The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Laura Posey, internationally recognised speaker, author, and consultant. She's known as the simple planning specialist and she has a unique ability to make the complex. Simple and easy to get done. We chat about why so many business owners feel flat out busy but still unclear, and how a one-page plan can change that.If you're a coach, consultant or running a service-based business and you’re done with spinning wheels, this one's for you.You’ll learn:✅ What really happens when you do not plan✅ Why lifestyle design should guide business decisions✅ How one page planning creates clarity and direction✅ How to turn goals into projects and actual daily tasks✅ Why saying no is just as important as saying yes📩 Connect with Laura on Linkedin!🎁 Grab Laura’s Free Gift: Daily Success Checklist on her websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode, I was delighted to be interviewed by Dan O’Donoghue.  Dan is a business development specialist with over 20 years experience in helping businesses grow sustainably and strategically.We talked about my journey, the fire that was lit in me when a teacher said “I wasn’t as smart as my friends”, and how that same determination is what drives me now.We talked about my passion… using traditional marketing concepts to drive business growth on social media. You’ll hear:Why social media isn’t just about awarenessWhy content creators and business owners have very different goalsThe one thing you need to get right before posting anything on social mediaWhy “just using AI” isn’t enoughThe difference between posting and having a systemWhy clarity always comes before confidenceJoin Louise LIVE on her upcoming 2026 Social Selling Masterclass and discover how to use social media to generate consistent leads and sales in 2026Date: Wednesday, 10th December 2025Time: 3:00 PM ET (New York) / 8:00 PM GMT (Dublin/London)SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I spoke with Ashley Leeds, known as “The 15-Minute Guy”, who helps business owners use LinkedIn to build genuine visibility without spending hours online. Ashley shared how he went from other fields into becoming a LinkedIn coach helping professionals show up confidently and consistently.If you’re struggling to post on LinkedIn, unsure what to share, or feel it takes too much time, this episode will give you a simple and practical approach to building your brand the right way.You’ll learn:✅ Why consistency beats perfection on LinkedIn✅ How to create engaging posts that reflect who you are✅ Why overthinking stops people from showing up✅ The power of commenting and engagement in building trust✅ How to manage time and still stay visible onlineConnect with Ashley on LinkedIn 🎁 Check out Ashley’s free gift: 15-Minute LinkedIn Makeover ChecklistIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Jill Lublin, international speaker, best-selling author, and publicity strategist who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. We dive into how small business owners can use publicity to build visibility, credibility, and trust...without spending big on ads.If you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner wanting to attract more clients through authentic visibility, this one’s for you.You’ll learn:✅ Why publicity outshines paid ads✅ How to land media coverage from day one✅ The 3 keys to boosting visibility✅ How kindness fuels profit✅ Why consistency builds lasting trustSHOW CHAPTERS0:00 Publicity Starts With One Simple Pitch0:38 Meet Jill Lublin: Author, PR and Media Expert1:27 Understanding Gorilla Publicity and the Broad Scope of Publicity4:49 Crafting Your Message and Creative Strategies for Media Attention7:27 Leveraging Special Days and Events12:50 Planning and Executing Your PR Strategy21:50 Final Takeaway and Free Gift from Jill💌 Connect with Jill on LinkedIn 🎁 FREE GIFT If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I had the pleasure of chatting with Niraj Kaur, bestselling author of Everybody Works In Sales. Niraj shares his journey from struggling in sales to becoming a top performer, highlighting the power of self-development, the right mindset, and practical strategies for handling objections and ghosting. We also dive into how to use LinkedIn effectively while staying authentic.If you’re a coach, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur who wants to feel more confident selling your offers, this episode is for you.You’ll learn:✅ Why mindset and habits are the foundation of sales success✅ How to reframe “selling” as helping to overcome fear✅ Smart ways to handle objections and turn pushback into opportunities ✅ Practical strategies for following up and dealing with ghosting ✅ How to use LinkedIn to build genuine connections and grow your businessSHOW CHAPTERS0:00 Forget About Selling For One Second...0:38 Introduction and Guest Welcome1:36 The Journey to Sales Mastery2:11 Mindset and Attitude in Sales3:41 The Importance of Coaching and Continuous Learning6:21 Challenges and Realities of Sales7:32 Overcoming Sales Fears and Building Good Habits11:10 Handling Objections and Client Follow-ups13:08 Effective Sales Conversations13:59 The Art of Asking Questions15:49 Dealing with Client Ghosting18:50 Effective Communication on LinkedIn21:01 The Power of Personal Stories24:50 The Reality of Social Media Success25:52 Using AI in Business29:10 Final TakeawaysConnect with NirajLinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

This week, I’m doing something a bit different…I’m handing the mic to my copywriter, Katy Prodromou, who’s interviewing me for a change. Shedding light on the biggest shifts I’ve ever seen in the online space and why coaches and consultants must pay attention.AI isn’t just changing how we create content. It’s changing everything. And if you’re still relying on random posting and hoping for leads, you’re already falling behind.In this episode, I share exactly how I’m helping coaches and consultants future-proof their business with my 5-step system, a structure that works with AI to make your marketing faster, smarter, and more effective.What you’ll take away:Why AI is disrupting marketing – and what to do before you get left behindThe difference between posting content and having a real strategyHow I use AI at every stage of my system (not just for content!)What most people get wrong in their social media bios and contentWhy your email list is still your most powerful business assetA look behind the scenes at my 5-step social selling systemHow the brand-new assessment will help you spot your biggest lead gen gapsSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 How AI Will Affect Your Work01:09 The Big Shift: AI's Impact on Coaches and Consultants01:41 Before and After AI05:55 AI's Role in Social Media Marketing07:55 The System to Stand Out as a Coach or Consultant10:37 Why Doing More Won’t Fix Broken Marketing11:19 Common Mistakes in Social Media Strategy16:57 Leveraging AI for Business Success23:15 The Five-Step System for Success22:48 Upcoming Free Workshop and Final ThoughtsWant to see this system in action?I’m hosting a free, live masterclass on 24th September where I’ll walk you through it all plus you’ll get a digital copy of my 2025 Content Planner and take my brand-new assessment live with me.👉 SAVE YOUR SEAT HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sat down with Maureen McCowen, public speaking coach and founder of Soft Skills Success. We talked about how the fear of speaking up, whether in meetings, presentations or even casual conversations holds back far too many professionals. Maureen shared real client stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that help people go from staying silent to speaking with confidence and clarity.If you're a coach, business owner, or professional who avoids public speaking (or dreads it!), this episode is a must-listen.You’ll learn: ✅ Why fear of speaking is more common than you think ✅ How staying silent could be stalling your career ✅ Simple strategies to start building your speaking confidence ✅ The key difference between sharing a story and making it relevant ✅ How to present with more impact online and in-personSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Speak Without Fear00:18 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:18 The Fear of Public Speaking03:05 Practical Steps to Build Confidence05:32 The Importance of Preparation06:13 Set Your Intentions and Don’t Look For Perfection08:22 Change How You Speak To Yourself10:53 Common Mistakes in Presentations12:04 Effective Presentation Skills16:35 Handling Technical Difficulties19:04 The Difference Between Presenting In-Person and Online23:45 The Power Of Storytelling28:21 Final Takeaways and Free Gift!🎁 And if you’re stuck with your storytelling, Maureen has a free download full of storytelling prompts. Grab it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Domingo Silvas, serial entrepreneur, AI marketing pioneer, and founder of Think Smart Scale, Magpie, and Scale Up. We chatted about lead generation for service-based businesses, uncovering why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong metrics. He shared how his journey from survival-mode entrepreneurship to scaling 14 companies led him to develop high-converting systems especially using assessments. If you're a coach, consultant, or service professional looking to attract better clients and boost conversions, this episode is for you.You’ll learn:✅ Why quality leads matter more than quantity✅ The real reason viral content doesn't guarantee success✅ How to create and use assessments to qualify leads✅ Why mentorship and systems are key to scaling✅ How AI is changing the way we assess and convert leadsSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Viral doesn't mean anything...here's WHY.00:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:15 Domingo Silvas' Entrepreneurial Journey02:20 The Importance of Lead Generation02:52 Biggest Mistake on Lead Generation03:40 The 90-days Test04:47 The 'Easy Business' Narrative06:01 The Role of Mentorship and Systems07:36 How Do You Put Less Money on Your Business?08:15 People Buy What They WANT and Not What They NEED09:15 We All WANT Success But What We NEED is Systems10:59 Power of Assessments in Business15:22 Creating Effective and High-Performing Assessments19:21 AI in Business and Assessments22:29 Conclusion and Final TakeawaysConnect with Domingo:LinkedIn🎁 Grab Domingo's Free Gift here 👉 Magpai's 30-days Risk-Free TrialIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Lyndsay Phillips, content marketing strategist and podcast guesting expert.Lyndsay shares exactly why most podcast guest spots don’t convert and what to do instead. From “billboard-ready” topics to strategic one-sheets and content repurposing, she shared a smarter way to use guest interviews to build authority and generate leads.You’ll learn: ✅ Why most podcast guesting fails to generate leads ✅ How to choose strategic topics that match your offers ✅ What to send a host instead of a traditional one-sheet  ✅ Why repeating your message is powerful, not boring ✅ How to turn every guest spot into a content goldmineSHOW CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Lyndsay’s journey into podcast guesting01:58 The “bridge to profits” mindset03:26 Why visibility alone doesn’t get you leads04:31 What makes a podcast topic “billboard-ready”07:07 Mistake #1: Not looking at Podcast Guesting as a way to bridge pain to your offers08:49 Mistake #2: Choosing the wrong topic08:56 Mistake #3: Letting interviews go off-track11:26 Mistake #4: Relying on generic one-sheets and being too expert and technical14:23 "Message Papers" - Little stepping stones that are bringing that audience closer to your offers15:39 Why repeating your message is smart, not stale17:50 Repurposing guest content like a pro19:09 Tools Lyndsay loves for podcast content19:49 Free resource from LyndsayConnect with Lyndsay:LinkedIn🎁 Grab Lyndsay’s free gift: “Leverage Your Podcast to Get More Clients”, a free guide that goes even deeper into all of this.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, Louise talks with Mari Smith, world renowned  speaker, author, trusted advisor to Meta, and widely known as the Queen of Facebook.Mari shares her expert insights on where Facebook is heading, how the algorithm is evolving, and what businesses need to do in 2025 to stay ahead. From organic reach to AI-powered ads, she breaks it all down with clarity and honesty.You’ll learn:✅ What Meta’s AI-powered recommendation engine means for reach✅ How to get in front of non-followers with the right content ✅ The difference between professional mode and business pages ✅ Why Facebook ads still outperform other platforms ✅ How to prepare your content and messaging for 2025Is Facebook still worth your time? Tune in for an insightful conversation that will change how you think about Meta.SHOW CHAPTERS01:00 Why Facebook Is Still Relevant in 202503:00 Facebook vs TikTok – Are the Lines Blurring?06:00 Age Demographics and Platform Use07:00 How Facebook's Algorithm Has Changed09:00 Business Pages vs Professional Mode Profiles12:00 Meta’s £65 Billion AI Investment14:00 AI Tools for Organic, Video, and Ads17:00 Advantage+ and Smart Retargeting18:00 Content Quality and Message Alignment20:00 The New Rules of Reach and Organic vs Paid23:00 Concerns Around AI Bots and Future of the Platform26:00 Where Meta Is Heading NextConnect with Mari:FacebookInstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...