making any drastic changes. Calculated pivots and calculated risks are critical for long-term success.

Encouragement for Young Entrepreneurs

The foundation of any successful business is generating profit. Your profit is what fuels your personal income, reinvestment, and growth. 

The big mistake many entrepreneurs make is overspending, causing them financial stress and the pressure to constantly sell just to make ends meet. 

Strategically playing with your numbers can clarify your pricing and financial goals. If you underestimate your costs and pricing solely, that hinders your profitability. Don't be afraid to use aggressive pricing strategies, like tripling your costs, to establish a healthy profit margin so that you have room for negotiation. 

When Things Aren't Going How You Expect

You're going to have unexpected challenges as an entrepreneur. When this happens, try to step back and diagnose the situation, analyzing what's causing the issue. 

Then, practice gratitude, focusing on the positive aspects and resources you possess. This helps to counter the negative self-talk that can amplify your problems. 

Finally, invest in yourself through attending events, connecting with like-minded individuals, and building your professional network. This network is a valuable support system. 

The fear of starting a business is universal, regardless of your age. 

What’s In This Episode

• Focus on Actual Business Results

• Permission to Pursue Opportunities

• Financial Viability and Pricing for Profit

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e146 for all resources from this episode.

From book club to billion-dollar business

Reese Witherspoon is an entrepreneurial genius. I consider her to be one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time, and here's why. 

She took what began as a simple book club started by one of her fans on Instagram, and turned into a company worth over $900 million. 

How she did it is inspiring, to say the least.

Episode 97  is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, anyone in the media space, and anyone that wants to build a brand that truly connects with its audience.

Tune in and prepare to be amazed by the incredible success story of Reese Witherspoon and the valuable lessons you can learn from her ingenuity.

What’s in This Episode

• How Hello Sunshine, a media company, started as a book club

• Inspiration from Reese's business model 

• How I came to reimagine Thought Readers

• Different monetization methods

• Following your passions

• The 5-year itch

Visit lisalarter.com/e97 for all resources from this episode.

From Directionless to Navigating Deserts & Frozen Tundra

This might be the best episode we've ever done of She Talks Business. I'm stoked to have special guest and old friend Ray Zahab on the show to talk about his incredible transformation from a pack-a-day smoker to an ultra-distance runner and explorer. We even dive into how he applied the same mindset he had around transforming his life the first time to how he approached battling cancer. 

Who is Ray Zahab? 

Let me tell you a little bit about Ray. He is a Canadian explorer, an ultra-distance runner, and the founder of the nonprofit Impossible to Possible. In addition to being an adventurer, author, youth advocate, and runner, Ray speaks around the world. He has appeared on several talk and news programs and in print media globally. He continues today with life as an adventurer and as a volunteer. With Impossible to Possible, his first race would begin a lifelong journey of discovery and learning that some of the greatest barriers to achieving our goals are the ones we put upon ourselves. By breaking these down, Ray has learned that we are all capable of achieving truly extraordinary things.

The Catalyst 

On the show, I ask Ray what the spark was that inspired him to go from sitting on his couch day after day to believing he could run across the Sahara Desert. Like most of us, Ray saw someone, his brother, who seemed happier and doing well in his life, and Ray wanted to feel good, confident, and passionate just like his brother. He started doing what his brother was doing. He got in shape. He started racing mountain bikes and running, and then, after a few years of trying new things, he started doing and winning ultramarathons. And that's how he found his sport. 

This idea of wanting what someone else has is something I see all the time with business owners who align themselves with coaches and advisors. The hardest thing to do once you've found your role model is to commit to doing what needs to be done to accomplish the same goals. 

Explorer Mindset = Entrepreneurial Mindset

You will be so inspired by our conversations about motivation, resilience, the importance of continuing to learn, and Ray's views on mindset and limitations. This episode is really, really interesting because we go from Ray overcoming dissatisfaction in his everyday life to learning how to navigate life with cancer and undergoing cancer treatments to the mindset needed to undergo and keep going on an expedition. It's just really fascinating, inspiring stuff! 

I know you'll find this episode as incredible as I did, so please give it a listen and then share it with your people!  

What’s In This Episode

• Ray's journey from being a pack-a-day smoker to an adventurous ultra-marathon runner

• Redefining human potential and limitations

• Ray’s approach to staying active during chemotherapy

• Importance of remaining humble and open-minded for personal growth

• The entrepreneurial spirit is believing that with enough time and effort, you will succeed 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e154 for all resources from this episode.

Ten patterns you can emulate to create success for yourself 

This season has been filled with guests who are extremely successful at what they do. They are thought leaders, advisors, and more while running their businesses. 

But what does it take to be successful? 

This week I wanted to break down ten patterns I see that every successful person follows. 

These patterns are ones that you can incorporate into your business and your everyday life. Being successful isn’t something that comes easy. It takes hard work, commitment, and dedication.  If you're ready to pave that path to success for yourself, you won't want to miss this episode.

What’s in This Episode

• Ten patterns you can follow to help you create success
• Facing your fears 
• Be all in and do the work that it takes to be successful 
• What it means to face your fears 
• Making the investment in yourself and your business

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e87 for all resources from this episode.

Expand Your Business Without Investing a Cent

What if I told you there's a single strategy that can affect your business’s success like never before? In this episode, we discuss referrals and the role that they have in impacting your business. I am joined once again by Alan Weiss, and together, we explore the benefits of referrals and the barriers that might be impeding your business and your own potential.

The Platinum Standard:

When it comes to recommendations and endorsements, there is nothing that compares to referrals. They come from individuals who know, like, and trust you. These personal connections are invaluable and will create win-win-win situations for you, the person being referred, and the referrer.

Social Proof for Your Brand:

Referrals become even more impactful when you have them backed by a strong brand presence. Your testimonials and referrals are your social proof of your brand's credibility. When people see reputable testimonials and referrals associated with your brand, trust and reputation will grow.

Break the Barriers:

Asking for referrals can sometimes be intimidating, as it requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Referrals are so beneficial to your business that you shouldn't let the fear of rejection hold you back from seeking them. Embrace the challenge, address your concerns, and be open to feedback when seeking referrals.

Ready to assemble your referral strategy? 

Here are the steps you can take to make it happen:

1. Build genuine connections: Cultivate relationships with clients and partners who will naturally become advocates for your business.

2. Be proactive: Stay alert for referral opportunities and express gratitude for the support you receive.

3. Show appreciation: Thank those who provide referrals, making them feel valued and respected.

4. Follow up promptly: Act swiftly to engage with the referred individuals, exploring collaboration possibilities.

5. Keep referrers informed: Update them on progress, reinforcing the trust they placed in recommending you.

6. Reciprocate genuinely: Strengthen bonds by recommending their services/products when the opportunity arises.

Referrals are the platinum standard in the business world. They have the power to expand your network, strengthen your brand, and drive business growth. When you build a powerful brand, overcome your fear of rejection, and take proactive steps to seek referrals, you will see the potential of this marketing strategy. 

If you're looking for more techniques on building genuine connections, asking for referrals with confidence, and overcoming the fear of rejection, be sure to check out Masterful Marketing where you’ll learn all that and more!

What’s In This Episode

• Referrals as a free business strategy

• The mindset behind asking for a referral 

• Having the attitude to get through economic uncertainty

• The importance of online testimonials 

• Closing the loop after a referral

• The “win-win-win” behind a referral

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e115 for all resources from this episode.

How books will shape you as a person and entrepreneur 

This week, I am joined by a very special guest—someone I have called a friend and a colleague since 2008. Tune in to Episode 99 to hear immense wisdom and valuable insights from none other than Patti DeNucci.

Patti is the author of two books, including the award-winning success guide, The Intentional Networker, and her latest release, More Than Just Talk. 

She is a speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, having helped organizations like Microsoft, MGM Resorts, and Hewlett-Packard learn how to attract and enjoy more meaningful conversations and connections. 

She believes in the power of quality conversations and connections over the number of people one knows.

In this value-packed episode of She Talks Business, Patti shares how reading has shaped her into who she is today. She recommends becoming a better listener and highlights how being an avid reader can contribute to overall success.

Reading can help develop critical thinking skills, broaden perspectives, and improve communication abilities, so if you're looking to recover your sense of power and expand your knowledge, this week is full of essential reading to guide you to success. 

What’s in This Episode

• Best reading habits

• How morning pages can help start your day 

• Recovering your sense of power through reading 

• Creating learning experiences

• Writing habits that helped Patti write a book 

• Becoming a better listener 

• How being an avid reader can make you a more successful person

Visit lisalarter.com/e99 for all resources from this episode.

Build Your Own or Franchise Your Dreams?

This week on She Talks Business, we have a new guest, Ashley Gundlach, president of British Swim School, a North American Learn to Swim franchise. 

Unsure if you should build your business from scratch or use the support of a franchise? This episode will help you discover the pros and cons of owning a franchise, the flexibility and limitations, and understand the dynamic between franchisors and individual owners. This information is crucial for aspiring business owners, whether you crave the freedom of building something new or the fast track offered by a proven franchise model.

The 80/20 Rule

There is a popular principle called the Pareto principle, which is about understanding what 20% is driving the other 80%. When you focus on this in your business, you can see what is being done differently by that 20%. As certain businesses grow and scale in a franchise, the company must also develop and scale its processes as well. The support and processes helps to build a runway for all the franchisees that will grow after them.

Managing Relationships

When you have 150+ entrepreneurs with every personality type, it's a unique working relationship between the franchise and franchisees. By being transparent, franchises can have honest conversations about where their limitations are when it comes to supporting them. Whether it's a legal or structural limitation, there's always a way to compromise because the franchise doesn't succeed if its franchisees don't.

Exploring A Franchise

Any good franchise brand will follow a diligent process to educate a potential franchise owner about their brand. The process should be risk-free for anybody interested in exploring franchise brands. Throughout the process, you'll get a sense of what it will be like to be a franchisee of that brand and be exposed to the business's operations. If you're exploring a franchise process that doesn't feel like this, take it as a warning sign. 

Signs A Franchise Isn't For You

1. Connecting with others. If you have difficulty empathizing with others, you'll most likely have a challenging time inspiring your team and connecting with your customers. 

2. Continuous learning. You must be open to learning from other owners and the brand to run a profitable business. 

3. Grit and resiliency. Every entrepreneur knows you must be resilient when owning a business. A franchise is no different. Problems are going to come up that you will have to solve. 

Pros and Cons of Franchising

Pros

• You're not starting from scratch.

• You have a support team and mentorship.

• You have access to marketing professionals.

• You have a network of peers, so you're not in it alone. 

Cons

• Franchises have proven processes, so you can't do whatever you want overnight; it has to be a collaboration.

• There is a lot of legal involvement to protect both sides, which can slow some things down.

If you are considering franchise ownership, talk with people who are doing it, whether they are people who love what they're doing or feel dissatisfied. By speaking with them, you get to see the complete picture of what it's like and whether you can see yourself in those individuals. This gives you further validation of how to move forward after seeing both sides and multiple personalities.

What’s In This Episode 

• The Guardrails of Franchise Ownership

• Traits of Successful Franchise Owners

• Benefits of Franchise Ownership

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e145 for all resources from this episode.

It's Hardwired Into You.

If you've ever felt defeated, like you shouldn't have even started your business or taken on that project, or maybe you just can't get over grief in your personal life, then you need to listen to this week's special guest, Richard Citrin, an expert on resilience. Richard views and talks about resilience in a way I hadn't considered before, where resilience isn't a skill to acquire but rather a muscle all of us already possess. We discuss how to practice growing this resilience muscle and how to overcome and prepare for those challenging situations life inevitably throws at us. 

Richard Citron is a psychologist, business entrepreneur, and corporate healthcare leader with a PhD and an MBA. He helps people successfully navigate challenging seasons in their lives. Richard helps his clients learn the essential lessons and opportunities for growth in wins or failures in their lives. Richard's study of resilience and leadership prepared him to advise and support global and local, corporate and nonprofit organizations, educators, medical professionals, and individuals to find their most extraordinary talents and use them for their success and to better the world. 

The 4 Components of Resilience 

When considering resilience in terms of human behavior and how we address stressful situations,  Richard considers it our ability to effectively plan for, navigate successfully in real-time, and bounce forward from challenging and difficult events, so we learn and grow from them. 

Practical Tips to Do More Than Survive  

Richard and his wife lost two adult children in a relatively short timeframe, so they know personally what it's like to face grief and embrace resilience. Richard's advice when it comes to feeling like you're only surviving is to embrace your community and get professional help. Let your friends, family, and everyone else in your support system help you and don't isolate yourself. Getting professional help, such as therapy, will also help you understand your mental state more and help you move toward a healthier, manageable balance of emotions. 

The silver bullet for resilience and overcoming extreme emotions is mindset, Richard says. Prepare for adversity by having a positive mindset and intentionally spending time doing what makes you happy. 

I am so grateful to Richard and his wife for overcoming their tragedy and finding ways to help others deal with tragedies and challenges in their own lives. If this episode was insightful and eye-opening to you, please leave us a review and share it with those who may need it right now. 

What’s In This Episode

• Anticipating and preparing for triggers 

• Handling overwhelming life changes 

• Surviving as a critical aspect of resilience

• Community and professional support 

• Importance of mindset 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e155 for all resources from this episode.

How to build an equitable culture in your organization 

This week’s guest is a returner to the show and if you heard her first episode, you know it’s no wonder why I have asked her back. Tune in this week as Jennifer McClanahan,  the founder and CEO of Leverage to Lead, shares her experience and expertise around equity, equality, vulnerability, and leadership in organizations.

Jennifer created Leverage to Lead to help women and people of color build a career strategy that is rooted in clarity, value, and authenticity. That work led to the creation of a team of exceptional coaches, educators, recruiters, HR specialists, and fierce advocates. In this episode, she brings invaluable advice for business owners and leaders—trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

What’s in This Episode

• The importance of mindfulness 
• Recognizing the power of your words
• Building an equitable culture 
• Agency of choice and vulnerability 
• Embracing your humanity

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e89 for all resources from this episode.

Customers are the Core of Your Business

Let's talk about customer-centric marketing. In this week's episode, Alan Weiss and I discuss a strategy for putting your customers' happiness at the forefront of your sales and marketing moves. 

Understanding Your Customer's Needs:

To effectively market and sell your product or service, you have to understand why certain things are important to people. There are underlying causes of common issues, such as stress, discomfort, and feeling inadequate as a leader. Understanding the emotional aspect of customers’ desires enables you to truly address their needs and provide tailored solutions.

Giving Options to Buyers:

Providing your buyers with options increases the likelihood of sales success. You should offer choices, whether it is additional services or product variations, in order to meet customers' varied preferences. When you do this you enhance the customer experience and create a sense of ownership in the purchasing process.

Caring and Helping Others:

Genuine care for your clients and customers is at the heart of effective marketing. Start your marketing efforts with the easiest and most enjoyable format, such as writing, videos, or podcasting. Focus on helping and providing value, rather than just sales. Your business can build meaningful relationships and foster customer loyalty.

When you understand your customer's needs, provide options, and genuinely care for clients, you can enhance the customer experience and drive long-term success for your business. Continue to strive toward improving your customer's condition, solve their problems, and you will have a solid relationship with them.

What's In This Episode

• Improving the customer's condition when making sales decisions

• Suggesting items based on what the customer will enjoy

• Allocating time for capturing and sharing valuable information with clients

• Understanding the importance of various issues to individuals

• Benefit of providing options to buyers and considering their needs

• Genuine care for client's needs, not just focusing on sales

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e118 for all resources from this guide.

Proven Strategies for Success

This week, I sat and talked with immigration attorney, Mo Syed, to share insights on business immigration to the United States. This episode is a must-listen for those of you who are aspiring to spend time in the US for business purposes. Mo Syed is an expert in immigration law who shares practical advice and insider tips to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process.

The Importance of Answering Questions Succinctly

Be sure you're answering questions succinctly, without offering too much information. Often, individuals might feel the need to over-explain leading to potential misunderstandings or doubts about their genuine intentions. Instead, answer questions confidently and briefly state the purpose of your business trips without divulging any unnecessary details unless specifically asked.

Essential Documentation for Smooth Border Crossing

To facilitate easy border crossing, try carrying a file folder around with your relevant documentation when traveling for business. This includes useful information like event agendas and hotel details. Having readily available documentation allows you to provide legitimate reasons without the need for excess explanation. Being prepared with such information instills confidence and clarity when interacting with border agents.

Techniques for Presenting a Strong Immigration Case

Some key techniques for presenting a strong case for visa or green card approval include addressing weaknesses and crafting a compelling business plan. Understanding the nuances between different types of visas ensure a successful application and avoid issues at the border. 

I encourage you to tune in to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of these tips and ensure a worry-free business immigration experience.

What's In This Episode

• How talking too much can undermine legitimate intentions

• The importance of having an immigration attorney or coach

• Techniques for presenting a strong case for visa or green card approval

• Differences in business conduct now compared to when laws were written

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e127 for all resources from this episode.

Not all business owners are. 

This episode of She Talks Business is out of the ordinary because it's not for the average person. In fact, I'm going to tell you right now—this episode isn't for 99.9% of you. Today, our guest, Justin Breen, is only talking to true visionaries—a special group that makes up only 0.1% of the population. 

Justin's purpose in life is to connect visionaries for the benefit of humanity, and he founded his business, BrEpic Network, to do precisely that. 

We talk about what it means to be a true visionary and even if I am a true visionary. Talking with Justin, I found out there are three qualities a true visionary will always have, with no exceptions. 

Quality #1: Prioritize serving others even after their lifetime. Business, profit, and money are never the focus of a visionary. Instead, those things are a by-product of their primary focus as they create a service and system that will outlive even the visionary who created it. 

Quality #2: Live without limits in full abundance. Visionaries don't have a scarcity mindset, and because of that, they don't worry about whether they will achieve their goals but instead dive into the third quality, taking action toward how they will achieve their goal. 

Quality #3: Take action to implement their plan to serve others. Because they have an abundance mindset, they focus on investment, not cost. The faith they have in their idea of helping others will propel them to move forward with their plan without hesitating or second-guessing. 

Do you have these qualities, and do you relate to Justin and his worldview? If so, you're a visionary!

Listen to this episode as we explore each of these traits. We even get Justin's opinion on famous entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson and Elon Musk. This was a fascinating conversation—I hope you enjoy it! 

What’s In This Episode 

• Conversation with Founder and CEO of BrEpic network

• Qualities of true visionaries 

• Visionaries make up only 0.1% of the population 

• Find your gift in life 

What To Do Next 

Visit lisalarter.com/e159 for all resources from this episode. 

Exponentially Increase Your Impact with Genuine Connections

Welcome back to She Talks Business! Today, we are sitting down with someone I look up to so much, Giovanni Marsico. 

I've been attending his event, Archangel Summit, since 2016, and I’m so glad he is joining me today. We have so much to learn from someone who values relationships more than anything, and it's with this mindset that he has achieved all of his success. 

Giovanni is a two-time Emmy award-winning producer and the CEO and founder of Archangel, a global community of entrepreneurs on a mission to impact millions of people together. As a producer, he's creating a new genre he calls real-life superhero movies with films like Dreamer and Hero to inspire millions of people to dream bigger, unleash their gifts, and change the world. 

The Secret to a Devoted Community 

Giovanni has cultivated a network of high-profile connections who show up for him at his events as speakers and who are loyal to him when he may need to ask a favor in the future. 

The success of these connections never starts with a transaction or with business in mind, but instead, Giovanni views his role with a new individual as,  "How can I help you on your journey?" 

This selfless commitment to their betterment instead of his own results in much deeper connections than a business transaction ever could. 

Mitigate Risk Like a Pro 

When Giovanni thinks about his events and working with clients, he doesn't focus on selling but on a long-term investment in a relationship. He views his events as a journey he takes the audience on, and he aims to create an experience so awesome and valuable that people can't wait to come to the next one. When working with clients, he wants the experience to be so amazing his clients continue to work with him. 

We cover a lot of different topics from identity, confidence, mitigating risks, and how to culitvate deep relationships. Giovanni offers such valuable insights, so I can't wait to hear what you get out of this episode. 

If you're interested in attending Giovanni's event, Archangel, with me in September, 2024, and want to amplify your learning, reach out by emailing lisa@lisalarter.com. I can't wait to get back to this event and see what Giovanni has planned for this year! 

What’s In This Episode

• Network by investing in relationships without keeping score

• Importance of surrounding oneself with the right people

• Focus on creating an experience with your event, not traditional hard-sell tactics

• Overcoming Criticism and Embracing New Roles

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e158 for all resources from this episode.

Are you looking for a quantum leap? 

This week we welcome our first guests for the Coach’s Corner season, Michelle Weger and Nabil Ould-Brahim. They are masters in automation, websites, and coding—and not only are they people that I coach, they actually provide some of their services to my clients. 

Michelle and Nabil took a large leap of faith when it came to their business and being a couple who works together. They know firsthand that doing what makes you uncomfortable is the only way you will really get to see the change you desire, and how that discomfort allowed them to grow their business by 15x. 

They share some fantastic insights and advice about what it truly means to be coachable and how it can be the “make it or break it” of being a successful business owner!  

What’s in This Episode

• What your business should be bringing you 
• The timing of investing
• How coaching can change your revenue, if done right
• What it means to put in the work
• How coaching isn’t just a magic pill for your business

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e81 for all resources from this episode.

Leverage Your Writing to Grow Your Brand

In this episode, you'll learn the importance of marketing and monetization in business and how books can establish you as a thought leader. There are authors out there who write books solely to make money and have found a lot of success in the book-selling business; that's not my primary focus. I view books as a means to an end. They are indicators of thought leadership, expertise, and success that help to improve business.

Symbolism of Books as Thought Leaders

Books hold a special place in the world of thought leadership. They serve as indicators of expertise, establishing you as a leader in your field. Successful authors like Dan Pink and Malcolm Gladwell have not only made a name for themselves but also generated significant income from their book sales.

Books as a Means to an End

Books serve as a means to improve both your business and personal life. They provide valuable insights, strategies, and knowledge that you can implement to achieve success. Thought leaders have written extensively, using their books to enhance their businesses and impact more lives.

Books as Marketing Tools

Books have a unique ability to attract people to you and your business. When readers enjoy a book, they often become evangelists, sharing it with others. This word-of-mouth marketing can have a significant impact on your reach and influence. The endorsement of readers who have experienced transformation through a book is invaluable.

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

While self-publishing has gained popularity in recent years, traditional publishing still has undeniable credibility. Working with a commercial publisher signifies that someone has already invested in an author's work and validated its quality. Self-publishing might be suitable for niche markets, but for broader subjects like leadership or strategy, a traditional publisher can bring greater visibility.

Books are powerful marketing tools that not only establish you as a thought leader but also attract readers to your business. While there are exceptions to every rule, traditional publishing generally offers you greater credibility, where self-publishing requires a stronger personal brand and marketing network. Regardless of your publishing route, you need to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your readers and leaves a lasting impact.

So, what's your publishing strategy?

What’s In This Episode

• Books as indicators of thought leaders, experts, and icons

• Writing books as a means to improve business and help more people

• Comparing self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing

• Relationships and networking through book readers and evangelists

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e121 for all resources from this episode.

Building a Profitable and Sustainable Business

In today's episode, there's a very special guest joining, Susanne Mariga, a fractional CFO and profit-first expert. I am so excited to dive into some important financial topics that can help businesses improve their profitability and make informed decisions.

Throughout the episode, you'll learn the importance of job costing accounting systems, automating inventory systems for retail businesses, and streamlining pricing and quoting through standardized processes. You'll also learn about the common struggles business owners face in achieving profitability and paying themselves.

The Importance of Job Costing Accounting Systems

These systems play a crucial role in tracking costs and making informed decisions. Particularly in industries like construction, job costing allows businesses to accurately allocate expenses and determine the profitability of each project. By implementing an efficient job costing system, you can have a clearer understanding and ensure that you're pricing your services or products appropriately.

Automating Inventory Systems for Retail Businesses

For retail businesses, inventory management is a key factor. Automating inventory systems can greatly benefit your business by providing real-time data on sales and popular items. With this information, you can optimize your inventory levels, avoid overstocking or understocking, and make data-driven decisions to improve profitability. By automating inventory management, you can streamline your operations and focus on meeting customer demand effectively.

Streamlining Pricing and Quoting through Standardized Processes

Customization is often a challenge in pricing and quoting for businesses. However, implementing standardized processes can be a helpful change. By establishing consistent pricing and quoting procedures, you can improve efficiency, save time, and prevent costly errors. Standardized processes also enable you to streamline your operations, particularly when it comes to estimating costs and providing accurate quotes to your clients or customers.

Profitability and Paying Yourself as a Business Owner

Many entrepreneurs get stuck in a mindset of constantly reinvesting in their business, this mindset often leads to you neglecting your own financial well-being. As a business owner, it's crucial for you to align your actions with your goals and prioritize profitability. Tune into the episode to hear tips on how to overcome the guilt or hesitation that often comes with paying yourself.

I want to encourage you all to plan your businesses for the next year with profitability and success in mind. Profitability is not just reserved for large businesses. With the right strategies and mindset, you can also achieve sustainable profitability.

What’s In This Episode

• Importance of tracking costs and making informed decisions

• How automation can help retail businesses

• Streamlining pricing and quoting processes

• Allocation of revenue for profit, owners' pay, taxes, and operating expenses

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e132 for all resources from this episode.

Achieving Long-Term Success

In business, being adaptable and strategic is key. The global pandemic really pushed us to rethink our strategies and stay agile. In this episode, Alan Weiss and I are diving into the idea of transforming disruptions like this into opportunities and how embracing volatility can actually boost revenue. We'll talk about concepts like value-based marketing, building a resilient mindset, and measuring effectiveness. So, tune in to this episode to learn how to navigate change, fine-tune your strategies, and come out on top.

Adapting to Disruptions:

The global pandemic forced businesses to reassess their long-term strategies, demonstrating the necessity for agility and quick decision-making. Financial experts foresaw a market turbulence coming, but couldn't predict a global pandemic or its impact. You have to embrace the disruptions and volatility as offensive weapons to maximize your revenue, rather than being caught off guard.

Value-Based Fees:

When you charge your value, the clients that get it will make a quick decision. That's how they think, if you gauge what you do based on the improvement of your client and the client sees a ten-to-one return, there's no question about it. You are providing value to your clients that benefits them and creates a long-term partnership.

Mindset and Self-Worth in Business:

Realigning your mindset and reevaluating your business role is crucial to gather the necessary insights to effectively assist your clients. Whether you are providing a $2,000 or $2 million improvement, it is a must for providing tailored assistance. You are a peer of the buyer and you have to see yourself this way so that you can build trust and have meaningful conversations.

Measuring Effectiveness and Demonstrating ROI:

Some industries like training programs, have a lack of measurement. Regardless, you have to demonstrate a return on investment (ROI) to your clients. I want to stress the significance of guaranteeing your clients a return on their investment through measurable metrics. When you are providing a professional service you have to justify the continued partnership through tangible results.

Embracing disruption and implementing value-based marketing strategies are key to maximizing your revenue. Learn how to adapt to disruptions, implement value-based fees, and measure your effectiveness by demonstrating an ROI.

So, are you ready to jump in and provide value for maximum revenue? Remember, success lies in your ability to adapt, leverage opportunities, and prioritize your value in all your business endeavors.

What's In This Episode

• Maximizing revenue by taking advantage of disruptions and volatility.

• The importance of gathering necessary information to help clients.

• Emphasizing improvement and measurable metrics in marketing material.

• The importance of guaranteeing ROI and tangible results to clients.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e119 for all resources from this episode.

Energy & Emotional Wellness in Your Business 

Let's sit down with Tracy Litt, a renowned teacher of science and spirituality and the founder of The School of Becoming. In this episode, we're talking about science and spirituality on a business podcast because I believe the more connected to yourself you become, the more work you do on yourself, and the better you become as an entrepreneur, business owner, and leader.

Tracy is an international bestselling author, podcast host, and emotional healing healer. She holds her license in professional coaching, neurology, somatics, and hypnotherapy. Her institute, the School of Becoming, integrates consciousness, neuroscience, healing, and energetics to help students evolve into the next-level version of themselves.  

From Victim to Victor

Tracy describes her journey as going from completely asleep as a single mother on food stamps to completely awake as the CEO of her own personal growth company, which helps individuals along the same journey. 

Tracy evolved significantly—from perceiving herself as a victim of her circumstances to fully embracing personal responsibility. This shift played a pivotal role in changing her life trajectory and shaping her methodology, which she now shares with countless individuals seeking personal and professional growth.

Shift Your Mindset & Feel Your Emotions 

Tracy presents four tactical recommendations to nurture professional growth, which can help individuals shift states and foster personal development. These include engaging in regular breathing exercises, creating space for processing emotions, embracing gratitude and mindfulness, and relying on spiritual support. 

Her advice is actionable and grounded in a pragmatic understanding of the challenges faced by professionals today.

Remove "Woo" from Your Vernacular 

We discuss the often-derogatory label of "woo," and Tracy urges for a more inclusive understanding that brings together scientific evidence and spiritual practices. This merger is not about esoteric beliefs but about understanding the role of energy and the universe in our everyday lives—redefining the essence of existence as spirit in human form.

Feel, Process, and Evolve

Tracy stresses the importance of acknowledging and truly feeling your emotions in order for them to guide us through our personal evolution. This emotional processing is critical to dealing with the increasing rates of anxiety and depression in society. 

The Power of Intentional Evolution 

Tracy emphasized the concept of intentional evolution—the idea that we can rewire our brains to influence our future, countering the belief that past performance predicts future outcomes. This empowering perspective gives us the agency to evolve our habits and practices to change the trajectory of our lives.

Tracy is a light in this world. You can feel her passion and her knowledge come through in this episode. The journey towards personal and professional growth is complex but attainable. I really enjoyed having her on my show this week, and I can’t wait to see how you like this show! 

Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode!

What’s In This Episode

• Tracy Litt's personal journey from victimhood to empowerment

• The significance of tuning into the body's signals over mental chatter

• Four tactical approaches to improve growth and handle anxiety, depression, and burnout

• Exploring the integration of emotions in achieving personal growth

• The negative impact of technology and distractions on mental well-being

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e150 for all resources from this episode.

Knowing when a trusted advisor can help you and your business grow

This week’s guest is a dear friend and colleague and client of mine.

Gene Moran, founder and President of Capitol Integration, is the foremost expert on federal defense and security lobbying, measuring his client results in billions of dollars.

Gene’s policy initiatives have been implemented by Congress, The President, and the Executive branch. His pursuit of innovation has garnered multiple accolades, including being named twice as a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics. Gene’s groundbreaking academic research earned him a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration.

He is a published author and previously served his country for 24 years before retiring as a Navy Captain. He is one of the nicest, most impressive individuals I know.

Gene Moran works with companies that are trying to sell to the Federal Government. He is a big believer in investing in transformational outcomes for his clients and himself.

In this week’s episode, you’ll get to listen in on a powerful conversation about how your services can make a significant impact in the life of someone else.

What’s in This Episode

• The right time to  find a coach or advisor
• How to know when a client needs your services 
• How to get powerful and transformational outcomes for your business
• Knowing what your next move should be 
• How to make the right  investment in your business
• And of course, we talk about the linkage between marketing and sales

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e86 for all resources from this episode.

Strategies for Powerful Communication

This week’s special guest, Kathryn Janicek, helps people overcome something many of us fear more than death - public speaking. I loved this conversation because she shared so many valuable tips to improve in so many speaking scenarios, including presentations, interviews, and meetings - so much more than just speaking on a stage. 

After being laid off by a network when she was working as their VP of News, Kathryn leveraged her expertise in coaching news personnel and pivoted to create a niche for herself. Today, she has found great success in media training and public speaking coaching for professionals. 

Kathryn is a three-time Emmy award-winning media and public speaking trainer with over 25 years of experience. She has shaped the communication and presentation skills of executives across diverse industries, from small businesses to a hundred billion dollar companies.

Kathryn’s company, Janicek Performance Group, specializes in media interactions, board presentations, high-stakes communications, stage presence, and impactful messaging. 

In this episode, we talk a lot about what it takes to overcome your fear of speaking, how to eliminate filler words, and how to self-coach yourself to show up and present better on stage or Zoom.

We learn that professionalism is about more than the substance of our work. It's also about how we present our ideas, negotiate at the table, and build supportive networks. 

Kathryn believes in the power of a compelling narrative, whether you're in front of a camera or addressing a boardroom. Her personalized coaching sessions help clients master the art of storytelling and the nuances of effective communication that resonate with their audience. 

Feel Your Best to Perform Your Best 

Something as simple as ensuring you wear comfortable clothes and shoes can make a dramatic difference in your performance and presentation. When you feel good and confident in clothes that fit or know your makeup or hair was done by a professional, it is worth the extra money or effort because it will show in your delivery and presentation. 

Scaling Your Business with Sustainable Growth 

Scaling a service-based company isn't just about increasing client numbers; it's about creating a business model that generates a steady source of income, even in the owner's absence. 

Kathryn shares her wisdom on structuring services, ensuring client retention, and focusing on monthly recurring revenue. 

Enhancing Communication Skills 

Kathryn insists that self-awareness, pausing effectively, and eliminating unnecessary filler words can significantly improve one's public speaking endeavors.

This was a fun episode to record, and I can't wait to have Kathryn back! She left us with incredible, actionable advice that any of us can implement to improve our presence when addressing audiences in a one-on-one or one-to-many setting. Thanks for listening!

What’s In This Episode

• Tips for improving stage presence and effective messaging

• The impact of societal expectations on women's stage appearance

• Strategies for addressing common speaking issues like posture and filler words

• Scaling a service-based business through diverse service offerings

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e149 for all resources from this episode.

Applying What Works To See Success

Step off the trend-wagon and forge your own path in marketing. In this episode, you will learn effective habits and strategies that have not only stood the test of time but have also surpassed the fleeting trends. Joining me is Alan Weiss, the co-author of my book, Masterful Marketing. Together, we will share invaluable insights and wisdom on how to maximize your marketing efforts for long-term success.

The Pitfalls of Following Trends

It's easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest marketing trends. It's more crucial to approach these trends with caution and practicality. If you blindly follow these trends, you open yourself up to limitations and potential risks that may not align with your unique goals and circumstances. To make informed decisions, explore the practical application of these trends and consider their long-term implications.

Differentiating Good Coaches from Great Coaches

The guidance you receive plays a pivotal role in your success. While there are good coaches out there, it is the great coaches who truly make a difference. A great coach focuses on helping individuals succeed, going beyond sharing their own achievements. When seeking guidance, it is crucial to surround yourself with those who prioritize your success. When you learn from the best, you build a solid foundation for your marketing.

Building Trust and Investing in Your Brand

Trust is the cornerstone of marketing success. We live in a world where skepticism runs rampant, so establishing trust with your audience is essential. Trust is not built overnight; it is built through consistent effort and investment in your brand. Investing in building a strong brand, lays the groundwork for long-term success. Your marketing strategies should revolve around creating trust and credibility, as this is what attracts and retains customers over time. Prioritizing credibility means validating your marketing claims and being transparent with your audience. When you do this, you build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Effective Habits vs. Shiny Object Syndrome

Shiny objects and fleeting trends often compete for our attention. If you're chasing after these trends without strategic thinking you're creating inefficiency and wasting resources. To have sustainable marketing, it is crucial to develop effective habits that withstand the test of time. Think critically about your marketing approaches, so that you can navigate the constant changes of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. Consistency and focus on effective habits will ultimately produce your desired results.

Remember, effective habits and strategies are the bedrock of marketing success. When you focus on proven techniques, seek guidance from great coaches, invest in your brand, and prioritize authenticity, you establish a solid foundation for long-term marketing success. So step off the trend-wagon, embrace practicality, and pave your own path to excellence in marketing.

What’s In This Episode

• Allocation of time, energy, and resources

• Maximizing effectiveness and rewards

• Constantly investing in and building your brand

• Importance of building trust with your audience

• Power of viral marketing in attracting others

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e114 for all resources from this episode.

Building Brand Credibility in the Digital Age

This week's episode on She Talks Business is a thought-provoking and insightful conversation with Debbie Lu, where you'll hear about the evolving landscape of business, the impact of AI on marketing, the significance of public relations, and the power of strategic relationships.

Driven by a passion for media, Debbie immigrated to Canada from China to pursue journalism. Despite facing a language barrier, she hustled throughout her twenties, building a network through internships and mentors. This relentless drive led her from Ottawa to Toronto's PR scene, proving hard work and a “never-give-up” attitude can open doors.

The Power of Public Relations

Public relations is about managing a brand's reputation through the media. PR specialists like Debbie handle negative press and craft positive stories to get media coverage, like interviews with CEOs or experts. Unlike marketing, which focuses on sales, PR builds consumer credibility and trust. For small businesses, a PR professional can package your expertise into stories for relevant media outlets, positioning you as a regional business expert.

Traditional vs. Modern Marketing Strategies

Marketing has exploded online, with social media replacing traditional channels. Influencer marketing is especially huge, allowing brands to partner with trusted online personalities to reach their target audiences. Small businesses can leverage this by directly contacting influencers or collaborating with local micro-influencers with engaged followers. The key is building relationships and understanding what resonates with that influencer's audience. Follower count isn't everything—look for influencers who can connect with potential customers and drive sales.

Revolutionizing Marketing and Making it Accessible

While traditional media fades, accessible online tools like AI are putting the power of marketing directly in businesses' hands. This translates to potentially lower costs, with some companies managing marketing in-house. However, the efficiency and expertise agencies bring are still a draw, especially for larger corporations. 

By automating tasks and streamlining workflows, AI has the potential to reduce marketing costs significantly. Agencies can complete their tasks faster, allowing them to charge lower retainer fees. This democratization of marketing, fueled by AI, could make sophisticated strategies more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Don't miss out on this inspiring episode of She Talks Business! Learn from Debbie's journey and gain valuable insights on navigating the future of media and marketing for your own business. Head to your favorite streaming platform and subscribe to She Talks Business for more thought leadership discussions.

What’s In This Episode

• Harnessing the power of influencer marketing

• The rise of AI in marketing

• Navigating public relations for small businesses

• Embracing the art of selling

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e147 for all resources from this episode.

What to keep in mind if you are considering hiring a business coach

Welcome to the first episode of the new season of She Talks Business! Coaches Corner will be all about the clients I coach as we deconstruct their businesses to uncover their best practices and successes. But before we dive into these valuable interviews over the next several weeks, it’s important to know if you are ready for a coach or if you need a coach. 

In this week’s episode, we will be digging deep into the questions you need to ask yourself before you consider getting a business coach, and I will also share the seven things my clients do that make them coachable. 

So if you’re ready to really think about how you can invest in yourself and your business, then let’s get started! 

What’s in This Episode

1. Are you coachable? 
2. Do you need a business coach? 
3. What coachable people do
4. Why a coach may be the best option for you 
5. How can coaching help your business 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e80 for all resources from this episode.

A Valuable Resource for All Business Owners

This week on She Talks Business, you'll hear a new type of episode called My Take. These episodes are my opinion on things I am reading and find interesting. You'll listen to what I liked about what I was reading, and then I'll give you my take on it. This first episode is fascinating because it features Noah Kagan's new book, Million Dollar Weekend.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into reading it with curiosity and walked away feeling excited. In this episode, I discuss my take on 14 different things from the book, and the topics below are the top ones.

Frequent Excuses

At the beginning of this book, I liked that Noah shared a list of frequently made-up excuses. When you read this list of excuses, you'll see at least one in yourself, if not multiple. What Noah does, however, is he lays out a clear path for you on how to overcome those excuses. This was an intelligent way to start this book because he then links the excuse to where he would overcome it later, giving you the specific chapter where he would do that.

The Simple Start

The second thing I liked about this book is that Noah shares "The Simple Start." This is when you 1. Find a problem, 2. Solve the problem, and 3. Validate your idea without spending any money. Why I liked this so much... Because people usually think about an idea that they believe will make them money rather than thinking about their buyer and the problem that they can solve. I've also seen people spend thousands on an idea, perfecting something before they even know if they have a buyer. If you can validate your idea, meaning someone will buy it, you know whether it is viable for a business. Noah helps you put this into action by giving you shortcuts to sell through emails, messages, and simple ways to get your idea out there and get someone to spend money without you needing to.

You don't have a business if you don't have a customer.

The One Minute Business Plan

Noah does this thing called "The One Minute Business Plan," where you can determine if your idea is a million-dollar opportunity. He gets you to look at Google Trends, market size, product cost, and total value and gives you the formula to calculate whether it is a million-dollar idea. Then, he gets you to calculate $1,000,000 by your profit per unit sold so that you know how many customers you need. When you simplify your pricing, you know exactly what you need from a sales and profit perspective. 

I Made It, and I Still Feel Like Shit.

Anyone who has reached feeling like they've "made it" has probably experienced this. You started your business to have more freedom and ended up creating a job for yourself; you've put yourself in a box. That will kill your spirit. Make a list of what you want for every aspect of your life and put it somewhere you can see to keep sight of what will make you happy. There is no point in growing a successful business if it isn't bringing you joy.

That's my take, folks! I highly recommend reading Million Dollar Weekend. If you enjoyed this episode, let me know. If you purchase this book, tag me and Noah to share that you bought it because you heard me talk about it.

What’s In This Episode

• Retaining existing customers and gaining referrals is crucial for business growth.
• Asking for help and embracing generosity in business relationships to foster success.
• Aligning your life goals and using visual reminders for personal and professional growth.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e144 for all resources from this episode

Our best video cheat codes to capture attention and answer the questions your audience is already asking. 

In the final episode of our Strategic Marketing For Your Business series, we’re sharing our best advice on creating one of the most powerful types of content today—video. 

First things first: You need a content plan 

If you want to get the reps in and strengthen your video-making muscle, start by creating a content plan. The only way creating video content is going to get easier is if you continue to do the work of showing up, hitting record, and pushing past the discomfort, so make it easier for yourself to do that by creating a clear direction.

This week, Cass and I are walking you through how we recommend creating a list of video content ideas so you never feel lost about what to record.

From how to hold the camera to how long your videos should be 

So many people get caught up in the technical aspects of video creation. Should they be long-form or short-form? Should you hold the camera portrait or landscape? 

We answer these questions and more by starting with the purpose of your video (is it meant to entertain or educate?) and identifying which social platform your audience will respond to best. 

Creating video content can be an intimidating process, but don’t let that stop you. With the guidance in this episode and our helpful cheat codes at the end, you’ll be comfortable and confident in your ability to create great video content in no time!

Plan Your 2025 With Me 

On December 6th, join me for a full-day virtual workshop where we will dive into money, time, marketing, and mindset with tactical advice, strategies, and resources. Learn more at lisalarter.com/plan-or-perish. 

What’s In This Episode

• Emphasis on authenticity over perfection in video creation
• Informal content with basic quality standards 
• Matching content type and video orientation to platform use for engagement 
• How to repurpose video content
• Determining when professional vs. informal filming is needed 
• Building camera confidence with smartphone videos

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e175 for all resources from this episode. 

Making an investment in yourself and your business 

Is it time for you to make the investment in yourself and hire a business coach? This week's guest, Wendy Rice, asked herself that same question once. Wendy is a licensed psychologist and president of Rice Psychology. She started her business over 20 years ago, and now has a team working in two locations, in buildings that she owns! But how did she find the courage to get there? 

Wendy knew she wanted to make big moves, she had goals, and she wanted to reach them, but how was she going to get there when there were so many aspects of running a business she just didn't understand? 

If you are struggling to find the courage you need to make the big moves in your business, Wendy shares with us exactly how she started making those moves with a business coach. 

​​

What’s in This Episode

• When is it time for a business coach? 
• The importance of learning everything about running your business
• How a coach can help you find courage
•  Is it time to invest in yourself?
• The financial investment when you hire a business coach 
• Picking a goal that you are focused on

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e84 for all resources from this episode.

A Candid Conversation on Money

Money in the bank grants you power, freedom, and most importantly, peace of mind. We all want money in the bank and there are essential practices that will help you to manage the cash flow of your business. In this episode we get into the weeds when it comes to three key areas of cash flow: accelerating, controlling and monitoring..  

Accelerating cash inflow. 

When you incentivize upfront payments, automate payment processes, and provide your customers with multiple payment options, you'll pave the way for a steady stream of income. This will ultimately create a healthy cash flow that banishes financial worries.

Controlling expenses. 

Take the time to analyze your expenses, identify unnecessary costs, and eliminate them without compromising your business's quality or growth. From canceling unused subscriptions to negotiating with vendors for better payment terms, streamlining your expenses will maximize your cash flow.

Cash flow monitoring. 

In your business, it is your responsibility to update and adjust your forecasts based on historical data and expected inflows and outflows. Some of you may have challenges in your business such as pricing strategies, seasonal fluctuations, and the need to be safeguarding against unforeseen emergencies. When you understand your cash flow, you will be equipped to take on these challenges without it having a large effect on your business.

