Making It with Jess Ekstrom

Latest Episodes:

36: How to Activate Your Creativity with Brit Morin May 09, 2021

Show notes

What does creativity mean to you? Have you found a way to incorporate it into your life?

In this episode of Business on the Bright Side, I'm joined by Brit Morin of Self Made and Brit & Co to discuss how you can activate your creativity, dive into what your passionate about, and use that to launch the business you've been dreaming about!

Get to Know Brit (1:14)

The Journey of Brit & Co (3:03)

Developing Self Made (6:48)

What Being Self Made Means (9:54)

In December of 2020, 140k jobs were lost by women, 16k were gained by men.

What Gives You the Most Energy? (12:49)

a) Eating well

b) Sleeping well

c) Drinking more water

Answer: Working on the thing you’re passionate about.

You make time for the things you care about, you make excuses for the things that you don’t.

How to Test a Business IdeaWithout Going All-In (15:24)

Self Sabatoge (17:58)

Giving Yourself a Timeline (20:30)

Pivoting in Business (21:41)

Vision Casting & Creativity (23:08)

Links

brit.co

tryselfmade.com

facebook.com/groups/tryselfmade

Podcast: Teach Me Something New

Review the transcript at businessonthebrightside.com.

35: Why Your Name is Worth Millions with Audria Richmond May 02, 2021

Show notes

Do you typically stick to the same marketing tactics you've always worked with in your business? Sometimes that can leave you stagnant.

Audria Richmond is making big moves in new marketing strategies and techniques, which is why I thought it was so important to bring her on the show. Audria joins us to share three ways you can try new marketing in your business this year to set yourself apart!

Get to Know Audria (:59)

Three Ways to Try New Marketing (1:57)

1. Micro-Marketing: Simplify Your Content + Solutions to Get to the Point (1:57)

2. Take Advantage of Audio Based Platforms (7:44)

3. Having a Book as a Business Card (11:50)

Legacy Books
Manifesto Books

One Liners: (19:00)

You can copy the front end, but you can never copy the backend.

The worst thing you can do to a great idea is not give it a marketing plan.

Links

audriarichmond.com

instagram.com/audriarichmond

UnCloned Marketing

34: How My Business Got in the Top 1% of All Shopify Stores Apr 25, 2021

Show notes

As my team celebrates Headbands of Hope's 9th birthday, we're also celebrating the honor of being ranked in the top 1% of all Shopify stores!

As I reflect on these last 9 years, there are so many experiences that led to this success in business! Listen in as I share 5 things that I believe contributed to our top 1% ranking of all Shopify stores!

Plus, make sure you use the code FIRSTTIMER for 20% off at headbandsofhope.com and help us reach one million headbands donated!

How our store got in the top 1% of all Shopify stores:

1. I hired people before I was ready. (2:42)

2. We’re quick to pivot. (5:20)

How can we always be a speedboat and not a cruise ship.

3. We kept showing up and continue to gather data. (6:47)

4. We diversified our revenue streams. (8:32)

5. We had fun. (9:40)

Recap (11:18)

Use code FIRSTTIMER for 20% OFF at headbandsofhope.com

One Liner: Don’t let, “I don’t know where to begin,” keep you from beginning. (11:55)

Links:

headbandsofhope.com

Review the transcript at businessonthebrightside.com!

33: 3 Ways to Use Video to Connect with Your Audience with Natasha Samuel Apr 11, 2021

Show notes

Have you been hesitant to put yourself on video in your business? Today, Natasha Samuel of Shine with Natasha joins us to help you set aside any fears by sharing the impact video can have on connect with your audience.

Listen in as she shares 3 ways you can use video on Instagram to connect, plus she's providing a few ideas to help get you started!

Becoming an Instagram Strategist (3:11)

Why Video is Important (5:07)

Three Types of Video to Build a Connection with Your Audience: (7:19)

1. Instagram Stories (7:19)

Your audience is likely watching through stories more than they’re scrolling.

It allows you to be less curated and people like that.

It’s more accessible for creators and end users.

2. Instagram Live (11:39)

Instagram Lives Show Up First on Instagram

Ways to Show Up on Live:

You can Host a Q+A and engage your audience.
Webinar Style with Powerpoint Slide Functionality
Have a Guest Join You Live to Swap Followers
Pop Up Coaching

3. Instagram Reels (16:55)

Instagram Reels have taken over the primary form of video on Instagram.

You can show your personality.
You can reach new audiences and grow your following.

Links

shinewithnatasha.com

Instagram.com/shinewithnatasha

Sunshine Shop

32: 3 Ways to Stop Overthinking with Jon Acuff Apr 04, 2021

Show notes

Overthinking can cause so much more stress than any of us need—let's crush those tendencies and stop overthinking.

Jon Acuff joins us in this episode to share three ways you can stop overthinking in every aspect of your life. Listen in as he walks us through these steps and how he's used them in his own life.

Three Ways to Stop Overthinking (1:03)

1. Retire Your Broken Soundtrack (1:19)

Bright Pages (6:06). +1:30

2. Replace those thoughts with new, positive ones. (9:40)

Find a broken soundtrack by writing down something you want to do, then listen to what you want to hear.

3. Repeat what you want. (13:01)

Parting Advice (20:16)

Links

acuff.me

instagram.com/jonacuff

Soundtracksbook.com

All It Takes Is A Goal Podcast - acuff.me/podcast

Review the Transcript at businessonthebrightside.com

31: 5 Ways to Collaborate with Other Women Mar 28, 2021

Show notes

Has Women's History Month motivated you to surround yourself with and collaborate with other women entrepreneurs? I'm here for it!

In this episode of Business on the Bright Side, I'm sharing 5 ways you can collaborate with other women! From simple ideas to more complex opportunities, let's dive into how you can grow together!

5 Ways to Collaborate with Other Women

1. Swap or Trade Services (2:12)

2. Host a Giveaway Together (3:24)

3. Newsletter Swap (4:25)

4. Joint Instagram Live (5:56)

5. Create a Pop Up Course Together (6:53)

One Liner: If there is room for everyone at the top, then we might as well support each other and make it fun along the way. (8:08)

30: How to Genuinely Root for Other Women with Natalie Franke Mar 21, 2021

Show notes

There is so much power in connecting with and building up other women. That's why I was honored to bring Natalie Franke, co-founder of The Rising Tide Society and community leader of Honeybook, on the podcast to discuss how you can genuinely root for other women.

Listen in as we discuss why she decided to open up about her journey to motherhood and connect with others who are living through the same experience.

Meet Natalie (2:30)

Cheering for Other while Feeling Comparative (6:10)

Opening Up (11:22)

The T-Shirt Shop (21:45)

Links

nataliefranke.com

shopnataliefranke.com

instagram.com/nataliefranke

Review the Transcript at businessonthebrightside.com

29: 10 Women Who Impacted My Life & Career Mar 14, 2021

Show notes

I don't know about you, but I've found myself surrounded by strong and powerful women in my life. So, in honor of Women's History Month, on today's episode of Business on the Bright Side, I'm highlighting 10 women who have impacted my life and career.

From family members, professors, and business colleagues to women I've never met and even one who's name I never got, listen in to see how knowing them has made my life and business all the better.

10 Women Who Impacted My Life & Career

1. Dr. Maria DeMoya (1:23)

She believed in what I was building.

2. Sara Blakely (2:45)

She inspired my to fulfill a need.

3. My Mom (3:54)

She taught me that experience is more important than lectures.

4. My Grandma Joan (5:28)

She taught me to silence stereotypes and live the life I want.

5. Kristine Sickles (7:39)

She saw the potential in my personal brand.

6. RBG (9:03)

She paved the way for women to have independence.

7. Natalie Franke of The Rising Tide Society (9:46)

She helped me to embrace community over competition.

8. Martha Bitar of Flodesk (10:50)

She mentored me through the process of building Bright Pages.

9. Myrna Daramy (12:12)

She taught me to embrace digital inclusivity in technology and helped me make my website accessible to all.

10. A Random Woman at Starbucks (13:21)

She paid it forward to my business when I was just starting out.

One Liner: As a woman, every time you advance towards your dreams, you’re showing young girls watching what’s possible for their dreams.

If you're a minority business owner looking for support in your business, please submit your pitches to hey@jessekstrom.com!

Review the Transcript at businessonthebrightside.com!

28: How to Set Digital Boundaries with Minaa B Mar 07, 2021

Show notes

Why do we feel burdened to always be connected to our phones and checking social media? We shouldn't have to.

In this episode of Business on the Bright Side, Minaa B joins us to share how and why you should set digital boundaries in your life and business. Listen in as she describes the importance of understanding responsibilities in online relationships and communication when you're setting those boundaries!

Setting Digital Boundaries (1:35)

Determine Your Why: Why are you going on social media at this time? (5:10)

Social Media Audit (7:55)

1. Check Your Screen Time

2. Look at Who You Follow

Understanding Responsibilities & Boundaries (9:00)

Vocalizing Boundaries (13:17)

One Liner: Normalize saying no in your life. (21:16)

Links

Book Pop Workshop

Your Body, Your Story Podcast

instagram.com/minaa_b

Minaab.com

27: Is this a Book or a Blog Post? Feb 28, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever finished a book and thought, "That would have been better as an article or blog post?" I think we've all experienced that.

In this episode of Business on the Bright Side, I'm sharing four ways to help you decided if your idea should be a book or a blog post. Grab yourself a pen and paper, and let's dive into this exercise!

How to Know if Your Idea Should Be a Book or a Blog Post:

How long have you been thinking about it? (1:56)
Does the writing flow? (3:48)
Try it on for the week.
Do the tree exercise. (6:28)

The Tree Exercise: (6:28)

Draw a tree trunk
In the trunk, write one central theme or transformation your book will provide.
Think about what people need to know in order to achieve that transformation.
Create a branch for each of those things you think of until you have 10-15
Blog Post: Less than 7 branches
Book: 10-15 branches

Register for the Book Pop Workshop Webinar

One Liner: The most important step in being a thought leader is believing that you have something valuable to say. The second most important step is actually saying it. (11:25)

Last week’s episode: How to Get Your Book on Shelves

Register for the Book Pop Workshop Webinar

Review the Transcript at businessonthebrightside.com.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Making It with Jess Ekstrom

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected