Listen Now

In this episode, I tell you why the podcast took the month of March off (it wasn't a planned break), and when you can look forward to new episodes - I'll be popping back into your players in April!In the mean time, look back through the Tuesday episodes if you are looking for new tools for your business, or check out the full episodes that relate to the season of your business.Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/56Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Automation can save sooo much time, but if you are also looking to save some money as well, while still getting the job done, check out Integromat. A service for connecting your web apps all over the internet so you can be the automation genius you know you are.Links Mentioned In This Episode:IntegromatZapierOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/50Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Today's episode is about two things. Automating small tasks and personalizing some steps in your business. Both of which could have a huge impact on your customer relationships and your sanity. Start with just one task this weekend, and I challenge you to automate a handful more things by the end of the year.Links Mentioned In This Episode:BonjoroWarm WelcomeHandwryttenPostableOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/54Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Are you on Clubhouse yet? If not, it's understandable - it's pretty new, still in beta, and still invite-only. It's a new audio social media app that I liken to a giant 24/7 audio conference. Tune in to hear what I think about it so far, and download the app to reserve your username or hit up a friend for an invite.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Clubhouse (iPhone only)Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/53Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 016: What stage of productivity are you in? Why does that even matter? It matters because once you know the answer to this question, you can be more focused and energized about learning the correct things based on where you currently are. If you are in stage 1, you don't need to focus on building a team yet or upgrading your current systems. This episode lays out what you might be experiencing during each stage and what you should be focusing on so you can be more efficient and avoid "shiny object syndrome". Discussed In This Episode:Stage 1 - Understand [03:47]Stage 2 - Learn and evaluate [05:06]Stage 3 - Create + commit [10:25]Stage 4 - Delegate [16:12]Stage 5 - Master + refine [18:50]Your plan of action this week [24:30]For the transcript and full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/16Mentioned in this episode:Free Productivity Power PackEpisode 12: Understanding Goal Hierarchy To Properly Use A Task ManagerEpisode 14: Surprise! You Might Already Be Using The GTD Method For ProductivityRelated blog posts:What Every Home-based Business Owner Needs to Know About Shiny Object SyndromeIncrease Your Productivity with Time Blocking + A Free 12 Week PlannerOther Helpful links:Instagram (@mirandamerten)

If you’ve made a resolution this year to really take advantage of all the online courses you have stockpiled, I’m going to tell you 6 ways to be intentional about finishing them so you can actually learn something, take action, and have a transformation. I guarantee that out of those courses you have, there’s a few of them sitting there that is online course GOLD - you just need to finish them!Discussed In This Episode:The first step in tackling your course graveyard to help you understand where to beginOne trick to utilize your courses without even taking themHow setting time on your calendar can make all the differenceWhy the place you study might not matterOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/51Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Interested in systems but not sure where to begin? My advice is to start with something small and today’s tip is meal planning. Just doing this one thing will save you time every day so you can focus on more important things. It also solves the “what’s for dinner” question. Click below for a free (no opt-in) meal planner template.Subscribe to get notified of future episodes that will help you take one more step towards better processes and workflows.Discussed In This Episode:Why meal planning is a good place to start when systematizingWhy meal planning is good for your sanity and can effect other parts of your life3 different ways to meal planLinks Mentioned In This Episode:Meal Planner printable (no opt-in, direct download)Related Blog Posts:How to Keep Your Grocery Spending Under Control Without Driving Yourself Nuts009: Crush Your Household Cleaning Schedule With Tody [Tip Tuesday]010: 5 Ways To Organize Your Cleaning ScheduleOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/50Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

