Making Good: Small Business Podcast

I’ve got to say, Charelle and I really enjoyed chatting about this one.As a book about storytelling, it should come as no surprise that in addition to laying out really helpful ideas and frameworks, Stories That Stick was super well-written and fun to read. This book is chock full of examples, questions, and prompts to get your wheels spinning. If you are someone who feels you don’t have anything to say, or that your story isn’t worth telling, by the time you finish Stories That Stick you will have stories in spades. Even though I’m someone who has always been interested in narrative and has found a lot of success in sharing stories with my audience, reading these prompts sent little sparks of inspiration shooting through my mind. Luckily, author Kindra Hall walks you through how to sift through your newfound pile of stories and choose which to tell and how. Stories That Stick was a joy to read and talk through with Charelle, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. MAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/201CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

HOLY MOLY. TWO HUNDRED EPISODES!I started this podcast in May of 2020, needing something to be excited about in the pandemic.I don’t think I would have EVER been able to dream up all of the things that this podcast has brought me.In the last 3 years, we’ve done 200 episodes. We’ve reached nearly 150,000 downloads. The podcast has led to my favorite place on the internet, my membership program Making Good Happen. Interviewing guests and connecting with all of you has led me to build relationships and friendships that are some of my most treasured.This podcast has required a lot of me – time, energy, effort – even when I sometimes didn’t feel like I had it. But its given me so much more.And probably the most powerful thing that this podcast has given me is WISDOM! I’ve learned so, so, so much from hosting this podcast.So, today… we’re rounding up 10 things that I’ve learned from 200 episodes of Making Good. Truly – I probably could have come up with 200, but hey – I'd rather skip to the biggest and best.MAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/200CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

Today is an important episode, because it’s about one of the most important topics we could ever cover here.Getting stuff done.After all, we can have all the big bright ideas in the world, but if we’re not executing on them, it doesn’t really matter. Our ideas can’t change our lives and change the world if we don’t take action to make them a reality.But. How do we ACTUALLY get stuff done?In today’s episode, I share some tips and strategies that I’ve picked up in my own journey with productivity. These are techniques that are really working for me lately, and I hope you find them useful too. MAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/199CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

If you’re like most listeners of this podcast, you first started your business not because you’re an experienced business person… but because you have something you love to do, or you care about, and you decided to make it your full-time gig.And then, you find yourself in the situation we all find ourselves in as small business owners, which is that we have to sell our thing. Our product, our service, our offer. Whatever it is, it’s only a business if we’re selling it… and for most businesses, selling is an active process. We can’t just wait for sales to come in – we need to set our sales and marketing processes up so that those sales actually happen.This is for many of us quite uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be, and that’s where today’s episode comes in. We’re talking all about selling – and specifically – sleaze-free selling. Selling in a way that feels good and aligned.And I have a guest today! Her name is Megan Smyth. Megan is a sales copywriter and consultant for mission-driven entrepreneurs. Through her in-depth research process, personality-filled copy, and pull-no-punches consulting, she helps purpose-driven founders drive revenue and make a positive impact–without unethical business practices or sleazy sales tactics. Connect with Megan:Website: megansmyth.comInstagram: @copybymeg

Here’s something I believe with all of my heartYou have a superpower. Specifically, a marketing superpower. And I know that probably, we’ve never even met, but I can tell you this with 100 percent certainty. And it gets better! This superpower doesn’t cost you anything. It doesn’t require you to pick up any new skills. It’s something you have access to ALL of the time and you can activate at any time.This superpower is something that can help you connect with your ideal customers, grow your audience, build relationships and trust, make sales, and do so many of the other amazing things that marketing can do for our small businesses.In today’s episode, we’re going to talk all about that marketing superpower: what it is, why it’s so powerful, and I’m going to give you some concrete strategies for putting it into action.

It seems like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but this is truly the most Charelle of books.So much so that the whole second half of our conversation was essentially a clinic on how to incorporate the methods laid out in The 12 Week Year into your own life and business. One of the reasons I was excited to dig into this book with Charelle is because since she read it many years ago, she has baked it’s methods into so many aspects of her own life and business. She also uses it in her work with her clients, supporting their goals and growth using The 12 Week Year as a general framework. Needless to say, I had a blast picking Charelle’s brain.The 12 Week year is all about planning, taking action, and ultimately getting more out of our time, and I mean, who can argue with that?Connect with us on InstagramCharelle - @charellegriffithLauren - @laurentildenMAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/196CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

I could not be more excited to share my conversation with today’s guest, Miriam Shulman. Miriam is a true force of nature, and I had such a blast talking with her all about how to build a career in the arts, or as a creative. Miriam is an artist and founder of The Inspiration Place, where she helps other artists learn how to profit from their passion or become better artists via online tutorials, coaching, and The Inspiration Place podcast. She is also the author of Artpreneur The Step-By-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity. Miriam was so generous with her time and expertise in this interview, and I’m so grateful for her candidness during the conversation. Whether you’re an artist or another type of creative, there is so much to learn in this episode. Connect with Miriam:Instagram: @schulmanartWebsite: schulmanart.comMAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/195CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

Today, we’re talking about launching. What it is, why we should do it, and how to do it well. And if there’s anyone listening to this who feels like this episode might not be for them because they feel like launching doesn't apply to their business model…. Well, I would challenge you on that! Give this episode a listen and see if I can change your mind.Want to learn even more about launching? Check out my membership. MAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/194CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

Have you ever just met another business owner and felt an immediate kinship with them? That’s the case with the first time I met today’s guest.My guest today is Amanda McKinney. Amanda is a business and accountability coach specializing in “accidental entrepreneurs.” She is also the host of the Unapologetic Entrepreneur podcast and author of Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success. Clearly, Amanda is BUSY, which is why I am so grateful she took the time to chat with me way back in March. I am such a huge fan of her human-centric approach to business and marketing, and I really appreciated her thoughtful responses to alllllll of my questions. There are so so many gems of wisdom and food for thought in this interview, I truly can’t wait for everyone to give it a listen.   Connect with Amanda:Website: www.amandamckinney.comInstagram: @theamandamckinneyMAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/193CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts

Repeat after me, “Google Analytics.” How does that phrase make you feel? If ‘intimidated,’ comes to mind, you are definitely not alone. Today’s guest is here to tell you that actually, not only is google analytics, or data analytics in general, not scary, but it can be an essential tool in your small business toolkit. Would you believe me if I said having a handle on your data can even be a stress reliever?Aby Blum Sudds offers online business management services & products for visionary entrepreneurs who don’t want to stress over the details. She primarily works with folks whose life circumstances, like chronic illness or neurodivergence, mean they need their businesses to work for them in specific ways. To Aby, understanding and utilizing your data is one way to make life easier, and it can even relieve some of the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that can arise for business owners just starting out. I loved talking with Aby, and learned so so much. No matter what life circumstance you find yourself in as a small business owner, there is so much gold to take away from this conversation.Connect with Aby:Website: abyblumsudds.comSMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT: CARA NISSEN OF BLOOM WITH CARA!Connect with Cara:Instagram: @bloomwithcaraMAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/192CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts