The BizChix Podcast: Female Entrepreneurs | Women Small Business

Latest Episodes:

299: Start with the End in Mind Jan 04, 2018

Show notes

It's easy to launch into a new year, and get busy conquering new goals and projects without thinking through how we really want to feel at the end. I get vulnerable and share how I purposefully chose to make 2017 a year where my home and self were a bit neglected in the interest of exponentially growing BizChix and how and why I am transforming that this year. You'll get a chance to pause and take a breath and reflect on 2017 and set an intention for 2018 in terms of three areas, home, self and business. I hope you snag the free download with companion worksheets to this episode via BizChix.com/299. If you are already on my email list, then it is in your inbox today.

295: Discover Your Innate Strengths with Andrea MacKenzie of Lead with Harmony (Kolbe Certified) Dec 07, 2017

Show notes

Do you love doing personality tests and assessments to learn more about yourself and how you work? Have you assessed your team? On this episode, Andrea MacKenzie and I discuss the Kolbe Assessment, which measures your instinctive way of doing things.

Andrea is a consultant, coach, and educator who helps her clients create high performance in their businesses by understanding themselves and their teams better.

Prior to our interview, my team and I took the Kolbe assessments and Andrea analyzed the results. Andrea coaches me through her findings and what this means for my team to work together more effectively.

Part interview, part on-air coaching of me — I'm sure you don't want to miss out on this exciting episode! Andrea has some exclusive offers to work with her too.

Key Takeaways:

[:01] Part interview, part on-air coaching of me on the Kolbe Assessment with guest expert, Andrea McKenzie.

[2:25] Where did Andrea grow up, and what was she like as a little girl.

[3:45] What is Andrea's business and how do people work with her?

[5:45] What is the Kolbe A Assessment and how is it different from other personality tests?

[11:25] What is the Kolbe C Assessment, and the Right Fit Assessment?

[18:22] Natalie took her Kolbe A assessment recently. Andrea talks about what her report means, and how this impacts her team.

[25:40] The Kolbe Assessment also opens the door for communication between leaders and their teams.

[27:25] What are some things that Natalie needs to be careful of, and watch out for on her team, to reduce conflict, play to her team's strengths, and be a more successful team overall?

[31:31] Natalie and Andrea discuss the different Kolbe Assessments that would be useful in different scenarios. Andrea also shares her experiences of using Kolbe with other clients.

[36:52] How can Biz Chix utilize Andrea's expertise?

[42:11] Do remember to apply for Natalie's Biz Chix Masterminds starting soon!

[45:18] Natalie summarizes her key takeaways from this episode.

Join the BizChix Community

Connect with Andrea MacKenzie:

● Lead with Harmony

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Kolbe Assessment

● BizChix Masterminds

● BizChix Resources

294: MINDSET - 4 Strategies to Conquer Your Mindset Battles Nov 30, 2017

Show notes

There's a battle going on inside your head, but the good news is you have the power and ability to win it. Mindset is something that every entrepreneur deals with on a daily basis, but nobody talks about it! On this episode, I share with you four of my strategies for conquering mindset issues and moving your business to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Mindset issues are something every entrepreneur struggles with. Natalie will be sharing her strategies for conquering these issues.

[2:54] If you are in the midst of a mindset issue, congratulate yourself for realizing that! Strategy 1 is shared.

[4:46] Strategy 2.

[6:34] Strategy 3.

[7:38] Strategy 4.

[9:01] There's a battle going on in your mind, but you're not alone, and you are in control of your mind.

[11:05] Bonus strategy (Ok, there were really 5 to share!)

[12:09] You're always going to have to conquer mindset issues, at each step of your business. But you have the power and ability to do it.

[13:18] Joining a mastermind is one of the best ways to get support with your mindset. Natalie has masterminds launching soon, so don't hesitate to apply!

Join the BizChix Community

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Biz Chix Masterminds

292: [On Air Coaching] How to Connect and Leverage Relationships with Complementary Service Providers with Kimberley O'Brien Nov 16, 2017

Show notes

How can you connect with other professionals and complementary businesses that serve the same ideal client? What's the best way to increase visibility for your business?

Join me as I coach Kimberley O'Brien, who runs an innovative child psychology practice and a publishing house that creates material and programs for schools. We brainstorm ideas to tap into her personal network and explore other avenues for creating visibility in her business.

