
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie | Social Media Management & Strategy
The Dishing Up Digital Podcast is here to empower social media managers to build their dream life and business.
In this podcast, you will learn everything there is to know about being a successful social media manager. From social strategy and Instagram hacks through to practical business advice like how to host a sales call or the mindset of an entrepreneur.
I started my business as a small side hustle and quickly discovered the demand and growth potential in this industry. Within 10 months, I had scaled my business to match my corporate job and decided it was time to leave the 9-5 world and go all-in on my business. Now I run a six-figure agency and coaching business from the comfort of my own home in New Zealand!
If you're ready to create your own life of freedom, you've come to the right place. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of rose, and let's turn those dreams into a reality.
Latest episodes

Dec 19, 2021 • 29min
IG Branding & Marketing Tips with Product Based Business Coach Sarah Airey
Most businesses will be selling products, services, or a combination of both. When it comes to selling products and services, there are a few critical differences around how to market each of these effectively. Today, I am talking with Sarah Airy, a product-based business coach. Sarah has her own line of apparel along with some excellent courses. In this episode, we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to market a product on Instagram. Sarah has over 20,000 Instagram followers, she might sound humble, but she has a truly successful business.
In this episode, you'll discover…
Using Instagram to market your business.
What platforms to start on.
What you should be doing with your branding on Instagram.
The visual side of branding and the importance of high standards
Connecting & engaging with your audience
You can sign up for Sarah's Instagram Reels course here (hurry enrolment is only open for 1 more day!). Use the code "ELLEN" to let her know you came from the podcast: https://sarahairey.com/master-your-reels
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Connect with Sarah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.airey.co
Sarah’s Website: https://sarahairey.com/

Dec 12, 2021 • 21min
How to Build Your Side Hustle While Working Full Time
I'm going to let you in on a bit of a secret, and that is, overnight successes are not real! (despite what you see on the internet and social media) In most cases, you will begin your business journey while doing some other form of work or study. AKA, your business will start as your 'side hustle.' This was the case for me, and It took me quite a few months until I left my corporate job and went full time in my business. I receive a lot of questions from others asking how the heck I managed both for so long, and I am going to break it down for you in this episode! Tune in to learn my tips and strategies for building your side hustle while working full time.
In this episode, you'll discover...
What self-discipline looks like and how to find a healthy balance
Planning and organizing your weeks
How to prioritize tasks
Setting realistic and intentional goals
Please don't burn your bridges: Deciding when it's the right time to go full time
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Dec 5, 2021 • 22min
Why You Should Become a Social Media Manager in 2022
If you listened to last week's episode, I spoke about my experience of two years in business as a social media manager. Well, this week is all about why I believe you should think about diving into the space also! (I'm guessing you might already be there if you're here)
I've spoken about many of the benefits of becoming a social media manager before on this podcast. However, I really wanted to touch on a couple of things in this episode: the future of the industry, the potential of the industry, and where else you can go with social media. Social Media Management is just the beginning, it is the launchpad for so much more, and I think it's an exciting decision that can open up so many more doors for you.
In this episode, you'll discover...
The benefits of working as a Social Media Manager
Different pathways for growth
How to treat your business like another client
Using your skills to build something of your own
The perspective of someone who has been in this field for a couple of years
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Latasha James Youtube

Nov 28, 2021 • 31min
My Business Turns 2: These Are My Biggest Lessons
Not only have we hit 20 episodes of the Podcast, but this week is also Dishing Up Digital's 2nd birthday; that's right, I've hit two years as a business owner. It feels like only yesterday that I launched my business, but at the same time, it also feels like a lifetime ago. When I look back to December 1st, 2019, I am blown away by the amount I have grown and developed personally and professionally. I have learned so much on this journey, and I wanted to celebrate this milestone by bringing you an episode about the most important business lessons I have learned in the past two years! In this episode, I share with you five defining things from my story and my experience as a business owner that I think would be helpful for those starting their online business journey.
In this episode, you'll discover...
The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
Staying motivated throughout your business journey
When to set boundaries
Scaling your business at the right pace
Setting systems up and structuring your business along the way
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Nov 21, 2021 • 29min
The Top 6 Business Investments I’ve Made
When you're starting a business or venturing into the world of entrepreneurship -- there is going to be a whole lot of 'trial and error.' But when you're in the beginning stages of your business and your finances are limited, Investing in different things can feel like a scary step. After a few years in business, I am now at the point where I can try out a whole range of investments, and so in this episode, I wanted to share my top six investments with you. This episode is essential for anyone starting out as a social media manager as I share my experience with what's necessary and what's not.
In this episode, you'll discover...
The importance of educating yourself
What expenses are necessary for your social media business
My best business investments
When these investments are necessary
The assets you think you need (that aren't important)
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Sign up for my FREE webinar here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/free-webinar-signup
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Oct 31, 2021 • 23min
Why Posting Reels Everyday Isn’t an Instagram Strategy *Controversial Opinion*
Once again, we have to learn, adapt and adjust to the new guidelines and features that Instagram has put out. Reels have changed the Instagram game, and accounts implementing Reels into their IG strategy see huge growth and FREE exposure. The more Reels you post, the more exposure and reach you see as an account and a business. This all looks great if we are looking at vanity metrics, but if you're relying on your Instagram to generate revenue, posting Instagram Reels every day should not be your new business strategy. In this episode, I am going to break down exactly why.
In this episode, you'll discover...
Why reels don't serve everyone
Converting a follower into a customer or client
The journey of a customer
How to create content to build attraction for all buyer types
What components create a stronger Instagram strategy
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Oct 24, 2021 • 22min
So You Want to Quit Your Job, Now What?
Work makes up a huge part of our everyday and, well, our entire life. We're going to be working until we retire. So why do something that makes you miserable? If you listen to me (long enough), chances are you're going to feel a bit inspired to leave your job and start your own business. I mean, that's why you're here, right? There is actually a method to my madness, and that's what today's podcast is all about. In this episode, I want to share with you how I made the leap from the cooperate world to building the business of my dreams. I talk about leaving your current job on good terms, building the financial runway, and analyzing things from a budgeting perspective so you can too make a safe and secure plan for becoming your own boss.
If you want to know exactly how I built my business from the ground up, then head over to the Dishing Up Digital School (Currently Open for Enrollment)
In this episode, you'll discover...
The right way to quit your job
Building your financial runway
Investing in your business from the beginning
Analyzing your budget
Making the plan
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Oct 17, 2021 • 24min
Your Guide to Finding Clients With NO Experience
When we're younger, we often get so excited to start new things, but as we get older, some of us tend to fear the idea of being the 'beginner' at something. This idea of starting in a new industry and having no experience at all can be SO daunting, but the truth is, we all have to start somewhere, right? This episode is all about taking control and embracing the idea of 'starting from the bottom.' I dive into mindset shifts to discover your inner go-getter attitude, how to find your first clients with no experience, and how to present yourself and build on connections within your network.
If you want to know exactly how I built my business from the ground up, then head over to the Dishing Up Digital School (Currently Open for Enrollment)
In this episode, you'll discover...
Mindset shifts for overcoming the fear of starting something new
Tackling self-doubt
Where & how to find your first potential clients
Building on connections and when to pitch a business
Presenting juicy offers
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

Oct 10, 2021 • 13min
Value-Based Pricing & What to Charge as Social Media Manager
In this episode, We're talking about prices, money, cash dollars-- what to charge as a social media manager. It's so hard to put a number on your services when you're starting out, I know it was one of my biggest concerns initially, and it's the same for many of my students. This episode is a sneak peek into one of the six pieces of training on pricing yourself as a social media from my Dishing Up Digital school. I talk about different strategies on how to price yourself, what value-based pricing looks like and why an hourly rate isn't always the best way to go.
In this episode, you'll discover...
Why I don't believe in hourly rates as a social media manager
What value-based pricing looks like
Mindset shifts in understanding your value
Putting together packages that have value
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
We should all be Millionaires - Rachel Rodgers: https://www.amazon.com/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625

Oct 3, 2021 • 23min
Being the “Breadwinner” and Out-Earning Your Partner as a Female
My partner and I have this running joke about who's going to retire the other person. He always jokes that I'm his retirement plan because he sees the business that I'm building, and he is so incredibly proud of it. In 1980, only 13% of women made the same or more than their husbands in terms of their annual income. Today those numbers are increasing, but it's still relatively uncommon for females to be the breadwinner in the relationship. I feel lucky to have a relationship where we mutually support each other's success, but I know this isn't the case for everyone. That's why I felt inspired to discuss this on the podcast. I don't want any woman out there holding back their potential for a man. You have so much power and potential to change the world, your own life, and your family's life.
In this episode, you'll discover...
What made me feel called to discuss this topic
My mindset shifts around female wealth and power
How we, as women, can worry about outshining our partner
Holding back your potential and why it needs to stop now
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Article mentioned : https://www.thelily.com/kacey-musgravess-breadwinner-resonated-for-women-who-out-earn-their-partners/
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.