Many businesses and entrepreneurs don't know how to meet their goals and set profit because they don't have a planner that can help them with their accounting. Danielle Hayden, co-owner of Kickstart Accounting and Profit Planner, helps entrepreneurs get accounting off their plate. In this episode, she talks about creating zero accounting overwhelm with her Profit Planner for business owners to create the profits in their business and take home a paycheck they deserve. She breaks down to us the process of incrementally meeting weekly goals and bring your business to new heights. Listen to the story your numbers are telling you as Danielle guides us into this episode.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Are you done doing and want to start leading your company? Then you have to know the not-so-fun part of a business, that is, operations and strategic business planning. In today's episode, Biz Besties Amber Hawley and Maelisa Hall chat with The Ops Authority Natalie Gingrich. Natalie reveals the reality of an entrepreneur's burnout and the eventuality of needing an operator to scale your business. She shares seven objectives that you need to consider and emphasizes how you should set your priorities. She goes on to talk about her Strategic Mapping ModelTM, the Biz Planning Bootcamp course, and her group program, A-Team, which allows her to support women entrepreneurs to learn the skills needed to get their operations running smoothly.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Business moves differently for different people. Some may be in start-up mode, while others are in growth mode. No matter where you are, it is important to think about how aligned you and your team are with the overall pace of your business. In this episode, Amber Holly and Maelisa Hall dive deep into the pace of your business, what it says about your business growth along with where you are in life. Humans as we are, we encounter many things in our personal lives that keep us from that growth pace in business. With this, Amber and Melissa share the challenges that may come our way and how to overcome them. They also talk about the importance of keeping the same pace as your business partners and helping your team keep pace with their roles. What is more, they share some pointers about how to create space to find the right people to be in your inner circle.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Are you a perfectionist, a victim, a pleaser or an avoider? How you handle difficult conversations depends largely on your conflict personality type. In this episode, Amber Hawley and Maelisa Hall talk to podcaster, speaker, trainer, and author Lara Currie on having clear intentions and getting them across depending on the personality type of the person you're having a conflict with. They also touch on pre-framing high tension situations and of letting go of control. Learn about the trouble of having assumptions and expectations that lead to judgment. If you didn't do well in a conflict, take courage. Practice is key to getting better in dealing with difficult conversations.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Everybody's journey can take many twists and turns. For Leanne Kabat, those twists and turns started with an almost nuclear explosion in her life. With two toddlers and a baby on the way, Leanne got up in the middle of the night super hot and super dizzy and fell on the floor paralyzed for over five hours. Eight months later with an undiagnosed brain condition, she was told she only had five years to live. In this episode, Amber Hawley and Maelisa Hall talk with Leanne Kabat about the seasons of her business and life as Leanne opens up about her battle with a brain crash and how she was able to get her life back through MamaConnects, helping and connecting with people, and writing.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

These days, no matter how small or big a business is, a website is necessary. Dr. Maelisa Hall, a licensed psychologist and the Founder of the digital marketing company called My Digital Maven explains why it's important to have a website and digs into the three main reasons why people would seek out a website and explore it. With the need for having a business page also comes the necessity to make it functional. Maelisa highlights some of the challenges and key mistakes when creating business websites including linking the right people. She also shares the simplest but most vital information needed for a home page and the importance of having a site that's easy to navigate.

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Who are the folks in your entrepreneurial support system? Biz besties Rhonda Peterson and Teresa McCloy join the My Biz Bestie podcast to discuss their biz bestie relationship and how it is a part of their overall entrepreneurial support system. Rhonda is an executive coach for financial services and a 7 on the Enneagram. Teresa is an executive coach that works with small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is a type 3 on the Enneagram. Together they are a perfect 10. Find out how their biz bestie relationship plays a role in their business support system and why they are such a (super) match by listening to this episode of My Biz Bestie. 

Their origin story

Teresa was a brand new VA who was thinking of getting into coaching. She and Rhonda were in the same online group for executive coaches. When Teresa was traveling to Columbus for an event she reached out to the group to see if anyone lived there. Rhonda not only met up with her for coffee but invited Teresa into her home and fed her dinner. They made an immediate and deep connection that didn't stop in Columbus. The rest is history. 

What does their communication look like? 

