Chill & Prosper with Denise Duffield-Thomas

If you haven't heard a single rumor about this, you're probably thinking, "Who do you think you are, Denise?"   Or you may have heard that it's a goal of mine to retire soon, and you're curious.   At a conference I was speaking at back in March, I mentioned that I'm on track to hit my goal of retiring by 45, and maybe it was an overshare, but I had a few people freak out.    So, I wanted to record this Chill and Prosper episode to share more about what's happening for me and what I'm manifesting.

Every day, I get questions from entrepreneurs about how to stay positive, stay on top of my mindset, or what to do when the inevitable blocks pop up.    I’ve spent the last two decades helping people with their mindset in business because I know how crucial it is to your success and well-being.    Working on your mindset is one of the only things in business that you can’t outsource to anyone else, and in my opinion, it is the number one thing we have to master as entrepreneurs.   When I talk about mindset work, I mean believing in yourself, nurturing an abundance mindset, and challenging your negative beliefs.    It’s not a one-and-done thing, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. You must learn to continually watch your thoughts and feelings to ensure they don’t derail you.    Because we all have negative thoughts, and you can’t ever truly get rid of them, but you can learn to dance with them so they don’t undermine the pursuit of your dreams.    So, this is the topic we’re diving into on today’s podcast. 

After every launch, I’m nagged by the question - why didn’t more people buy?    Despite the success of my business, and even when we’ve had 7-figure launches, the question still haunts me.    If you’ve ever thought this or had a launch that missed expectations, then today’s podcast episode is for you.    We’re talking launch conversion rates and the real reasons why people don’t buy. 

Back then when I first tried my hand at launching an online business, it was a whole different ball game.  In 2009, social media was an infant, graphics creation was a nightmare and hosting your own videos? Forget about it unless you were ready to shell out some serious dough.  I still remember the days when PowerPoint or Paint were my tool of choice for creating graphics and I continually tweaked HTML struggling to center things on my webpage.  Fast forward to today, and things are wildly different.  Creating graphics is as simple as a click with platforms like Canva and hosting videos? Platforms like Teachable and Kajabi have made it as easy as pie.  But amidst all the convenience, I hear from lots of entrepreneurs that launching has become more challenging.  The need to keep up with the ever-evolving social media platforms, the struggle to stand out in an increasingly saturated market - it's enough to make even the most seasoned entrepreneurs want to stop.  So, is launching getting harder? I'd say yes and no.  Yes, because the demands are higher and the competition is fiercer. But also no, because with the right mindset and strategy, launching can still be really rewarding.  It's easy to feel overwhelmed and start doubting yourself when you're about to launch. I've been there, trust me. The online business landscape is constantly changing, and what worked yesterday might not work today. But that's where the thrill lies, in continuously learning and growing.  Listen to today’s podcast episode for my take on the challenges and winning strategies I’m seeing online.

As an introvert, the thought of living out of suitcases, constantly on the move with my family was simply overwhelming.  But, when Mark and I first starting talking about the idea of taking on some extended travel, there was a determination deep within me to turn this journey into something more than just an extended vacation.  It was about breaking free from the daily grind, to create vivid memories that would last a lifetime.  In a couple of weeks, my family and I will begin four months travel in Europe, mainly based in the UK but with a few adventures and weeks away on the continent.  I’ve never been a very adventurous traveller and I haven’t loved traveling with young kids in the past, so it’s taken some time for me to prepare for this trip.  There are a lot of logistics to plan in our business but it’s also taken some mindset work.  I bet many of you entrepreneurs and business owners can relate to this, especially if you’re planning to hit the pause button on work for an extended period.  So, how am I managing to streamline my operations without breaking our business?  Here are three simplified steps I took, which I believe would be beneficial for you as well...

Reflecting on a recent trip to New York, the narrator discusses the guilt of indulging in fun experiences, organizing a VIP event, and the importance of not overworking. They also explore observations on declining flight and hotel services, pricing strategies, and the value of convenience in travel. Exploring the importance of support and the impact it makes in enhancing experiences, with examples of how an extra pair of eyes and logistical assistance can make a significant difference. Reflecting on the value of receiving and being worthy of support. Exploring the concept of VIP days and their experience at BroadwayCon, discussing the inclusivity, diversity, and discussions on making theater more accessible. This chapter shares an anecdote about a musician performing live and discusses the diversity among performers attending an event. It emphasizes the importance of fair compensation in the arts industry. Discussion of attending various panels about the musical Wicked at Broadway Con, including their experience at a Wicked-themed party and the importance of keeping shows fresh.

I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer,” but I’m going to be real with you.   Being in business, particularly working with your significant other, is not always sunshine and rainbows.    Today’s podcast episode isn’t a pity party, but I’m giving you an honest look at some of the things I find hardest in my business. 

For today’s podcast I’ve got something a little different for you and it’s so fun!    And this took some expert editing because recording this ep was a little manic!   This episode is a family affair - I’ve got four special guests; my hubby Mark and our three gorgeous kids. Listen to this chat with our family to learn:   How we talk about money Our kids ideas about money and future careers What our kids think we both do in our business How we use tapping to release fears or emotions  And so much more!

SO JUICY! Ever wondered what it costs to run a multi-million dollar business?   In today's podcast, I take you behind the scenes and share the real costs from my company. 

If you’re stuck at a plateau or want to move to the next income level, it starts with exploring your unconscious beliefs about why you can’t earn more.    Are there unwritten rules about what you are and aren’t allowed to earn? Maybe there are unconscious limits from your parents, industry, or mentors.   In today’s podcast episode, I discuss how to acclimate to higher revenue and the steps you can take to be open to expanding beyond what you thought was possible.