So, fasten your seatbelt, grab a pen and paper, listen to episode 108, and get ready to have a consistent flow of money in and out of your business.

What’s In This Episode

1. Boosting cash flow

2. Managing expenses

3. Monitoring cash flow 

4. Safeguarding for financial emergencies

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e108 for all resources from this episode.

1. Cash Flow
2. Profit
3. Budgeting
4. Taxes
5. Investing
6. Financial Reporting
7. Emotions

• Understanding cash flow to prevent bad spending decisions.
• Budgeting, the crucial piece to forecasting financial outcomes.
• Keeping an eye on your metrics beyond profit to have a complete understanding of the business's financial health.
• Shedding shame and guilt around financial metrics and becoming comfortable with numbers.

From Adversity to Success

Today, I am thrilled to introduce this incredible guest. There is no business consultant on the planet like Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon. She is the award-winning CEO of Incredible One Enterprises, LLC, a multi-million-dollar coaching and consulting brand. She's also a best-selling author with eight books to her credit, including her latest, Move to Millions®. I know you all will be inspired as she shares her journey and her new book in this episode.

Darnyelle's Journey

Darnyelle overcame a challenging upbringing, financial difficulties, and bankruptcy to become the successful CEO that she is today, with a thriving business and a mission to inspire others. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief. She is committed to empowering women to achieve financial independence and create lasting legacies.

Move to Millions®

Darnyelle's book provides a step-by-step framework that will guide you to a seven-figure business within one to three years. This book is the fruition of her desire to share her proven framework for building a million-dollar business. As you read this book, you'll discover not only the strategic insights necessary for success but also the softer side of entrepreneurship, such as alignment, surrender, and forgiveness.

The Book Writing Process

Darnyelle approached the writing process by seeking guidance through prayer, utilizing her existing framework and modules, and dedicating a daily hour to writing. The process took her three months, with some changes made halfway through to ensure it was a true reflection of her vision. After undergoing a careful editing process, Move to Millions® will officially release on November 7th!

What’s In This Episode

• Darnyelle's latest book and its purpose

• The mission to change statistics for women in business

• Darnyelle's book-writing process

• The sustainability of success after reaching seven figures

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e129 for all resources from this episode.

When Do You Need a Mentor?

I want to dive deep into a topic that often sparks debate in the business world—the need for a business coach. To shed some light on this subject, I am thrilled to have Eleanor Beaton, an experienced coach and advisor, joining me today. Together, we aim to debunk the myth that every business owner needs a coach. Instead, we will explore when and why someone may need a coach and how to choose the right mentor.

The Value of Coaching Relationships

Let's start by addressing the value of coaching relationships. As business owners, we all have different levels of drive and motivation. But that doesn't diminish the power of a coaching relationship. It's true that coaching can be frustrating when clients don't take actions that could improve their sales results. However, we must remember that coaching offers more than just financial rewards. Soft transformations and celebrating wins are equally important aspects of the coaching journey.

Advice for Choosing the Right Coach

Finding the right coach starts with understanding your own mindset and willingness to take action. A good coach serves as a thinking partner, inspiring action while requiring self-discipline from you. They can't do the work for you, but they can guide and support you through your challenges. It's essential to establish a strong connection with your coach and ensure they have the necessary expertise and competencies to meet your needs.

Navigating the Selection Process

So, how do you go about selecting the right coach for your business? Begin by vetting potential coaches thoroughly. Don't fall for flashy tactics; instead, focus on finding someone who can truly meet your needs. Different coaches specialize in various areas, so it's crucial to match their expertise to your unique requirements. Don't hesitate to ask behavioral-based interview questions to assess their skills and knowledge. Remember, hiring a coach is similar to hiring a team member – it's essential to find the perfect fit.

Choosing a Coach with Experience

When it comes to coaching, experience is crucial. Working with someone who has already achieved the level of success you aspire to reach can catapult your growth. Hiring a coach with a proven track record ensures you're learning from someone who has been there and done that. You don't want to waste time and resources on an inexperienced coach who may hinder your business's growth.

Not every business owner needs a coach. But, choosing the right mentor can make all the difference in unlocking your full potential. Remember to assess your readiness for action before tackling a coaching journey. And when selecting a coach, take the time to vet their competencies, match their expertise to your needs, and prioritize experience. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes where we tackle the most pressing topics in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

What’s In This Episode

• Importance of critical disciplines and functions in a business.

• Finding the right coach for specific business, personalities, and goals.

• The negative effect of working with an inexperienced coach.

• Vetting coaches to ensure necessary competencies and capabilities.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e125 for all resources from this episode.

Find Your Ideal Buyer

In business, finding and targeting the right customers is crucial for success. Many business owners find it a challenge to identify  their ideal buyer. Today, we will explore the concept of finding the ideal buyer and talk about strategies to help you attract high-value customers.

The Sentient Strategy:

One approach to identifying the ideal buyer is through "Sentient Strategy", as discussed by Alan Weiss. This strategy involves looking at future buyers from two dimensions: their changing and growing nature, and external market factors such as technology and demographics. 

When you evaluate these dimensions, you can make informed business decisions about which buyers to target.

Targeting & Attracting High-Value Buyers:

You should also adjust your marketing materials and persona when targeting larger markets. Understanding what the ideal buyer reads, listens to, and interacts with is crucial for getting on their radar screens. Rather than solely chasing money, it is important to focus on attracting high-value buyers who align with your business goals.

Addressing Issues & Shedding Clients:

Business relationships are not always smooth sailing. It is essential to address issues and make necessary changes to ensure you have successful transactions. Sometimes, a difficult buyer may bring in significant revenue, but if they are unwilling to adapt, it may be necessary for you to end the business relationship. As business needs change, it is important to shed clients who are no longer appropriate and find new ones.

Finding your ideal buyer is a key factor in achieving success in your business. When you implement strategies like the "Sentient Strategy", targeting high-value buyers, and addressing issues with clients, you can position your business for growth and profitability. It's not selfish to shed clients who are no longer a good fit—it's about protecting the integrity of your business. Focus on attracting those who genuinely want assistance and are willing to invest in your value. Start prioritizing your ideal buyer today and watch your business prosper.

What's In This Episode

• How to choose the right buyer 

• Moving to a new market

• Knowing what questions to ask 

• How not to be all things to all people 

• Knowing who the wrong buyer is

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e117 for all resources from this episode.

Mastering a Money Mindset

Welcome to She Talks Business, where my guest for this season, Mackenzie St. Laurent, and I discuss the beginner essentials you need in business. In this episode, you'll learn how to develop your money mindset, refine your sales strategies, and perfect your financial planning. Tune in to explore the power of understanding your worth, reshaping your relationship with money, and mastering financial management for business success.

Defining Your Worth and Pricing Strategies

When you have your own business, you must understand the value you offer and align your pricing with your worth. Things like calculating your minimum hourly rate, justifying pricing, and gamifying your sales process will have a massive impact on your business. The art of selling, in particular, is profoundly intertwined with emotional intelligence and skill development.

Shifting Your Money Mindset

Adapting a new perspective on money is critical to making rewarding financial progress. Celebrate your wins and detach the thought of success from outcomes in financial decisions. As you navigate developing your mindset, take some time to read books such as Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Millionaire Maker, or The Ultimate Blueprint for an Insanely Successful Business which will help to reshape your understanding of wealth and abundance.

Financial Planning and Tax Obligations

Practical steps for managing cash flow and taxes are a cornerstone of business success. Learn how to identify your tax obligations, understand your profit margins, and fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities as a business owner. 

New Year Reflections and Practices for Abundance

As you approach the end of the year, consider adopting some practices and a New Year outlook. Take inventory concepts of what you've invested a lot of time and money into throughout the year. One book that will profoundly impact you in creating an environment of abundance and financial prosperity is Die With 0.

With these insights and practical tips, you have the full ability to master a money mindset and achieve abundance in both your business and life. Take advantage of the opportunity to unlock your own financial potential and reshape your relationship with wealth. Happy listening, and here's to a prosperous 2024!

What’s In This Episode

• Importance of increasing fees to align pricing with value

• Gamifying selling and providing customer options

• Managing cash flow for business success

• Disrupting money patterns for more abundance and wealth

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e137 for all resources from this episode.

Add value to your user experience without alienating clients and prospects 

It’s time for the finale of the Leveraging AI series with Mary Fearon! We're wrapping up with a final discussion on improving customer service with AI.

When to Start & Stop with AI Automation

Chatbots and automated messaging systems are the most common AI solutions for customer service and prospecting. These solutions certainly have their place, but at what point do they become harmful to your brand? 

In this episode, we discuss the harm of over-relying on AI to be the solution to your (or your customer’s) problem and how to avoid this mistake in your business.

Behind-the-Scene Uses of AI to Benefit Your Customers & Clients  

When you think about customer service, the goal is to provide a valuable experience. Tune in as Mary and I discuss how AI can enhance this by acting as a personal assistant, quickly handling labor-intensive tasks like writing customer-facing documents and accelerating research to understand new clients. Want all of our suggestions on how to save yourself time while building a deeper connection with your clients? This is the episode for you.

Interested in attending our AI workshop? Sign up for our waitlist at lisalarter.com/ai to be the first to know about the investment, format, and details. Mary and I can't wait to help you start experimenting with AI in your business.

We had a lot of fun recording this series together, and we hope you're inspired to jump into this next phase of business operation with the help of your AI personal assistant!

What’s In This Episode

• Experimenting with AI for business improvement 
• Personal and business relationships AI cannot replace
• AI-generated user guides, onboarding documents, etc.
• Importance of inspection to ensure AI tools maintain brand integrity

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e167 for all resources from this episode. 

Planning, Structure, and Success Metrics

This week on She Talks Business, I'm joined by Mackenzie St Laurant again to talk about The Beginner Mind Essentials for Business. This episode is all about sharing the secrets to building a thriving business. This episode covers essential aspects such as structuring business activities, goal setting, and sustaining your momentum.

Riding the Wave of New Beginnings

With the new year starting, you have this fresh and energizing energy that you should harness because it can kick-start your business success. There's a transformative power in setting goals and planning meticulously for the upcoming year. Take the time and harness this energy to create structured planning and effective time management to propel your business forward.

Business Goal Setting

For guaranteed success, reverse engineer your business goals. Break down your revenue targets, establish monthly milestones, and consistently evaluate your progress. I can't emphasize enough the importance of setting realistic and achievable goals to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.

Structuring Business Operations

Structure and organize your business operations for optimal functionality. You'll see positive business interaction by establishing robust business structures, fully understanding your business model, and creating systems to enhance client engagement.

Winning the Customer Game and Sustaining Momentum

Prioritize customer acquisition and steer clear of operational analysis paralysis. In order to acquire and retain clients, nurture your business relationships, and monitor progress toward your sales goals, you must understand the cyclical nature of sales and develop an adaptive mindset needed to overcome challenges.

Marketing and Personal Connections

Allocating time for networking events, leveraging various strategies to maintain business visibility, and articulating your business vision is crucial. There's nothing more significant than networking and building personal connections. However, remember to establish boundaries for yourself to prevent burnout.

With these insights, you can seize the opportunity to implement strategies and pave the way for a year of unprecedented success and fulfillment in your business endeavors. Here's to conquering the world of business with a Beginner Mindset!

What’s In This Episode

• Reverse engineering business goals for the year

• The importance of business structure and understanding the business model

• Prioritizing acquiring customers when starting a business

• Structuring time and regularly attending networking events

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e138 for all resources from this episode.

Deconstruct the Fears Holding You Back 

Welcome back for a very special episode! We're celebrating the release of Michelle Weger's book, Don't Snooze Your Dreams. Michelle and I have been working together for 7 years now, and I've seen her do some really hard things. I'm so proud of her for writing this book and sharing how she reframes fear to accomplish her dreams and helping you all do the same.  

Michelle Weger is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and now #1 International Best Selling author. As the founder of Venture Creative Collective, Michelle helps small businesses thrive with innovative automation and web development solutions. Living with narcolepsy, Michelle has transformed personal challenges into powerful lessons, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. 

Consequences of Advocacy 

As someone with an invisible disability, Michelle discusses how she's grown in her advocacy. She's faced a lot of tough pushback and consequences because her service dog is "too big," or people don’t believe she’s a service dog and don’t believe Michelle even has a disability. After seeing how her mother, friends, and colleagues stood up for her, Michelle realized if she stood up for herself now, she would also be helping others. 

Only Two Types of Fear 

In her book, Michelle identifies only two types of fear we all suffer from. We have a social fear, which, boiled down, is the fear of embarrassment, and physical fear, which is fear of something that could actually kill or harm us. The metaphors she uses in the book are brilliant in reframing how you feel about fear. Keep your ears open for when we talk about the paper dinosaur and the terrorist in our heads. 

Fear and adversity are ever present throughout our lives and our careers. Whether we're facing a promotion at work or an autoimmune disease diagnosis, we will always be battling our paper dinosaurs and terrorists in our heads. Listen in to hear about Michelle's DREAM method, which anyone can use to overcome whatever obstacles they're facing in life and achieve their dreams. 

What’s In This Episode

• Facing adversity for a non-apparent disability like narcolepsy 
• Role models help bolster advocacy for yourself and, eventually others 
• Metaphors for fears holding us back from our dreams 
• Tactics for doing hard things 
• DREAM method for overcoming fears and achieving dreams

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e168 for all resources from this episode.

A Conversation that Will Change Your Leadership

This episode of She Talks Business is with the respected Colonel Chris Kolenda, a retired army colonel with an extensive background in leadership and advisory roles. Throughout this, you'll learn about Chris' background, experiences, and transition to a leadership consulting business aimed at making a meaningful impact.

Establishing Boundaries and Priorities in Leadership

When discussing setting boundaries, Chris shares an impactful story that underscored a vital truth: respecting individuals' time and priorities isn't simply polite; it's a cornerstone of effective leadership. Establishing clear boundaries creates a balanced and productive environment where everyone flourishes.

Aligning with Your Natural Strengths

Tapping into your natural strengths and talents isn't just burnout prevention; it's motivation for engagement and success. Aligning with your inherent gifts fosters a fulfilling and impactful leadership journey.

Clarity and Engagement in Leadership

Leadership extends beyond personal boundaries and strengths. Operationalizing your company values and co-creating priorities with your teams is critical. His insightful "x so that y" formula delivers the clarity needed for disciplined execution, a crucial element for individuals and organizations striving to reach their full potential.

Upgrade Your Leadership Skills

Self-awareness is a central theme throughout this episode. Understanding your emotional triggers, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals are all vital in sharpening your leadership skills and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, this episode offers plenty of leadership wisdom. Becoming a great leader isn't about reaching a fixed destination but embracing continuous growth, resilience, and the passion to inspire others.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of establishing boundaries and priorities in leadership, emphasizing the significance of clarity and self-awareness.

• Strategies for aligning team members with their natural strengths, thus preventing burnout and enhancing engagement.

• The significance of surrounding oneself with the right people and the impact of mentors and support networks on personal growth and leadership development.

• Insights into managing emotional triggers, the impact of miscommunication in the workplace, and strategies for engaging and retaining team members.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e143 for all resources from this episode.

Business, Legacy, & Bucket Lists—We Cover It All 

I am beyond thrilled to have my long-time friend, colleague, client, and co-conspirator, Samantha Moonsammy, acting as our guest host in this edition of Ask Me Anything! 

If you remember the Oprah in Ottawa event I referenced a few episodes back, Samantha is the woman who I worked with to bring that event about. She is a great person with an amazing heart, and since we’ve worked together on many events and used to live only 20 minutes from each other, she came up with some great personal and professional questions. She even asked me a really big question about why I left Canada. That’s something I’ve never talked about before, so I’m glad she asked! 

Samantha works with authors through Lucky Book Publishing’s signature VIP programs that include writing, publishing, and marketing. She provides strategic coaching to authors and helps them craft the best-selling title, subtitle, book outlines, story-telling, and wow-factor branding that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Before running Lucky Book Publishing, Samantha was an award-winning celebrity event planner, television host, media personality, and public servant. She has been on book marketing event teams for many award-winning thought leaders including Elizabeth Gilbert, Deepak Chopra, the late Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss, Marianne Williamson, and Eckhart Tolle.

In this episode, we go from morning routines, habits, professional tools, and favorite books to bucket-list items. We even discuss some memorable Lisa Larter quotes, including, “Free is too expensive,” and “You can’t ride two horses with one ass.”

This was so much fun to record with Samantha, and I’m so glad she was able to take the mic and guest host for us this week! 

What’s In This Episode 

• Lisa’s professional and personal habits
• Why Lisa left Canada and moved to the United States
• Professional tools for productivity with a remote team
• Legacy and impact 

What To Do Next 

Visit lisalarter.com/e160 for all resources from this episode. 

Debunking the myth that mindset is at the root of your financial struggles

• Why mindset is NOT the problem when it comes to money
• Flying a plane to illustrate the concept of skill deficit
• How mindset can change and evolve

Turns Hours of Work Into Minutes with AI 

Welcome to the first episode of a new season in collaboration with Mary Fearon!  For this series of conversations, Mary Fearon and I will be talking all about AI.

Mary and I both run marketing agencies, and we've started introducing AI into our team workflows and personal lives. If you're a small business looking to learn how AI can help you save time and effort, this is a great introduction.

With AI, we've been able to streamline our processes, freeing up more time for what we do best! 

Mary is the founder and CEO of On Prpose, a company helping entrepreneurs and businesses tell their stories effectively. With a keen eye for uncovering hidden narratives, Mary and her team excel at distilling complex information into compelling, relatable content. 

Mary has helped hundreds of companies in complex industrial and technical businesses, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, engineering, and more. Varied experience has honed her ability to find and communicate the essence of a business or industry, no matter how technical or nuanced. She believes in the power of storytelling to capture complexity while making it interesting and relevant to the audience. 

The Number 1 Way We Use AI  

AI has saved us from blank-page syndrome—it’s an amazing brainstorming partner. When starting a new project or wanting to create something from scratch, we both have noticed how quickly AI can take us from an abstract idea to something to work with. It eliminates five hours of coming up with a rough draft and instead gives us that time to focus on refining the copy, adding a brand voice, and focusing on the end result. 

Where to start with AI? 

There are many AI options to choose from and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Pick one, get to know it really well, and then you're more able to make a judgement on how you like using AI in your business and what features you may be looking for in other AI options. 

In this episode, we also discuss increasing the quality of your prompts. The better your prompts, the better and more effective your results will be. Instead of thinking about how to search for a result, picture how you would give context and instructions to a coworker. 

Tune in to hear all about some fun ways we've used AI outside of work! It has helped us come up with dinner ideas, gift ideas, or even how to track macros. There are so many ways to use AI and save valuable time. 

The biggest takeaway for business owners who are hesitant to begin working with AI is that it is a tool. While AI helps us do our work faster and more efficiently, it will never be able to replace the wisdom, culture, and perspective humans bring to our work. The relationships, inspiration, and ideas fueling our business will never start with AI but can be developed and come to fruition much faster with its help. 

If you'd like more information about the AI in Business workshop Mary and I plan to host, sign up for our waitlist here: lisalarter.com/ai. 

What’s In This Episode 

• How marketing agencies use AI 
• Enabling speed and reducing refining time
• Resistance to AI and “AI snobbery”
• Fun ways to use AI in your personal life 

What To Do Next 

Visit lisalarter.com/e163 for all resources from this episode. 

Your Business Doesn't Have to Suck the Energy Out of You

Exhausted from running your business? You're not alone. Successful entrepreneur Jamie Palmer discovered Human Design and transformed her work. Curious how?

This week, you'll explore human design, a tool that can help you build a fulfilling business based on your unique design. Learn how human design empowers strategic decisions and builds a business that truly works for you. Ready to ditch burnout? Let's go!

What Is Human Design?

Ever heard someone ask if you've "done your HD"? Human Design is a system for understanding yourself. It uses your birth date to create a chart that reveals your type (how you interact with the world), profile (the persona you project), strengths (centers), and energy levels (gates and channels). This can help you discover ideal work environments, who you collaborate best with, and even if you're wired for multitasking or methodical work. You only need your birth date, time, and location to get your free chart and insights into your unique human design.

How Does Human Design Help You?

Human Design can help you break societal expectations and live a more fulfilling life. By understanding your unique energy type through a Human Design chart, you can discover what you're naturally here to do. This can be especially helpful in business, where you're often bombarded with advice on how to be successful. Human Design can help you identify your most effective strategies based on your strengths and weaknesses. The key is to take action on the insights you gain from your Human Design chart.

Approaching Human Design in Business

Human Design is often used as a basic personality test, but it goes much deeper than that. Jamie's approach focuses on practical applications. She uses real-life examples to educate people on how Human Design can inform business decisions. This includes business models, offers, launch strategies, and marketing. By understanding your Human Design type, you can discover what strategies actually work best for you. Ultimately, the goal is to empower people to make their own business decisions and not blindly follow generic advice.

Human Design isn't about generic advice—it's about understanding YOU and what works best for your natural design. Ready to stop hustling and start thriving? Check out Jamie's website to grab your free Human Design chart and explore more resources to help you design the business of your dreams. You can also get a copy of Jamie's book Human Design For Business free by using the code SHETALKSBUSINESS.

What’s In This Episode

• Embracing change in business

• Human design for business owners

• Building a business with a purpose

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e148 for all resources from this episode.

Pursue Financial Freedom Through Investing

In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Bosch, an exceptional real estate investor and co-founder of a highly successful land-flipping business. Her story is a powerful testament to the immense potential that entrepreneurship holds and the incredible transformations it can bring.

Michelle's teachings have transformed lives, empowering stay-at-home moms, dentists, and individuals to achieve previously unattainable goals. She believes that true wealth amplifies our essence and should align with our values, allowing us to create the lives we desire and make a lasting impact. Michelle's journey is an inspiration to women seeking financial freedom, showing that the American dream is attainable through entrepreneurship and real estate investing.

Michelle Bosch's story showcases the tremendous potential of entrepreneurship and its ability to bring about transformative change. Through her investing company, she has unlocked the power within individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. I encourage you to take that crucial first step towards your goals, and prepare to be amazed at the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

If you're eager to learn more about Michelle Bosch and her investing company, I encourage you to visit her website at landprofitfun.com. Michelle's invaluable insights and guidance will serve as a trusted resource on your journey toward financial freedom and a life filled with abundance.