Formal meetings or scheduled weekly calls are not their jam. Teresa and Rhonda are at best, Inconsistent. Rhonda likes to spice things up by randomly communicating through different channels. She may call, text, email, voxxer, or send a message in a bottle. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the picture. They don't always follow each other's advice but sometimes they just need an ear. These biz besties are able to hold each other accountable and often support each other in one of the groups that they always seem to be together in. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses and are there to showcase everything that their biz bestie can do. 

How does their relationship play a part in their overall entrepreneurial support system?

One always has to wonder if the biz bestie relationship is a monogamous one. But the truth is, having only one other person to rely on is not an entrepreneurial support system, its a partnership. If you are looking for a business support system then you'll need to develop other business relationships aside from the biz bestie. Rhonda and Teresa both have others in their 3 am circle. It's important to have a few close relationships that you can call at 3 am, that's what makes a support system work. 

How to find a biz bestie

It's easy to see Maelisa and Amber or Teresa and Rhonda and wonder how you can get that level of relationship. Finding a biz bestie can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. One common theme throughout most of the biz bestie stories is the same language. You don't have to look for someone doing the exact same thing as you, but it helps if you share the industry or speak the same language. Look for someone that runs in your circles. It helps to meet someone face to face, so be on the lookout at conferences and events. Who have you seen again and again in the same spaces? Being an entrepreneur can be isolating and finding a biz bestie can help make your entrepreneurial journey less lonely and a lot more fun. 

In this episode...

• [6:55] Their origin story
• [12:35] How to find a biz bestie
• [16:29] What does their communication look like?
• [21:55] Have they had biz besties in the past? 
• [29:39] What advice do they have? 

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Enneagram in Your ReaLife Podcast

Connect with Teresa and Rhonda

• Rhonda Peterson
• Teresa McCloy

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

 

How can facing your fears help you to empower yourself and succeed in your business? Mai-kee Tsang from the Quiet Rebels Podcast knows a thing or two about facing her fears. She has an amazing story to share with the My Biz Bestie audience. Her story is painful but it will make an impact on you. From it, you will learn that you can empower yourself by overcoming your fears. Please sit down and have a listen, but do know that from about 12:45-13:45 she opens up about a violent traumatic event and you may want to skip over that section if you are triggered by violence. Discover how much you can empower yourself by facing those fears. This episode may change you. 

Why the Quiet Rebels Podcast?

There is so much in a name. The name Quiet Rebels speaks volumes, but why did Mai-kee choose that as the name of her podcast? She believes that in this ever busy world, you don't have to be the loudest one in the room to make yourself heard. Sometimes the best plan of action is to softly have a human touch. Quiet rebels are bold in their thinking and quiet in their actions. Have you ever created a quiet yet powerful change in your life? In someone else's life?

How did she get started?

It may not seem like a big deal but Mai-kee's first act of rebellion was to not forge ahead with her field of study. Mai-kee studied psychology in school and was 'supposed' to become a psychologist. But she knew that it wasn't the path for her. After she finally broke free from an abusive relationship she realized that she had been coasting through life all along. She knew that she never wanted to feel hopeless again. After a bit of self-care, she decided to become a coach and help others. That's when she joined the online community that would change her whole trajectory.

Empower yourself by overcoming your fears

In the online community of over 10,000 people, the leader ran a challenge. He was offering a 1-year mentorship to the winner of the challenge. Mai-kee knew she had to have that mentorship. She knew that it would be the answer to everything. The challenge was 7 days of overcoming fears. She started out with a bang. She learned so much from facing her fears head-on from the big, scary fears of nightmares to the silly ones that help you loosen up and let go. Listen to find out what the biggest lesson she learned from that challenge was. 

Is fear something you can conquer?

Fear isn't something silly, it actually comes from a place of self-protection. Your fears are there to keep you safe. Mai-kee faced her fears in an incredibly public way. Does this mean that she has stood atop a mountain and conquered them? By facing her fears, she has learned how to empower herself and you can empower yourself too. Find out just how far your business can go when you learn to empower yourself by facing your own fears. Let Maelisa and Amber know if you have any fears holding you back. How will you face them?

In this episode...