What kinds of New Year’s resolutions have you made for 2020?​Lose weight?Eat healthier?Drink more water?Be more present and focused?Quite frankly, I get tired of making the same resolutions each year, only to either drop them completely or sporadically pick them up again throughout the year.I’m not saying don’t make resolutions – it’s actually good to have a plan, and intentions for the new year. It increases your positivity and your productivity.Here are a few ideas of things you can do that will give you a boost of accomplishment going into the new year.Discussed In This Episode:Tune in to hear alternatives to doing your resolutionsA cool tip to help you pay it forwardA neat way to reflect on your previous yearWhy it’s OK to not have everything planned outLinks Mentioned In This Episode:14-Day Bucket List ChallengeFutureMe.orgThe ONE Thing by Gary KellerRelated Blog Posts:5 Things You Can Do Other Than Make New Years ResolutionsVision Boards: Manifest Your Dream Business & LifeOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/49Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Usually this time of year is spent searching the aisles at Target or HomeGoods or spending way too much time on Amazon looking for a new planner. One that’s going to be so much better than last year - it will blow all the others out of the water - you too? And I feel like planners are getting more and more expensive for something that usually doubles as a paper weight a quarter through the year.But, not this year. I have finally figured out which one works for me and if you are still in the “what works for me” stage that just ends with you having 3 different types of planners by the end of the year, this episode is for you.Discussed In This Episode:What to look for in a plannerWhat to look for if you are detail orientedWhy size mattersPlanner suggestionsLinks Mentioned In This Episode:12 Weeks Planner (Free download)Freedom Mastery Law of Attraction PlannerThe Phoenix JournalClever Fox PlannerGoal Crazy 90 Day PlannerThe Morning Sidekick JournalRelated Blog Posts:Increase Your Productivity with Time Blocking + A Free 12 Week PlannerHow I Use A Simple Notebook to Plan My Day…It’s Wicked EasyOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/48Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Podcasts are better with friends. We’ve got Goodreads for books. We can see our friend’s music playlists. Now, we can get recommendations from our friends based on what podcasts they listen to! Ever look at your podcast app wondering what you should add to your playlist? There are so many podcasts out there, you don’t have time to try things that aren’t for you. It’s inevitable that you will come across something that’s not for you, but if you have friends with the same taste or in your same business circle, chances are you will find something enjoyable from their list of podcasts. With GoodPods, not only can you see what your friends are listening to, you can chat with other fans and even the hosts! Tune in to hear about GoodPods and what my favorite podcasts are at the moment. Mentioned in this episode:GoodPodsThe Angie Lee ShowThe Business Life & Joy Podcast‎Doing It Online : The Doable Online Marketing PodcastMicroFamousSystems Saved Me Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/47Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Speaking from experience, I used to have multiple apps to track what I had to do everyday - not to mention the planners, sticky notes, you name it. Why the different mediums? I justified to myself that they all had something special they were good for, or I just couldn’t break away from it. I wanted to like it, so I hung on. That wasn’t serving me any good. Today, I’m discussing how to utilize one app for everything, and letting you know what I’m using now.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Interested in getting your operations dashboard built out for you? Click here!How to Craft Your Goal Hierarchy (Free 9-Page Workbook)12 Week Planner (Free Download)024: How To Use Google Sheets as a Simple Task Manager (Free Google Sheets Template)012: Understanding Goal Hierarchy To Properly Use A Task ManagerAsanaClickupOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/46Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

This one is for my peeps who are not morning people. Is one of your resolutions to have better mornings and actually wake up without hitting the snooze button over and over? You are only one app away from becoming a morning person! Tune in to find out how this little morning alarm app can help you get out of bed a little easier every day.Links Mentioned In This Episode:My Morning Alarm Clock, Alarmy (iOS)My Morning Alarm Clock, Alarmy (Google Play)Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/45Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

