Flying Solo

Today we are joined by Simi Rayat, a global productivity expert, business psychologist and founder of Wellbeing Face. In our conversation, we delve into productivity and emotional wellbeing. Simi shares her journey from a budding interest in psychology to becoming an advocate for enhancing productivity through a scientifically backed approach. Together, we explore key concepts from her latest book, "Productivity Joy," which offers strategies for boosting productivity and energy in just five minutes a day using the innovative 5Q formula. We also touch on the importance of gratitude, emotional awareness, and self-compassion in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Join us as we uncover practical tips and mindset shifts that can transform your daily routines and enhance your personal and professional growth.Time stamped overview00:00 5-minute system boosts mood and productivity.04:27 Science-backed process for enhancing mindset with questions.07:38 Emotions dictate behavior; acknowledging them is crucial.11:30 Focus on 3 high-impact tasks daily.15:44 Mindset impacts productivity and collaboration significantly.20:08 Revisit priorities midday; reflect briefly daily.23:33 Take 5 minutes daily for mindset clarity.26:10 Annual family goal-setting retreat with collaborative planning.28:48 Identify inspiring qualities and boost self-worth and gratitude.Key TopicsRecognising Qualities and Self-ReflectionAdmired Traits:Simi Raya emphasises that the qualities we admire in others often mirror traits that exist within us, enhancing our own self-awareness and identity.Self-Worth Connection:By recognising these qualities in ourselves, we can improve our self-worth and confidence.Identifying Influential People:Part of effective self-reflection is identifying and surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire us to become better versions of ourselves, fostering personal growth.Value and Practice of GratitudeHuman Need for Recognition:Gratitude satisfies a fundamental human desire to feel valued and impactful, fulfilling an essential emotional requirement for acknowledgment.Concerns About Gratitude:Raya expresses concern that some individuals struggle to recall the last time they received gratitude, highlighting a need for improved gratitude practices.Encouraging Expression:She advocates for a more frequent and conscious expression of gratitude to enhance overall well-being and fulfillment in our interactions.Distinction Between Busyness and ProductivityCommon Reflexive Responses:Many people default to saying they're "fine" or "busy" without truly assessing their emotional state or productivity level.Impact over Quantity:Simi Raya explains that being busy is often mistaken for being productive or important, yet it doesn't necessarily equate to impactful work.Focus on Meaningful Work:She suggests prioritizing high-impact and meaningful tasks over compiling lengthy to-do lists, which can lead to more significant outcomes and satisfaction.Simi Raya’s 5 Q's FormulaFramework Introduction:Raya introduces a productivity framework adapted from Eisenhower’s matrix, designed to focus on prioritizing tasks by their urgency and importance.Three High-Impact Tasks:The approach emphasizes completing three high-impact tasks each day to maintain alignment with broader personal and professional goals.Brain's Preference for Threes:This method leverages the brain’s natural efficiency in processing information in sets of three, making it easier to manage and execute tasks.Daily Routine Integration:Simi suggests integrating the 5Q’s formula into existing morning routines, helping to enhance productivity and focus right from the start of the day.These topics encapsulate the insightful themes and practical strategies discussed by Simi Raya on how to improve productivity and personal growth featured on the "Flying Solo" podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With an impressive following on TikTok and partnerships with top brands like later.com and Showpo, Maddi Ragno, host of Marketing and Margaritas, knows what it takes to get a business noticed.She joins us on Flying Solo today to share practical digital marketing strategies for your business. From retargeting email lists to using paid ads, to the nuances of influencer marketing, Maddi has plenty of advice to share.Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, Maddi’s expertise is sure to offer practical and actionable advice to help you drive engagement, boost sales, and create authentic connections with your audience. So, buckle up and get ready to take notes as we explore the ins and outs of digital marketing in this enlightening episode of "Flying Solo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shivani Gupta is a successful entrepreneur, award-winning coach, keynote speaker, and author. In this episode of Flying Solo, she shares her incredible journey from being an engineer to becoming an entrepreneur and business coach. We discuss the lessons learned from her successes and failures, the importance of clear vision and effective communication for business owners, and strategies for nurturing and motivating teams, freelancers, and individuals. Join us as we explore the key strategies in Shivani's new book, "Getting Your People to Step Up," and learn how to build a productive, engaged, and aligned business culture. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable advice to benefit both small business owners and solopreneurs alike.Key topicsShivani's Entrepreneurial Journey- Inspiration from her father and grandfather.- Transitioning from engineering to entrepreneurship and business coaching.- The transformative trip to Nepal that led to a career change.- The lessons learned from failed business ventures. Preparing for Team Expansion- Prioritizing tasks and maximizing output as a solopreneur.- Laying the groundwork for team expansion through effective task prioritization.- Balancing tasks and focusing on the most critical activities. Utilising Freelancers- Importance of position descriptions and clear task assignments for freelancers.