• [3:12] What made her want to create the podcast?
• [8:33] How has her past trauma made her stronger?
• [12:45] *Trigger warning* Mai-kee's account of physical abuse
• [13:53] Her negative experiences have shown her how capable she can be
• [16:55] How did one group challenge change her trajectory?
• [30:14] It can be easy to forget your successes
• [35:45] Winning the contest was no longer her primary driver 

Connect with Mai-kee Tsang

• Mai-kee Tsang
• Quiet Rebel Podcast
• Mai-kee Tsang on Instagram
• Mai-Kee Tsang on Facebook

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Let's face it, we're all looking for productivity hacks for entrepreneurs. Since productivity isn't exactly Maelisa and Amber's forte they did what any creative entrepreneur would do. They outsourced this episode. Optimizing your time to get the most out of your day is a key to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Thankfully Maelisa and Amber have an awesome network of super resourceful entrepreneurs. Listen now to hear creative productivity hacks for entrepreneurs from these helpful biz owners. 

Do you have a hit list?

Dr. Ajita Robinson loves to prioritize. She knows how to make a list and eliminate the shoulds. After doing that she has her hit list. Her next step is to identify the tasks that don't require her expertise. She outsources them like a boss. The next step she takes is to batch it up. She identifies the tasks that go together and then gets to scheduling. She knows how to make her time work for her. Listen in to hear how she uses power hours to get the important tasks done. 

Is your equipment slowing you down?

Katie Krimitsos' productivity hack is not a software, not a tool, and not even a mindset. Here's her secret that she is just learning: Make sure you have the proper equipment to run your business and that it runs efficiently. Ensure that everything you need to do your job is up to date and not slowing you down. Sometimes when your equipment starts to wear out it begins chipping away at your time over time. This becomes a slow progression downward that you may not even notice. Think about your equipment. Do you have to spend extra time to work to get your stuff up to date?

How's your schedule looking this week?

Marissa Lawton always thought she sucked at productivity because she couldn't follow the advice of all the experts. She hates batching. She's one of those people that needs to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of a task. She has managed to become more productive by creating a schedule every Sunday night. Knowing what she's going to do each day has helped her stay on task and even given her space to breathe. Find out how she does it by listening to this episode of My Biz Bestie. 

More productivity hacks for entrepreneurs

If you are struggling with time management or productivity then you'll want to hear all the different advice from all of these accomplished entrepreneurs. Whether you are ultra-sensitive, have to write it all out, or shut everything down. There is a productivity hack out there that is right for you. Listen to the rest of our entrepreneurial productivity experts to hear what they do to maximize their time. 

In this episode...

• [3:02] Eliminate the shoulds
• [6:08] Make sure you have up to date equipment
• [8:05] Set a weekly schedule
• [10:38] Write it out
• [11:30] Get laser-focused
• [12:45] Honor yourself
• [14:57] Use Google Calendar
• [17:02] Remind yourself that you matter

Connect with the Productivity Masters

• Dr. Ajita Robinson - Mastering Insurance
• Katie Krimitsos - Women's Meditation Network
• Marissa Lawton - Empathy Rising
• Dr. Nazanin Moali - Sexology Podcast
• Pam Andrews - Scholarship Shark Podcast
• Patricia Young - Unapologetically Sensitive Podcast
• Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts - Learn Smarter Podcast
• Shane Birkel - Couples Therapist Couch

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Even if you are good at setting boundaries with friends and family, you may still struggle when setting boundaries with clients. Others struggle with boundaries in all parts of their life. Melissa Morris joins Maelisa and Amber on this episode of My Biz Bestie to set us straight on setting boundaries. Melissa is a business operations consultant that specializes in client processes. She helps service providers streamline and automate these processes. She also helps her clients with their client onboarding and client management. She has noticed in her extensive experience that so many of her clients need coaching on creating boundaries and expectations with their clients. You'll definitely want to take some notes so that you can remember these helpful tips for setting boundaries with clients. 

Lack of client management can lead to confusion

Many service providers have amazing offerings but they don't know how to manage their clients. Oftentimes people come into entrepreneurship after leaving the corporate world. In their previous role, they may have had a buffer between themselves and the client. Now that the buffer is no longer there they have no idea how to manage their clients' expectations. They may even think that they are providing better service to their customers by letting them lead the way. But the truth is this technique (or lack thereof) will lead you to burnout and the client can end up dissatisfied. 