Kimberley and I also discuss some of her reservations about taking on more responsibilities as a CEO. I have some tips on that as well, so be sure not to miss out on this episode!

Key Takeaways:

[:50] Natalie shares a fun story about her son, Jett.

[2:04] Natalie is still accepting applications for her Mastermind Programs starting in January 2018!

[4:13] Natalie introduces her on-air coaching client for this episode — Kimberley O'Brien.

[6:38] What is Kimberley's business, and how long has she been practicing?

[8:10] What does Kimberley's team look like? What are the roles of the different members?

[9:25] What kind of programs does Kimberley have in schools? How many schools does she work with?

[13:57] Kimberley wants to increase visibility for her business, and roll out to more schools. How can she use the two days that she has to be as productive as she can be?

[20:46] Natalie has some suggestions for Kimberley to expose all the teachers and students to her program at once, as well as to involve teachers into her program by providing training for them. Natalie breaks down what she envisions for Kimberley's two

[27:32] Kimberley is considering the idea of landing keynotes and speaking engagements to increase visibility. Natalie talks her through where she might look for these engagements or even the possibility of creating an event for these key decision-makers.

[31:08] Kimberley is also thinking of starting a podcast. What is her vision for the podcast? Natalie has some tips on starting a podcast.

[37:05] Natalie recommends building a community for industry professionals, educators, and parents to come together and discuss how to help the children they work with.

[43:50] With any big endeavor in a business, it is important to consider what you want to get out of it. Natalie and Kimberley talk through her motivations for running a virtual summit.

[47:09] Natalie has some tips for Kimberley to take on more of a CEO role in her business. They discuss some of Kimberley's reservations about stepping up to take on more responsibility.

[56:52] Natalie summarizes her key takeaway from the on-air coaching call with Kimberley, and encourages you to think about how you can connect with complementary service providers in 2018!

Join the BizChix Community

Connect with Kimberley O'Brien:

● Quirky Kid

● Quirky Kid on Facebook

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Biz Chix Masterminds

● Zoom

● Virtual Summit Tech. Jaime Slutzky

● Loom

● Process Street

Previous Biz Chix Episodes Mentioned:

● "267: Strategically Design, Launch and Grow a Podcast with Natalie Eckdahl"

● Other On-Air Coaching Calls

291: [On Air Coaching] Fear of Success with Taryn Holmstrom Nov 09, 2017

Show notes

Mindset issues affect all entrepreneurs regardless of their level of business. Fear of failure is a common block, but did you know that fear of success can hold you back too?

Join me as I coach Taryn Holmstrom, owner of a successful wedding rental business in the Northwest. I help her peel back the onion and uncover the root of her fears.

Taryn and I also discuss some ways to take her business to the next level — an organizational chart can be a useful way to plan for this, so don't forget to get your free download!

Get the Org Chart worksheets!

Key Takeaways:

[1:08] Natalie introduces her on-air coaching client for this episode — Taryn Holmstrom of Skagit Valley Wedding Rentals.

[10:24] What is Taryn's business? She shares how she got started in her business, and the role her family plays in her life.

[14:08] When Taryn had a strategy session with Natalie about a year ago, she didn't have a clear line drawn between personal and business accounts. She does now! Natalie shares her advice on why it's important to keep these accounts separate.

[16:05] What other changes have happened in the last year? Taryn talks about moving to a different, more consistent child care program for her children so that she has more time to focus on her business.

[19:44] Taryn has a very healthy money mindset, but she has a fear of success, in terms of the amount of time she would have to dedicate to achieving success.

[21:01] What has Taryn's experience been adding staff and outsourcing tasks?

[24:11] Natalie encourages Taryn to think about what her organizational chart would look like as she grows. It is important to think about the functions of the business, not the people on hand.

[31:34] Based on Taryn's current situation, she has two options: a) maintain her current structure, limit her client base and raise prices, or b) grow the business by hiring more people to support more clients. Natalie and Taryn discuss her options based on her strengths and weaknesses.

[38:33] Natalie addresses Taryn's fear of success with a key insight: At the end of the day, know that you as the business owner are in complete control of everything that's happening in your business.

[43:27] Taryn has a lightbulb moment — teachers can be a great resource for her to tap into during her busiest months in summer!

[45:24] Natalie has a free download for you! Download the organizational chart and write out the functions of your business. Based on the vision you have for your business in 2018, you can see where you might need to hire more people.

[47:30] Natalie's advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to get it all out, and not let it float around in your head!

[50:41] Natalie is accepting applications for her Mastermind Programs!

Connect with Taryn Holmstrom:

Skagit Valley Wedding Rentals

Mentioned in this Episode:

Previous BizChix Episodes Mentioned:

This content first appeared on BizChix.com/291

289: Behind the Scenes of BizChix Live with Natalie Eckdahl Oct 26, 2017

Show notes

Want to hear about some of the behind the scenes moments from BizChix live? Hint: it's not all pretty. I'm sharing some things that no one else knows happened, the fear I experienced right before the conference and the incredible experience of seeing a community I have built over the last 3+years come to life. Dream it. Do it.

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] Natalie will be giving a recap of BizChix Live!

[2:50] Natalie shares how BizChix Live started off, with exclusive activities for her VIP clients.

[11:02] Before BizChix Live, Natalie was planning to close her membership site down!

[16:48] The main event kicked off on October 18. Natalie talks about how she modeled the conference and some of the details about the events that went on.

[20:26] The night before a full day of delivering content, Natalie was feeling miserable and throwing up! She shares how she dealt with it — fear and mindset had a large part to play.

[27:52] Natalie's keynote speech was about being a CEO: "Being CEO — Transforming into the Leader Your Company Needs."

[30:44] The next item on the agenda was a talk by Natalie Gingrich on Strategic Planning for CEOs.

[31:02] Natalie gives a shout out to Dana Malstaff of Boss-Mom for giving her the impetus to make a conference happen for the BizChix, and inspiring the workbook for the conference!

[33:40] Another element of BizChix Live was a mastermind panel with live hot seats.

[35:54] The next segment of the day was focused on planning and Natalie delivered a talk entitled "Planning 2018 Like a CEO."

[37:40] The ladies got changed into comfortable clothes for the next item on the agenda — the Implementation Party.

[40:55] Natalie shares some of her takeaways as an event owner and organizer.

[44:44] At the Implementation Party, the ladies were so enthusiastic that they didn't want to stop working!

[46:33] Every morning, the MC and Event Historian, Edie Berg, hosted a power walk! Natalie also gives a shout out to Chrissie Wywrot and Tara Humphrey, who made it to Soul Cycle on Friday morning.

[47:25] On Friday, the event started off with Key Takeaways followed by Natalie's 2nd Keynote speech "The Battle for Your Entrepreneurial Mind," where she talked about mindsets and other related ideas.

[48:30] Some of the other talks on Friday were given by Carol Cox, who spoke on the topic of increasing visibility in your business, Shelli Warren, who spoke about building an ideal team, and finally Natalie herself, delivering the closing Keynote speech "No Woman Left Behind."

[52:41] Natalie's parents and sons made an appearance at the end of BizChix Live! Natalie talks about the closing of the event.

[57:35] You can get your tickets for BizChix Live 2018 until October 30th, or again in January!

[58:40] Natalie shares a story about how sometimes you can impact people without even realizing it.

Join the BizChix Community

Mentioned in this Episode:

● BizChixMasterminds

● Presale of BizChix Live 2018 Tickets!

● Email Natalie to join the membership group The Nest

● Hotel Irvine

● Social Media Marketing World

● Natalie Gingrich

● Dana Malstaff of Boss-Mom

● Amanda Harris of Magically Ever After Travel

● Edie Berg

● Shelli Warren

● Carol Cox

BizChix Episodes Mentioned:

● "280: The Chief of Staff Role with Natalie Gingrich"

● "258: Build Your Team — How to Source, Interview, and Assign Roles with Natalie Gingrich and Shelli Warren"

● "288: Time Management for High Performers: How to Map Your Ideal Month, Ideal Week, Theme Days and Time Block"

288: Time Management for High Performers: How to Map Your Ideal Month, Ideal Week, Theme Days and Time Block Oct 19, 2017

Show notes

Sharing some content that will be presented at BizChix Live today! Take back control of your calendar — design your ideal month and ideal week! Plus how to theme your weeks and days and the power of time blocking. Be sure to get the free download straight from the workbook we are using at BizChix Live!

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] Natalie is at BizChix Live giving the opening keynote! What are some of the topics being covered?The theme for this year's conference is doing things as a CEO.

[6:26] Natalie shares some of her overall views on having a calendar and planning. What's the difference between a personal calendar and a business calendar?

[10:07] What are theme weeks? Natalie talks about her own themes for each week in an ideal month.

