The Social Circus (Sarah Thomson - Online Social Butterfly)

In this episode, Sarah Thomson reflects on the year 2023 and shares her experiences and lessons learned. She discusses the challenges she faced, such as losing a six-figure government contract and the impact it had on her business revenue. Despite these setbacks, Sarah was able to grow her business by 6% through hard work and determination.

Sarah also talks about the importance of setting boundaries with clients and learning to say no to requests that don't align with her business goals. She shares her experiences of saying yes to things she had no business doing and the lessons she learned from those situations.

Additionally, Sarah discusses the value of networking and connecting with other entrepreneurs. She shares her decision to run co-working days and the benefits she gained from them. She also emphasizes the importance of reviewing and evaluating your business regularly to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Set boundaries with clients and prioritize self-care.
2. Say no to requests that don't align with your business goals.
3. Focus on networking and connecting with other entrepreneurs.
4. Regularly review and evaluate your business to identify areas for improvement.

You may have been watching Black Friday promotions from the sidelines and wondered if you can use them in your business. This episode is going to give you a lot of tips and tricks on how you can leverage yourself into a Black Friday promotion and set yourself up for a brilliant end of year.

Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Over time it’s expanded to more than just one day - seeing promotional emails and social media coming out up to one week before.

Regardless of how consumer confidence sits customers always have money to spend in the build-up to Christmas. The last couple of years have seen more and more people switching to online shopping. Sarah shares tips on how to get our consumer’s attention. Your audience are going to be looking out for an irresistible offer, so knowing what they want is key… don’t be afraid to ask them.  

It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to offer heavy discounts. It could be an exclusive offer only available during Black Friday. Consider adding free gifts, or a Black Friday bonus. Tune in to hear more!

Sarah likes to donate to a charity or a local cause, a couple of which are in the notes below.  

For a successful Black Friday Promotion you really need to start getting organised now, as it takes effort. If you’ve done one before, look back at what worked last time, and what changes can be made to make it better this year.

So, it you’re considering getting involved in a Black Friday Promotion this year and want to know how to get your consumer’s attention? This episode is definitely for you.

Here are the links to the causes Sarah supports mentioned in this show:

https://www.kiva.org/ and https://www.womenforwomen.org/what-we-do

Don’t forget to leave Sarah a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Happy listening!

n this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes Emily Fogg, the innovative founder of Wise Owl Tuition, to discuss the complexities and triumphs of running a business as a neurodivergent individual. Emily shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the critical need for specialized educational services for children with learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD. Delving into her own recent diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, Emily offers a candid perspective on the challenges and strategies she employs in managing both her personal life and her thriving business.

Listeners will gain a profound understanding of neurodiversity, exploring practical tips for making business practices more inclusive and supportive. Emily highlights the importance of creating structured systems, leveraging strengths, and outsourcing weaknesses as key strategies for success. With actionable advice on improving social media engagement and facilitating more inclusive group interactions, this episode is a treasure trove for business owners and educators alike. Sarah and Emily also touch on the importance of compassion and flexibility in business, making it a must-listen for those looking to foster a more inclusive environment.

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, have brains that function differently from neurotypical people. Recognizing and embracing these differences is crucial for inclusivity.

• Structural Systems: Implementing robust organizational systems and routines can help manage the demands of a business, particularly for those with ADHD.

• Inclusive Practices: To make social media and business activities more inclusive, use alt text, ensure content is engaging and repetitive, and create safe spaces for interaction.

• Compassion and Flexibility: Offering clients the flexibility to reschedule and being compassionate about their mental states can foster a more supportive business environment.

• Resource Allocation: Outsourcing tasks that are challenging, such as bookkeeping, can help neurodivergent business owners focus on their strengths and maintain productivity.

In this episode, we welcome Amanda Louisa, a former corporate lawyer turned sustainability advocate. Amanda shares her inspiring journey from the grind of corporate law to discovering wellness through nervous system regulation and somatic experiencing therapies. Her story is all about resilience, self-discovery, and redefining success, particularly for women stuck in the "good girl" mold.

Amanda and I chat about the often-overlooked concept of feminine energy and how it plays a crucial role in successful entrepreneurship. She delves into her personal struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the need for authentic workplace well-being initiatives and flexible work rhythms that honor our natural energy cycles.

Key Takeaways:

• Amanda's journey from high-stress corporate life to embracing wellness and feminine energy.
• The importance of breaking free from the "good girl" conditioning to achieve sustainability in business and personal life.
• Advocacy for nervous system regulation and somatic experiencing therapies as essential for mental health.
• Emphasizing personalized work rhythms and strategic rest to boost creativity and productivity.

Notable Quotes:

• "As soon as I hit the professional world, I kind of abandoned [spiritual practices]." - Amanda Louisa
• "Unless we're working with our body and the somatic side of our nervous system, we're only dealing with 20% of the solution." - Amanda Louisa
• "If you think about males or people who have testosterone as the dominant hormone in their system, they have a linear output of energy...whereas women...have different hormonal outputs at different times in our cycle." - Amanda Louisa
• "It took me so long to learn how I want to work." - Sarah Thomson
• "The staff is taking that permission of I can do my work the way I want to do it and that's where success lies." - Amanda Louisa

Resources:

Instagram: Instagram (@theamandalouisa)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-louisa/

Website: Amanda Louisa Services — Amanda Louisa

Dive into the full episode for an in-depth exploration of these themes with Amanda and me. Stay tuned to the Social Circus for more thought-provoking conversations!

In this episode, Sarah discusses how small business owners can navigate running their businesses during times of uncertainty and unrest. She emphasizes the importance of being true and authentic to oneself and honoring one's feelings. Sarah also addresses the challenge of discussing contentious political issues and advises business owners to approach these topics with compassion, kindness, and love. She highlights the need to maintain sales, promotions, and offers during turbulent times to create financial freedom, influence, and the ability to give back. Sarah encourages business owners to use their financial success to support causes they are passionate about and to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Honor your feelings and be authentic in how you navigate running your business during uncertain times.
• Approach contentious political issues with compassion, kindness, and love to avoid isolating your audience.
• Financial success creates influence and the ability to give back to causes you care about.
• Maintaining sales and promotions during turbulent times helps bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

If you haven’t used ChatGPT in your business yet, it’s highly likely you will get left behind, simply because your competitors will be able to produce content a lot quicker. I encourage you to give the free version a go as it currently has so many features, but do keep in mind as the platform grows they are likely to add the features to the paid version.

I’m excited to share with you how I use it in my business, and why it’s one of my favourite tools.

I also share some prompts you can use to help you get started. It’s important you know to use these, so you don’t end up sounding like everybody else - remember the platform doesn’t know anything about you when you first join. Plus, other ways you can use ChatGPT to elevate your professionalism.

Once it understands your style, you’ll be blown away to hear how it can help you with social media posts, copy for your sales pages, launches etc...

Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.

Tune in to hear what an email list is, what it’s used for, and the importance of having one of these in your business. I’ll tell you the best place to start, and why you need to be consistent when keeping in touch with your customers, past, present, and future.

Although I’ve been in business for over a decade, you may be surprised to hear it’s only in the last 3 to 4 years I have actively built my email list. I have worked so hard to get it to where it is today, and I just love to share free content with my audience. My list and email marketing are one of the most important marketing activities in my business.

You’ll hear how I effectively use email marketing to make sales in my business and connect with my audience, as well as tips on the opportunities you have for people to sign up to your list.

Don’t worry about whether you’re cluttering up people’s inboxes, they will have a system for catching-up with your news.

I share some of my list building strategies; where to start, and great places to promote it. I also touch on lead magnets, and what this might look like for you. As well as things to consider when you’re creating an opt-in, what your customer journey will look like. Don’t be afraid to test things - put it out to your audience, see what they respond to. We’re always learning and growing in business.

Remember people opted-in because they want to hear from you and want to know about your offers.

If you’re not already on my list, feel free to head over to my website and sign up there - Facebook Marketing Course | Facebook Marketing Specialist | Online Social Butterfly

In January 2023, I made the decision to close my Facebook Group. I could see from the outside looking in this would look like a strange thing for me to do, especially as I teach you how to use social media as a marketing tool.

Tune in as I take you on the journey of why I started my free Facebook Group, how it evolved over time, and the reasons I made the decision to close it. You’ll also hear why I created my new paid membership The Blooming Biz Academy, and how it’s become a highly engaged community in such a short time.

This episode has business lessons, marketing tips and where you can still get your hands on some free stuff to help grow your business.

Here’s the link if you’d like to find out more about The Blooming Biz Academy Digital Marketing Courses | Blooming Biz Academy | Online Social Butterfly

In this episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson talks about the tough times businesses go through when things slow down. She starts by chatting about how comparing yourself to others on social media can mess with your head, and she's all about staying grounded during both personal and business growth. Sarah's got a reassuring and practical tone, offering up a mix of encouragement and advice for entrepreneurs in a slow phase.

She dives into how economic and global events can affect consumer spending and business, leading to big decisions for business owners. Drawing from her own experience, Sarah shares loads of strategies to make the most of quiet times. She highlights the importance of keeping clients happy, organizing your business stuff, and setting up efficient systems. Plus, she sprinkles in real-life examples to make her advice relatable.

• The perception of success on social media is not always indicative of reality, and comparing one's journey to others can be detrimental.

• Quiet periods in business can be utilized for productive tasks such as nurturing client relationships, organizing files, and systematizing operations.

• Implementing systematic approaches to email management, lead tracking, and financial audits can improve business efficiency and prepare one for future growth.

• Upskilling through reading, podcasts, online courses, and even revisiting past educational materials can be a valuable use of downtime.

• Taking supplementary jobs or alternate income sources during tough times is a pragmatic and jud

Growing up in rural Ireland, IT wasn’t the expected career choice for Caitriona. After finishing University, it was clear to her she didn’t want to become the accountant she thought she did.

More than ever small businesses are contacting her for help after they have been impacted by cybercrime. Don’t let this be you!

If Cait had a dollar for every time someone contacted her to say “I never thought it would happen to me” she’d be a very rich woman. Caitriona is here to help prevent it from happening in the first place, sharing her advice on the things we need to consider and put in place when it comes to keeping us safe online.

Did you know 60% of small businesses impacted by a cyber incident never fully recover. Businesses need to understand the tactics hackers might use to manipulate into paying fake invoices, also making sure you can recover, having systems and processes in place for this.

How important it is to get the basics right to stay safe online. What are the basics?

What we need to consider, and actions to take. Ask yourself… How would your business continue to operate if you couldn’t log on tomorrow? Could you keep operating? How long would it take you to recover? It’s a scary thought, one not to be ignored.

She also shares the most common scams happening at the moment. Without knowing we give away a lot of information about ourselves online that hackers can use against us. You may be shocked to hear her share the small business whose website was hacked.

Cait wraps up by sharing how you can work with her.  She delivers a lot of free workshops, a one hour business health check, and has recently created a one-day workshop (next one is October 2022) because she knows one of the biggest challenges for small business owners is they know what they need but perhaps don’t have the confidence to deal with it, we’re talking password managers, multi factor authenticator etc.. you get to do a full review of your risks as well as fixing up any issues all in one day.

Here is where you can connect with Caitriona:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitrionaforde/

https://www.instagram.com/cait_cybersafe/

https://www.facebook.com/caitbusinessconsulting

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes the Search Queen, Sonja, an expert from the Search Republic, for an insightful discussion about SEO and digital marketing. Together, they delve into Sonja's inspiring business journey, her deep understanding of Google search, and the strong ethical convictions that underpin her company's success.

From her roots in traditional advertising to her evolution into a growth catalyst for businesses online, Sonja shares the motivations and experiences that shaped her agency. She articulates the importance of stripping away the industry jargon to connect with her clients and shares candid stories of industry malpractices that compelled her to start her own venture. A strong emphasis is placed on building trust with clients, especially those who have been jaded by past experiences with digital marketing agencies.

• Sonja discusses her mission to empower business owners not only in sales but also by giving them the gift of time through her heart-centered business approach.

• Sarah and Sonja explore how mindset can significantly impact the success of Google Ads campaigns.

• A strong narrative unfolds around the ethics of business practices in digital marketing and the universal need for transparency and honesty.

• Sonja touches upon the challenges of owning a business, from managing expectations to spearheading results-driven SEO strategies.

• www.thesearchrepublic.com.au @‌the_search_republic @‌sonjathesearchqueen

In today’s episode, I chat with Nina from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle about her business, and her experience of completing my course, List Builders Lounge. Having a corporate background in compliance, lead magnets, trip wires and list building was not part of her vocabulary.

 Tune in to hear how Nina got more than she bargained for when she signed up to the live round of List Builders Lounge. The advantage of attending the course live gave her a community to validate her ideas, receive feedback from other members in the group, as well as provide feedback on their ideas.  

Nina said “It’s really opened my eyes to new things. Before I started, I was like, my coaching program, that’s what I do. Now there’s so many things I can do to add to what I offer.”

Nina’s vision for this year is to create a subscription box for parents. Head over to Nina’s website and join her mailing list to be the first to hear about it. Also, check out some of the free resources she created during the course mentioned in this show while you’re there.

I asked Nina what she would say to anybody thinking of doing the next live round of List Builders Lounge… “Give it a go because you’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain. The wealth and experience you’ll get from Sarah as well as the other people in the course… it’s mind blowing. I was so surprised at how much I learnt”.  

Here are the links to Nina’s website and socials:

Mindful Parenting Lifestyle | Courses | Australia | Perth

https://www.facebook.com/mindfulparentinglifestyle

https://www.instagram.com/mindful_parenting_lifestyle/

Starting as a teen mom with limited financial resources, Stephanie put herself through college, started two successful businesses and quickly rose to leadership positions in multiple corporate roles. These days she’s travelling the world alongside running her business, promoting the opportunity for her clients to live their best life of freedom and abundance in whatever way is meaningful to them.

One of her favourite sayings is “The money is in the mindset”. Adding “I could easily give you the strategy to become a successful business owner, but if you don’t believe it, you won’t implement it in a way and show up in a way that will actually attract money into your business.”

Tune in to hear what inspired Stephanie to make plans and become a location independent entrepreneur, as she shares her story so far.

Hear how she makes it work for her and her clients, creating a schedule that works for her life, and clients around the world in different time zones. One being intentional with days you work like a regular job, not forgetting to factor in time off to enjoy the culture of wherever you are in the world. Oh imagine!

An extrovert by nature, Stephanie finds it easy to strike up a conversation. By doing this she’s met some incredible people along the way. She also tells us what she does to stay connected with friends and family while she’s on her travels, and what she does to make sure she’s not lonely.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re dreaming of becoming a digital nomad, incorporating work and travel. Stephanie shares many tips and stories of her journey so far, it’s fascinating.

Can you guess where abouts in the world Stephanie recorded this episode from?

If you’d like to connect with Stephanie, here is where you’ll find her:

Clubhouse: www.clubhouse.com/@stephanieritz

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephanieritz.co

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ritz

Having been a dietitian for over 30 years she knows her stuff and is passionate about taking the overwhelm out of meal planning “knowing what’s for dinner every night saves time and money, plus one less decision to make when you’re tired and hungry”.

She shares the impact on what we eat has on our health, weight, and hormones, and how improvements can be made through diet and movement “if we don’t use it, we lost it” says Nic.

Nic’s approach is not to give you a diet plan, or tell you what to eat, saying it really is up to the individual. She likes to find out about your lifestyle, see where you’re currently at before making suggestions for improvements.

This episode is absolute gold! So many tips if you’re looking to improve your lifestyle and eating habits. Here’s a taster of some of her tips:

• Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach
• If you’re going to snack, make it healthy. She recommends carrots, and hummus
• Eat 3-4 hours before going to bed giving food time to digest. This also improves quality of sleep

Tune in to hear more!

Her absolute mission is to free up women having to think about what they’re going to cook for dinner every night. There’s a lot of talk about using the meals you’re already making, and bulking them out with the likes of lentils, beans, chickpeas etc…

Nic wants to make it easy for you to eat healthier to match your lifestyle. Jump over to her YouTube channel for recipes and cooking demos, or contact her via any of the following:

https://naturallynic.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/nicole.naturallynic/

https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNicWA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/naturallynic/

http://bit.ly/NaturallyNicYouTube

Hear not only how Alex can style you, but how she arrived in Australia and what she had to do to make things happen in her new world - never believing she could turn her passion into her job.

She talks about confidence and the importance of making connections. What people struggle with when it comes to their wardrobe, saying there is no age to be stylish, no fashion police who come and tell you what you’re wearing is wrong.

Tune in to hear what Alex has to say when it comes to wearing black, and how she helps women who don’t know what their style is. We only live once, so try something you wouldn’t usually wear – feel comfortable confident and beautiful every day.

You can work with Alex online or in-person. Connect with Shine Bright Alex here -  https://www.instagram.com/shine_bright_alex

Melissa Ahlquist is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who has successfully started and managed multiple businesses. She began her journey by importing and selling outdoor beanbags in Australia, with a portion of the profits going towards missions work. Melissa then ventured into business coaching, where she realized the need to provide affordable coaching resources for small businesses. She started Little Biz Foundations, offering workshops and coaching tailored to the needs of micro and small businesses.

Melissa also found success as a WordPress web developer, helping businesses build and manage their websites. She is passionate about giving back and continues to support missions work and charitable causes. Key Takeaways: Melissa started her first business by importing and selling outdoor beanbags, with a portion of the profits going towards missions work. She recognized the need for affordable business coaching resources and started Little Biz Foundations to help micro and small businesses. Melissa became a WordPress web developer after realizing the challenges small business owners faced with their websites. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one business at a time while allowing room for new opportunities. Melissa's passion for giving back led her to support missions work and charitable causes.

In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m diving into the world of AI and sharing my absolute favourite tools that can transform how you run your business. AI can feel a bit overwhelming and even a tad intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m breaking down my go-to AI tools that are not only powerful but also user-friendly, even if you're not a tech wizard. From streamlining your daily tasks to boosting your marketing efforts, these tools are game-changers. So, whether you’re curious about AI or looking for practical ways to incorporate it into your business, this episode is packed with insights that will help you get ahead of the curve.

1. Embrace AI to streamline daily tasks.
2. AI tools can enhance your marketing strategies.
3. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use AI.
4. Explore AI tools that fit your business needs.
5. Start small with AI and expand as you get comfortable.

1. "AI can feel terrifying, but it’s also incredibly exciting if you know where to start."
2. "You don’t need to be a tech expert to harness the power of AI in your business."
3. "The right AI tools can revolutionise the way you work, making your business more efficient."

• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Jasper
• DALL·E
• Decipher AI
• Manychat

Sarah McLeod, a personal stylist, joins Sarah Thomson on The Social Circus to discuss confidence, styling, and showing up as your best self.

Sarah shares her journey into styling and how she helps women find their confidence through clothes. She emphasizes the importance of starting with what clients already have in their wardrobe and helping them understand their personal style. Sarah also addresses common misconceptions about personal styling and offers advice for women who struggle with confidence and want to show up as their best selves.

About The Guest(s): Sarah McLeod is a personal stylist and the founder of SJM Styling. With a background in marketing, Sarah followed her passion for helping others feel confident and stylish by becoming a personal stylist. She believes in bringing sparkle, joy, and magic to her clients' lives through clothes.

https://www.instagram.com/sjmstyling/

https://www.facebook.com/sjmstyling

This week I chat with Nikki Paterson. Nikki is passionate about education and training. She created a course to fix a problem she knew people were having, but she didn’t think about how she would market or sell her course. She needed help and that’s how she came into the world of the List Builders Lounge.

She shares the confidence it gave her by completing the live rounds, and the support she received from other members of the group. Saying if she hadn’t committed to the live rounds, planned ahead to attend each session to keep her on track she would still be working on it. She walked away with everything she needed.

We talk briefly about tech, software, and the cost involved in launching a course. Nikki uses an all-in-one platform called Zenler. Telling us why she chose to use them, and how it meets her needs.

As a participant to my last List Builders Lounge, I asked Nikki her thoughts on what some of the key elements she thinks are good to have in place before committing to the course. Tune in to hear what she has to say.  

More info on List Builders Lounge can be found here

Here’s where you can connect with Nikki:

https://www.facebook.com/accomplisheducationau

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWq1RQs_uEUCz143fK4kqZA

Feel free to use Nikki’s affiliate link if you’re interested in Zenler https://www.newzenler.com/invite/b48E5e

2022… What a year! Tune in to hear my biggest lesson and the reasons I will continue to grow my business in ways that light me up, creating beautiful courses and things for you within Online Social Butterfly that make me excited. I share with you some of the opportunities that came my way throughout the year that I declined, and the reasons why.

I also share with you the multiple changes I made within my team, and how I felt about it all, including what it’s like working with my husband.

The new Mastermind I joined, after searching for quite some time before finding the one I knew was for me. The financial commitment and the reason I chose the one I did.

I also let you in on my goals for 2023, and what I’d like some of my launches to look like. Also, what it is that makes me feel energetically like I’m in my zone of genius.

At the start of last year I put some boundaries in place around the days I worked, I let these slip a little towards the middle of the year and found myself burning out. One of my goals is to work less, yet I find this a bit of a struggle given I have severe workaholic tendencies. Hear the boundaries I’m holding firm this year.

One of my biggest achievements was launching this podcast. I didn’t miss a single week of an episode until I took a break at Christmas. My goal for this remains the same - providing guidance, support and advice that’s going to be helpful for you and your business. If you’d like to be a guest on my podcast, you’re a female entrepreneur and you think my audience (female entrepreneurs) would benefit from your message, then feel free to reach out to me at Hello@onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au I’d love to connect with you.

If you could take one thing away from today’s episode, I’d like you to reflect on 2022, write down what you achieved, what you did or didn’t do, and take a moment to celebrate. It’s important we stop and recognise how far we’ve come.

I have some big goals for this year, and some enormous ones for 2024.

Thank you for listening to my podcast. I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you again this year.

Alicia settles into her very first podcast interview by sharing how she went from being a qualified teacher to where she is today.

So much wisdom shared in this episode when it comes to making sales easy, not sleazy. How as women we’re often reluctant to talk about sales, and money, but we’re very good at building relationships, and making connections with people, seeing how we can help them. Hear Alicia’s simple strategies to reframe our approach to doing sales our way.  Some may surprise you!

They chat about the tricks not to miss when you’re getting leads through the door to the importance of nurturing the customers we already have.  

Alicia shares some fabulous insights into the things we need to consider when looking at whether our product or service is profitable. Especially when studies show it’s 5 times more expensive to get a new customer. Selling to existing customers has a 60-70% success rate v’s only a 5-20% success rate when you sell to new customers. Only 18% of companies focus on keeping their customers.

They also touch on what to factor in when calculating how to make a profit whether you’re selling a service or a product.  

If you’ve been feeling a bit of a slump or lack of motivation when it comes to sales, I highly recommend tuning into this episode for some inspiration. You never know where it may lead.

If you’d like to connect with Alicia or hear more about her consulting, coaching and training packages to help you build your bank account daily, here is where you’ll find her:

https://www.instagram.com/aliciamenkveld/

https://www.facebook.com/SavvyinSmallBusiness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciamenkveld/

https://www.Aliciamenkveld.com to download Alicia’s free guide.

In today’s episode, I chat with Ally from Alyona Social. She starts by sharing her journey, and how she threw herself into her business with no plan b. Adapting her skills to the world of social media after giving up her day job.

Tune in to hear how Ally went from knowing very few people in Perth to establishing her brand, making amazing connections and becoming known as the “Reels Queen”.   

You’ll hear tips for overcoming the feeling of being scared when it comes to getting yourself out there - remember everyone is feeling the same, speaking on camera is not a skill you are born with.

If you have previously been put off by the dancing, pointing and lip synching of reels. Ally reassures us that 2023 is about keeping it simple, sharing the most popular reels content for this year.

Here’s where you can connect with Ally, as well as some of her offerings:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alyona.social/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-polishchuk-972408147/

FREE ‘Six Steps to Speak on Reels’ guide - https://www.alyonasocial.com/speakonreels

 ‘Simple Sell Out Reels’ Masterclass - https://www.alyonasocial.com/masterclass

Instagram Business Strategy Sessions - https://www.alyonasocial.com/strategy

Before relocating to Singapore for her husband’s work in 2021, Grace was running a successful dance events company. She wasn’t a stranger to running a business, building a community improving her services, and connecting with others.

She missed beautiful smelling, non-synthetic candles/fragrances in their new home so came up with the genius idea to create exactly what she was looking for… solving her own pain point if you like. Knowing she couldn’t do it all herself she went on the search for the best marketing agencies, reading reviews as well as setting aside a budget. She knew she could launch her business with the 200 Instagram followers she had, and a few people on her email list but also knew if she wanted to reach wider audiences then knowing her numbers and paid advertising was the way to go.

Tune in to hear what Grace has to say about what you should be getting from a digital marketing agency. From content creation to campaign structures and return on investment, this episode has it all. Talking about the numbers you need to consider before investing in an agency so you’re not throwing your money away.

Grace sells beautiful Ora diffusers with 100% blended oils that don’t need power, expertise or watching over when you leave a room. All created from her kitchen in Singapore using the best oils that you can just pop in and turn on.

Connect with Grace on her Instagram:

@begintoarrive

@grace.mae.armstrong

Or visit her website: https://www.begintoarrive.com

Foundr.com is the education company Grace referred to in this episode.

During their chat Sarah’s FB Ads foundation course came highly recommended, find it here  

onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au/online-courses.

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson sits down with leadership coach Jenny Cole from Positively Beaming to explore the art of navigating difficult conversations in both personal and professional contexts. The episode delves into valuable insights on improving communication skills that are essential for small business owners and corporate leaders alike.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her time as a school principal, Jenny Cole has journeyed through the trials of overwhelm and burnout to reforge her career as an entrepreneur and leadership coach. In her company, Positively Beaming, Jenny focuses her expertise on ensuring that women in leadership roles have the support, skills, and resilience they need to thrive in their positions.

Key Takeaways: Approaching difficult conversations requires understanding one's emotional triggers and learning to respond instead of react. Preparing and rehearsing challenging discussions can help mitigate negative outcomes and maintain professional relationships. Clear and concise communication is key; over-explaining or providing excess detail can undermine the message's effectiveness. Getting closer to those we're in conflict with and humanizing the situation can greatly improve the resolution process. Building a 'win-win' dynamic is possible by articulating needs clearly and working collaboratively towards resolutions.

Welcome to an informative episode of the social circus, where host Sarah Thomson celebrates reaching over 100 episodes and two years of sharing valuable social media, mindset, and business insights. Today's focus is a practical guide on effectively growing your Instagram following, a question often posed to Sarah in her capacity as a business coach.

In this episode, Sarah emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive and appealing Instagram profile, likening it to an inviting storefront that captures passersby's attention. Following this, she delves into several growth tactics, including the strategic use of Instagram reels and hashtags, leveraging collaborations and competitions, and engaging directly with the audience through comments and DMs. These practices underscore the necessity of daily, authentic interaction on the platform for optimal growth and audience engagement.

• Instagram Profile as Your Storefront: Ensure your Instagram profile is inviting and clearly communicates your business offering to encourage new followers.

• Leverage Reels: Utilize Instagram reels to reach a broader audience, as reels are pushed out beyond your existing followers.

• Hashtag Strategy: Maximize your content visibility by using up to 30 relevant hashtags on every post.

• Collaborations and Competitions: Collaborate with similar non-competing businesses and consider running competitions to attract followers from overlapping audiences.

• Engage Authentically: Spend time daily engaging authentically with other accounts through comments and direct messages to increase visibility and grow your following organically.

• "Think about your Instagram profile as something similar to having a storefront."

• "Reels are the only type of content on Instagram that the algorithm will push out beyond your existing followers."

• "Instagram have told us that they consider 30 hashtags to be best practice."

• "People who are similar in terms of maybe demographic psychographic information hang out together or know each other."

• "There is no express elevator to success. You always have to take the stairs."

• The Blooming Bids Academy - Sarah's membership platform for business coaching 

• Online Social Butterfly - Sarah's Instagram handle for profile reference

• YouTube Channel: Online Social Butterfly - Find free tutorial videos by Sarah Thomson 

Continue your learning journey by tuning in to the full episode to gain more in-depth guidance and actionable strategies to grow your Instagram following. Don't miss out on more episodes filled with insight—subscribe and join us next time at the social circus!

Don’t worry if you’re new to lead magnets, or haven’t heard this terminology before, Sarah tells us what a lead magnet is, why it’s a super important marketing activity for your business, and how to go about choosing one for you and your audience.

A lead magnet, or perhaps you know it as a freebie, or an opt-in is a free resource you will give your audience in exchange for their email address. Ultimately, it leads people in to buy from you.

Sarah shares some ideas for what your lead magnet can look like when it comes to what you are going to giveaway to your audience, and the things to consider when creating one. Plus, what to do next.

Whether you’re selling a product or a service, you need to know the answers to what would my audience like to know before they purchase from me? What does the customer journey look like for them? How can I show I’m an expert in my field?

You might be interested to hear Sarah share the two assets in her business that she will not be giving up.

Sarah laughs as she talks about a lead magnet she came up with for her business which ultimately leads her audience elsewhere, but hey… she’s all about sharing the love.   

There are two ways you can build your list, the organic way, or by using FB Ads.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sarah’s course ‘The List Builders Lounge’. If you’re looking to skyrocket your list building efforts and want to find out more, here is the link:

Facebook Marketing Course | Facebook Marketing Specialist | Online Social Butterfly

Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Happy listening!