What’s In This Episode

• Embracing authenticity and celebrating your unique strengths 

• Cultivating a positive perspective and developing a growth mindset

• Setting clear goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating a strategic plan

• Building and nurturing meaningful connections

• Adaptability in an ever-changing landscape

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e111 for all resources from this episode.

List-Building Tactics For Email Growth

So how do Tim Ferriss and James Clear do it? How do they get millions of people on their email lists and, most importantly, how do they keep people subscribed? I believe a small email list of engaged subscribers and active buyers outweighs a large email list any day, but we have a lot to learn from these two men’s strategies. Listen to this episode to hear which of their tactics I'm going to be using to grow my own email list this year.

A $40M Business Owner Reverts to a $5/hour Strategy for His Success  

The truth is, you don't need large numbers of subscribers like Ferriss and Clear to succeed. The lists cultivated with high-touch strategies may be "small" in comparison to millions, but the engagement of the subscribers produces incomparable results. Learn the exact direct sales flywheel strategy of Nathan Barry and how his manual efforts produced undeniable success even in this automated AI world.

Let's Talk Tactics

Building your email list will not happen overnight, and it certainly does not end with putting a subscribe button on your website. In this episode, I share my plan for growing my email list this year and how I plan to keep my subscribers engaged. You'd be surprised to learn the value you need in order to grow could be something you've already created. Stay to the end for some great ideas for freebies to offer, as well as my favorite way to impact engagement with my top readers.

Don't let your email list stay stagnant for another year! Create your lead magnet and make your content so valuable for your subscribers that they never want to leave your list. 

What’s In This Episode

• Mailing list maintenance and engagement
• The $5 an hour strategy inspired by Nathan Barry
• Personal touch in content creation for stronger relationships
• Ensuring consistency and reliability in communication
• List-building strategies 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e177 for all resources from this episode.

Taking the time to reflect on 2022 and plan for next year

Every year should change you as a business owner. Why? Because you should never stop learning lessons, expanding your knowledge and capabilities, and becoming a stronger version of yourself. 

This week, I’m getting candid and sharing the most significant lessons I learned in 2022 as a business owner. After listening to this episode, I challenge you to take a moment and really think back on your year too. Here’s a tip before you hit play: grab a notepad and write down each of the lessons you learned, big or small. Then, take that list, reflect on each lesson, and think about them as you prepare to take on 2023.

I hope that in sharing my own takeaways from the year, a few of them make an impression on you and guide you in your own reflection.

What’s in This Episode

• What I learned this year as a business owner 
• Defining moments in 2022 
• How to use challenges as ways to grow
• Embracing change in business to save yourself time and money 
• Changes coming in the new year

Visit lisalarter.com/e91 for all resources from this episode.

Find Your Key Players for Success

It's the start of a new season of She Talks Business, where you can learn all about entrepreneurship and business success. This season is focused on the crucial role that advisors play in setting you up for success. Join in as I bring in a lineup of experts who have personally helped transform my business and can do the same for you.

Having the Right Advisors

Having the right advisors in your corner can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial journey. They provide guidance, support, and expertise that can save you both time and money in the long run. With the right advisors, you can make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of running a business.

Who Shouldn't Be Your Advisors?

While seeking advice is necessary, it's equally important to choose the right advisors. When choosing advisors, avoid those who haven't achieved your goals and advisors unrelated to your field. Seek mentors who've accomplished your goals, align with your values, and research advisors' track records.

Finding the Right Advisors

To find the right advisors for your business, consider the following:

• Seek mentors who have already achieved the goals you aspire to reach. Learn from their experiences and leverage their expertise.

• Research the track records and qualifications of potential advisors. Look for a history of successful outcomes and a deep understanding of your industry.

• Align with advisors who share your values and vision for your business. This ensures a strong connection and collaborative partnership.

Different Types of Advisors to Consider

Throughout this season, you'll have the chance to explore the expertise of various advisors. You’ll hear insights from financial planners, business coaches, tax attorneys, accountants, and so much more!

Choosing the right advisors is critical to your business success. When you select advisors who have the expertise, experience, and alignment with your goals, you can access valuable guidance and support as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, having the right advisors can transform your business and set you up for long-term success.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of having the right advisors.

• Exploring the value of having advisors in business.

• Highlighting the benefits of seeking advice from knowledgeable professionals.

• Discussing the cost-saving potential of having the right advisors.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e123 for all resources from this episode.

Strategic Forecasting and Budgeting for Financial Excellence

When you are learning about your business financials, you have to get into the nitty-gritty stuff. You are fully capable of learning the metrics of your business because that’s what’s going to move your business forward. 

There are nine foundational pieces when it comes to forecasting and budgeting for your business. 

When it comes to running a business, you need to have financial goals that you keep in mind. Doing this in addition to reviewing your historical data, estimating your sales, projecting your expenses, and managing your cash flow, you can create a realistic budget aligned with those goals. 

Once that budget is set, it doesn't stop there. Be sure to regularly monitor your financials to make adjustments as needed when the unexpected happens. Also, take the time to plan for the unexpected, it will take a lot of the emotional weight off of you if it does happen. If this feels really overwhelming, just know that you can do it, but you can also seek professional advice from experts who understand the complexities of your business.

Financial forecasting and budgeting is an iterative process. Continue to inspect your financials month over month in order to direct your business so that you can get it where you want it to go. When you understand the financials of your business, you are better prepared to navigate your business and make informed decisions.

If you want some more guidance as well as some helpful spreadsheets to get things started, check out The Pilot Project.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of defining clear business goals and objectives, such as revenue targets and profit margins, as the foundation for forecasting and budgeting efforts.

• The significance of analyzing historical financial data to identify trends, seasonality, and insights hidden within sales, expenses, and cash flow records. 

• The process of creating revenue projections based on factors such as market demand, pricing strategies, sales pipelines, and historical sales data. 

• The importance of creating a comprehensive budget that aligns with business goals, covers short-term and long-term needs, and factors in all expenses, both fixed and variable.

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e107 for all resources from this episode.

Getting your business ready for the upcoming year

This week, I put my coaching cap on for all of you. 

The uncertain economic times can be tough to think about, and the word recession is a scary one for business owners.  But this isn’t the time to stop planning and to stop looking at what you’re going to do to keep your business moving forward. 

I have put together seven pieces of advice for you to keep in mind as you plan for 2023, the economic future may be unknown, but your business’ future doesn’t need to be. 

What’s in This Episode

• Thinking big and moving forward 
• Paying attention to your numbers
• Setting your goals 
• The importance of maintaining relationships 
• Starting something new
• Managing what you consume 
• Going from surviving to thriving

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e83 for all resources from this episode.

Learn how to plan, commit to, and produce a podcast to promote your thought leadership and expertise. 

One of the telling signs someone is an expert in their field is if they are able to confidently chat about their topic of genius with little to no preparation. That's why I love to help my clients create podcast strategies to distribute their expertise through this powerful type of media. 

This week, Cass and I are back with the fourth episode of our Strategic Marketing For Your Business series. We identify the five reasons podcasts fail and how to overcome them. You're going to hear some great tactical tips for how to start and sustain your own podcast for the long-term goal of establishing credibility and growing your business. 

5 Key Factors Contributing to Pod Fade 

We identify the five reasons podcasts rarely extend beyond 5 episodes and how to avoid them. The most common misstep is not having a content strategy. Listen in for guiding questions on how to create a content roadmap for planning your episodes. For a real look behind the scenes at what it’s like to have a podcast, listen in to hear our own process for producing She Talks Business and the many hands and skills it takes to create a quality episode. 

Harness The Power Of Audio & Video 

In this episode, we also give our best advice and tips for creating a podcast meant to be consumed via video or audio, how to capitalize on each distribution type, and which one your audience will enjoy and consume the most. 

Are you interested in starting a podcast, or have you tried podcasting in the past? This is a must-listen episode to help you consider the commitment and strategy for a successful podcast. Be part of the 5 percent who make it to episode 100 with our podcasting tips!

What’s In This Episode

• Starting and sustaining a podcast 
• 5 reasons podcasts fail and how to overcome them
• Content roadmap strategy for podcast longevity
• Importance of unscripted dialogue to appear as an expert
• Podcast production process 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e174 for all resources from this episode. 

Navigating Contracts

In this episode, I'm joined by Kristen Herwitz, a business attorney and strategist who shares her expertise on contracts and the importance of protecting client relationships. Kristen's passion lies in assisting marginalized groups, and her values-based approach to legal services has made her a sought-after advocate for fair and equitable business practices.

Contracts and Protecting Client Relationships

It's important to have intentional conversations and protect your personal relationships when entering into business arrangements. Contracts should not only outline legal obligations but also consider the long-term impact on client relationships and privacy. Consider potential scenarios where something goes wrong and be mindful of payment structures. To mitigate risks and ensure fairness, seek professional guidance when creating contracts.

Values-Based Decision-Making

Contracts play a crucial role in protecting the rights of all parties involved. You must comply with state laws and have a lawyer who understands them. This is especially important when it comes to employment classification and non-compete clauses. Being informed and intentional about values-driven decision-making can help create a business environment that is fair, inclusive, and protective of all stakeholders.

Ownership Rights and Licensing in Contracts

Another essential aspect of contracts is addressing intellectual property ownership. The default ownership rights in the legal industry often require negotiation. Clear communication and contracts can minimize misunderstandings and ensure that both clients and businesses are aware of their respective rights and responsibilities.

Having the right legal adviser to strategize and grow your business makes the biggest difference. Clear communication and contracts are key in minimizing misunderstandings and protecting your business, clients, and employees. Start to take action to protect your business by listening to this episode.

What’s In This Episode

• The importance of contracts and fair treatment

• Protecting client relationships and privacy

• Considering what happens when something goes wrong

• Understanding state laws and compliance

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e131 for all resources from this episode.

Leadership, Communication, and Overcoming Self-Sabotage

In this week's episode of She Talks Business, I am being interviewed by my mentee of 5 years, Michelle Weger. She is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to her craft and has built a rapidly growing, multi-six-figure website development and business process automation company.

In this conversation, you'll hear Michelle share the valuable lessons she's learned working with me along the way that I know will be relevant and valuable for you too.

The Essence of Leadership

When you're in a leadership role, there's a critical lesson to learn, and that is tailoring your leadership approach to different individuals on your team and how they respond. Some may need a gentler hand while others need you to be more straightforward. Adjusting your approach is going to get the results much faster. If you are nurturing strong relationships that facilitate effective feedback, you'll find yourself working with honest, action-oriented individuals who exhibit gratitude and generosity.

Strategies for Unwavering Focus and Productivity

One challenge of being an entrepreneur is maintaining your focus. This is why it's essential to create counter behaviors to combat distractions and increase your focus. Try techniques like disconnecting from devices, practicing mindfulness, and setting intentional routines. You'll find creating space for reflection and behavior assessment will enhance your productivity.

Conquering Fear and Self-Sabotage

Once you learn how to face your fears and be brave, you'll find it's easier to achieve success. There are many self-sabotaging behaviors you hold that stem from fear, distractions, disorganization, and lack of discipline. In order for you to overcome your self-sabotage, seek advice from your advisers and learn from other successful individuals.

Cultivating Confidence and Mastering Communication

When you are building your business you have to learn how to sell, tune up your communication, and your listening skills in order to see the results you want. Build your own self-assurance by initiating conversations with strangers, nurturing relationships, and engaging in networking events. Some practical tips for you to enhance your confidence could be through mentorship and other role models.