[14:55] Natalie also themes her days in a certain way. It's important to tune in to what is best for you to get the most out of your week and time block your days.

[18:06] What is an ideal week? Natalie has some recommendations and examples to help you plan the ideal week.

[24:28] Natalie has some other things that you might want to keep in mind when doing your time blocking in your ideal week and ideal month.

[25:56] Natalie is currently accepting applications for CEO Chix Mastermind program and for the 5-figure level as well!

[28:30] Create a CEO date for yourself in the next seven days, and map out your ideal week and ideal month.

Join the BizChix Community

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Presale of Tickets for BizChix Live 2018

● Google Calendar

● "How to Better Control Your Time by Designing Your Ideal Week," by Michael Hyatt

● Michael Hyatt's Ideal Week

● Amy Porterfield's Ideal Week

● Marie Poulin's Ideal week

● BizChix Masterminds

BizChix Episodes Mentioned:

● "287: Design a High Performing Mastermind with Natalie Eckdahl"

This content first appeared on BizChix.com/288.

287: [High Performing Women] Design a High Performing Mastermind with Natalie Eckdahl Oct 12, 2017

Show notes

Masterminds are all the rage these days, but what makes a successful mastermind? Is there an optimal format and size? What elements lead to a High Performing Mastermind? Masterminds are my jam, and on this episode, I share my experiences and knowledge about masterminds, ranging from the value of having masterminds, as well as my personal tips drawing on my Masters level education on Teams, years of research and practical experience for designing a successful mastermind. Tune in to this episode if you are considering starting or joining a mastermind!

Key Takeaways:

[1:02] Natalie is getting ready for BizChix Live!

[5:35] Natalie has a lot of experience with masterminds. Where does the term 'mastermind' come from, and what does it mean?

[9:43] Natalie shares an excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's biography that talks about his involvement with masterminds.

[11:01] The members of Ben Franklin's mastermind were incredibly diverse. What are the benefits of having a diverse mastermind team?

[12:46] What is the difference between a mastermind and a group coaching?

[14:03] What is the optimal format for a mastermind group? Natalie shares how she has organized masterminds for women at the 5-figure level of their business.

[18:54] How does the 6-figure and beyond mastermind differ?

[20:55] What are some of Natalie's secrets for forming an ideal group? She shares tips about the ideal group size, and who should be in the group.

[25:06] Commitment to the mastermind is what distinguishes a paid mastermind vs. peer-led or free masterminds.

[27:00] Something else Natalie has added to her masterminds is affirmations. What are affirmations and how do they help?

[32:34] Natalie has a free mastermind guide and some other great podcast episodes for you to check out.

[34:00] Natalie also has some new masterminds coming up — be sure to check them out to see if they'll be a fit for you!

Join the BizChix Community

Mentioned in this Episode:

● BizChix Live

● Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

● The Art of Masterminding: Free Quick Start Guide

● BizChix Masterminds

● Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, by Walter Isaacson

● Ben Franklin's World — A Podcast About Early American History

Previous BizChix Episodes Mentioned:

● High Performing Women Series

● Masterminds, Networking, and Teams Series

● "250: The 5 People to Avoid in Your Mastermind or Team"

● "283: [High Performing Women] Scaling a Team, Creating Visibility and Continuous Innovation with Author, Speaker, Publisher Maria Dismondy"

This content was first published on BizChix.com.

286: [High Performing Women] Growing a 7 Figure Business, Launching a Certification Program and Permission to be Selfish with Cate Stillman of Yogahealer Oct 05, 2017

Show notes

What does it take to get to a business with a seven-figure revenue, and 30 to 40% growth every year? Cate Stillman, founder of Yoga Healer, host of multiple podcasts, and super-successful entrepreneur joins me on this episode to discuss how she went from offering a $20, two-hour workshop to a certification course at $7,500. We discuss the struggle women entrepreneurs face with money mindsets, and the money blocks that impact their ability to create a sustainable business. Cate also shares some tips to get a high-performing body so that you can become the high-performing woman that you are, so be sure to tune in!

Key Takeaways:

[6:55] Where did Cate grow up and what was she like as a little girl?

[9:55] What is Cate's business and where is it now?

[13:34] Cate's business experiences a 30 to 40% growth a year. What does she attribute that to?

[18:10] How many people does Cate have on her team? She elaborates about her global team and how she manages it.

[21:41] What was Cate's background like? How did she go about healing her body, which led her to her business?

[26:34] What happened in 2001? How did Cate move into her current business?

[29:25] Cate's business started off as an in-person business but is now an amazing online business. How did she make the transition?

[31:41] Cate and Natalie discuss how they deal with clients who approach them saying they feel bad to leave people by pricing higher.

[38:38] What is Cate's certification program? What is the story behind how Cate started offering a certification program?

[42:40] How did people around her react to the certification course? How did she deal with the negative comments and feedback?

[46:14] Cate and Natalie discuss exchanging value for money.

[50:10] To be high-performing women, we need to have high-performing bodies. What are a few things that we can do to take care of ourselves in the last few, busy months of the year?

[55:47] What advice does Cate have for women who are worried about being judged?

[57:57] Where would be a good place for beginners and wellness practitioners to start? Cate shares some resources you can check out.

Join the BizChix Community

Connect with Cate Stillman:

● Yoga Healer

● Have A Conversation with Wellness Professionals (Yoga Healer)

● Yogidetox

Mentioned in this Episode:

● BizChix on iTunes

● High-Performing Women Series

● Zoom

● Basecamp

● Google Docs

● Focus on Fit, Not Thin Webinar (YogaHealer)

● BizChix Masterminds

Previous BizChix Episodes Mentioned:

● "264: Building a Culture from Day One with Amy Errett of Madison Reed"

● "282: [Live From Podcast Movement] Leverage Your Podcast to Grow Your Business"

● "233: [new series] Monetizing and Money Mindset" #BizChixMonetize

● "242: Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Success?"

● "263: How to Get More Clients"

283: [High Performing Women] Scaling a Team, Creating Visibility and Continuous Innovation with Author, Speaker, Publisher Maria Dismondy Sep 14, 2017

Show notes

How do you continue to create visibility for your brand year after year? How do you manage multiple streams of revenue? Which ideas and opportunities should you say YES to? My guest, Maria Dismondy, is a children's book author, professional speaker, and owns a publishing company. She rapidly scaled from 2 to 10 team members in the last year. This is her 9th year in business and she is not slowing down. In just the first 9 months of 2017, she has experienced 278% growth.

Maria shares some tips for creating visibility for your business, how to grow your team by outsourcing and investing in training, and the importance of innovating in your industry.

Key Takeaways:

[3:55] Natalie and Maria have known each other for a few years, and have seen and supported each other through the growth of their businesses.

[6:20] What is Maria's business?

[7:00] Maria has three children. As her family grew, so did her business, but this was a challenge for her to manage.

[9:09] What is the scale and scope of Maria's business? She talks about the revenue of her company, as well as the streams of revenue..

[11:24] One of Maria's revenue streams is speaking at schools. How have her speaking engagements expanded over time?

[13:02] What is Maria's system for publishing books? What kind of clients does her publishing company take on?

[15:45] Maria is a person who is not afraid to try new things, but also not afraid to stop doing them if she decides she doesn't like it or it doesn't work. What has been the difference in how she has approached her business in 2015 and 2017?

[17:25] Since 2015, Maria's team has grown rapidly. What is Maria's team like now?

[25:33] From 2015 to 2017, Maria had a shift in mindset that allowed her to grow and expand her business. What brought that about?

[30:27] In order to grow, Maria had to spend and expand. What are some of the changes she made in her spending? How did she outsource, both in her business and at home?

[34:50] Even working just 10-to-15 hours a week, Maria accomplishes a lot. What are some secrets Maria has about setting yourself up for success?

[38:30] How does Maria plan her days?

[40:40] Maria has some really creative ways of getting herself known. What are some of Maria's strategies for gaining visibility? She shares her experiences with social media, local media, book signings, and virtual book tours!

[48:05] Maria shares about virtual speaking engagements.?

[50:54] How do contests help Maria's business and get her visibility?

[53:30] Natalie and Maria leave us with some final thoughts about being innovators, entrepreneurs and sharing ideas.

This episode is sponsored by AWeber. Thank you for supporting women entrepreneurs! Find out more and get an all access, 60-Day Free Trial at BizChix.com/Aweber!

Join the BizChix Community

Connect with Maria Dismondy:

● Maria Dismondy

● Cardinal Rule Press

● Maria Dismondy on Facebook

● Maria Dismondy on Instagram

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Empowering Kids with Character (Private Facebook Group)

● Asana

● Voxer

● PowerSheets

● Day Designer