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Becca Maxwell, a divorce coach and relational intelligence consultant. Becca shares her journey into entrepreneurship and how her experience in the corporate world and consulting led her to start Do Divorce Right. She discusses the challenges of managing a corporate job and running a business, and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and delegating tasks. Becca also provides valuable advice for individuals going through a divorce, including managing overwhelm, acting with integrity, not delegating responsibility, and filling your own cup with joy. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Manage overwhelm by making appointments with yourself to address thoughts and emotions related to the divorce. 2. Act with integrity and avoid badmouthing your ex-spouse to others. 3. Take responsibility for decisions and arguments related to the divorce, rather than delegating them to others. 4. Fill your own cup with joy and find activities that bring you happiness during this challenging time. **Quotes:** - "Make an appointment for yourself to deal with overwhelming thoughts and emotions related to the divorce." - Becca Maxwell - "Act with integrity and avoid badmouthing your ex-spouse to others." - Becca Maxwell - "Take responsibility for decisions and arguments related to the divorce and create your own narrative." - Becca Maxwell - "Fill your own cup with joy and find activities that bring you happiness during this challenging time." - Becca Maxwell

About The Guest: Becca Maxwell is a divorce coach and relational intelligence consultant with over six years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has a background in the advertising industry and has used her expertise in relational intelligence to help individuals navigate through difficult divorces. Becca is the founder of Do Divorce Right, where she provides support and guidance to those going through a divorce.

Have you ever wanted to hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) to support you in your business, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to explore the idea but scared to hand over the reins. Tune in to hear the questions you can ask yourself to help understand why you can’t do everything yourself.

Kristy shares how she’s been able to grow her business with virtual support, as well as the most common tasks business owners are asking for support with right now.

You’ll hear how Kristy stays connected with her team in the Philippines and what she offers to graduates there.

If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of handing over tasks to someone outside of your business, connect with Kristy here:

www.virtualelves.com.au

www.facebook.com/virtualelves

www.twitter.com/virtualelves

https://www.instagram.com/kristysmithinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualelves/

Welcome to the Social Circus podcast, where host Sarah Thomson embarks on a journey to explore the pivotal aspects of social media, business mindset, and the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Dive deep into the heart of goal setting and strategic planning, as Sarah unveils her reflections on the past year and maps out her objectives for 2024. If you're an entrepreneur seeking guidance on translating your vision into tangible results or simply curious about maintaining a work-life balance, this episode is tailored for you.

Sarah Thomson starts the year with a positive outlook, emphasizing the critical nature of goal setting for business growth. Throughout the episode, Sarah shares her deliberate approach to setting achievable financial goals, dissecting revenue streams, and constructing a systematic plan to propel her business forward. The second segment of the podcast offers valuable insights into setting boundaries, structuring non-contact weeks, and managing client expectations to prevent burnout and prioritize personal well-being.

• Setting concrete goals is essential for directing your business toward success and ensuring accountability for growth.
• It's important to review previous years' accomplishments and use them as a foundation for setting realistic expectations.
• Time management and boundary setting are vital for balancing professional commitments with personal well-being.
• Time blocking, including designated CEO days and flex days, can greatly enhance productivity and prevent burnout.
• Integrating personal milestones and important events into your business calendar ensures you remain present for life's significant moments while running a successful business.

• "You must, must know where you are going. Otherwise, anywhere is good."
• "We have to honor ourselves and our energy and remind ourselves, why did we start our business and come back to that as your north star?"

In today’s episode, Sarah chats with quirky Kerry Ridley, owner of My Little Bookshop. Recalling travelling with her family to be one of the best experiences of her life.

Tune in to hear Kerry’s journey to how My Little Bookshop began, to what it looks like today only 3 years after she started her own business in her 50’s. Sarah and Kerry laugh about the things people say that we put up with when we’re younger compared to what we put up with as we grow older, and wiser.  

Kerry shares her advice to anyone looking to start their own business later in life - she’s sure glad she did. There are so many women out there over 50 doing their own thing and kicking goals - don’t regret not giving it a go. There’s also talk of confidence, feeling less inclined to explain yourself, and not having to deal with the self-doubt her younger self would if she had taken this path sooner.

Hear how she sold her first book, and all the fun things that take place inside her beautiful indi bookshop located on Rockingham Foreshore here in Western Australia. A place for community, empowering women, and inclusivity.

Such an inspirational podcast for women listeners of any age.

Jump over to Kerry’s website and check out the calendar of events in the ‘What’s coming up’ section, or connect via socials:

https://www.mylittlebookshop.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/Mylittlebookshop19/

https://www.instagram.com/mylittlebookshop_/?hl=en

In this episode of Social Circus, host Sarah  chats with Megan Summers, the founder of Megaglow Yoga. They talk about why self-care, mindfulness, and staying active are so important for busy entrepreneurs who spend long hours at their desks. Sarah and Megan stress the need to balance personal well-being with work demands.

Megan explains how sitting for too long can harm your core muscles and posture. She gives practical advice on how to add more movement and mindfulness to your day, especially if you work from home. Megan suggests small, easy changes like setting reminders to move, doing yoga, and including meditation in your routine. They wrap up by inviting listeners to check out Megan’s online yoga library, which offers options for different lifestyles.

• Incorporate Movement: Regular movement is essential to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Simple acts like setting reminders to stand or walk can make a significant difference.

• Mindful Practices: Activities such as yoga and meditation can offer immense benefits, including better management of thoughts and stress levels.

• Commitment to Self-care: Prioritizing personal well-being is crucial for productivity and happiness. Dedicating specific times for self-care practices is beneficial.

• Accessible Yoga: Megan's online yoga library offers flexibility by providing classes of varying lengths to suit different schedules, making self-care more manageable.

• Nature’s Benefits: Taking time to disconnect and engage with nature can significantly enhance mindfulness and overall well-being

E: megaglowyoga@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/megaglowyoga/ https://www.facebook.com/megaglowyoga/ https://megaglowyoga.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/megaglowyoga/

This episode was recorded and put live on Friday 7th July 2023, just 24 hours after the Threads App went live. Please note that some of this data is date sensitive.

In this episode, we dive into the launch of Threads, the latest app from Meta, which is generating a lot of buzz in the social media world. Threads is an Instagram app and is being touted as a rival to Twitter, offering a predominantly text-based platform.

Where I am in Perth, Western Australia, I downloaded the app at 5.46am and was not able to set up my account. Fast forward an hour or so later and I was on – my account is officially 437,912

According to the official Mark Zuckerberg profile @zuck on threads the first day for Threads was meteoric

• 2 million sign ups in the first 2 hours
• 5 million in the first 5 hours
• 10 million in the first 7 hours
• 30 million in the first day

Here is a summary of some of the features and limitations of the Threads App

• Increased Character Limit: Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters, compared to Twitter's 280-character limit for non-verified accounts.
• Links and Media: Unlike Instagram, Threads allows users to add links to their posts. It also supports photos and videos, with a 5-minute limit for videos.
• No Reels, Stories, or Messaging: Unlike Instagram, Threads does not offer features such as Reels or Stories. It is primarily focused on text-based content.
• Verification: If you already have a blue verification tick on your Instagram account, it will carry over to Threads.
• Post Editing and Hashtags: Users can delete posts on Threads but are unable to edit them. Currently, hashtags do not work on the platform.
• No Trending Stories: Threads does not have a feature for trending stories like other social media platforms.
•  GIF Integration: Users can easily add GIFs to their posts using a simple paste function.

Concerns and EU Launch: Meta's dominance in screen time raises concerns about spending even more time on their platforms. Threads has not yet launched in the EU due to regulatory uncertainty and strict data privacy laws.

• Why Threads is gaining popularity: Platform Fatigue: Many users are experiencing fatigue from other social media platforms, especially Facebook.
• Twitter Troubles: Meta's acquisition of Twitter for $40 billion and subsequent dismantling of the platform has
• caused controversy, with Elon Musk even sending a cease-and-desist notice to Meta over claims of stolen Twitter intellectual property.
• Simplified Content Creation: Users appreciate the simplicity of Threads, as it eliminates the need to create complex content like reels and stories. My own personal experience with Threads:
• Excitement over the fun, new, and fresh experience of using Threads.
• Reconnecting with people followed on Instagram but lost track of.
• Level playing field as everyone learns and explores the app together.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the world of Threads, exploring its features, limitations, and the impact it may have on the social media landscape.

In the 100th episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson delivers an engaging deep dive into the genesis and evolution of her podcast. Celebrating her half-centennial of episodes, Sarah provides a behind-the-scenes look at the marketing strategies and content creation process that underpin her podcasting success.

Sarah unfolds the tale of her podcast's inception back in March 2022, highlighting the intentional timing aligned with personal and business milestones. She elaborates on how podcasting serves as a medium to long-term marketing strategy and the importance of aligning podcast production with one's business growth phases. Sarah's authentic delivery resonates through insights on the tools, consistency, guest selection, and how she shaped her podcast to mirror her evolution from a social media to a broader digital marketing expert. With a personal touch, Sarah expresses gratitude to her listeners and lays down an enticing opportunity for them to win a VIP day with her.

• Podcasting is a medium to long-term marketing strategy best suited for businesses that have already established some level of personal brand recognition.

• Consistency is crucial in podcasting, with Sarah never having missed a week since starting her podcast.

• Content creation should reflect the host's personality and comfort zone, whether it's scripted or off-the-cuff delivery.

• It is important for a podcast's name and content to be flexible enough to accommodate the growth and evolution of both the host and the show.

• Hosting a podcast involves a variety of tasks, from recording to editing and promotion, which can be made easier with a well-established workflow and potentially using AI tools and assistance.

Sarah Thomson, the host of The Social Circus podcast, answers listener questions about Meta ads and provides insights into other advertising platforms. She explains the importance of understanding the audience on different platforms before running ads and highlights the differences between Google Ads and Meta Ads. Sarah also emphasizes the need to know how customers find your business and the scalability of your products or services when considering ads. She discusses the Advantage Campaign Budget feature in Ads Manager and shares her best-performing ad campaign, which is a lead magnet for a Canva class on creating reels.

Key Takeaways:

• Before running ads on a platform, establish a presence and test it organically to see if your audience is there.
• Google Ads are effective for bottom-of-the-funnel advertising, while Meta Ads are better suited for top-of-the-funnel campaigns.
• Understand how customers find your business and focus on scalable products or services when considering ads.
• Advantage Campaign Budget in Ads Manager allows for testing and optimization of ad sets and reallocates budget based on performance.
• Testing and refining ads is crucial for success, and the best-performing ads often result from continuous testing and adjustments.

Quotes:

• "Before you run any paid ads on a platform, it is always wise to have a presence on that platform." - Sarah Thomson
• "Google Ads are more effective when people are close to making a purchase decision." - Sarah Thomson
• "Your most effective ads are always going to be top of the funnel for Meta platforms." - Sarah Thomson

When I started my business over a decade ago, it was my intention to grow it slowly. I wanted to work part time so I could be present for my young boys - things look very different these days.  

Today I share with you all about my team, who they are, how I chose them, and why. As well as why each of them performs the tasks they do. This is the part you find out what I love to do and the things I’m really bad at – I definitely play to my team’s strengths. This is going to help you when you’re considering hiring a team member, perhaps you’re ready right now. Remember you don’t have to do everything yourself.

As you grow your business, you will always need people to help you. You can definitely run a business by yourself but only up to a certain point. I work inside my business between 30 - 50hrs per week nowadays, varying wildly depending on what I have going on. Of course, I work more when I’m having a launch – like last month when I launched Blooming Biz Academy. 

My team consists of four fabulous members – my tech savvy husband, Grant. My Online Business Manager (OBM) Marianne, my Perth Virtual Assistant (VA) Clare, and my overseas VA.  

Between the five of us, we’re a well-oiled machine. Grant takes care of my website as well as managing our home. I refer to Clare as like having a boss - she keeps me on track and focused. Marianne turns my words into eye-catching automated emails and brings an extra brain to the business. And my overseas VA looks after some of my social media, and community engagement.  This is just a snippet of what my team do, I share almost everything they do with you in this episode. Tune in as there may be some tasks on the list of jobs you don’t like to do that you had never even thought of outsourcing.  

Tune in to hear how together we make it happen!

I’ve popped the links below if you’d like to find out more about any of my team members.

My VA, Clare aka Pen and Paper Girl Pen and Paper Girl - Business Administration Service

My OBM, Marianne - Home - Thrive Admin Services (simplero.com)

My overseas VA - Virtual Elves Home new - Virtual Elves

This episode of The Social Circus featuring Sarah Thomson is a special solo episode where she reflects on turning 50 and shares her personal insights. Sarah shares her initial hesitance about sharing her age publicly and worrying about how it may affect her work in the digital marketing industry. 

In addition to this, Sarah discusses the importance of understanding and planning finances, as well as the impact of this understanding on her life. She admits to previously ignoring the bigger financial picture but, after taking a course on money finance and investing, she realized the significance of managing money. This education has empowered her to have clear plans for the future, particularly as her children grow older and become more independent

In today’s episode, I chat with AJ Davis from Change Your Thoughts. AJ’s work focuses on overcoming challenges like perfectionism, procrastination and fear of failure, by uncovering the reasons behind them, rather than just addressing the symptoms. 

After burning out in the corporate world AJ knew it was time to look for something else. She started her first business as a Business Manager, before finding Rapid Transformation Therapy which she refers to as her soul on fire business. 

AJ works online with women who have limited beliefs, especially when it comes to putting themselves out there, think… huge risk of failure, judgement, credibility, comparison, all the things that stop us taking action. 

The stories we tell ourselves, and the excuses we come up with on a regular basis which hold us back. I also share a task I procrastinated over for two weeks.   

AJ gives us two questions we can ask ourselves which will help us get out of our own way to make phenomenal changes in our lives. 

Connect with AJ on Instagram, it’s where she likes to hang out @changeyourthoughts_au/

She’s also got a free “Silence Your Self Doubt” pep talk that you can download from her website. Jump over there now and check it out - https://changeyourthoughts.com.au/silence/

Sarah Thomson, host of The Social Circus podcast, welcomes back guest Simone, a Pinterest and SEO expert. They discuss the unique aspects of Pinterest as a search engine and how it differs from traditional social media platforms. Simone shares her journey from Pinterest to SEO and explains the three key elements of SEO: technical optimization, usability, and keyword optimization. She emphasizes the importance of Google Business profiles and collecting reviews. Simone offers a done-for-you service for both Pinterest and SEO, empowering clients to manage their own websites.

About The Guest :

Simone is a Pinterest and SEO expert who fell into the world of digital marketing while looking for a creative outlet outside of her nursing career. She is passionate about helping businesses optimize their online presence and has become an expert in both Pinterest and SEO strategies.

Key Takeaways :

Pinterest is a search engine, not a traditional social media platform. SEO involves optimizing your website to make it easier to find through search engines. Google Business profiles and online reviews can significantly impact search engine rankings.

Quotes :

"Pinterest is a search engine where you come for yourself, not to learn about other people." - Simone "SEO is optimizing your website to get found by your ideal client or customer." - Simone "Google Business profiles and online reviews are essential for local businesses." - Simone

In today’s episode, Sarah chats with Sinead about what it’s like to work with an OBM (Online Business Manager), the difference between an OBM and a VA (Virtual Assistant) and knowing when it’s time to engage an OBMs services. Sharing a bit about her business journey so far, and her motivation to starting her own business.

Sinead’s not only specialised in sales and assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs to scale up sales strategies but can also enhance your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and system usage. They chat about some of the systems out there but more importantly about it being the right system for you, being able to utilise it to its full advantage, giving you exactly what you need. Having used many systems that are on the market, Sinead is best placed to recommend the best ones based on your needs.

You know you’re ready to hire an OBM when you wish you could clone yourself. You’re doing all the things but know there’s a better way, your head is full and you’re tired of all the decision making.  You’re looking for someone with the skills to come in and make recommendations, as well as take it off your hands to create workflows, automations, setting up systems to make your life easier. Not only that, imagine having the confidence to take a break knowing someone was taking care of your business while you’re away. 

If your brain is exhausted and you could do with another you, an OBM could very well be what you’re looking for. Below are Sinead’s details if you’d like to chat more about implementing systems into your business so you can focus on the things you’d rather be doing.

https://www.facebook.com/CCreativeVA

https://www.instagram.com/corkscrewcreative/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkscrew-creative/

In this episode, Sarah discusses the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads and provides valuable insights on how to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ad success benchmarks, testing ads organically before running paid campaigns, optimizing landing pages for mobile devices, defining the ideal customer, and conducting rigorous testing to improve ad performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand ad success benchmarks to set realistic expectations for your ads.
• Test your offers and landing pages organically before running paid ads.
• Optimize your landing pages for mobile devices to maximize conversions.
• Define your ideal customer and tailor your ads to their specific problems.
• Conduct rigorous testing of different variables in your ads to improve performance.

Welcome to episode 71 of The Social Circus! I'm your host, Sarah Thomson, and we're now in week three of Meta Month. In this episode, I want to discuss the top mistakes that people make when running Meta ads. As a small business owner, it's essential to spend your advertising budget wisely and avoid wasting money on ineffective ads. Meta will gladly take your money, whether your ad is successful or not. It's up to you to understand why your ad may not be performing as expected. So let's delve into the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Understanding Ad Success

Many people don't understand what ad success looks like. They lack knowledge of the benchmarks and metrics they should be aiming for. It's essential to have realistic expectations and know what to measure in terms of click-through rates, conversion rates, and other relevant data. To help with this, there is a document that provides benchmarks for Meta ads by the industry. Understanding these benchmarks allows you to assess whether your ad is underperforming or if there are other factors at play, such as issues with your landing page or sales page.

"Most people think that if I haven't made a sale, my ad isn't working, and that is simply not true. It can be other factors for that." - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 2: Not Testing Organically

Before running ads, many people fail to test their offer, product, or service organically. They skip the crucial step of gauging interest from their audience before investing in paid ads. Testing organically allows you to gather valuable feedback and determine if your offer resonates with your target audience. It's important to have a significant number of visits to your landing page or sales page before making any judgments about its effectiveness.

"If your page that you're wanting to run an ad to has not had traffic through it of at least 100 visits, which is like an absolute minimum, you cannot then say, does this page work? Does it convert? Is the offer interesting to my audience?" - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 3: Neglecting Landing Page Optimisation

One common mistake is blaming the ad for poor performance when the issue lies with the landing page. It's essential to test your landing page on mobile devices since a significant portion of Meta ad traffic comes from mobile users. Ensure that your landing page renders well and that buttons, images, and other elements are optimised for mobile viewing. Neglecting mobile optimisation can lead to low conversion rates and wasted ad spend.

"Landing pages are often a big culprit for poor-performing ads, and people don't think to look at those. They go straight to their ad and think about what isn't working in my ad, and why is it not working?" - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 4: Poor Audience Definition

Understanding your ideal customer is a fundamental aspect of marketing. However, many people make the mistake of thinking their product or service is ideal for everyone. It's essential to define your target audience and tailor your ads to their specific problems and needs. Trying to market to everyone leads to a diluted message that fails to resonate with anyone. Break your audience into logical groups and create ads that speak directly to their unique challenges.

"It is never true that your product or service or offer is ideal for everyone. It is never true. What you need to know is for your ad, who is your audience? And your audience is always those people who are most likely to buy the product." - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 5: Lack of Testing

Testing is a vital component of running successful ads, yet many people neglect it. To optimise your ads, you need to treat them like science experiments. Change one variable at a time and track the results. Testing different elements such as images, headlines, and call-to-action buttons allows you to identify what resonates best with your audience. Rigorous testing helps you refine your ads and improve their performance over time.

"One of the biggest mistakes is that most people don't do testing of their ads, and if they do, they do inadequate testing and they don't also have those benchmark data to use." - Sarah Thomson

Implications and Potential Impact

By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can significantly improve the performance of their Meta ads. Understanding ad success benchmarks, testing organically, optimising landing pages, defining target audiences, and conducting rigorous testing all contribute to more effective advertising campaigns. These strategies can lead to higher click-through rates, improved conversion rates, and ultimately, increased sales and revenue.

The impact of implementing these best practices can be transformative for businesses. By aligning ads with the needs and preferences of their target audience, businesses can create more compelling and relevant messaging. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of attracting and converting potential customers. Additionally, optimising landing pages for mobile devices ensures a seamless user experience, leading to higher conversion rates.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Running Meta ads successfully requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of your audience and their needs. By avoiding the top mistakes discussed in this episode, businesses can maximise the effectiveness of their advertising efforts. It's essential to set realistic expectations, test organically, optimise landing pages, define target audiences, and conduct thorough testing.

As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Meta Month has provided valuable insights into the world of Meta ads, and businesses should continue to educate themselves on the ever-changing advertising landscape. By staying informed and adapting their strategies accordingly, businesses can leverage Meta ads to drive growth and achieve their marketing objectives.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Social Circus. I hope you found this discussion on the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads insightful and informative. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where I'll be answering questions from the Blooming Biz Academy members about their common problems with Meta ads. Until then, happy advertising!

Quotes:

• "Test your concept organically before running paid ads to ensure it resonates with your audience."
• "Don't overlook the importance of optimizing your landing pages for mobile devices."
• "Your ideal customer is not everyone; focus on targeting the audience most likely to buy."
• "Testing is crucial for improving ad performance; treat it like a science experiment."

In this episode of "The Social Circus," I dive into the world of Facebook ads and lead generation, sharing some super useful strategies for business owners who want to succeed in today's tough market. I talk openly about how many businesses are going through quiet times and need effective ways to attract new leads and keep things moving.

I start the episode by chatting a bit about the current business climate and encouraging everyone to stay motivated. I also recommend checking out Episode 103, where I cover tips for getting through slow periods. Then, I get into the main content, focusing on three key strategies for using Facebook (or Meta) ads to generate leads: traditional lead generation ads, outbound communication ads, and two-way communication ads through platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. I break down each strategy with practical tips and examples, making this episode a must-listen for anyone who wants to step up their lead generation game with social media ads.

I go over three key types of lead generation ads on the Meta platform – traditional lead generation ads, outbound communication ads, and two-way communication ads.

Traditional Lead Generation: These ads are all about addressing client problems and encouraging discovery calls, which makes them perfect for service-based businesses.

Outbound Communication: Lead form ads within Meta are super user-friendly and tend to have higher conversion rates, but they do require businesses to be on top of their follow-ups.

Two-Way Communication: Using Messenger and WhatsApp for ads allows for a more conversational approach, which helps build trust and convert leads more effectively.

Testing and Tracking: I also emphasise the importance of testing different ad creatives, targeting different audiences, and keeping a close eye on performance. This way, you can understand your conversion rates better and fine-tune your strategies.

In today’s episode, I chat with Amanda (AJ) from AJ Harrington Photographer about why she started her business, and her journey into being an entrepreneur.

Although AJ has a degree in Exploration Geophysics and worked in oil and gas industry for 10 years, after having her daughter she wasn’t so keen to commute to the city every day.  Contemplating her next move, she had her light bulb moment while chatting with a friend about what she loves to do in her spare time. You might be shocked by the consistency of AJ when you hear what she did every day for the 3 years prior to starting her business. 

We chat about the challenges we face as women when running a service based business and putting ourselves out there. We both agree it’s a big thing to show your face but for AJ it’s all about making you feel comfortable.

Tune in to hear tips and techniques AJ uses to help you show up as your best self during your photo shoot. As well as the different photo shoots, how to prepare for them, how to choose the right photographer for you, as well as what’s included in her packages and more.

If you’d like to know if AJ is a good fit for you, why not book a discovery call with her and have a chat. 

Here’s where you can connect with AJ:

www.ajharringtonphotos.com

www.instagram.com/ajharringtonphotos

www.facebook.com/ajharringtonphotos

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Ellie Swift, a successful business coach and Mastermind mentor. Ellie shares her journey from working in corporate to starting her own coaching business. She explains how she transitioned from one-on-one coaching to running multiple Mastermind programs. Ellie also discusses the importance of creating a unique Mastermind experience and the power of podcasting in growing a business.

About The Guest(s):

Ellie Swift is a business coach and Mastermind mentor who helps coaches, creators, and consultants build sustainable and profitable businesses. With over six years of experience in the industry, Ellie has successfully created and scaled multiple Mastermind programs. She is also the host of the "Shine Online with Ellie Swift" podcast.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ellie Swift transitioned from working in corporate to starting her own coaching business after realizing she was dissatisfied with her role and wanted to make a more meaningful impact.
2. Ellie's Mastermind programs have different tiers based on income level, allowing clients to progress and grow within the programs.
3. Creating a unique Mastermind experience that aligns with your strengths and values makes it easier to sell and retain clients.
4. Collaboration and community are key elements of a successful Mastermind, and strategies can be implemented to foster these dynamics.
5. Podcasting is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and generating leads, as it allows people to get to know, like, and trust you quickly.

In today’s episode, I chat with Tracy Murray aka The Glasses Lady, who is quite well known around Perth for her positivity, zest for life, and passion for inspiring others.  

Tune in to hear what inspired Tracy to follow her dreams and start her own business. Saying “If you believe in the service you can offer someone, follow that talent, and passion and be inspired to do great things… be patient.”

Tracy offers a personalised service taking the time to understand your preferences, characteristics, and lifestyle needs, guiding you on a transformative journey of self-expression, to discover the perfect frames that enhance your features, boost your confidence, and embrace your uniqueness.

Sharing her experience of running a business, making all the decisions, learning how to use social media platforms… “Thank you Sarah”. The importance of networking and being part of the community. She also lets us in on what’s next for The Glasses Lady which is going to have a big impact on many.  

If you’re ready to be inspired to do what you love, you don’t want to miss this episode.

If you want to find out more about what The Glasses lady has to offer, or even help out with what Tracy has got planned next, you can connect with her here:

https://www.facebook.com/theglasseslady

https://www.instagram.com/theglassesladyperth/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-murray-the-glasses-lady

In this episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson welcomes Nina Visic from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle. Nina shares her personal journey as a busy mom who discovered how mindful parenting techniques can make a big difference in family life. The conversation is all about how parents can handle the challenges of raising kids while juggling work, offering lots of helpful tips for listeners in similar situations.

Nina talks about how she went from feeling overwhelmed by parenthood to embracing and teaching mindful parenting principles. These techniques help bring calmness, better communication, and stronger family bonds. The episode is full of practical advice on dealing with triggers, setting up routines, and adapting to changes.

Here are the main points:

• Mindful parenting can help parents stay calm and handle tough situations better.
• Being aware of yourself and writing down your thoughts can help you understand your triggers and become a better parent.
• Finding a routine that works for both work and family life is important for keeping everything balanced.
• Practicing gratitude, like with the "Rose, Thorn, and Bud" exercise, can make family life more positive.
• Being flexible, understanding, and talking openly are essential when family schedules change.

Some memorable quotes from the episode:

• "It's all about making peace with both parts of your life, even if you're struggling."
• "Having a regular mindfulness practice helps you stay calm in tough moments."
• "Try to focus on the good things that come out of situations, not just what went wrong."
• "Knowing your limits and your kids' limits helps you make decisions and adjust as needed."
• "As my youngest started kindergarten, I'm figuring out a whole new routine for my workweek."

Nina also offers resources like her Mindful Parenting Course launching in March, memberships to Mindful Parenting Lifestyle, and one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized help. Listeners can connect with her on social media and explore her mindful parenting offerings for support and guidance.

mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au

In this episode, the host, Sarah Thomson, shares the key lessons learned from her 13 years in  business. With a background in corporate marketing, Sarah provides invaluable insights into running a business, adapting to change, and staying true to one's passions and instincts.

Key Takeaways: Don't rush decisions when starting your business; take time to research, plan, and understand the market you're entering. Focus on services that align with your skills and bring you joy, shaping your business to reflect your passion. Trust your instincts in business decisions – they can serve as a powerful guide in steering your enterprise in the right direction. Be open to change and growth; business services and structures can and should evolve with time and experience.

In today’s episode, I chat with Elsa Mitchell, Business Mentor and Podcast host of Bossy Bitch.

Hear how we met, and why we decided to collaborate since bonding over different life experiences.

Chatting about our upcoming event here in Perth. It’s at a great location, with incredible food… Hello, Morning Tea and Lunch! Fabulous for making connections, and a door prize you won’t want to miss. So much value in the one day!

We also chat about the power of stories, our vulnerability and real talk. We’ll be sharing more of our stories at our event.

Sharing some of the things we hear our clients struggling with, and tag team our top ideas on how to bring in some extra cash to make bank for Christmas. Here’s a couple to whet your appetite:

• Affiliate marketing with integrity
• Track and follow-up your leads

We’re stronger together!

If you’re ready to Make Bank for Christmas, you don’t want to miss our live event in Leederville later this month. Here’s the link to get your hands on a ticket: https://onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au/make-bank-for-christmas-workshop/

Also, here’s where you can connect with Elsa

https://elsamitchell.com.au/

And, here’s the link to the book “Go Giver” by Bob Burg mentioned in this episode: https://a.co/d/0ARkr54

This year I’ve been upskilling in terms of how to do a great launch. I wanted to share with you some of the things I’ve tried, what worked and didn’t work and how I keep moving forward to add success.

Creating an online course is like creating another business, it’s exhausting. It’s not only important to have a plan, but also just as important to make sure you have some support before and during your launch as it really can take over your life, taking you away from other activities.

I share my recommendations for all things to consider from building momentum, making the time to respond to your audience, social media, bonuses, discounts, bumps, upsells and down sells. There’s more involved than you may think. From cart open countdowns, different time zones, email marketing, the list goes on.

I also share where I’d like to be when I launch next year and 2024.  

Showing-up before and during your launch is imperative, people need to hear what you’ve got to offer and how it’s going to help them. Try out different types of content and see what lands with your audience.

Remember, every time we launch, we learn and grow. I’d love to hear how you get on if you’ve had a launch and your key takeaways and learnings for next time.  

Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Happy listening!

In today’s episode, I chat to Véronique - Founder and Director of Unique Tenants Consult. Hear what inspired her to start a business over 50, the legacy she wants to leave, and what guides her every day to enrich the lives of tenants.

With a bachelor’s degree, and an advocate for lifelong learning, Véronique knew she had to educate herself if she was going to educate others, hear how she went about that.  Sharing what she has found most daunting, and how she found social media such a huge learning curve.

Having been a tenant who experienced rental issues herself, as well as being unemployed for five years, and experiencing ageism when trying to find employment, she felt depleted on all levels. Driven by her passion to help others, and make a difference, she’s out to educate and inform tenants of their rental rights and responsibilities and make suggestions to help them negotiate a mutual satisfactory outcome as they have sometimes been misled.

We chat about the experience age brings, and the skills we have now compared to when we were younger. Self-doubt! Imposter syndrome! Questioning why am I doing this? We must believe in ourselves and keep our eyes focused on the goal.

Véronique always thinks “How can I use what I’ve learnt today and how can I share that with my tenants and my community to enrich the lives of other people”

Here’s where you can connect with Véronique:

www.tenantsconsult.com.au

Facebook.com/TenantsConsult

In this episode, Sarah Thomson discusses the importance of setting boundaries and improving productivity in your business. She emphasizes the need to reassess goals and plans for the final quarter of the year and shares her own strategies for managing time and energy. Sarah also highlights the impact of good boundaries on overall well-being and offers practical tips for tracking time and structuring workdays.

Key Takeaways:

• It is crucial to set intentions and reassess goals for the final quarter of the year to avoid rolling into the new year without a plan.
• Good boundaries are essential for protecting health, energy, and overall well-being in business.
• Time tracking is a valuable exercise to understand how time is spent and identify areas for improvement in productivity.
• Setting aside dedicated time for working on business goals, such as a CEO day, can lead to significant growth and progress.
• Outsourcing tasks, even with a few hours of virtual assistant support, can alleviate overwhelm and free up time for more important activities.

Quotes:

• "If you don't start to do some of this planning now, it will get to December, and we just kind of roll into the new year without any plans or thoughts or ideas on what that is going to look like for ourselves and our business." - Sarah Thomson
• "If you do too much, you burn yourself out. You're exhausted, you get sick for a long period of time. That is all going to have a massively detrimental impact on your business." - Sarah Thomson
• "The easy way to start outsourcing is with a virtual assistant with just a few hours a week of support." - Sarah Thomson
• "There is nothing, how do I describe it? There is no magic behind the curtain when it comes to achieving growth and attaining the goals in your business. It is nothing sexy or special. It is simply a matter of setting aside time, preferably every single week, to work on those." - Sarah Thomson
• "We do not get anything back. This is not a do over. This is our one time to do the things we want to do." - Sarah Thomson

Join Sarah Thomson as she chats with Lala Macnab, a dynamic business mentor and serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience. Lala shares her journey of transforming her wedding stationery business amid industry changes and COVID-19, her process in launching new ventures like Good Vibes Scents, and insightful tips on balancing work and personal life. Discover Lala's strategies for resilience, innovation, and maintaining passion in business. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom and practical advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Adaptability and Resilience: Lala emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and being resilient in the face of business hardships.

Strategic Planning: Successful business launches require thorough planning and research, as demonstrated by Lala's approach to developing Good Vibe Scent Co.

Value of Mentorship: Offering pro bono mentoring during COVID-19 allowed Lala to help others while keeping her own morale high, showcasing the power of community support and professional guidance.

Balancing Business and Personal Life: Incorporating regular self-care and setting realistic goals are crucial for sustaining long-term business success and personal well-being.

Innovative Solutions: Identifying market gaps and creating superior products can drive business success, as seen with Lala's various ventures.

https://www.instagram.com/lalaforbusiness/

Louise shares all about knowing what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and what not to do. From small talk tips, to building rapport, including best practise when it comes to how to present yourself with confidence. This episode has got it all!

The Percy Institute is both a training and consultancy organisation, their role is to give you confidence by learning the intricacies of modern etiquette both business and social. Having had offices in Singapore and Shanghai Louise is more than qualified to consult widely on cross cultural awareness issues as well.

They discuss the evolution of manners, and how much things have organically evolved over Louise’s 30 years in business. How it’s always important to be kind and considerate to others. Also, the importance of correctly addressing somebody upon first meeting, and being able to build rapport which can lead to successful business.

At some point, we’ve all gone to an event on our own and felt daunted by the fact we don’t know anyone. Making sure you arrive on time is key, as it’s highly likely the organiser will be there to greet you and be able to introduce you to someone. After all, that person is likely feeling the same way. Remember you already have common ground, the fact you’re both at the same event for the same reason. It’s interesting to hear what Louise recommends you do after attending an event, helping you to feel more comfortable and prepared for the next one.

They also discuss what it’s like showing up in a digital age, and the importance of first impressions whether you’re showing up online or in person.

Tune in to hear Louise’s saying about being prepared and being able to show up as your best self, as well as some of her amazing stories of how she got to where she is today.   

Here’s how you can connect with Louise:

https://thepercyinstitute.com

https://www.facebook.com/ThePercyInstitute

The elegance club is the name of Louise’s Facebook Group

https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitute/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-percy-01866510/

In this week's episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson delves into the most common mistakes businesses make with their Meta ads. As a digital marketing coach, Sarah sees these mistakes frequently and offers her expert insight into how they can be avoided, ensuring more effective allocation of advertising budgets.

Sarah starts by explaining the transition from Facebook ads to Meta ads, highlighting the various placement options such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear advertising strategy and understanding what you are trying to achieve with your ads, especially for solopreneurs and small business owners.

Sarah further discusses the importance of timing and budget. She advises against rushing ads and endorses a planning period of 6 to 8 weeks to allow proper testing and optimization. By discussing the critical metrics such as cost per click (CPC) and cost per conversion (CVR), she stresses the significance of a realistic budget to achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, Sarah emphasizes the necessity of testing different creative aspects of ads to optimize performance, underscoring the unpredictability of user preferences.

Lastly, Sarah highlights the importance of audience targeting. Drawing from her experience, she advocates for using custom audiences and lookalike audiences in Meta's Ads Manager for better ad performance. She advises against generalized targeting and encourages businesses to refine their audience segments to cater to specific demographics effectively.

• Meta Ads Transition: Understanding the shift from Facebook ads to Meta ads and the comprehensive placement options.

• Importance of Strategy: Why having a clear strategy is crucial for successful ad campaigns.

• Effective Timing: The benefits of planning your ad campaigns well in advance.

• Budget Considerations: Insights into how budget affects ad performance, including key metrics like CPC and CVR.

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of ChatGPT, the AI tool everyone seems to be buzzing about. We’ll explore what ChatGPT is, how it works, and why it’s relevant for small business owners. I'll walk you through the basics, break down the jargon, and share some practical tips on how you can start using AI to save time and enhance your business operations. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the tech talk or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this episode is designed to be your easy-to-understand guide. Let’s turn that intimidation into inspiration and help you see how ChatGPT can be a powerful ally in your business toolkit!

1. ChatGPT Demystified: Understand what ChatGPT is and how it works in simple terms.
2. AI in Business: Learn how AI can streamline tasks and save time for small business owners.
3. Practical Applications: Discover real-world ways to implement ChatGPT in your business.
4. Overcoming Tech Fears: Tips on how to embrace AI without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Staying Ahead: Why now is the time to start exploring AI for your business.

1. "AI isn’t just for the tech giants—small business owners can benefit immensely too!"
2. "Think of ChatGPT as your digital assistant, ready to help with the tasks that take up too much of your time."
3. "The key is to start small; even a little AI can go a long way in boosting your business."
4. "Don’t be intimidated by the tech—embrace it, and watch how it transforms your workday."
5. "ChatGPT is like having a brainstorming partner who never gets tired or runs out of ideas."

In today’s episode, I chat with one of my lovely client’s Priya, Founder of Punar – a word originating from the ancient Sanskrit language in India meaning “again”.

Priya and I have been working together for over 12 months, beginning with her pre- launch and launch phase of Punar.

Tune in as Priya passionately shares what motivated her to start Punar – the event that triggered her to live on purpose. Her incredible business journey so far to creating sustainable gifts and homewares ethically handcrafted by women using handloom fabric made with recycled yarn.

Punars purpose is to enrich lives of women weavers and their communities in India while solving the problem of landfill textile waste. The statistics she shares in this episode will surprise you. 

She also shares their ethical production process, and how Punar is making an impact on the planet, and more. As well as her plans going forward.

Here’s where you can connect and support Priya:

https://punar.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/punar.co/

https://www.facebook.com/Punar.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaravindra/

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson answers questions from listeners about running successful Meta ads. She covers topics such as targeting specific geographic areas, determining a good cost per acquisition (CPA) or cost per click (CPC), choosing the right audience size, knowing when to make adjustments to an ad, and the order in which to test different components of an ad. Sarah emphasizes the importance of testing and patience when running ads, and shares her personal strategies for achieving success with Meta ads.

Key Takeaways:

1. Targeting specific geographic areas is possible in Meta ads, and it's important to consider the distance people are willing to travel for events or services.
2. The ideal CPA or CPC depends on the value and profitability of the desired action or conversion.
3. A good audience size for Meta ads is between 250,000 and 2 million, depending on the targeting criteria.
4. It's best to wait until an ad has generated at least 100 results before making any adjustments.
5. When testing different components of an ad, start with images, then move on to audiences, placements, call-to-action buttons, headlines, and finally ad copy.

Quotes:

• "Successful people fail fast and fail often." - Jenny Cole

This week I chat with Email Marketing Expert, Yael Keon. Like many of us, it won’t surprise you to hear Yael started her own business to have a say on her own time.    

Tune in as Yael lets us in on how she came to niche into the world of email marketing.  Sharing a myriad of juicy tips, including how to take the pressure off and give yourself permission to email your audience. Don’t be surprised if you listen to this episode and get straight into writing an email to the people on your list – they want to hear from you!

We talk all things what to share, when to share, why you share, and how to share the information your audience is waiting for. As well as the best place to start, some of the software out there available for email marketing, including her recommendations, and how each one differs depending on what it is you’re trying to achieve.   

If listening to this episode does one thing today, let it be to give you permission to take the next step with your email marketing regardless of where you’re currently at with it.  

Like starting a business, don’t think you need to have everything in place to begin. Just start!

Here’s where you can connect with Yael:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelkeon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaelkeon

As promised, here are the websites to the different software mentioned in today’s episodes:

Mailerlite - www.mailerlite.com

Klaviyo – www.klaviyo.com

Active Campaign – www.activecampaign.com

Can you believe that Meta (Facebook) introduced ads in 2007. That is a long time and it means that this is not really a new form of marketing – it should be part of your mix.

Advertising is a type of marketing that always involves the spending of money. Many small businesses avoid paid ads in favour of organic marketing. This is a common misconception – that organic marketing is free. However, it still takes time and effort to create content, whether it is organic or paid.

The Shift to Digital

It is hard to think that 20 years ago most advertising spend was focused on the traditional mediums such as tv, print, radio and outdoor. Over time, we have watched digital marketing continue to erode the share away from these traditional advertising platforms.

The reality is that for traditional media, the market changed significantly and I am not just talking about social media. Lets consider how we spend our time. 20 years ago we may have all sat around as a family watching tv and tuned in during ad breaks. Now the whole viewing market has evolved and changed. We now have endless choice as to what to watch – think so many more channels, streaming services and apps for all the major stations. This has fragmented our viewing habits.

Add to this the rise in devices in our homes. Once upon a time we had a single tv and we had to agree (or fight) about what to watch. Now we all have our own devices with multiple tvs in our homes. There is no need to compromise on what we watch any longer.

All of this has had a negative impact on what we watch – this has made it harder for advertisers who rely on traditional media to connect with their audience.

On top of all these changes in our homes and habits, the time we spend on social media has been on the rise for years now. Our eyes are glued to our screens and we are addicted to the scroll.

These eyeballs on screens has meant good news for digital advertisers. The more time we spend on social media, the more ads that can be delivered to us.

It is anticipated that Meta will make around $120billion in ad revenue in 2023. This gives it around 13% market share of the digital advertising spend. Google’s share of this is around 28% with Amazon considered to be the other major player whose share of digital ad spend is around 7%.

So why should you consider running paid ads using Meta?

Running ads using Meta means you can get your ads in front of a huge audience. Every month Meta platforms reach almost 3 billion people (out of 8 billion on the planet). This means you can really get seen.

As well as have numerous placement options within each platform, you can push your reach with Meta ads allowing you to place your ads on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and audience network. It is so much more than Facebook ads.

Back by popular demand! Today I chat again with my very own Business Manager, Marianne about all things Teams. The difference between Teams and Zoom, how it works and what you need (or not) to use it.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you will have heard of Zoom, but not everyone talks about Teams in the same way, even though it does all that Zoom can, and more. Teams is a Microsoft application which allows you to video call for up to 30 hours – who knew! Marianne is passionate about making our money work harder in our business… Why would you pay for Zoom if you’re already paying for Microsoft?

It may surprise you to hear you don’t need to have a subscription to use it. So, let’s say you have a meeting set-up with a potential client, if they have sent you a link to join their meeting it doesn’t mean you have to have Microsoft Teams on your computer, laptop, or phone to join, you can simply come in as a guest. You can chat, share files, share links and much more.

Marianne managed to convert me into using Teams, I like to use it best on the go so I have it on my phone. It’s great if I need to contact my VA about something, I can quickly type a message and it’s there for when she’s next online to pick it up. It’s been a bit of a lifesaver.

Tune in to hear why Marianne raves about Teams, how she uses it in her business,  and which one of the Microsoft apps is her favourite.

Here’s where you can connect and learn more from Marianne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveadminservices/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveadmin

Marianne also runs a Facebook group which is free to join called “Microsoft Dynamos” where she has a different theme each month to showcase what Microsoft has to offer.

Also, as promised, here is the link to the last episode Marianne appeared on.

EP15 - Marianne Tansley - Online Social Butterfly

In episode 94 of the Social Circus the conversation takes a turn from the usual discussions on social media and entrepreneurship, delving into the personal and widespread issue of endometriosis. As Sarah shares her own experiences with the condition, listeners are drawn into a deeper understanding of a problem that affects a significant portion of women globally.

Opening with her own journey to diagnosis, Sarah unravels the complexities of living with endometriosis. In a heartfelt account, she describes the pain and challenges that come with the condition, as well as the societal and financial toll it can take on individuals.

In the final episode of The Social Circus for 2023, host Sarah Thomson discusses the importance of goal setting and planning for small businesses. She emphasizes the need for realistic goals and encourages listeners to review their financials from the past year to inform their goal setting for the upcoming year. Sarah also highlights the significance of understanding the numbers in your business and suggests seeking the help of professionals like bookkeepers and accountants. She advises listeners to assess their current capacity and set goals that are achievable and aligned with their energy levels. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Set realistic goals based on a review of your financials from the past year.
2. Understand the numbers in your business and seek the help of professionals if needed.
3. Assess your current capacity and set goals that align with your energy levels.
4. Take time off during the Christmas period to rest and recharge.

I’ve been creating digital products in my business for a while now. Launching my signature course in 2020. It took a huge effort, and quite honestly some days it felt like I was running another business I almost burnt out creating it. Let me tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

Tune in to hear lots of examples of what you can create once in your business to sell multiple times without having to do any extra work each time you sell. You may be surprised by what you hear today. You’ll be pleased to know it’s not all about creating an online course.

I share how I’ve broken down digital products in my business, as well as giving you so many examples of what you can create and sell in yours, under the banners of technology, templates, content, and learning. There is so much choice when it comes to what you can come up with… some may give you the light bulb moment you’ve been waiting for. Also, learn the difference between a tutorial, a masterclass, and a webinar, as well as other ways to deliver your digital products.

Tune in, feel inspired and let your creative juices flow.

I really hope by listening to this podcast you come away with a bunch of ideas of the types of digital products you can create for your audience.

Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.

Georgia shares her inspiration for starting her business and tells us what remedial massage is. We chat about the stress and pressure we put on our body without even realising it especially if we’re sat on our butt all day working from home.

Tune in for insights and wisdom into some better self-care. Hear some of the things we can do to get ourselves moving. How being sedentary isn’t good for our posture. What we can do to alleviate some of our aches and pains, and why it’s handy to have a heat pack to hand.

The reason movement is key, and tips on what we can do to get up and about even if we don’t plan to leave the house.

Georgia also shares with us her process, and tips on what to do after you’ve had a remedial massage.  

If you’re fed up of living with aches and pains, connect with Georgia on Instagram or Facebook by following @eucalypt.remedial.massage

In Episode 99 of the "Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson approaches an important milestone: the podcast's 100th episode. This episode features Sarah expressing her enthusiasm for the forthcoming competition in celebration of the 100th episode and gives an overview of what the audience can expect.

Sarah Thomson, an expert in social media and business mindset, discusses her ten-day break from the digital world. She offers insights on preparing for a technology hiatus and emphasizes the significance of being present, resting, and establishing boundaries in both personal and professional life.

The episode includes Sarah’s personal experiences during her digital detox. She talks about spending quality time with her family and her struggle to disconnect from her business. She urges listeners to reflect on their own use of technology and find a balance to enhance their well-being.

Summary:

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Laura McRae, a podcast manager, about the process of launching and managing a podcast. Laura explains that many people find podcasting overwhelming and don't know where to start. As a podcast manager, Laura helps her clients with all the technical aspects of podcasting, including setting up hosting platforms, editing episodes, and creating social media content. 

With a background as a virtual assistant, Laura decided to niche down her business and focus on podcast management after taking two podcast management courses. She offers a range of services, including setting up hosting platforms, editing episodes, writing show notes, and creating social media content. Laura's goal is to take care of all the technical aspects of podcasting so that her clients can focus on creating great content.

Key Takeaways:

• Niche down your podcast to target a specific audience and make it more searchable.
• Choose a podcast name that includes a keyword for better searchability.
• Consider the length of your episodes based on your target audience's preferences.
• Weekly episodes are recommended for better momentum and consistency.
• Outsourcing podcast management can save time and ensure a smooth process.

podcastsupportservices.com.au

laura@podcastsupportservices.com.au

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajmcrae/

In episode 113 of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson delves into the intricacies of running successful Instagram competitions. Understanding the challenges business owners face with engagement and follower growth, Sarah provides a practical guide for leveraging Instagram contests to drive attention, engagement, and new followers.

Launching into the topic, Sarah emphasizes the versatility of Instagram compared to other platforms like Facebook, highlighting the fewer restrictions and easier management of competitions on Instagram. She gives a step-by-step strategy for setting up Instagram competitions, including the necessary tracking and analysis to evaluate success. Sarah also addresses the importance of offering meaningful prizes and ensuring the process of entering the competition is straightforward to maximize participation. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with actionable tips and strategies to effectively run Instagram contests and integrate them into broader business objectives.

• Instagram’s Flexibility: Running competitions on Instagram is more straightforward compared to Facebook, with fewer restrictions from Meta.

• Choosing the Right Prize: Offer prizes that are enticing yet relevant to your audience to attract potential customers and not just general entrants.

• Simple Mechanics: Keep the competition entry process simple – typically involving liking a profile, tagging a friend, and sharing the post in stories.

• Engage through DM’s: Personalize the experience by sending DM's to participants, encouraging them further and building relationships.

• Collaboration Limits: When collaborating with other businesses, ensure there are no more than five participants to avoid overcomplicating the entry process.

AI is huge and seems to have come out of nowhere. Although, most of us use it every day without even realising. Tune in to hear what makes Chat GPT – an AI program so popular. How I use it in my business, and tips on how you can use it in yours.

Right now, you can use Chat GPT for free. It’s a great time saving tool especially if you write content, a blog, or simply want to know how to respond to a customer’s email. Not only can it help by writing content, but it can also write it in your tone of voice… I tell you how.

I share some of the impacts it is going to have on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), as well as the fact the information may not be entirely accurate when it comes to facts, so some research could very well be needed.

If you do not embrace using AI and Chat GPT your competitors will. I recommend giving it a go and have some fun with it. I really think you’re missing a trick if you’re not using it.

Tune in today so you don’t get left behind.

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes back etiquette coach Louise Percy to discuss tips for hosting and attending Christmas parties and networking events. Louise emphasizes the importance of sending invitations well in advance and using electronic RSVPs to track attendance. As a host, it is crucial to greet guests at the entrance and introduce them to others. For guests, self-introductions and confident networking are key. Louise also advises on navigating sensitive topics and managing alcohol consumption at work functions.

Louise Percy is the founder of the Percy Institute of International Protocol and an expert in etiquette and elegance. With a background in military, political, and diplomatic work, Louise has been running the Percy Institute since 1992, offering courses and coaching on social and business etiquette. She is known for her expertise in networking and has recently launched a podcast called "Manners and Other Matters: Exploring Etiquette and Elegance."

Here’s how you can connect with Louise:

https://thepercyinstitute.com

Facebook - The Percy Institute

Instagram.

Linkedin

Manners and Other Matters Podcast

Key Takeaways:

1. Send invitations in advance and use electronic RSVPs to track attendance.
2. Greet guests at the entrance and introduce them to others as a host.
3. Be prepared to do self-introductions and confidently network as a guest.
4. Take cues from the host regarding alcohol consumption at work functions.
5. Practice respect, consideration, and kindness when traveling and in confined environments.

In this episode of the Social Circus podcast, host Sarah Thomson is joined by Kylie Patchett, an expert copywriter with a distinctive flair for storytelling. With a background in forensic science and health, Kylie discusses her unconventional journey into entrepreneurship and her eventual transition into copywriting. This episode delves into her experiences, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and how personal and professional stories can deeply connect with audiences.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Kylie explore how storytelling can transform business copy from mundane to magical. Kylie shares her insights on integrating storytelling in social media posts, particularly on Instagram, to show personal elements that resonate with clients. Highlighting the power of vulnerability and authenticity, Kylie emphasizes that being true to yourself and sharing your unique stories can attract the right clients and build stronger professional relations. They also touch on the challenges of shedding corporate personas to embrace one’s true self as an entrepreneur.

• Authenticity in Storytelling: Sharing genuine stories helps in connecting with the audience on a personal level and attracts clients who align with your values.

• Power of Micro-Stories: Using platforms like Instagram stories to share small, everyday tales can effectively engage your audience without diving into heavy, vulnerable narratives immediately.

• Embracing Your True Self: Leaving the corporate world allows entrepreneurs to discover and express their authentic selves, making their business more relatable and human.

• Natural Integration of Stories: Incorporating personal anecdotes, such as daily routines or minor mishaps, can make your professional narrative more colorful and engaging.

• Value-Based Content:

  • Emphasising your values through storytelling helps clients understand your business ethos and connect more deeply with your brand.

As a qualified process engineer, Enrika started her bookkeeping business as a side hustle to provide her with the flexibility to be able to support the lifestyle she wanted to create for her and her family. After a while, she saw the potential of running her business in its own right, making it a steady income stream, so she rebranded to Mind Your Money in order to grow her business to more than bookkeeping.

In this episode the ladies chat about their business journeys including some of the challenges, the importance of mindset and building a network to connect with others. Saying it’s hard to be everything in your business, and how good it is to know your strengths and outsource your weaknesses, so your business doesn’t take up all your time.

Hear the questions it’s ok to stop and ask yourself to help you move forward. One being, what are we trying to achieve? Not everyone is in business for the money. Define success for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself, what does success look like for me? It’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, looking like they’ve got it all together.

Enrika is passionate about making sure you do something for yourself every single day.  It doesn’t have to be going for a massage or meditating. It can be something as simple as having a cuppa in silence, giving yourself time to take a short break, reflect and give yourself the headspace for the ideas to come in.

Hoping to inspire others Enrika is going to start doing a monthly theme and some videos about business life integration focusing on things like cashflow, mindset, success, all obligation free. So, if you’d like to connect with her, or find out more here’s is where you will find her:

www.facebook.com/MindYourMoneyBiz

https://au.linkedin.com/in/enrikag

https://bit.ly/googlebusinessmindyourmoney

https://www.instagram.com/mind.your.money

Welcome to another episode of the Social Circus, hosted by Sarah Thomson. This week’s episode takes you through the insightful journey of Susan Hughes, an ADHD Parent Coach, who shares her experiences and expertise in coping with ADHD in family life. Susan delves into how she transitioned from the corporate world into coaching after facing parenting challenges, especially after her child was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia.

Throughout the episode, Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD to better support both children and parents. She discusses how traditional parenting methods can clash with the needs of ADHD children, often leading to unnecessary strife. Susan uses her personal story to highlight how coaching strategies can be pivotal in managing ADHD behavior, creating an empathetic and nurturing environment, both at home and school. Listeners are encouraged to seek help and learn new skills to improve family dynamics and the well-being of children with ADHD.

### Key Takeaways:

*   **Understanding ADHD:** It is crucial for parents to understand the impact of ADHD on daily life to provide better support and foster positive development. *   **Executive Functioning:** ADHD affects various executive functions, including planning, prioritization, emotional regulation, and task initiation. *   **Parent Coaching:** Using coaching techniques at home can significantly ease the challenges of parenting ADHD children and improve their outlook on life. *   **Early Intervention:** Seeking guidance and training during the early years of a child with ADHD can mitigate more serious issues later in life. *   **Compassion and Support:** Parents dealing with ADHD should seek support and practice

https://www.facebook.com/SusanHughesADHDParentCoach/

https://www.instagram.com/susanadhdcoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-hughes-1314238/

https://www.theconfidentadhdparentformula.com.au/online-course

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson sits down with the astute Ee Zen Cha, a meticulous Online Business Manager. They take a deep dive into the intrinsic value of business systems and processes, exploring the challenges and triumphs of building a structured operational model in today's dynamic entrepreneurial environment. Ee Zen's knowledge in creating process efficiencies is a beacon for business owners seeking to streamline their workflow and scale their ventures.

With a background in ISO 9001 internal auditing and a master's degree in engineering, Ee Zen applies her methodical and process-oriented skills to assist business owners in optimizing their operations. As an Online Business Manager, she specializes in executing strategy objectives and systemizing business processes, enabling female entrepreneurs to scale and grow their businesses efficiently. Her insights are born from over 13 years of experience in process improvement, both in the corporate world and the online business landscape.

Tune in to hear what inspired Diana to start her journey into entrepreneurship in 2015.

We talk about how back in the day money was a taboo subject and not something that was talked about outside of the home, or in schools as part of our education. Yet now, running a small business, knowing our numbers is powerful as it helps us to make strategic decisions to build a sustainable business.

We hear a lot about how much people are earning - $10k months - 6 figure businesses, but what is not talked about is how much it’s costing them to open the doors and serve their customers. Yes, they’re bringing in all this money but how much are they paying out to keep the lights on.

Tune in to hear what happened to Diana that made her re-evaluate the subscriptions in her business, as well as the questions she asked herself before deciding her next move. This is just one of many tips she shares with us today.

If you’ve never paid yourself a wage out of your business, Diana shares a couple of money habits you can adapt starting today!

It’s never too late to learn, it’s never too late to start. If you’re looking to overcome your fear of finances, you can connect with Diana here:

www.balancetax.com.au

www.facebook.com/balancetax/

www.instagram.com/balancetax/

In today’s episode, I chat with SEO Copywriter, Kara Stokes, from work life balance to jaw dropping tips when it comes to writing copy for your audience, and why it matters. From keyword research, click-worthy sales pages, website navigation, SEO-friendly content, and more.

Kara shares how and why she became a copywriter, and what it’s like to work with her. The ability she has to give her clients the best of her by having the flexibility to work when she’s most creative.

Tune in to know where to start from a copywriting perspective when it comes to SEO, the common challenges you face and things to consider when it comes to what your customer is searching for and how you fix their problem. You may be surprised to hear it’s not about you.

We also cover the best place to start when reviewing your website, the most important pages to have to give your customer an insight into who you are and how you can help them.

If you’re looking for higher engagement to transform the people that visit your website into paying customers, then this episode is for you.

Connect with Kara here:

https://www.facebook.com/karastokescopywriter

https://www.instagram.com/karastokescopywriter/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karastokescopywriter/

Your Friendly Fitness Copywriter - Kara Stokes (karastokescopywriter.com)

In this episode of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson welcomes Kristy Borbas, an intuitive coach and wise woman, to discuss the profound impact of intuition and feminine cycles on personal empowerment and business success. Kristy and Sarah explore the importance of listening to our bodies, understanding our natural rhythms, and integrating these ancient practices into our modern lives to achieve balance and fulfillment.

Kristy shares her journey from feeling trapped in the corporate world to finding her true calling in helping women rediscover their inner wisdom. She emphasizes the significance of recognizing and honoring the different stages of womanhood, using tools like tarot, astrology, and feminine embodiment techniques. This episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking to harmonize her personal and professional life by embracing her natural cycles and intuition.

Understanding Natural Cycles : The importance of tracking menstrual and lunar cycles to optimize energy and productivity. Empowerment Through Intuition : Utilizing intuition and feminine embodiment practices to connect deeply with oneself. Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies  : How modern women can navigate the masculine-dominated corporate environment by honoring their feminine energy. Self-Care and Rest : The critical role of rest and self-care in preventing burnout and fostering sustained success. Community and Support : The value of finding a supportive community or tribe to uplift and empower one another.

https://www.instagram.com/kristyborbas/ https://www.facebook.com/KristyBorbasWisewoman

Calling any woman wanting to reclaim the power in women’s circles and groups. To be the Wise Woman and Goddess.

This group will impact you Deeply from rituals, to intuitive sessions, seasonal offerings and a space to connect to the conscious feminine. We will cover goddess mythology and astrology, tarot, embodiment and self care practises, sound , voice healing and more. We do monthly new moon and full moon circles to share and weave  in the feminine rituals.

The time has come to gather, to remember our truth, to share our wisdom , to create magical kinships and above all feel safe to be who we are. This is for those wanting to journey with me in this beautiful awakening of women , and empower themselves.

https://kristyborbas.com/products/her-tribe-monthly-subscription

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson reflects on her journey through business and personal growth as she approaches significant milestones. Sarah offers a captivating discussion filled with rich lessons learned while navigating her professional path, including the growth of her podcast and celebrating her 50th birthday. This episode is not just a narrative - it's a collection of enlightening experiences that resonate with entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, the art of starting small and growing gradually, and the value of constantly experimenting and diversifying in business ventures. Sarah's vivid storytelling seamlessly integrates these themes, underpinning the conversation with a heartfelt call to action for listeners to take bold yet calculated risks in their endeavors.

