In episode 629, Kimberly Espinel teaches us strategies that top food content creators use to build and monetize their audiences on Instagram.

Kimberly is an award winning photographer, best-selling author, creative business mentor and Instagram expert dedicated to empowering food bloggers, photographers and content creators to refine their skills, discover their unique style, and develop a social media strategy that works.

In this episode, you’ll learn what is meant by ‘being authentic’, why you should prioritize video, understanding your audience, and incorporating a personal touch.

Key points discussed include:

- Embrace authenticity and vulnerability: Audiences are drawn to creators who share their personal stories and give them a sense of connection.

- Prioritize video content: Focusing on reels, TikToks, and YouTube can help you reach and engage your audience more effectively.

- Deeply understand your audience: Knowing your target customer's pain points and preferences will allow you to create content that resonates.

- Incorporate a personal touch: Adding your own voice, music choices, or on-camera presence can make your content feel more human and relatable.

- Adapt to changing trends: Be willing to evolve your strategies as platforms and algorithms shift, rather than clinging to what worked in the past.

- Develop a pragmatic mindset: Approach your content creation with a business-minded perspective, and don't take setbacks too personally.

- Focus on strong hooks: Crafting an engaging opening sequence for your reels can make all the difference in capturing your audience's attention.

- Optimize your lighting: Ensuring proper lighting can elevate the production value of your video content and make it more visually appealing.

- Leverage engagement tools strategically: Tools like ManyChat can help you drive traffic and build relationships with your audience.

- Monetize through brand collaborations: Developing a strong video presence can make you an attractive partner for brands seeking influencer marketing opportunities.

You’ll love our Instagram Growth Supercut - a short 15-minute episode sharing tips from food content creators crushing it on Instagram - Download it here.

Order Kimberly's book - How to Make Your Food Famous

Connect with Kimberly Espinel

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In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 ways to optimize our week so that we can build our dream life.

I’m always striving to create my dream week—a vision I hold onto and know I’ll achieve someday, even though it’s not quite here yet. In the meantime, I regularly adjust my schedule to ensure I’m moving in the right direction. When I notice my work-life balance slipping, I make small tweaks to realign, like aiming to keep my workweek under 20 hours. The secret to building your ideal schedule lies in taking it one step at a time with consistent, intentional adjustments. Each week, ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? Without this reflection, it’s easy to fall into a rut and lose excitement about your week. Here’s how I approach it.

Action Plan:

1 - Do a time audit: Tracking how you spend your time for 3-7 days can provide valuable insights to identify areas for improvement.

2 - Look for easy wins: Implement small, impactful changes like meal prepping or delegating tasks to optimize your week.

3 - Set boundaries: Define and commit to one or two boundaries, such as a hard cut-off time, to better separate work and personal life.

4 - Tackle important tasks first: "Eat your frog" by completing a high-priority task before moving on to other items on your to-do list.

5 - Reflect and reset weekly: Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing your week to celebrate wins and identify one small change for the next week.

Get in touch with Megan

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In episode 627, Megan chats to Katie Trant about how food bloggers can define, build, and maintain a strong brand identity to stand out in a crowded online space.

Katie Trant is a branding expert, a copywriter, and an OG food blogger. For more than a decade, she has worked at brand consultancies, helping huge global players define their brands. Recently, Katie has launched Foodie Brand Lab, a course and brand consultancy, especially for food bloggers who want to build a brand, refine their brand strategy, and take their business to the next level.

In this episode, you'll learn about the key differences between personal and traditional branding, and practical strategies you can use to develop a cohesive, memorable brand identity that resonates with your target audience.

Key points discussed include:

- Defining your brand is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process: Your brand should evolve over time as your business and audience grow, so be prepared to continuously revisit and refine it.

- Understand the difference between personal and traditional brands: Determine whether your brand should revolve around you as an individual or function more as a traditional business brand.

- Focus on developing a strong, consistent voice and tone: Your writing style and the way you communicate with your audience is a core part of your brand identity.

- Create brand guidelines to maintain consistency: Establish guidelines for visual elements, content style, and brand behavior across all your channels and touchpoints.

- Prioritize functionality and user experience over elaborate branding: Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate before investing heavily in custom branding.

- Let your brand purpose and values guide your business decisions: Use your brand's core purpose and values to inform the content, products, and services you offer.

- Embrace the iterative nature of branding: Be willing to experiment and make adjustments to your brand as you learn more about your audience and evolving industry trends.

Seek outside perspectives to uncover hidden brand insights: An external branding expert can often identify strengths and opportunities you may have overlooked.

- Understand that your brand lives in the minds of your audience: Your brand is ultimately defined by the emotional perceptions and experiences of the people who interact with it.

$50 discount from the Foodie Brand Lab Course - this link will automatically take $50 off of the price, as will entering the discount code PODCAST. 

Connect with Katie Trant

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In episode 626, Jillian Leslie teaches us how we can effectively monetize our businesses through the creation and sale of digital products.

Jillian Leslie is co-founder of the blog, Catch My Party, and software company, MiloTree, which empowers bloggers to sell digital products to their audiences. Jillian is also the host of The Blogger Genius Podcast, where for the past six years, she's been interviewing successful online entrepreneurs, content creators, and industry experts. Jillian's goal is to empower bloggers and creators to build successful online businesses so they can change their lives and have the freedom they crave.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to get started, selling simple digital products like ebooks or guides, how to leverage tools like ChatGPT for ideas, and MiloTree for easy setup.

Key points discussed include:

- Start simple with digital products: Begin with an ebook or guide that solves a specific problem for your audience, rather than trying to create an overly complex offering.

- Experiment and iterate: Don't be afraid to "do it ugly" and learn as you go. Treat your digital product launches as experiments to help you refine your offerings.

- Build relationships with your audience: Focus on becoming a trusted helper and problem-solver for your readers, rather than just a faceless content creator.

- Leverage free tools and resources: Use platforms like MiloTree to simplify the technical aspects of selling digital products, so you can focus on creating and marketing.

- Grow your email list: See each email subscriber as a valuable asset, and use lead magnets to steadily build your audience.

- Consider memberships for recurring revenue: Memberships can provide a steady stream of income, but start small and build a community around your expertise.

- Embrace imperfection and give yourself grace: Avoid getting bogged down in perfection; focus on providing value and improving over time.

- Prioritize simplicity: When it comes to both your digital products and your tech stack, aim for streamlined solutions that are easy for you and your audience to use.

- Seek feedback and input from your audience: Engage with your readers to better understand their needs and refine your offerings accordingly.

Connect with Jillian Leslie

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In this episode, we're going to talk about how to overcome the fear of taking risks in your business so that you can thrive as an entrepreneur.

Being an entrepreneur means embracing calculated risks, even when they feel intimidating. While I naturally lean towards high-risk opportunities, I always assess the risk-reward ratio before taking the leap. Risk-taking in entrepreneurship isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being strategic. Truthfully, there are moments when I’m absolutely terrified of the risks required to grow as an entrepreneur. I know how overwhelming it can feel to push beyond your comfort zone. So, how do I manage it? How can you determine if a risk is worth taking? And what steps should you take after overcoming those entrepreneurial fears? Let’s explore five practical strategies to help you confidently navigate risk-taking as an entrepreneur.

Action Plan:

1 - Evaluate the risk: Take the time to write down and analyze the potential risks in your business, whether financial, emotional or otherwise. This will help you gain clarity and reduce anxiety about taking the leap.

2 - Start small: Begin by taking on smaller, low-stakes risks to build your confidence. Completing these smaller challenges will show you that risks don't have to be as daunting as they may seem.

3 - Create a risk wish list: Make a list of the bigger risks you know you need to take, and revisit it regularly. This will keep your intentions clear and motivate you to follow through.

4 - Focus on the rewards: Visualize the potential benefits and opportunities that could arise from taking a particular risk. Let this positive outlook propel you forward through the initial fear.

5 - Reward your progress: Give yourself small treats and celebrations when you successfully take on a risk, no matter how big or small. This positive reinforcement will strengthen your risk-taking mindset.

Further Reading: 7 Reasons Why Risk-Taking Leads to Success (Huffington Post)

Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover.

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In episode 624, Megan chats to Danielle Hayden about developing a healthy mindset when it comes to business spending and why wise business investments pay off.

Danielle is a CPA, author, Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting. She is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer who is rewriting what it means to provide bookkeeping and consulting services to high-earning female business owners. The Kickstart Accounting Inc. team is the one-stop-shop that provides their clients with bookkeeping services as a tiered system that grows with the business as needed. Additionally, they offer online courses (think all things money mindset), payroll services and tax consulting services. Since their founding in 2015, the Kickstart team has helped thousands of high-earning service-based business owners grow and scale their businesses to new heights.

In this episode, you’ll learn about using an accounting system to track income and expenses, how to align spending with business goals, and invest in areas like advertising and marketing.

Key points discussed include:

- Invest in your business to grow, don't just cut spending: Cutting back on necessary expenses can jeopardize your business growth. Instead, invest in areas that will support your goals.

- Know your numbers monthly: Having an accounting system and reviewing your finances monthly will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending.

- Align spending with your intentions: Determine your business goals for the next 12 months and ensure your spending aligns with those intentions.

- Consistency builds trust: Showing up consistently, whether with content or marketing, sends a message that you are a reliable business.

- Start with one investment, more will follow: Begin with one strategic investment, and other opportunities will reveal themselves as you progress.

- Outsource tasks outside your expertise: Don't try to do everything yourself; outsource bookkeeping and other tasks that are not your zone of genius.

- Advertising and marketing are key investments: Prioritize spending on advertising and marketing to support business growth, but be patient and consistent with your efforts.

- Believe in yourself and your business: Your mindset and the messages you send to the universe through your investments can impact your success.

- Review and adjust spending regularly: Reassess your spending and align it with your evolving business goals and life stages.

Connect with Danielle Hayden

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In episode 623, Dalit Vaknin shares her journey of overcoming the challenges of building a successful blog in her second language, English, and how other non-native English speakers can do the same.

Dalit, a former dietician, is a passionate food blogger and culinary enthusiast. After relocating to the US, she turned her love for food into a thriving blog specializing in artisanal ice cream. Dalit's mission is to inspire others, especially those whose first language is not English, to pursue their passions through writing and blogging. She believes language should never be a barrier to sharing your unique voice and stories with the world.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to keep motivated when blogging in English as your second language, how to overcome self-doubt and use visual aids and other useful tools.

Key points discussed include:

- Embrace the journey: Blogging in a second language may be challenging, but approach it with an open mindset and celebrate your progress along the way.

- Leverage visual aids: Use process shots, arrows, and visual cues to make your content more accessible and engaging, especially when language skills are still developing.

- Start simple: Begin with straightforward recipes and gradually increase complexity as you build confidence in your writing.

- Immerse yourself: Read cookbooks and other blogs to familiarize yourself with the specific vocabulary and formatting used in the food blogging niche.

- Utilize helpful tools: Take advantage of resources like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and capitalization checkers to improve your writing and catch errors.

- Seek feedback: Ask a trusted friend or family member to review your blog posts and provide constructive feedback to help you improve.

- Practice speaking: Participate in blogger groups or conferences to practice your English speaking skills and gain confidence in communicating your ideas.

- Celebrate small wins: Recognize and appreciate the progress you make, even if it feels slow at times. Each blog post is an opportunity to grow.

- Embrace mistakes: Understand that perfection is not the goal. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, so be kind to yourself.

- Leverage your strengths: If English is not your native language, remember that you have the unique advantage of bringing a fresh perspective and diverse experiences to your blog.

Connect with Dalit Vaknin

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In this episode, we're going to talk about why prioritizing community and building relationships are a critical part of your business.

As a food blogger and entrepreneur, I can't stress enough how important it is to prioritize community in 2025. I know it can feel scary or uncertain to invest in things like conferences, retreats, and masterminds, but trust me, it's going to pay off big time. The key is to approach it with intention and a willingness to be vulnerable. Get out there, connect with your peers, and don't be afraid to go deep in the right communities. And if your budget is tight, no worries - you can always create your own community hub. The most important thing is to show up consistently, wherever you decide to plant your flag. Do that, and you'll see the rewards in your business and personal life. Here, I’ll share five specific action steps that can help guide you on this community-building journey.

Action Plan:

1 - Understand the power of connection: Community and meaningful connections can have a significant impact on your business and personal growth.

2 - Interact intentionally: Actively engage and be vulnerable when participating in community settings to get the most value out of your investment.

3 - Go deep in the right communities: Commit to high-investment groups like masterminds where you can build intimate, long-lasting relationships.

4 - Create your own community: If you can't attend conferences or join masterminds, consider hosting your own virtual or in-person gatherings with peers.

5 - Show up consistently: Prioritize regular participation and engagement in any community you're a part of to foster growth, confidence, and valuable partnerships.

Get in touch with Megan!

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In episode 621, Megan chats to Jessie-Sierra Ross about her experience of traditional cookbook publishing, including how to pitch, propose and promote a cookbook.

Jessie-Sierra Ross is a former professional ballerina turned food blogger and home entertaining specialist. Originally from Boston, she traded in her pointe shoes for an apron, and hasn’t looked back since! A self-taught, cook and food stylist, Jessie is the personality behind her blog, “Straight to the Hips, Baby”.

Known for her step-by-step recipes, easy elegance, and light and bright photography style. Working alongside her photographer husband, Jessie creates food and drink recipes for her blog, and features in magazines, as well as on TV, via cooking segments on NBC, PBS, and BloomTV Network. Jessie-Sierra is currently working on her latest creative project, a floral-inspired cookbook with Schiffer Publishing.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the detailed process of recipe testing, photography, the role of an editor in refining the manuscript and the significance of PR and promotion.

Key points discussed include:

- Persistence is key: Don't give up on your cookbook dreams, even if you face initial rejection. Keep refining your pitch and proposal, and seek feedback from your community.

- Build a strong team: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and assemble a team (e.g., editor, photographer, PR agent) to support you throughout the process.

- Invest in quality: Consider upgrading your camera equipment to ensure high-quality photographs for your cookbook.

- Pace yourself: Give yourself ample time to create the book, as the process can be more extensive than you anticipate.

- Leverage your community: Tap into your existing blog and social media following to help promote and market your cookbook.

- Embrace the long game: Understand that promoting a cookbook is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building momentum over time.

- Outsource strategically: Consider outsourcing tasks you're less comfortable with, such as PR and indexing, to free up your time and energy - do not try to do everything yourself.

- Develop a strong working relationship with your editor: Your editor can be a valuable advocate and guide throughout the publishing process.

Get our bonus Instagram Growth Supercut!

You’ll love Episode 608: What I Learned Writing a Cookbook – Valuable Strategies for Planning and Organizing the Writing Process with Courtney Carey

Connect with Jessie-Sierra Ross

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In episode 620, Michelle Puster teaches us how to silence our inner critic and the RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Interconnect, Nurture) method to manage overwhelm and stress as an entrepreneur and parent.

Michelle is a mom of three kiddos and is a marriage and trauma therapist and most recently a podcaster/blogger. On her podcast and blog she shares her true life story of recovery from parenting burnout using mindfulness, mediation, and self-compassion.

In this episode, you’ll learn more about balancing the challenges of running a business and parenting and how to proactively address burnout by managing your sleep, movement, and social connections.

Key points discussed:

- Recognize your feelings of overwhelm and burnout: Don't ignore or suppress these emotions, as they will only persist. Instead, acknowledge and validate what you're experiencing.

- Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, rather than harshly judging or criticizing yourself.

- Silence your inner critic: Challenge the negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations you place on yourself.

- Seek support and connection: Reach out to others, whether it's a coach, therapist, or supportive friends and family, to help you through difficult times.

- Prioritize self-care: Make sleep, movement, and mindfulness practices a non-negotiable part of your routine to maintain your well-being.

- Identify and address patterns of stress: Use time logging and reflection to pinpoint the times and situations that tend to trigger burnout, and proactively make changes.

- Complete the stress response cycle: Engage in activities that help you process and release stress, such as exercise, deep breathing, or creative expression.

- Embrace the imperfect: Understand that you don't have to be perfect, and that experiencing difficult emotions is a normal part of the human experience.

- Cultivate a sense of interconnectedness: Remind yourself that you are not alone in your struggles, and that others may be experiencing similar challenges.

Connect with Michelle Puster

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In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 things you can start doing right now that might change your life.

Over the past year, I've tried out a bunch of little changes in my life, and let me tell you, some of them have been total game-changers for me. Sure, they might seem super simple, but these hacks have seriously transformed how I feel and function day-to-day. They've lifted this mental weight off me, boosted my energy, and helped me stay laser-focused on what really matters. Even trying out just one or two of these strategies could make a huge difference in your life and business. So let me break them down for you...

Action Plan:

1 - Get comprehensive blood work done: This can help identify any vitamin, hormone, or other imbalances that may be contributing to low energy, mood swings, or other health issues.

2 - Outsource email management: Hiring an assistant or using email management tools can help you regain control of your inbox and reduce the mental clutter it can cause.

3 - Create a goal card and review it daily: Writing down your goals on an index card and reviewing them multiple times a day can help keep them top of mind and drive consistent action towards achieving them.

4 - Journal before bed: Designing your next day and addressing any worries in a journal before bed can help you sleep better and stay focused.

5 - Commit to meditation: Regularly practicing meditation can improve your sleep, focus, and overall well-being, even if it's just a few minutes a day.

Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover.

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