If you’re a designer or just someone who likes having the fancy layers and advanced options that come along with design software like Photoshop, but you aren’t too fond of the price tag, this episode presents a great alternative option. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Affinity PhotoCanvaPicMonkeyTech Stack: Choosing the Right Tools for the Right Task [Part 2]Related Blog Posts:Canva is the Real Deal. How Are You Editing Your Photos?Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten) For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/44 Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode #43. Having an email inbox over flowing with unwanted messages is no fun - not to mention a time suck. Why do we torture ourselves with sifting through a pile of messages we don’t want? If this sounds like you, here’s a plan for you to tackle this weekend so you can take back control of your inbox.Discussed In This Episode:Reasons why you might stay on someone’s email listWhy you should just unsubscribe if you don’t want to be on a listHow to create a plan for your unsubscribe daysRelated Blog Posts:21 Ways to Manage Your Out of Control Inbox12 Cool Gmail Hacks: Did You Know You Could Do That?034: Why Are You Still Writing the Same Emails Over and Over Again?Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/43Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 42. If you are in need of a landing page builder, or if you are ready to start a website but not quite ready to jump into the world of hosting and building, there’s a new AppSumo deal on the market that could be perfect for you. Find out more and grab this deal while it lasts!Links Mentioned In This Episode:Swipe Pages (deal from AppSumo)Swipe Pages website002: AppSumo, The Treasure Trove of Software Deals [Tip Tuesday]Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/42Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 43. Happy Tuesday! It’s election day in the United States and with the amount of stress we’ve all been through this year, I want you to think about the things that ground you and bring you to your safe space. Honor your personal boundaries and don’t be afraid to voice them to your immediate circle. This election day, think about the things you can do for yourself to keep you grounded as we find out who our president will be for the next 4 years.Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/41Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 40. Part 2! Listen to part 1 here → https://www.mirandamerten.com/37Not all apps are created equal. Sometimes you need a simple note-taking system or to-do list, other times you’d prefer a full-blown project management software. Maybe you need time tracking or collaboration. So what tools do you use for what tasks in your business?This will vary from business to business because we all have different needs and we’re at different stages, but the key is to know what types of things you need to do in order to run your business well. Today, I’m going through a list of tools you might want to have in your tech stack - but don’t get overwhelmed, you won’t need them all. So pick and choose the ones that make sense for your business or personal productivity.Discussed In This Episode:So many links! For the full show notes and links to all the tools mentions, visit: https://www.mirandamerten.com/40Links Mentioned In This Episode:Social media planningPlann (for Instagram)Tailwind (for Pinterest)Facebook Creator Studio (for Facebook and Instagram)WebsiteWordpressSquarespaceLanding pagesInstapageLeadpagesEmail automationActiveCampaignFlodeskConvertKitDesignCanvaAffinity PhotoOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/40Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 39. Sarah Torres-Ferrick joins me for my first interview of the show to talk all things growing a team in your small business. Are you ready to expand your team — whether that means taking on a couple of employees or just dipping your toes in the water by hiring a freelancer? Tune in, cause this episode is for you as Sarah tells us what we need to know before diving in.Discussed In This Episode:What Sarah loves about helping small businessesThings that are important when growing your teamWhy it’s important to understand what growing a team means for you and your companyHow to know the difference between independent contractors and employeesWhy you should never pay your employees and freelancers with PayPal or Venmo friends & family optionsWhy getting a business buddy or coach is importantHow to use a system of consistent feedback when deciding to let someone goHow to get in the “leader” mindsetSarah’s mapping exercise that she recommends you do this week if you are ready to expand your teamLinks Mentioned In This Episode:Radical Candor, Kim ScottSarah’s Free HR Toolkit: hrcircleonline.com/toolkitConnect with Sarah:WebsiteLinkedInLeading Your Team: A Small Business PodcastInstagram (@sarahtorresferrick)Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/39Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 38. How do you brainstorm? Are you a visual person? Mind mapping might be the thing you need if your head feels like there are ideas and thoughts flying through it all the time. In this Tip Tuesday, I share with you how I use SimpleMind for a mind mapping process so you can explore if it might work for you.Links Mentioned In This Episode:SimpleMindOther Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/38Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 37. Not all apps are created equal. Sometimes you need a simple note-taking system or to-do list, other times you’d prefer a full-blown project management software. Maybe you need time tracking or collaboration. So what tools do you use for what tasks in your business?This will vary from business to business because we all have different needs and we’re at different stages, but the key is to know what types of things you need to do in order to run your business well. Today, I’m going through a list of tools you might want to have in your tech stack - but don’t get overwhelmed, you won’t need them all. So pick and choose the ones that make sense for your business or personal productivity.Links Mentioned In This Episode:So many links! For the full show notes and links to all the tools mentions, visit: https://www.mirandamerten.com/37Other Helpful Links:Free Productivity Power PackWebsiteInstagram (@mirandamerten)For Full Show Noteshttps://www.mirandamerten.com/37Send A Voice Message:https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems