Flying Solo

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

In this episode we sit down with digital marketing expert Meg Coffey, founder of Coffey and Tea, to delve into the intricate world of social media content planning. Meg shares valuable insights on leveraging AI for idea generation, the importance of niche targeting in business, and the evolving trends in social media platforms. As the founder of State of Social, Australia’s digital marketing conference, Meg brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation.Key topicsSocial Media Content Planning and Strategy - Image and link sourcing, client approval, and scheduling - Integrating AI for content backfilling and idea generation - Measuring success and trends for 2024Building Connections Through Authentic Engagement - Leveraging storytelling and user-generated content - Emphasizing social media etiquette and authenticityAdapting to Changes in Social Media Platforms - Understanding and adapting to platform changes - Focusing on niche markets for business successImportance of Analytics and Business Sustainability - Utilizing analytics and insights for content refinement - Providing value to customers through social mediaEvolution of Social Media Platforms - Changes and trends in social media over the past year - Embracing new features like Twitter threads for engagementTime-stamped overview05:29 Social media's impact has changed communication significantly.07:58 Facebook essential, but niche communities gaining popularity.12:46 Adapt posts based on event and community feedback.14:39 Adding value through light, humor, and teaching.16:58 User-generated content has shifted in marketing.22:10 Be yourself, do what works for you.24:37 Collect emails, predict strong future for platform.28:51 Strategic campaign resulted in reaching 10,000 followers.32:24 Seeking diverse ways to enhance business communication.33:27 Learning to ask good questions is valuable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ros Weadman  is an expert on trust – in fact when it comes to brand reputation – she’s written a book on it - Enhance your Reputation – How to build a brand that people want to work for, buy from and invest in. In it, she delivers actionable advice to help you build a business that is steeped in trust.Ros joins us on the show to explain why trust is such a vital component of business success, how you can gain your customer’s trust andi what to do should the worse happen and you lose it…Key topicsThe Changing Landscape of Trust and Reputation- Impact of declining trust and rise of fake news on business- Importance of trust in branding, workplace, and consumer behavior- Building a credible and purpose-driven brand to align with changing expectationsStrategies for Brand Positioning and Public Profile Building- Leveraging social media for consistent brand messaging- Empowering employees as brand ambassadors- Creating a brand manifesto and aligning values with marketing strategy- Forming strategic alliances and collaborations for brand credibilityEnhancing Reputation and Communicating Brand Values- Defining purpose, vision, and mission to enhance reputation- Strategies for attracting the right customers and employees- Communication strategies to articulate the brand's vision and values Timestamped overview00:00 Low trust in institutions, businesses most trusted.06:38 Strategic brand alignment crucial for organizational success.08:01 Define brand values, create actionable behaviors, manifest.12:36 Specialist problem solving, brand archetype framework alignment.16:03 Empower your staff to be brand ambassadors.19:00 Passionate about building brand trust and purpose.24:05 Effective communication and strategic marketing are crucial.25:11 Plan content, identify platforms, and promote purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve McKnight is an expert when it comes to personal finance and money management. He’s a self-made multi-millionaire, real estate mogul and a financial educator. He joins us to share insider tips from his book Money Magnet and gives us valuable insights into attracting money, building wealth, and creating a purpose-driven financial future.Key TopicsMindset and Attracting Money·     Attracting money as a learnable skill·     Insider tips from Steve's book "Money Magnet"·     Influence of childhood experiences with money on financial habits·     Contrast between parents’ financial habits and their effect on Steve's mindset·     Importance of having money conversations in relationships·     The possibility of changing one's money mindset and seeking help to do soReal Estate and Wealth Creation·     Early investment experience with term deposit and first investment property in 1999·     Challenges of property investment and the need for new real estate buying tactics·     Viewing real estate as a means of creating wealth rather than the only option·     Importance of investing in what is understood and managing finances·     Acquiring skills to increase returns without higher risks·     Emphasizing accountability to avoid indulgent spending and financial trapsFinancial Vision and Habits·     Inheritance of parents' financial DNA and its impact on financial habits·     Money as a tool with a purpose, rather than just accumulating wealth·     The significance of delayed gratification and discipline in achieving financial goals·     Influence of consumer-driven society and social media on spending habits·     Perils of debt and the need to develop better money habits·     Shifting from survival to significance and casting a vision for a new financial future·     Formula for wealth creation and McKnight's advice on mastering financial skills and passing on knowledgePhilanthropy and Legacy·     The importance of not letting wealth stem from insecurity or the need to impress others·     Concept of two mountains: survival and significance·     Poor money habits to avoid·     The significance of philanthropy and the organization Tree Change in that regard·     Advices on property investments and McKnight's top three investing tipsTimestamped overview00:00 Attracting money and wealth.03:32 Started with term deposit, now property expert.08:42 Wealth can stem from insecurity and desire.12:09 Living without vision, purpose - invest for the future.15:02 Wealth creation formula lies in spending, investing, and returns.17:40 3 tips: Measure and learn to multiply money.22:22 Influencers shape our desires consider long-term impact.24:57 Debt can lead to financial disempowerment.27:14 Passionate about creating native forests for eco-restoration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tracy Sheen, an AI and digital expert, shares practical tips for businesses in the AI era, including exploring new tools, utilizing Chat GPT, and being cautious with annual agreements. She also discusses leveraging AI for business automation, identifying technological trends, and her framework ARTIFICIAL for assessing technology.

If you're thinking of starting a side hustle - business coach and workplace expert Michelle Gibbings has you covered. In this episode of Flying Solo, Michelle shares invaluable wisdom gained from her own experience, including the importance of testing and developing a business concept while still employed, strategic planning, systematic approaches, and documenting processes. She emphasises the significance of finding a niche, seeking mentorship, and aligning expenditures with business goals. Tune in to discover the key components of running a successful business when you're starting from scratch.Key topics Transitioning from a corporate career to starting a business:- Desire for autonomy leading to starting a business- Financial advice and stability before venturing into entrepreneurship- Managing expenses during challenging timesStrategies for running a successful business:- Systematic approach and task management- Documentation of processes and importance of organization- Assessing the market and finding a niche- Setting milestones and tracking progress- Seeking advice and mentorship strategically- Considering legal and financial aspects of the business structureBalancing work and personal well-being:- Celebrating wins and recognizing personal achievements- Having a support system and prioritizing self-care- Work-life balance and maintaining good physical and mental healthFinancial literacy and managing business finances:- Importance of understanding financial metrics and statements- Training courses and online tools for improving financial literacy- Analyzing financial data and asking the right questionsBuilding a positive workplace culture and fostering employee well-being:- Cultivating a culture aligned with company values- Prioritizing connection and face-to-face interactions- Clear communication on ownership of intellectual property- Transparency and conversations with the organizationTime-stamped overview02:22 Taking a leap, figuring it out, good advice.03:31 Fortunate career, supportive husband, strategic financial decisions.06:27 Test, develop and prepare for entrepreneurial success.10:50 Seek advice, learn, and set boundaries in business.13:36 Annual business plan, SWOT analysis, updates.17:22 Set financial targets to invest time and money. Evaluate progress.21:08 Get good lawyers, accountants, and mentors.26:19 Understanding financial statements and using online tools makes managing finances easier. It's important to educate yourself and ask questions to avoid potential legal issues.27:28 Accounting systems now have easy, real-time dashboards. Maintaining a positive culture is crucial.31:16 Online work has benefits, but not always. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Flying Solo, Olivia Carr founder of Shhh Silk opens up about her own entrepreneurial journey, from experiencing financial hardship to launching a successful silk pillowcase business that is beloved by celebrities and every day consumers all around the globe. Olivia shares valuable insights on mindset training, building relationships with influential figures, and the importance of taking daily action to achieve your goals. This is an episode you don't want to miss!Key TopicsEntrepreneurial Journey- Starting her first business at 24- Winning the World Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007 with a touring educational business called Shows For Kids- Experiencing burnout, working in corporate roles, and in a breast cancer foundation- Returning to entrepreneurship and launching a silk pillowcase business, ZILK, 8 years ago- Idea for silk pillowcases coming from a lost case during a trip and wanting an improved version with a zipper- Travelling to China to research silk and manufacture the product- PR plan involving hand-delivering the silk pillowcases to the Kardashian family Building Relationships and PR for Business Growth- Emphasizing importance of celebrity endorsements for brand's growth- Collaborations with prestigious hotels- Advise for small brands to grow in their biggest markets simultaneously- Importance of trying to gain traction in the American market early onSelf Made Academy and Mindset Training- The launch of Self Made Academy- Importance of mindset training and daily discipline to build confidence and self-belief- Impact of support and mentorship in entrepreneurship journeyFinancial Insights and Empowerment for Women- Helping women with wealth creation and financial habits- Advocacy against hustle culture and emphasis on a strategic approach to workOvercoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship- Emphasizing the importance of self-belief and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship- Unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs- Transition from putting others first to solely focusing on their businessTeam Management and Work-Life Balance- Giving team autonomy but checking in with them regularly- Prioritizing mental well-being and advocating for therapy- Managing self-limiting beliefs and past trauma- Valuing creative thinking and random acts of kindnesBusiness Growth Strategies and Creative Thinking- Heavy focus on PR, gifting, and events in America during the first 3 years of the brand- The impact of creating memorable moments for individuals- Highlighting the importance of thinking creativelyTimestamped overview01:25 Pregnant with 2nd child, launched successful business.06:29 Unexpectedly arriving at a celebrity's gated community.09:43 Focusing on fun in business brings success.13:47 Focused heavily on PR, gifting, and events.15:01 Grow biggest markets simultaneously for brand success.19:50 Author reflects on missed book launch opportunities.23:29 Choose mindset, confidence, and commitment to succeed.26:17 Old boss taught discipline and mindset principles.28:02 Daily nature walk, prioritize tasks, advocate for balance.32:24 Free mental health coaching for small business owners.36:40 Simple actions yield powerful financial transformations for women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned expert in human behavior, Michael McQueen, explores the complexities of the human mind, the impact of stubbornness, and strategies for understanding customer behavior. He delves into the difference between an inquiring mind and an instinctive mind, the importance of retraining the brain for thoughtful choices, the pitfalls of smart people, and the significance of exposing oneself to different perspectives. Additionally, he discusses the art of persuasion, building trust in business, and techniques for appealing to customers' instinctive mind in marketing.

Kevin Higgins is the executive director at Vantage Performance, and he is passionate about creating more resilient businesses. When it comes to the ins and outs of financing, Kevin is an expert and in this episode of Flying Solo, he shares all the tips you need to know to help you put your business in the best position to access finance. He understands that one of the main challenges in securing funding is the lack of clear visibility and timely information provided to funders. Kevin shares invaluable insights on managing working capital, the role of banks in funding peaks and troughs, and the importance of accurate and well-articulated financial forecasting.Key topicsImportance of a Secure Balance Sheet- Funders rely less on personal assets with a secure balance sheet- Be cautious when giving personal guarantees- Negotiate to remove personal guarantees if possibleManaging Working Capital and Cash Flow- Working capital includes debtors, creditors, and stock- Banks evaluate debt collection efficiency and stock turnover- Maintain a tight cash conversion cycle- Banks fund peaks and troughs in working capitalCreating Accurate Forecasts- Lack of diligence in forecasts can be a problem- Banks and funders perform what-if scenarios- Visibility and knowledge of numbers are crucial- Three-way forecasts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) are importantStrategies for Financial Health- Focus on paying down debt and lowering debt- Strengthen the balance sheet by reducing debt- Evaluate viability before considering funding options Increasing Resilience and Confidence- Resilience increases chances of survival in economic headwinds- Factors of resilience include sales conversion rate, cash flow management, and knowing strengths- Demonstrate resilience for creditworthiness and lower loan pricing- Have a clear business plan and involve the management teamBuilding Trust- Regular communication and honest conversations with funders- Flexibility and trust are important criteria for funders- Develop ongoing dialogue and trust with bankers- Confidence is key in securing fundingTimestamped overview[00:01:23] Funding challenges stem from lack of visibility.[00:04:04] Monitor working capital, improve cash conversion cycle. Sense check assumptions in financial forecasts.[00:08:05] Debtors, debtor days, management team, ideal customers, consolidated creditors.[00:12:01] Test companies' resilience with a score of 50. Low scores indicate possible failure in the future. Improving resilience boosts confidence with banks. Key factors include sales conversion rate and cash flow management. Identify business strengths to avoid overextension.[00:15:33] Focus on paying down debt to strengthen balance sheet.[00:19:12] Successful strategy requires good people and adaptability, knowing numbers.[00:20:59] Accounting packages provide monthly financial reports.[00:26:23] Funders need to be flexible and trustworthy.[00:30:38] Strengthen business, avoid high interest rate loans.[00:32:16] Caution among lenders as economy recovers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friska Wirya, a change management expert, shares practical ways to implement change in businesses of all sizes. Topics include understanding resistance to change, the importance of co-creation, and the role of leadership and culture in fostering innovation. Get ready to transform your business with these valuable insights.