- Building relationships with freelancers to foster a sense of vision and purpose.- Example of successful business interaction and relationship building with freelancers in Manila.Building a Productive Culture- Creating a positive work environment and fostering a supportive culture, similar to larger corporations.- Establishing a dialogue for emotional check-ins in weekly team meetings.- Enforcing a 4 to 1 ratio of positive to constructive feedback delivery.Managing People and Scaling Business- The challenges businesses face when managing their people.- Importance of finding the right staff, nurturing talent, and understanding one's passions.- Concepts of passion, discipline, saying no, and understanding the importance of delegation.Nurturing People to Step Up- How coaching can empower individuals to step up and meet challenges.- The principle of putting "money in the bank" before withdrawing.- Integrating the GROW model into conversations to guide growth and development.Time-stamped overview00:00 Engineer turned leader realizes preference for people.04:48 Hiring a coach, learning from business failure.09:03 Prioritizing tasks essential for successful solopreneurs.11:51 Delegate tasks clearly with well-defined role descriptions.13:50 Parable illustrates the importance of seeing the bigger picture.18:29 Emphasize positive feedback for personal and professional growth.21:32 To master passion, discipline and clear goals.25:35 Delegate non-essential tasks to focus on strengths.26:27 Delegate, focus, and grow to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Flying Solo, Kate Toon shares insights from her new book, Six Figures While You Sleep. If you’ve ever dreamed of making money while catching some much-needed shut-eye, Kate’s got you covered. But don’t worry—this isn’t some get-rich-quick scheme. Kate has some super practical, no-nonsense advice that will have you seriously rethinking your approach to business.From conquering imposter syndrome to crafting content that actually connects, this episode is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom—and a few cheeky jokes along the way. So, grab your headphones, get comfy, and find out how to make your money work for you, even when you're off the clock!".Key topicsTransitioning to Passive Income- Challenges faced in transitioning from service-based business to passive income - Time constraints- Importance of perseverance and confidence in pursuing passive income - Keeping new ideas private to avoid negative feedback - Consistent work, even in the absence of inspirationBuilding and Marketing Online Courses- Building a sales funnel before creating an online course - Leveraging one's network to sell initial courses - Importance of content marketing to establish expertise - Starting an email list early onPricing Strategies for Passive Income- Logical and strategic pricing - The "3 little bears" pricing model - Offering choice and positioning pricing options strategically - Pitfalls to watch out for in pricing- Importance of retaining customers and not getting greedy in pricing - Nurturing existing members and building advocacy - Working with a range of clientsMindset and Expectations in Building Passive Income- Managing expectations and being patient with oneself - Realistic mindset towards profits and expenses - Importance of persistence and perseverance in business - Stress testing an idea for long-term sustainability- Not being discouraged by others doing similar work - Success with small ideas and the importance of persistenceLeveraging Skills and Expertise for Passive Income- Leaning into what one already knows and becoming a subject matter expert - The changing landscape of online education and challenges faced by entrepreneurs- Developing the skill of teaching and turning it into a resellable product - Reflecting on automation through technology and streamlined processes - Advice for freelancers in developing teaching skillsTimestamped overview05:24 Chasing passive income requires sacrifice and time.06:43 Consider idea, test, appeal, and long-term commitment.12:21 Position high cost item strategically to sell.14:44 Content marketing tips: become an expert, build list.17:25 Fear of imposter syndrome, unknown success, doubt.23:01 SEO courses grew, now oversaturated with options.24:47 Test teaching what you do before committing.27:13 Commit to action and sacrifices for success.31:52 Be grateful, be humble, avoid greed and excessive pricing.33:55 Others may seem similar, but don't compare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meg Coffey, a renowned social media expert and founder of State of Social, Australia's largest digital marketing conference. In this episode of Flying Solo, Meg dives deep into the world of social media marketing, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, where she finds joy in engaging with happy customers and navigating fewer industry regulations. From the power of blogging for SEO to the effectiveness of highly segmented email campaigns, Meg shares invaluable insights into crafting authentic and engaging content, navigating social media platforms, and leveraging analytics to drive success. Join us as we explore the latest in social media marketing with Meg Coffey.Key TopicsEffective Social Media Marketing in Tourism and Hospitality- Emphasising authenticity and storytelling- Tailoring content for different platforms and audience preferences- Importance of staying updated on trends for content and engagement strategiesEmail Marketing and Content Creation- Power of highly segmented and targeted email campaigns- Using insights and analytics to inform content creation and distribution- Implementing AB testing for effective subject linesSmall Business Social Media Strategy and Analytics- Focusing on sustainability, regular posting, and targeting the right platforms- Balancing organic and paid social strategies- Utilising insights to support instincts in social media marketingTime stamped overview00:00 Backpacker turned tourism