In the world of business, effective leadership, conquering self-sabotage, and nurturing confidence are key for you to succeed.

What’s In This Episode

• Effective leadership and building relationships

• The importance of feedback and compliment acceptance

• Overcoming distractions and creating focus behaviors

• Trusting advisers and learning from others' success

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e130 for all resources from this episode.

Tips For Creating Impactful Books

The process of completing a book is a tremendous achievement that leaves you with a huge feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment. But in the beginning, it can feel like a monumental task that is impossible to take on. In this episode, Alan and I talk about how to break through the barriers that so many people encounter when writing a book.

Alan is a renowned figure in the consulting world with over 60 books to his name, and has revolutionized the consulting industry. I have known Alan for years and it's always a privilege to sit and chat with him, especially when we're talking about books and writing. Together, we collaborated on Masterful Marketing, a book that merges his expertise with my marketing knowledge, to transform marketing approaches. Through our discussion, we explored various aspects of writing, diving into topics such as creating a cohesive structure, concise communication, and the benefits of collaboration so that you can create compelling works that resonate with your readership and leave a lasting impact.

Having a Clear Direction

You have to have a clear vision of the message you want to convey and the value you intend to offer your readers. Regardless of who you are, it is essential to establish a cohesive structure that guides your book. The introductory chapter will play a pivotal role in informing your readers why they should engage with your work and what they can expect to gain from it. Similarly, a well-crafted conclusion should provide actionable steps for your readers to apply the knowledge they have acquired.

Concise Communication

Tell people what they need to know and not everything that you know. Effective writing shares essential information with your readers without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. Refine your knowledge and insights into a clear and impactful message, so you can create a focused and engaging reading experience. Selecting relevant information ensures that your book remains impactful and memorable. 

Benefits of Collaboration

Collaborating with others is a great way to enrich the writing process. Co-authorship, brings fresh perspectives and diverse ideas to the table, cultivating great intellectual property. There are two common approaches: one author takes the lead in writing while the other provides ideas and critiques, or the co-authors follow a structured formula where one person drafts the initial content, and the other refines and enhances it. Doing this creates a polished and impactful final product.

If you put these tips into action, you will create compelling works that resonate with their readership. Whether you are an aspiring novelist or a business owner, finishing a book is a rewarding effort that allows you to contribute to your community and leave a lasting impact on your readers.

What’s In This Episode

• Why men finish more books than women 

• How to avoid analysis paralysis 

• The thoughts behind writing a book

• How to know if you should write a book with someone

• The strategy and tactics behind writing a book

• The importance of finding time to read 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e113 for all resources from this episode.

Is Your Store Stuck in the Stone Age?

In this episode of She Talks Business, you'll learn about the dynamics of retail and business innovation with Liza Amlani, the principal and co-founder of Retail Strategy Group. Explore retail, technology, and consumer behavior, and gain valuable advice.

Building Relationships in Marketing

Liza Amlani, with her background in teaching fashion marketing at FIT, shares how important it is to build relationships in marketing. Her approach includes discussions on daily retail headlines and the encouragement of networking, providing a holistic understanding of the industry. Adapting to social media and influencer marketing to enhance customer engagement is a critical consideration in the constant change of retail.

Navigating the Retail Industry

The in-store customer experience for retail has changed because of the impact of technology and social media. Effectively managing your inventory and strategic merchandising are pivotal for success in retail businesses. Adapting to the evolving demands of retail and understanding the role of customer engagement strategies are crucial.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

For small retail business owners, leveraging data and utilizing affordable cloud-based tools for your sales and inventory management is a vital consideration. When disciplined, you can take bold steps toward success, push boundaries, and think big in your business endeavors.

This episode is packed with a wealth of wisdom. If you embrace change, innovate, and stay true to your beliefs in your business endeavors, you'll be able to stay determined and push toward success.

What’s In This Episode

• Impact of social media and influencer marketing on customer engagement

• Importance of managing inventory effectively

• Importance of not thinking small as a small retail business owner

• The significance of planning, leveraging data, and affordable cloud-based tools for small businesses

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e141 for all resources from this episode.

Make this year the one you market yourself more than you ever have before with the help of AI 

Class is in session - are you ready for your marketing efforts to be graded? This episode is all about creating a thorough marketing strategy with the 2025 landscape in mind.

Tune in as I walk you through my 10-question assessment to help you determine where your marketing efforts currently fall and provide clear steps on how to improve them throughout the year. 

It's Not Getting Any Easier in 2025. . . But Here's How To Keep Up & Excel

The more opportunities we have to market our business (posting daily on social platforms, regular newsletters, automated systems for lead generation, quizzes to collect zero-party data, etc.), the more marketing becomes a complex ecosystem of efforts working together to generate sales. Marketing continues to get more complicated as time goes on, but creating a plan now will allow you to not only keep up, but excel in this ever-evolving marketing world. 

AI Is Both The Problem And The Solution 

We've reached a point in marketing where people are craving authenticity while consuming content more than ever. How do you remain authentic while keeping up with the volume of content necessary to stand out? AI is a great tool to add to your marketing efforts and multiply your efforts, but it is not the answer to creating content for you. Join me as I discuss real-life examples of how I use AI to create content faster while still maintaining my thought leadership and authenticity.

Listen all the way to the end of this episode for an assessment you can actually use to make a plan with the right steps for your business to really grow this year. 

If you'd like some guidance on creating your marketing plan, I mention two resources for you to take advantage of: The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Future, a free download, and the Action Accelerator, where we can sit down one-on-one to make a plan together. 

Let's make 2025 the year your business skyrockets with leads, sales, and unstoppable growth!

What’s In This Episode

• Marketing Changes and Required Skills in 2025

• Self-Assessment for Marketing Strategies

• Cohesive marketing ecosystem

• Content Engagement vs. Business Success

• Leveraging AI in Marketing

• Importance of Zero Party Data

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e176 for all resources from this episode.

What It Takes To Achieve Your Vision 

Tune in to this episode of She Talks Business to learn my proven formula for achieving exponential growth, including the game-changing fourth element I’ve recently discovered. Drawing from my experiences over the past year, I am breaking down how these four fundamental pillars work together to create unstoppable momentum in your business.

You'll discover:

• Why your vision needs to be audaciously big—so big that it becomes a lifelong pursuit—while still maintaining the sweet spot between impossible and inspiring

• How to realistically assess your capabilities, strategically build a dream team to fill your gaps, and embrace continuous learning as you scale

• The secret to expanding your reach through authentic connections that generate more impact than simple social media metrics

• My newest success factor: the critical role of daily, intentional effort in achieving exceptional results

In this episode, I’m revealing real-world examples from my own journey, including how I’ve implemented these principles to elevate my own work to new heights. I’m sharing actionable insights on balancing these four elements to stay focused on both the big picture and high-impact daily actions.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode offers practical strategies for assessing and leveraging these four pillars of growth. Learn how to craft your compelling vision, maximize your capabilities, expand your meaningful reach, and apply the right effort in the right places.

Don't miss my powerful questions that will help you evaluate and strengthen each pillar in your own business. Start implementing these principles today to unlock the exponential growth you've always dreamed of achieving.

Listen now to transform your approach to business growth and turn your boldest aspirations into reality.

What’s In This Episode

• Importance of acknowledging sources of inspiration
• Aligning vision with purpose and values
• Importance of skills, knowledge, and resources
• Building networks and authentic relationships to grow your reach
• Aligning effort with your expected outcome

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e178 for all resources from this episode.

Books that will help oxygenate your thinking and transform the way you do business

Reading has the power to shape lives in profound ways, and this week's guest is no stranger to the power of reading. Eleanor Beaton is the founder of Safi Media, a business coaching and advisory firm for women entrepreneurs, where her team provides business coaching. 

In episode 96, Eleanor and I discuss the transformative impact that reading can have on your life, both professionally and personally. Whether you're seeking to sharpen your insights, broaden your perspective, create efficiencies in your business, or overcome your fears, reading has the power to help you achieve your goals. 

Over the last several episodes, I have shared my favorite books for personal and professional growth. In this episode, Eleanor shares the three books that helped her find her power as a woman in business. 

After we recorded this podcast, Eleanor invited me to participate in a live roundtable conversation on the topic of Women, Power & Profit with her, Melissa Houston and Jackie Porter to discuss the key blocks that hold women back from financial success. You'll want to listen to my conversation with these power house women as well. You'll find it here.

If you want to take your life and business to the next level, let's get started!

What’s in This Episode

• Three things women entrepreneurs do that hold them back 

• Having the right conversations

• Reading habits 

• How reading can influence your professional life

• Creating greater efficiencies in your business

• Effective boundary setting

• The gender wage gap

Visit lisalarter.com/e96 for all resources from this episode. 

What does mindset and the nervous system have to do with the way you manage your money?

“I want to congratulate everyone listening in and encourage you to listen to every single episode with Lisa during this season about money because the act of exposing yourself to a different kind of money conversation than the ones you’ve been around is going to change you.”

These are the words special guest, Kate Northrup spoke before we had even finished recording this episode of She Talks Business—it was that good.

Kate, an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and mother, has built a multimedia digital platform called The Origin Company which reaches hundreds of thousands globally. She’s committed to supporting ambitious women to light up the world without burning themselves out. 

Kate teaches data and soul-driven time and energy management practices that result in saving time, making more money, and experiencing less stress. If you’re interested in learning from her for free, join her live workshop called plenty by clicking here.

Tune in as we continue the conversation about money mindsets, the emotions and shame around money, money management, and the nervous system.

You’re about to witness some really powerful dialogue that has the power to change the way you think about and interact with money. Grab your notebook and pen, and let’s dive in.

What’s In This Episode

• The layers of healing your money mindset

• The power of sharing financial success stories

• Money management and the nervous system

• Ways to break the cycle of poverty and change the trajectory of you life

• Treating your money with respect

• Asking yourself, “How?” in front of any money habit you would like to adopt

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e104 for all resources from this episode.

The Perks & Risks of AI for Content Creation 

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Leveraging AI series! Mary Fearon and I are back to share our perspectives and experiences using AI in our businesses. Missed the introduction to this series? Go back and listen to episodes 163, 164, and 165! In today's episode, we talk about one of AI’s most common uses—content creation. 

Valuable Content is Never 100% AI

Anyone using AI will usually input the same prompt and receive the same generic response. To turn that response into something that is actually valuable, you must inject your opinion, perspective, and wisdom. Stand out from the massive amount of AI-generated content that is currently saturating digital spaces by using it as a tool to brainstorm and develop strong content faster instead of letting it do all your thinking for you. Using AI should speed up the process but never replace your voice. 

AI Is Not An Easy Button—Here Are Smart Ways To Use It  

Mary and I discuss how we use AI as a springboard to come up with ideas to write about. We ask AI to condense writing into social media posts, bios, or website copy with a set character limit. Sometimes, we ask it to provide different versions of already-written copy using more persuasive or pithy language. Listen in to hear how we even use AI for more effective SEO when writing blogs or web pages!

We'd love for you to join us for the AI in Business workshop Mary and I plan to host. For more information, sign up for our waitlist here: lisalarter.com/ai.

What’s In This Episode

• Strategies for optimizing content length using AI
• AI for creating website starter copy and headlines
• Finding the balance between AI and personal voice
• Warning against overreliance on AI
• Adding personal value and perspective to AI-generated content 

What To Do Next

Visit lisalarter.com/e166 for all resources from this episode.