Setting boundaries with clients from the getgo will save you time

When you let the client take the lead they are left with questions and sometimes they fill in those questions with their own expectations which may be very different than the service that you perform. When you let your clients know what to expect from you early on then they end up with all of those questions answered right off the bat. When you clearly communicate with your clients early on in the onboarding process you end up saving yourself time later on answering questions and putting out fires. 

4 items you need to include in your onboarding communication

Your onboarding email is a perfect place to set the stage for your new client. Some people call it their welcome email or 'how I work.' Whatever you call it, make sure to outline your expectations by including these 4 items:

1. Your preferred method of communication. This ensures the client isn't bombarding you with messages on multiple platforms.
2. Your deliverables. This lets the client know how long it takes you to respond or get things done. 
3. Meeting details
4. What you expect from the client. Let the client know when you need their information.

What are some common boundaries that clients push?

The biggest problem that people face with their clients is communication. When you let your client know from the beginning how you want to communicate and during which times of day you will lessen the constant back and forth as well as save yourself the headaches involved in miscommunication. When they have all the information they need in 1 place you have an excellent resource to refer them back to. Scope creep is another common problem. Sometimes entrepreneurs are asked to do tasks that are outside the parameters they have set. It may be just a bit outside those boundaries. That is why it is important to get specific about what is included in your offering.

In this episode...

• [4:12] Many service providers don't know how to manage clients
• [8:30] What are common areas where boundaries get pushed?
• [13:40] People will bring their own expectations
• [15:35] Do you reply to emails during your off time?
• [20:06] Scope creep is another common problem

Resources & People Mentioned

• EPISODE 64 - Is Complacency Affecting Your Business Growth?

Connect with Melissa Morris

• Check Melissa out on Facebook
• Get your FREE onboarding checklist at MelissaVMorris.com

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify

Do you know your love language? Your love language can say a lot about you and how you communicate. While your love language is traditionally used for couples, it can tell you a lot about how you communicate with others. You can also learn how others communicate with you. Not only can you use this information in your relationship but you can learn how to connect better with your team as well. The book The 5 Love Languages is a great starting point for connection. Discover how to use your love language to help you communicate with your entire business support system by knowing your love language. 

Why is it important to know your love language?

Your partner is part of your business support system, so if that relationship isn't performing ideally, neither are you. Knowing (both) of your love languages can help you learn how to communicate better. While it is important to know your own love language it is just as important to know your partner's. When you know how your partner is trying to communicate with you it can further your understanding and deepen your relationship. Knowing both of your love languages can help you discover why some people act the way they do. 

What are the 5 love languages?

1. Words of affirmation - Some people value kind words over other ways to express love. Thanks, you look beautiful, and other affirmations go a long way with these people. They crave positive feedback.
2. Physical touch - No this doesn't necessarily mean sex. It is important to understand what type of physical touch your partner is craving. It could be snuggling or a gentle caress as you pass by. It's important to communicate your wishes and what they mean to you. 
3. Acts of service -Others communicate by getting stuff done. They might get the oil changed on the car, pick up the dry cleaning or put kids to bed. 
4. Gifts - If someone's love language is gifts, it doesn't mean they are shallow or a gold digger. Gifts don't mean expensive trinkets. It's more about the intention behind the gift. If this is your love language it means that you want someone to be thoughtful and consider what is important to you. 
5. Quality time - The definition of quality time can vary. It may mean a walk in the park or a night snuggled on the couch watching movies.

How you can show your partner your love

Knowing your love language doesn't mean that you don't appreciate other ways of expression. It's important to know how your partner expresses their love as well. You can express your love in your own way but you should also try to express love in the way that your partner wants. If you don't they may not even realize that you do show that you care. What makes you feel loved? Try to do something for your partner every day. Make showing your love in a way that resonates with them a habit.

Use your love language with your team

Asking someone their love language at work might be a bit awkward. But by knowing the 5 love languages you can be more attuned to those on your team. One way to show your team you're really listening is to ask them individually how they need support. What looks like help to you today Is a great question to ask. How will you use the love languages in your business?

In this episode...

• [3:12] What are the 5 love languages?
• [7:44] What are the acts of service?
• [15:55] How are your actions being received?
• [24:04] How does knowing your love language help you in your business?

Resources & People Mentioned

• Couples Fix - love languages episode
• BOOK - The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• Love languages quiz

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

• www.MyBizBestie.com
• And the MBB Facebook Page

Subscribe to My Biz Bestie on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Spotify