entrepreneur and social media expert.04:52 Shift in market and content strategy philosophy.12:10 Untapped potential in Instagram engagement and content.16:36 Paid and organic social media strategy important.18:21 Client campaign objectives determine advertising success metrics.21:41 Be prepared, document everything, and screenshot incidents.25:26 Blog posts and website showcasing media expertise.28:26 The benefits of superfans.30:16 Storytelling is overused, craft a unique narrative.33:46 TikTok trend inspires new agency video adaptation. Host: Cec BusbyGuest: Meg Coffey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we are joined by Mikhailla Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of 26Talent Agency, as we dive into the fascinating realm of influencer marketing. From identifying the right influencers for your brand to managing successful collaborations, we uncover the essential tips and red flags every business owner needs to know. Get ready to elevate your understanding of influencer marketing as we uncover the secrets of building sustainable, successful partnerships in the digital age.Key TopicsWorking with Influencers- Importance of researching and approaching talent professionally- Red flags to look out for when evaluating influencers- How to manage talent to prevent burnout and enhance creativity- Recommendations for small businesses considering working with influencers- Allocation of budget for influencer marketing and user-generated content (UGC) creatorsTransition from Influencer to Talent Management- Challenges faced when transitioning to talent management- Emphasizing the importance of engagement, consistency, and audience insights when onboarding new talent- Dominance of TikTok as a platform and the recommendation to start on TikTok for faster growthChallenges and Evolving Industry- Common challenges for brands when working with influencers- Evolution of the influencer industry to include a vetting process, strict approval processes, and legal restrictions on brand endorsements- Providing essential information to support the creation of content that aligns with brand objectivesTraits of a Good Influencer- Great insights and data alignment with brands- in and dedication to the brands they work with- Willingness to collaborate on content conceptsBrand-Influencer Collaboration Process- Concepting, scripting, and drafting content before it goes live- Legal restrictions on brand endorsements- Providing influencers with brand and campaign overview, goals, and key messagesConsiderations When Working with Influencers- Brand fit- Insights and data alignment with brands- Dedication to the brand- Collaboration on content conceptsTimestamped overview00:00 Influencer transition to talent agency with marketing.04:45 Establishing contacts, networking, sustainability for talent growth.09:48 Content is king; budget for influencers. Utilize UGC.13:03 Good influencer has insights, talent, and research.16:37 Evaluate the creator's demographics for effective audience targeting.19:28 Check the creator's engagement rate for collaboration.23:42 Creators need to check in and recharge.25:27 Support talent, ignore haters, stay true to self.29:27 Analyse creator content for potential brand tie-ins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Millard is a financial advisor, director of Sufficient Funds, and author of the new book Insufficient Funds, A No BS Guide to Smarter Money Planning. On this episode of Flying Solo, James dives deep into personal and business finance. He shares how businesses can address cash flow challenges, explains why we all need an emergency fund - and how to save to create one, Plus he also discusses the significance of building wealth while enjoying life and provides invaluable advice on creating a spending plan to prioritise long-term goals. With a focus on teaching children about money, navigating the gender pay gap, and addressing common money myths, James and Cec engage in a conversation that is both enlightening and relatable. Whether you're a small business owner, a solo trader, or simply looking to enhance your financial literacy, this episode offers practical guidance and actionable insights for making smarter financial decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vesna Hrsto is a dedicated naturopath who has overcome burnout in her own business to continue helping others with their health and wellness. From a young age, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in natural medicine and has been committed to her passion. Her experience with burnout has shaped her approach to her work, and she now strives to help others prevent and recover from similar experiences.From dietary changes to mental and emotional stress management, this conversation delves into practical approaches to maintaining physical and mental health amidst the demands of entrepreneurship.Key TopicsUnderstanding and Addressing Burnout- Vesna's personal experience with burnout- Warning signs of burnout- Impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health- Importance of self-care and recoveryManaging Stress through Nutrition- Impact of diet on stress hormones and energy levels- Dietary changes to reduce stress- Supplements for managing stress- Importance of regular meals and healthy cookingUnderstanding and Managing Mental Stress- Coaching and meditation for mental stress reduction- Draining effects of mental and emotional stress on energy- Role of attitude and perspective in stress management- Practical approaches to quieting the mindPhysical Health and Stress Management- Role of exercise in managing stress- Benefits of daily exercise and strength training- Balancing hormones and setting up routines for better physical health- Regular checkups and obtaining basic pathology testsBuilding Healthy Habits and Preventing Burnout- Establishing healthy habits to prevent burnout recurrence- Motivation and energy from seeing results of healthy habits- Importance of proper nutrition, exercise, bedtime, and routine in preventing burnoutTimestamped