• Celebrating milestones and achievements in both business and personal life
• Overcoming the pitfalls of overplanning and the benefits of 'failing fast'
• Recognizing the potential within one's brand and exploring diverse business offerings
• The critical importance of starting an email list and growing digital products early on
• The significance of commemorating success, including the simpler moments of triumph in the realm of entrepreneurship

Dive into the exciting world of launching with Sarah Thomson in episode 88 of the Social Circus, where she unpacks the intricate puzzle of digital marketing launches. This episode serves not only as a comprehensive guide but also demystifies the daunting experience of launching a product or service in the digital space. If you've been wrestling with the idea of a launch or find yourself intrigued by the process, keep reading for an episode that promises to empower and enlighten.

Sarah explains the multifaceted stages of the launch process, beginning with the ‘prelaunch’ phase, steering through the core launching event, and smoothly landing into post-launch activities. With an enticing blend of marketing strategies, Sarah advocates for the engagement of one's digital audience and emphasizes the critical nature of staying visible and consistent across platforms. The discussion is ripe with insightful tips, from warming up your audience to harnessing the energy during the launch for optimal results. Read on as Sarah reveals her tried-and-tested methods and offers a golden opportunity to access her "Ultimate Launch Toolkit" as the trajectory towards successful launching is charted.

• Launching refers to a systematic online event aiming to get a product or service in front of an audience, inciting engagement and anticipation for purchase.
• The prelaunch phase is crucial, often involving waitlist creation or engaging launch events like webinars and social media blitzes to prime the audience.
• A launch period of 10-14 days is optimal to maintain momentum and provide adequate time for consumers to make purchasing decisions.
• During the launch, an entrepreneur should be highly visible, engage actively with potential consumers, and anticipate a surge of last-minute sales.
• Post-launch activities are essential, including soliciting feedback from non-buyers and offering modified versions of the product that could lead to future conversions.

• "Launching is typically an online event and involves using all of your digital marketing strategies."
• "If you launch, you will always perform better than if you just kind of have your cart open and you just talk about it now and then."
• "The launch is the language that we use to say, this is the moment that I'm going to be putting my offer out into the world."
• "During the launch period, you are blanketing your social media, you are emailing your list as much as you're comfortable."
• "The purpose of a launch event is to get someone warmed up and excited about your offer."

Referenced in the discussion is Sarah Thomson's "Ultimate Launch Toolkit," which is available at a reduced price of $97, down from the usual $297. 

Invoke the enthusiasm and strategy behind successful digital launches by giving the full episode a listen, and don't forget to explore Sarah Thomson's "Ultimate Launch Toolkit" for a step-up in your launch game. 

Stay tuned for more of Sarah's empowering and expertise-laden discussions on the Social Circus.

Ultimate Launch Toolkit

This episode is for you if you wish you had more hours in a day, you long for a home that is less cluttered, you’re so busy you can’t find time to do anything for yourself, and you’re so overwhelmed you wouldn’t even know what to do if you had time.

In today’s episode, I chat with Bridget Johns, Organisation Expert - Declutter Coaching & Life Organisation at Be Simply Free. Be Simply Free exists to teach women to reduce their mental load by decluttering their homes, phones, calendars and minds so they can find more space in their homes and time in their calendars to collect moments, not things!

We chat about the amount of physical stuff we surround ourselves with, and the effect it has on our mental load. How not to feel overwhelmed when we think about decluttering our space or our mind. What micro changes we can make in our day to get us to where we want to be.

Why it’s important to have a nice clear area to work from, the luxury of having a home office space with a door, and things we can do if we don’t have a dedicated workspace. Bridget also mentions a couple of apps we can use to help with decluttering, or to help create a new habit.

She shares more about her philosophy “Stop, Focus and Notice”. You can read more about this on her website.

“Clear Clutter Find Time” is Bridget’s online course which begins on the 10th of February 2023. It’s all good having someone come into your home and do the physical decluttering for you but it’s about building new habits that keep you decluttered for longer. If a course isn’t for you, she also offers 1:1 guidance and support. Find out more about this on her website, I’ve popped the link below.

There are so many juicy tips in this episode which are sure to get you motivated to see you on your way to a less cluttered 2023.

Connect with Bridget here:

www.instagram.com/be.simplyfree

www.facebook.com/besimplyfree

www.besimplyfree.com.au

Welcome back to another episode of the Social Circus hosted by Sarah Thomson! This week, we dive deep into the world of virtual assistance and creative design with Marie Fox, the savvy founder of Crafty Fox by Design. Marie brings a wealth of experience to the table, sharing her journey from traditional administrative roles to becoming a Canva guru. Whether you’re a small business owner or an aspiring VA, this episode unveils practical insights on leveraging Canva for professional growth and managing the complex dynamics of work-life balance.

Key Takeaways:

• Canva Expertise: Learn Marie’s favorite Canva features, such as the background removal tool and design guides, which help elevate business presentations and social media posts.

• Virtual Assistance Evolution: Understand the evolving role of VAs and how specializing in tools like Canva can set you apart in the competitive landscape.

• Real-World Applications: Hear real-life scenarios where Marie's Canva skills provided indispensable support for her clients, ranging from document formatting to social media branding.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Marie-fox/

Welcome to Episode 69 of our podcast! In this Meta Month special, we're delving deep into the world of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and a host of other influential brands. Join us as we explore the history, acquisitions, and impact of this technological giant.

Segment 1: The Birth of Meta

• Meta, originally known as Facebook, was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and three Harvard University friends.
•  Initially limited to Harvard students, the platform's popularity skyrocketed, leading to rapid expansion to other universities.
•  In 2005, the company acquired the domain facebook.com and rebranded, dropping "The" from its name.

Segment 2: Building a Monolith

•  Meta's growth strategy involved acquiring numerous companies to expand its reach and influence.
• Notable acquisitions include Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014).
• Instagram was purchased for $1 billion and became one of the highest-priced acquisitions of a profitless startup at the time.
• WhatsApp's acquisition for $19 billion was initially seen as a risk but has since proven its value.
• Oculus VR's acquisition for $2 billion positioned Meta as a player in the virtual reality market.

Segment 3: The Meta Rebrand

• To streamline branding and clarify its identity, Meta emerged as the parent company in October 2021, overseeing Facebook and its acquired brands.

Segment 4: The Revenue Machine

• Meta's platforms are free for users, with revenue generated primarily through paid advertising.
• In 2022, Meta's revenue reached an impressive $116 billion, although there was a slight decline due to substantial investments in the Metaverse, its virtual reality prototype.

Segment 5: Exploring the Metaverse

• Meta has invested $36 billion in developing the Metaverse, an ambitious concept with no operational prototype as of now.
•  Drawing comparisons to the fictional world of "Ready Player One," the Metaverse aims to revolutionize virtual experiences.

Segment 6: Popularity and Influence

• Facebook remains the dominant social media platform with nearly 3 billion monthly active users, surpassing even the global population.
• WhatsApp boasts 2.7 billion users, while Instagram follows closely with 2.35 billion.
• Messenger, another Meta-owned platform, boasts 931 million users.

Segment 7: The Power Players

• Meta is part of an elite group known as "The 4," along with Alphabet (Google), Amazon, and Apple.
• Microsoft was formerly included but withdrew due to differences in data collection practices.

Segment 8: Threads' Triumph

• In 2023, Meta made a significant comeback with the launch of Threads under the Instagram brand.
• Threads, designed to rival Twitter (now rebranded as X), garnered an astounding 100 million users within just five days.
• The platform enables users to share posts in concise text format, complemented by images and videos, while excluding in-app editing and messaging functions.

Check out my podcast episode on Threads here

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of our podcast. Stay tuned for more captivating insights into Meta and its evolution throughout this Meta Month!

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson shares tips and ideas for creating engaging Christmas content on social media. She emphasizes the importance of making social media fun and simple for both the business owner and the audience. Sarah suggests starting with a post that informs the audience about the business's Christmas plans and availability. She also encourages businesses to take a break during the holiday season and set clear expectations for when they will respond to messages. Sarah recommends creating a Christmas video or photo to wish the audience a Merry Christmas and thank them for their support. She suggests adding some Christmas fun to the branding, such as festive elements in the logo or cover image. For product-based businesses, Sarah advises checking the website and setting up commerce tags on Facebook and Instagram to facilitate easy purchasing. For businesses that don't sell products during Christmas, Sarah suggests supporting other small businesses by giving them shoutouts on social media. She also introduces the concept of user-generated content (UGC) and encourages businesses to engage their audience by asking them to share photos or participate in fun activities and games.

In today’s episode, I chat with Shayla Burtin, Business Operations Strategist. Shayla generously shares the start of her business journey - why she started and how it’s evolved into what it is today.

Let’s face it, most of us are in business for the freedom and flexibility it provides, spending more time with our family, taking time off when we like. The reality of having all of this is also a huge challenge because we don’t always know how to make it happen.

Don’t make it difficult to take a break. Tune in to hear a few of Shayla’s strategies when it comes to taking time off, unplanned, or not. Including clear communications, calendar management, setting expectations and boundaries. 

If you’re looking for more flexibility and freedom in your life you don’t want to miss this episode!

If you’d like to hear more about the work Shayla does and how she helps her clients to get the freedom they desire, here’s where you can connect:

www.shaylaburtin.com

www.facebook.com/shaylaburtin

www.instagram.com/buildingherdream

In this thought-provoking episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes Annie Gichuru, a renowned racial equity coach whose work has been pivotal in steering online businesses towards intentional inclusivity. Together, they delve into the nuances of racial equity versus equality, providing listeners with an invaluable understanding of how to foster an inclusive environment in both personal and professional realms.

This episode shines a light on the often misinterpreted concepts of racial equality and equity. Annie explains the importance of recognizing individual circumstances to create equitable opportunities and outcomes. The conversation progresses to actionable strategies that businesses can implement, from auditing one's network and clientele to crafting inclusive lead magnets. Emphasizing the lifelong journey of learning inclusive practices, Annie guides listeners through recognizing unconscious bias and understanding the impact of microaggressions.

https://anniegichuru.com/ https://www.instagram.com/annie.gichuru Microaggressions Guide - https://anniegichuru.com/micro/

In this episode of "The Social Circus," we meet Chris from "Head to Heart." She's all about helping women aged 40 to 80 shake off self-doubt and find their inner strength. Her goal? To make their lives full of good stuff like abundance and joy.

The big idea in the chat is figuring out why we do what we do. Chris talks a lot about squashing those negative thoughts we all have and replacing them with hopeful ones. She shares her own story, a moment that changed her life and made her want to help others. Her program is all about digging deep to find what really matters to her clients, which changes not just how they think but how they live.

Here are the key points:

• Knowing yourself and swapping out negative thoughts for positive ones is super important.
• Getting in touch with your true self helps you figure out what's really important, both in life and in business.
• Values play a big role in making decisions and dealing with all the tricky parts of running a business.
• There are ways to break out of autopilot mode and find joy and new opportunities every day.
• It's crucial to reconnect with your own strengths and be kind to yourself by using your own name in self-talk.

 https://www.head2hearts.com.au/support-challenge

https://www.facebook.com/christine.ross.7946281

https://www.instagram.com/head2hearts/?hl=en

This week Sarah is joined by Sally Newman and Emily Fogg who are the co-founders of Capability Network, an organization that aims to support small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. 

About The Guest(s):

• Sally Newman: Sally is a former corporate professional who transitioned into the celebrancy industry after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is now the CEO of First Line Productions, a theater and film production company that aims to share people's stories through art. Sally is also a co-founder of Capability Network, an organization that supports small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

• Emily Fogg: Emily is a former teacher with 14 years of experience in special needs and mainstream education. She is the founder of Wise Out of Tuition, a tutoring business that specializes in helping neurodiverse children reach their potential in English and math. Emily is also a co-founder of Capability Network, where she provides mentoring and support to individuals with disabilities who are starting or growing their own businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Capability Network aims to provide recognition and support for small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.
• The awards night organized by Capability Network has received nearly 250 nominations, highlighting the need for recognition in this space.
• Small businesses should consider working with individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, as they can bring unique skills and perspectives to the team.
• Inclusivity in small businesses can be achieved through simple changes, such as providing sensory boxes, offering relaxed sessions, and making marketing materials more accessible.
• Capability Network plans to offer networking sessions and online support groups to help small business owners become more inclusive and learn from individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

In this episode, I chat with Christina, Podcast Publicity Strategist and Trainer at Publicity by Christina.  We talk about how and why she got into this super niche business after working for someone else in PR and marketing for over a decade. Hear her laugh and the irony when you hear what she didn’t do when launching her first course.  

She passionately and generously shares a couple of her tips on how to reduce the overwhelm when starting the process of being a guest on someone’s podcast, whether you chose to work with her or go it alone. Plus, lots of other recommendations.

If sharing your story on a podcast to your ideal audience is where you want to be then one thing  you’ll need to learn is how to pitch yourself. Christina has a 2-hour pre-recorded training for this titled “Hey Bitch Let's Pitch” where she teaches you how to pitch, research and follow-up. You can find it here https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147507699/xtFBaewG

If you do work with her she guarantees you will get booked on to 24 podcasts with listeners who are your ideal audience. She touches on the process of what working with her is like, and the commitment from both sides. 

It may surprise you to hear no matter how big the person is whose podcast episode you want to be on, it’s possible to get a booking. Sharing an example of why it’s important you don’t just chase the most popular podcasts.

If you fancy sharing your message via a podcast listened to by your ideal clients, you do not want to miss this episode. What’s the worst that can happen?

Here’s where you can connect with Christina:

Website: https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147500720/xtFBaewG

Podcast Pitching 101 Workshop:https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147501873/xtFBaewG

IG: https://www.instagram.com/publicityxchristina/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/publicityxchristina

If you’re looking for motivation, guidance, techniques, and a list of questions to ask yourself to help you set goals for the coming year then this episode is for you.

Your answers to the many questions in this episode will help you create the goals that will help you grow the business of your dreams.

I think you’ll agree, sometimes we do things in business we don’t particularly like because they’re profitable and generate income, and sometimes we do things that don’t generate income, but we do them because we love them. But how often do we stop and ask ourselves what these are?

Tuning in to last week’s episode first will give you an insight into how I was able to review the year that was, so I was clear on what I wanted more of this year.

Did you have big plans for 2022 you didn’t get around to achieving? Have you stopped to write down what they were? Ask yourself why they didn’t happen. When was the last time you asked yourself why you started your business? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What lights you up? Hear my answers right here, as well as one of the goals I finally got round to launching at the end of last year.  

Promise me you will sit down and write down the answers to the questions in this episode. Remember a goal without an action plan won’t get you very far, be realistic with the time it’s going to take to reach it, block time in your calendar once a week to work on your business where you can work through your action plan.

I’d love to hear the goals you are working towards, drop me a DM on Instagram and let me know.

Studying in Hamburg at the Institute to Graphic Design, Constanze is passionate about creating a brand you love, and want to show off.  She shares the inspiration behind starting her own business after working for medium to large agencies both here in Perth, and in Germany.

Tune in to hear her response when Sarah bravely asks, do I need a professional logo now we have Canva? Chatting all things brand identity, from colours to fonts, as well as all the other elements that make up a brand.

This episode is for you if you’re wondering what it’s like to work with a graphic designer. You may have been in business for a while, starting to get recognised but don’t feel as though you have all your branding elements in place giving you the confidence to show up where you’d like.  

Constanze takes what’s in your head and in your heart and brings it to life, starting by asking a set of specific questions of what you do and don’t like.

Whether you’re working with a graphic designer to create a whole new brand, or polish the elements you already have, after working with Constanze you will walk away with your very own style guide which will help you be consistent across all your marketing, so you’re recognised by your ideal clients immediately.  

Tune in to hear what you can be thinking about before hiring a graphic designer. Interestingly it’s not just about you.

If you’re ready to stand out from the rest, here is where you can connect with Constanze.

Connect with

@ckgraphicdesignperth

Welcome to episode 116 of The Social Circus! In this episode, host Sarah Thomson dives deep into the world of Reels, a powerful tool for digital marketing and social media strategy. As a business owner, understanding and leveraging Reels can be a game changer, and Sarah is here to guide you through it. Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your existing skills, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to create engaging and effective Reels for your business.

Reels, as Sarah explains, are short-form video content that have revolutionised social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. With TikTok leading the way and having over a billion active users, the impact of Reels on engagement and account growth is undeniable. Sarah emphasises the importance of creating Reels consistently and shares practical tips for doing so, including the ideal length for cross-platform use and the evolving trends in Reels content, from talking heads to faceless marketing.

Leveraging various tools and features can significantly enhance your Reels. Sarah discusses the advantages of using captions for inclusivity and accessibility, the fun of duets and transitions, and how apps like CapCut and Canva can streamline your video creation process. She also highlights the importance of staying authentic to your brand while exploring new trends and features. Sarah’s actionable advice will motivate you to start creating and experimenting with Reels, ensuring your content resonates with your audience and stands out in the crowded digital space.

### Key Takeaways:

*   **Understanding Reels:** Learn what Reels are and why they are vital for engaging your audience on various social media platforms. *   **Optimal Reels Length:** Create Reels that are ideally 59 seconds or less to maximise use across multiple platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. *   **Evolving Content Trends:** Stay updated with current trends in Reels content, such as talking heads, transitions, and faceless marketing, to keep your videos engaging and relevant. *   **Useful Tools:** Utilise apps like CapCut for advanced video editing and Canva for creating visually appealing Reels with ease.

In the 111th episode of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson delves into the intricacies of video marketing for businesses. As video content continues to dominate social media platforms, Sarah emphasises its crucial role in building trust, establishing connections, and ultimately driving business growth. She shares invaluable tips and strategies to help entrepreneurs and business owners overcome common fears associated with creating video content, such as discomfort with appearance and voice.

Throughout the episode, Sarah underlines the immense potential of video marketing, mentioning how platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have revolutionised the way businesses interact with their audiences. She provides practical advice on how to ease into video creation, from utilising stories for short video content to creating stock footage and using B-roll shots. Sarah also explores the concept of "anchor videos," which can help even the most camera-shy individuals get comfortable with talking on camera. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their social media strategy and engage their audience through authentic video content.

Key Takeaways:

Starting Small: Begin with Instagram Stories to get comfortable with video content. Stories are less permanent and can help ease the fear of being on camera.

Creating Voiceovers: Start with voiceovers on stock or self-created video footage to get accustomed to hearing your own voice.

Utilising B-Roll: Generate B-roll footage to have a library of stock videos that show different aspects of your business without needing to speak directly to the camera.

Anchor Videos: Use anchor videos where you perform everyday tasks while speaking to the camera to make the experience more natural and less intimidating.

Authenticity Over Perfection: Focus on delivering valuable content and building connections rather than striving for perfection in appearance or production quality.

Notable Quotes:

"At some point in your business, you are going to have to show up and be visible."

"It is not about me, it is about my message, and it's about delivering value to you as my audience."

"Stories on Instagram are a great way to kind of dip your toe into creating video content."

"Nothing is wasted in this world of video content."

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson delves deep into the world of personal branding and self-marketing with the Claudia Neal-Shaw of Candor Consulting. The discussion unlocks the secrets to cultivating a business and personal brand with authenticity and confidence.

The conversation starts with Claudia's journey from a corporate lawyer to the founder of Candor Consulting. With a focus on women entrepreneurs, the dialogue touches on overcoming self-doubt, leveraging unique skill sets, and how to present oneself to the world with confidence. The episode is rich with strategies, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice for anyone looking to amplify their impact in business through personal branding.

Key Takeaways: Establishing a clear personal brand starts with understanding oneself and one’s aspirations within the business. Confidence is not the absence of uncertainty, but it's about taking action despite the fear and doubt. It's vital to recognize one's own worth and the unique skill set one brings to the table, rather than underestimating one’s capabilities. Simple confidence boosters can play a significant role in how we present ourselves online and in person. Sharing one's gifts and specialized skills with the world is not only a personal achievement but also an obligation.

claudia@candourconsulting.com

https://www.instagram.com/claudia.nealshaw/

https://www.candourconsulting.com/

In today’s episode, I chat with Alpha Schulte, Lifestyle & Money Coach. We discuss limiting beliefs, our parent’s expectations, what makes us tick, money, and self-worth.

Alpha helps women work on their money mindset. Asking the right questions to establish what it is you’re trying to achieve as well as educating you along the way. Saying money mindset is an exercise in creativity. Understanding the stories we have told ourselves that are on repeat and why we believe them.

Hear why Alpha makes sure she has tissues handy during her initial 1:1 session with clients – helping you to identify what limiting beliefs you have about money, and how to reframe them to help you.

Money is a tool to help us live the lifestyle we want. Understanding what you want and why makes it easier to then match your money to the life you want!

Start saving money today and check out Alpha’s freebies… 

Kick Your Limiting Beliefs Out of Your Life! (money-madesimple.com.au) 

FREE GUIDE: 5 Ways YOU Can Improve Your Finances (money-madesimple.com.au) 

FREE GUIDE - How to Invest with Only $1 (money-madesimple.com.au)

Connect with Alpha here:

https://www.facebook.com/MMSMoneyMadeSimple

https://www.instagram.com/alphamoneymadesimple/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxVZyzLZA2jw4lrx8zR0KA

Hashtags, insights, different platforms, and scheduling tools and much more are touched on in this episode.

Social media is a fabulous marketing channel for our business, like everything else it’s forever changing. Sarah’s here to debunk some myths such as…  Does Facebook reduce my reach because I’ve shared it from Instagram? Why can’t I post just once and get someone to buy from me? Do I need to be on every platform? How do I know which platform(s) I should be on? What do I need to consider when deciding where to show up? How many hashtags should I use?

Hear a bit about Meta Business Suite - the ability to post on more than one platform at a time, as well as being able to customise your content, and use it from an app on your phone – who knew?!

Let’s not forget although social media is a free tool in terms of it not costing any money (unless you’re paying for Ads, of course). Free in monetary value perhaps, but it’s not completely free when you think about the time, energy, knowledge, and skills you need to create content to grow your audience organically.

It’s interesting what she says about the number of followers you have, and how this can be seen as a vanity metric.

Her message is clear… be consistent and keep going. Sarah has people who have followed her on social media for a long time, they may not have purchased anything from her… yet. However, they engage with her on a regular basis, and attend her free classes. People can hear your message all day every day, but it must land for them at the time they’re ready. So, show up regularly and build that know, like and trust your audience is looking for.

This episode is for you if you are looking to improve your social media presence without the worry and anxiety it can sometimes bring with it. Setting small goals for continuous improvement is key. Be honest with yourself and stop putting yourself under pressure.

Feel free to DM Sarah if you’ve implemented any of her tips from this episode. It’ll make her day to hear how you’ve got on.

Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Happy listening!

Tune in to hear the main reasons I created The Blooming Biz Academy as a membership. What it’s all about, and what it did for me and my business. One of the reasons I created this new space was to continue to give you a place to go where you can still participate in activities with myself, and enjoy a great community feel.

Your 12-month membership is incredible value and includes:   

• A private Facebook community with weekly opportunities to connect with others, and share your offering
• 20+ classes in one easy to access online portal full of the latest information for you to work through at your own pace
• An online monthly group coaching session
• An online monthly networking space

I also let you in on some of the selfish reasons the Academy allows me to continue doing my favourite things; teaching, sharing, and supporting others, all while creating ease and flow inside my business.

Sound too good to be true? Wait until you hear this…

If you use the coupon code “podcast” you can join for $99.00 (AUD) for 12 months. That’s right listeners! A whopping 50% off. So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence take this as your sign and join today.

I didn’t want to create something that was out of reach, I made it affordable, so you don’t have to worry about paying every month. This way it gives you lots of opportunities to learn and create new connections without putting you under financial pressure.

As always, I hope this episode inspires you and gives you the confidence to keep moving forward taking imperfect action.  

Here’s the link to join The Blooming Biz Academy Digital Marketing Courses | Blooming Biz Academy | Online Social Butterfly

In this episode, Sarah Thomson, a digital marketing expert, talks about how businesses can grow using social media and client relationships. She hosts "Social Circus" and shares tips on retaining clients and getting referrals. Sarah stresses the importance of moving beyond traditional marketing methods for a successful business.

She offers valuable insights into the challenges of gaining new clients through digital marketing and the potential of nurturing existing client connections. Whether you're a business owner or interested in marketing, this episode provides valuable knowledge to inspire success.

Sarah explores the benefits of focusing on past and current clients instead of relying solely on traditional marketing. As someone deeply involved in digital marketing, she explains that while traditional methods are useful, they often take time to generate results. Sarah suggests prioritizing existing clients and past clients as key sources of business growth. She offers practical advice to improve client engagement and funnel strategies.

In today’s episode, I chat with Ashley Matkovic who generously shares a story from her childhood that ended up being the catalyst for her creating Fusion Biz Co years later. Ash is on a mission to make real human connection sexy again, in an increasingly disconnected world. In a bid to revolutionise the business networking scene by encouraging meaningful conversations and genuine relationships, rather than focusing on making sales.

As businesswomen, it’s likely most of us can relate to sometimes feeling like we don’t fit in, feeling like we’re not good enough. Ash likes to create unique experiences that make you feel part of it from the moment you’re thinking of attending one of her beautiful events. She makes sure you have all the information upfront, so there are no surprises as you walk through the door, encouraging you to show up as your real self.

Although Fusion is not a salesy networking group, sales happen naturally within the group as women get to know, like and trust each other.  

If you’re looking to network with down to earth, genuine, kind-hearted women, in a non-salesy way then be sure to check out Fuzion Biz Co here:

Fusion Biz Co

https://www.instagram.com/fusionbizco/

https://www.facebook.com/fusionbizco

https://www.instagram.com/ashmatkovic/

In today’s episode, I chat with Julie Anglesey from Renovating Made Easy. Julie was on site in her car when we recorded this episode. She teaches frustrated property investors to become fearlessly profitable renovators.

Splitting from her husband after renovating their second house together, did not stop Julie from following her passion of renovating houses. Hear how she went from being a housewife, working a full-time job to suddenly giving up her job, having no borrowing capacity, and a mortgage on the house she was living in, to flipping houses for profit.

Julie shares her story of taking lifelong experiences and turning them into a business at the age of 53, believing it’s never too early or too late to create your dream life, no matter your age or financial circumstances. While wondering how she was going to cope financially Julie was invited to a property investors meeting to do a presentation about the flips her and her husband had done. You will not believe what happened the very next day.

Looking back over the years Julie shares some of the lessons she’s learnt along the way, the things she wished she’d done sooner, and some of the frustrations she’s encountered in business.

Get ready to be inspired, ladies!

Julie is now ready to release her How to Renovate for Profit online course, so

renovators from all over Australia can access her simple system and become clear, focused, and confident house flippers.

https://www.facebook.com/renovatingmadeeasy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/578649682651126

https://www.facebook.com/groups/470258611334768

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuNnYdfsZ9bvdUk22_JoFA

https://www.pinterest.com.mx/julieanglesey50/

https://www.instagram.com/renovatingmadeeasy/

Kara Stokes has successfully transitioned from a copywriter to a brand message coach and is now making waves as an AI influencer for small businesses. With over six years of expertise, she's launched a second venture that teaches small business owners, particularly women, how to use Artificial Intelligence in marketing to gain a competitive edge. Her work focuses on content strategy, brand voice, and identity, aiming to empower women in the rapidly evolving AI space.

In an episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson chats with Kara Stokes about her journey from copywriting to coaching and her deep dive into AI. Kara discusses the importance of creating a brand identity that emotionally connects with customers, moving beyond visuals to establish meaningful brand principles. She shares insights on how AI is reshaping copywriting and reveals her personal and innovative uses of AI, from managing schedules to creating an AI cheerleader, all while exploring the future of creativity in the age of AI.

• Brand identity is a critical emotional connect between your business and customers, going beyond visual elements to how the business communicates and presents itself.

• Kara advocates for "brand principles" over "brand values" to ensure a business's actions are in alignment with its declared ethos.

• The AI revolution in copywriting has both shaken the industry and presented new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

• AI can serve as a valuable tool in life management and personal motivation, demonstrating versatility beyond content creation.

• Thoughtful engagement with AI tools can refine and accelerate content development, even for experienced professionals like Kara.

As a coach I get to see inside a lot of businesses, and see what’s going on, and a lot of what I’m seeing right now is a sense of overwhelm.  It feels like whatever we do there’s always more to be done.

Tune in for tips on what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed and how to turn it around. As well as how to manage the amount of information we’re faced with daily. Your brain is constantly receiving information you just cannot possibly retain all of it, as well as remember what’s already on your list of things to do. I also share a couple of ways to find moments in your day where you can let your thoughts and ideas percolate.

Remember, overwhelm is a steep and rolling path towards burnout. So, be kind to you!

As a regular listener, if you’re interested in appearing on the podcast, and have something to offer my audience, please contact my team with your idea hello@onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au

Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.

Danni creates websites using WordPress and Divi. She loves the flexibility, and the fact once she’s handed it over, you have full control giving you the ability to maintain it. Tune in to hear why it’s important you have control of your website.   

Hear what she has to say to look out for if you’re initially swayed into choosing a cheaper option, and why this could end up costing you more money over time.  

Danni recommends being open and upfront when shopping around for a website designer, make sure you connect with the person you are going to be working with, be clear on your budget and what you want, and that it’s ok to start with a homepage and build from there.

Your business is forever changing so don’t wait until you’ve got all your content together to launch it, get a homepage built, and you can expand from there. Both agree that done is better than perfect. Comparing building a website to building a house; it’s always going to need maintenance, changes, and improvements.

If you work with Danni, as well as handing over your website she will provide you with a recorded handover which answers all the questions specific to your website, so you’re able to refer to at any point, helping you to make your own changes, and not having to pay for someone else to do them for you.  

She also shares the basics you need to know the answer to as you begin the process of working with a web designer; Who are you? Who are you servicing? What services do you provide? And more.

If you’d like to work with Danni, or connect with her on social media, this is where you’ll find her:

https://instagram.com/blackcactus_digital/

https://facebook.com/blackcactusdigital/