overview:00:00 Struggled with work and stress, led to burnout.05:31 Manage physical stress with diet and habits.09:21 Mental and emotional stress impact energy levels.12:10 Maintaining clarity in mind enhances productivity.14:48 Balancing downtime while running a thriving business.18:08 Self-care is crucial to show up better.21:27 Recommend pathology test, reduce stress, take action.25:28 Eating breakfast reduces stress and boosts metabolism.30:00 Creating energy-shift habits for motivation and progress.33:41 Success comes from simplicity, one step at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trevor Henselwood started his career in Canadian Broadcasting before making the move to Australia to explore the digital space. As the head of growth at WebSavvy, Trevor has played a vital role in helping numerous eCommerce brands thrive, including some of the most beloved businesses in the nation. In this podcast Trevor explores the complexities of awareness marketing, offering valuable insights and practical advice for business owners and marketers alike. Listen in as he unpacks the challenges of measuring the impact of awareness marketing, the importance of brand messaging, the seesaw effect of investment and ROI, and the need to diversify marketing channels. Key TopicsThe Importance of Brand Messaging and Awareness Marketing- Creating a clear introduction to the brand- Highlighting the benefits of the product or service- Aligning the website with the brand message- Allocating a specific portion of the marketing budget for awareness (10-20%)- Importance of understanding different audience types and having benchmarks for performanceIntegrating Elements in Awareness Marketing- Challenges of integrating various elements in awareness marketing- Difficulty of measuring everything in awareness marketing- Importance of measuring success based on appropriate KPIsMarketing Strategies and Budgeting- Marketing budget for small businesses- Anticipating changes in the market- Knowing when to pull the marketing plug- The seesaw effect of investment and ROIDiversifying Marketing Channels- Diversifying marketing channels based on the target audience- Warning about the risk of diluting the brand message when diversifying channels- The importance of a consistent core campaign message across different channelsBusiness ROAS and Holistic Measurement- The concept of business ROAS- Using alternate measures to show the effectiveness of awareness campaigns- How awareness marketing can help qualify more people for performance marketingAdvice for Newcomers to Google Ads- Focusing on defining audiences and working on performance before venturing into awareness campaigns- Ensuring fulfillment and positive customer experiences before investing in adsRevisiting the Importance of Awareness Marketing in the Overall Marketing Mix- The importance of building an awareness strategyTimestamped overview00:00 Started at WebSabbie, learned from Showpad, applied ideas.04:09 Brands lack good awareness strategies, timing importance.09:34 Measure marketing success accurately, invest in future.11:37 Challenges in measuring marketing performance effectively.15:38 ROI seesaw effect: Spend more, ROI drops, improves.18:41 Explore channels, maximize audience for awareness campaigns.23:12 Craft brand messaging strategically to engage customers.26:10 Stay focused on future, data-driven decisions.29:04 Focus on performance first, then build awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a background rooted in a family skincare business, Olivia Jenkins brings over a decade of experience in navigating the ups and downs of the industry. From mastering the art of tenacity to juggling a career, pregnancy, and education, Olivia's journey is one of resilience and determination. She joins us on Flying Solo to share her top learnings from the world of e-commerce, brand strategy, and the power of platforms like TikTok to boost sales.Key topicsE-commerce Strategy and Marketing:- The significant growth of e-commerce during the pandemic.- Advice for small businesses to embrace e-commerce.- Importance of an online strategy for established businesses.Growth Activities and Brand Exposure:- The necessity for businesses to focus 80-90% of their time on growth activities.- Social media, email marketing, and collaborations for brand exposure.- Maximizing effort and exposure through brand partnerships.Audience Engagement and Promotion:- Crucial role of list building through email and SMS marketing.- Recommendations for participating in sales events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.- Exercising caution to avoid eroding brand equity through continuous discounting.Customer Loyalty and Brand Authenticity:- Techniques for nurturing customer loyalty through authentic and personal communication.- Importance of staying close to the customer and nurturing VIP customers.- Building authenticity by communicating brand values and focusing on unique identity.TikTok Platform and Content Strategy:- Significance of TikTok as a platform with high engagement in health, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries.- Recommendations for quality content creation on TikTok, with an emphasis on posting frequency and music as an important element.- Utilization of TikTok's touch points and impressions for business presence. Time stamped overview00:00 Key lessons from business journey and investors.03:22 Childhood skincare brand dream, family business experience.07:02 Transitioned from product to business consulting services.10:39 Early focus on growth activities to gain exposure.15:19 Inbox overload during retail events requires diversification.18:00 Stay close to customers, focus on authenticity.20:36 Understand yourself, communicate clearly, and avoid comparison.24:45 Focus on TikTok, analyze posts, replicate successful content.28:45 Encourages business plans for startup success.29:54 Discipline and planning are crucial for success.33:13 Grateful for the invitation, enjoyed being here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices