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Monica Hollins, founder of OTBC (Outside The Box Consulting, LLC) has decades of experience building super-successful communities. From health clubs to master-planned communities, she has crafted impactful strategies to increase inclusion, engagement, connection...loyalty. These attributes are key during a normal business year, but post-pandemic, they are mission-critical.Tune in and learn ways to grow not just an audience, but a community clamoring for your brand and your mission.Connect with Monica at her website.

Rachel Simon, CEO and founder of Connect the Dots Digital, helps entrepreneurs of all backgrounds "look good on LinkedIn". LinkedIn is the top networking platform for corporate and entrepreneurial professionals, so ensuring your personal and company profiles are structured with the right information and messaged in a way that immediately connects with your target audience is paramount.Learn to craft your headline with a hook, exactly how to use that 'Featured Section', modern use of your 'About' copy, and more. We go through every section of the LinkedIn profile and spell out exactly how to use it to your advantage. Head over to Connect the Dots Digital to learn more about Rachel and ways you can work together.

My conversation with Nicole Rollender, founder of Strand Writing Services, was one that will make you want to take action immediately. My favorite entrepreneurs are those that leave it all on the table - they're open to sharing the minute details on each aspect of their business growth...the roses and the thorns of it.After being downsized from her six-figure salary executive editor-in-chief role, Nicole decided to go out on her own. Within less than a year she scaled her business to six-figures and has never fallen below that income. In this episode, she shares super specific insights and tactics on how to set the foundation to scale your business to a consistent six-figure income each year...in a sustainable way. From how to structure your payment process and cash flow to showing up as a CEO rather than a victim, Nicole gives direct, valuable guidance - all substance, no sugar. Should clients pay you upfront? Which is better - a 3-month or 6-month retainer? Should you do test projects to introduce yourself to a new client?  What's the quickest way to get a set income every month? Should I zero in on a niche? Is LinkedIn worth it as a business growth tool? Listen in as we discuss all these questions and more.Want to connect with Nicole? Check out her website, STRAND Writing Services.

From clarifying your message with a reduction of words to how to use personal stories to get a professional point across...(including ways to use the emails you have sitting in your Inbox to improve your writing skills), these seven tips will have your copywriting take on a whole other level of expertise.

There are so many tools out there that look nice and shiny that you can buy to increase your skills at copywriting or an online business in general, but in this episode, I want to show you 10 FREE resources that you can use to help out your copywriting. I include some popular choices like Grammarly and Canva but also some that haven't gotten their full due yet such as  Read-able, WordCounter, and OneLook.Stream the episode and check these incredible FREE resources out below: Grammarly Readability Test Character Count WordCounter Merriam-Webster and Thesaurus.com Google Docs and Google Drive Google Keyword Planner OneLook Related Words Uber Suggest

This week, I'm going over the call to action aka the CTA. There are a variety of things that go into creating a very clickable call to action. I'll go through some of the nuts and bolts with you on this episode. A CTA encourages your audience to take a specific action - it's really a conversion tool. It can help in converting members, subscribers, followers, customers...you get the idea. You must know exactly what you want your audience to do, before you even start to create your call to action. From how to guide your audience to take action to the color, shape, and placement of your CTA, this episode focuses on all things conversion by call-to-action.________Need some help with your copywriting? Customers not converting? Not okay! Let's take your copy from 'meh' to 'marvelous'.  Check out how you can work with me here.

Short and sweet, I'm walking you through the steps I take to write each email. From the two types of emails I create to how I edit, I go over it all. I share my strategy when creating email subject lines and if I batch process topics or take a more free-wheeling approach.Listen in!While you're at it, grab my free 'One Year of Email Subject Lines to Amp Up Your Open Rates & Accelerate Sales' guide!

We've all been there.That darn blinking cursor. It's like it's taunting you, "Look at this big, blank page. You'll never figure out what to write. Such a waste of time. Loser." RUDE.This week I go over 15 ways you to always know what to write. I'm finally recording this episode because one of the most common things I hear from people is that they have no idea what to write about, especially when it comes to their business. As well, you don't ALWAYS want to be strictly talking about your business, at least not in a way that it comes across that way.  Ideally, you'll make a connection to your audience... I always say to have an ongoing conversation with your audience - a copy as a conversation.You may be like, "Okay, great,  I know how to talk about my product. But what else do I talk about? I'll tell you! Listen in for a few ways (15 to be exact) to keep the writing topic ideas coming. If you need help with your copywriting, I have a bunch of different ways I can do that. One of them is my Copyedit Polish + Strategy service -  if you've written something and it's not performing for ya, not attracting engagement or sales and you need to get it to the next level to really engage and connect with your audience for that sale... you can send it to me and I'll give it a glow-up if you will, to really make it pop for you and engage those customers. I'll also look at all of your copy holistically and suggest strategic placement and perhaps additional copy to add to bring in more sales. Click here for more info!

Let's talk about finding your voice in writing!If you've followed me for any time at all, you know that I'm all about conversational copywriting. I've even coined the term copysation, making copy a conversation, because when people go to write something, especially for their business, they tend to freeze up. They're not sure what to say, or how to say it and their personality goes out the window.  Essentially, whatever makes you you, is lost.  Many people might see how somebody else writes and talks about their own business and they'll adopt that style. Unfortunately, that's not going to translate very well to your audience, at least not for the long term. You can only be someone else for so long. Eventually, it's gonna come across as not genuine, right?  You might sound stiff, uncomfortable, maybe a little awkward. Burnout is right around the corner. How long can you pretend to be someone else using someone else's voice? Listen in as I tell you step-by-step how to find YOUR OWN VOICE in copywriting. ** If you need help with your copywriting, join my membership Email Ally to get monthly email templates OR submit your copy to me so that I can work my magic with it to get you more heart-eyed customers! Links!Email AllyCopyedit Polish and Strategy

It might surprise you to hear this but: you don't need a fancy website and logo to get your business going…nor to grow it substantially. Honestly, creating your email list is one of the most important things to do early on. Grabbing an email service provider and then creating a landing page or two, one with info about your offer and another to gate your lead magnet to collect email addresses of those in your ideal, targeted community. (I'll be doing a separate podcast episode regarding the technical and content side of lead magnets) I looked at over 60 email marketing platforms (even I was surprised at how many email marketing platforms are out there) and whittled that list down to six for you to consider. Links are below. In this episode I go over some soft and hard skills that your ultimate choice should have a checklist of what to consider when you're looking at email marketing platforms: ease of use customer service pricing structure segmentation For data analytics, see more on this in episode 58, "The 3 Email Metrics that Matter" here!For an all-in-one toolkit to starting your online business including: Choosing a business formation Selecting a website platform Finding the best email marketing platform for your business Choosing a project management platform Setting up a business bank account Managing a business alongside life check out my digital course, "Online Business On-Ramp" here

We have a very special episode for you this week!   We talked to a few of our guests from last season and asked them to share with us their goals and plans for 2022.    I think we can all agree that 2020 and 2021 were a little bit off-kilter.    I'm so interested to hear everybody's thoughts and insights for the year ahead - send me a note at erin@musclecreative.com.    Until then, check out how these three entrepreneurs are tackling 2022!   Get more info on this episode's guests:  Andrew Rincon - Craigo's Pizza & Pastaria Matt Zaun - Strategic Storytelling Nancy Giammarco - Lil Monsto

In one week we will enter the last month of 2021. In a few days, millions in America will celebrate Thanksgiving, gathering with friends and family for (hopefully) some relaxation and fun. As such, we thought it fitting to take this time to reflect on a positive that this year has brought to small businesses. We reached out to previous guests on this podcast and asked them to share what they are grateful they have learned that has impacted their business this year. We are grateful for them, and the time they took out of their busy schedules to share with you. We hope this is helpful as you wrap up a strong 2021 and start 2022 with a newfound passion for serving your audience and getting crystal clear on the goals you will be accomplishing. Entrepreneurs featured on this episode (not necessarily in this order): Mike Geraghty - Romance Novelist Linda Sidhu - Quiz Funnel Consultant Matt Zaun - Strategic Storytelling Andrew Rincon - CraigO's Pizza & Pastaria Miriam Wagliardo - Children's Book Author Nancy Giammarco - Illustrator, Artist

A looooong time ago...I'm talkin' 15-20 years ago, my sister Jen told me about this incredible fitness pro named Lauren Brooks.  Jen is one of the fittest people I know, so when she recommends someone, I listen. She mentioned that Lauren focused on fitness with kettlebells, had a ton of expertise, and was a genuine person.I bought a few of her DVDs - you know, those things that look like CDs but play movies instead of music. Oh right, so, CDs are these round discs...ugh, forget it. I was hooked on her workouts and bought her Baby Bells workout when I was pregnant.Fast forward to now and Lauran has grown (and continues to grow) her fitness empire. Long gone are the DVDs. In their place, an enormous digital library of workouts, a monthly membership called Lauren's Playground, a thriving community, and a lot more.I'm honored to now call Lauren a friend as our entrepreneurial journeys have crossed in more ways than one. So grateful that she took time out to chat.Discussion Highlights: How being severely bullied impacted the life she's built today Pioneering the kettlebell movement's growth in the United States Growing an empire in a male-dominated industry Building a sustainable business that spans generations and technology evolutions Creating a fitness career that leverages multiple incomes streams and passive income The Wrap-Up:If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Drake (fitness) Bob Marley (everyday life)Where can people find you online?WebsiteInstagramFacebook

This week I get to chat with Emily King, wealth and abundance coach. She focuses on helping women entrepreneurs with their money mindset to grow their income and impact doing what they love.   After years of hoarding money and coming from a scarcity mindset, Emily learned about money mindset. In addition to vision boards, mantras, and visualizations she learned the science behind it all. Things that 'shouldn't have happened' started to happen the more she learned and implemented…like a $100K product launch.   Highlight Discussions: What a financial thermostat is and how to manage yours Harnessing your reticular activating system The first steps Emily has her clients take toward financial freedom What she implemented to earn at $100K launch   The Wrap-Up If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Mumford and Sons   Where can people find you online? Website Instagram Manifesting Meditations

Angie Clarke went from full-time corporate warrior to full-time quilter. The mom of three began her t-shirt quilting business, Crafted Angles, on the side and has now turned it into a bustling LLC. The passing of her brother inspired her to expand her already impressive sewing skills to include quilting beautiful quilts made from t-shirts - she describes it as a scrapbook you can hug. Balancing her kiddos (her youngest was born three months early and is now an active toddler - all three of her babies spent time in the NICU so now Angie supports NICU efforts with fundraisers and donations), husband, work, and everything else, Angie found time to grow her business to one with a full-time income, and a big community impact. Discussion highlights: Taking a business to the next level during obstacles (COIVD-19)…with small kids…who require additional supports Growing a business from local to national clientele Tools that organize the daily grind to make it all possible!   The Wrap-Up If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Coldplay Where can people find you online? Website Instagram Facebook

This week I get to chat with author,  Mike Geraghty. Mike also happens to be my cousin - love it when my business intersects with family time! Mike is an accomplished author having been represented by an incredible publisher for years now. Having written multiple books available online and via a variety of book stores, Mike tells all about what it takes to be a published author going the traditional publishing route (as opposed to the self-publishing route). Some discussion highlights: How content writing helped him land a publishing deal The writing process that supports his quick turnaround Navigating a COVID world without in-person promotional events Where to get ideas for books and character profiles Tools he uses for his writing process The Wrap-Up If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Miles Davis Where can people find you online? Scarlet Lantern Publishing Scarlet Lantern Publishing - Lacy Hart Pen Name Facebook Instagram TikTok

What if there was a way to grow your email list, learn about your audience to offer them the exact solutions they need, AND have a shareable, reusable lead magnet for years to come? You probably know where I'm going with this…there is! An online quiz checks all these boxes, and this week we have online quiz extraordinaire, Linda Sidhu joining us. Linda is a list-building expert and strategic partner with Interact (a leading online quiz platform). In fact, one of her early quizzes was so successful that Interact reached out to her to ask how she did it, and would she partner up with them? Ever since Linda has made quite the name for herself as THE person to go to when creating an online business to grow your business. One of the many things I love about Linda is how kind and transparent she is. She truly wants her fellow entrepreneurs to succeed, so she leaves no stone unturned - she shares her processes and completely went about and beyond in this discussion!  Some highlights: Three big mistakes people make when building online quizzes How to tell what kind of quiz to create for your business Critical steps to follow when building your quiz Length, layout and quiz design Make sure your results page has these components The most powerful way to promote your quiz…and build your email list! How to make your quiz work for you, beyond your email list The Wrap-Up If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? The Lumineers Where can people find you online? Website As promised, here are the Resources I promised I'd link to in the show notes:  Discover your Quiz-to-Cash strategy here: https://www.lindasidhu.com/quiztocash Join Linda's upcoming 3-Day Nail Your Quiz Idea Challenge: https://www.lindasidhu.com/challenge  Check out this link to Interact - use this code for 20% off the lifetime of your quiz- QUIZLOVE20 https://interact.grsm.io/lindasidhu1201 In this episode, we also chatted about some apps we use to meditate and become more centered. Linda referenced this app for hypnotherapy: Grace Space. I mentioned the app Head Space.

A lead magnet, a freebie, an opt-in - whatever you want to call it, it's a strong tool to leverage when growing your email list. And growing your email list means growing your audience base and growing your audience base means increasing those qualified leads (if your lead magnet brings in your target audience) and more qualified leads mean more revenue.In this episode I discuss: info you need before creating your lead magnet types of lead magnets creating and designing your lead magnet the layout of your lead magnet your thank you page your delivery email This is a quick overview, so send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com if you want me to go deeper on any or all of these parts of the process!Oh and I promised I'd put the link to this episode in the show notes, so here you are:How to Boost the Power of Your Headlines https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep69 

Maybe you've started a podcast or video series...or perhaps you're in the planning stages. Regardless of your topic, you're probably like - what the heck am I going to talk about every week (or whatever cadence you choose)? Perhaps consider a format that allows you to welcome guests onto the show. That way, you won't have the pressure of carrying the entire show every week...and typically the guest will also help promote it. Two birds. In this episode, I discuss 11 ways to seek out your ideal guests. After all, you want to be selective in who you invite to your show - they need to be a fit for your niche and your audience.  Stream the episode and let me know which tactics you'll adopt to book your next guests!

This week, I thought we'd talk a little bit about creating headlines, subject lines, your call-to-action - you know, the stuff that gets your ideal audience to DO WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO.  Whether it's an opt-in page, sales page, social media post, email, blog post, etc... it's super important to have action-oriented headlines that actually work. Before you even start to create these glorious bits of copy, I go over the 3 things you have to have right.  If you don't have these things, you're SOL.  Once you have those things buttoned up, you can move into working on the calls-to-action for your buttons, headlines, subject lines, the whole shebang. Oh and here are the links to the other episodes I mention - I promised I'd add the links to the show notes, so here they are:The 4 Critical Steps to Starting a Business (this talks about identifying your ICA - I've done an entire training on this with my Facebook group, need to do one for the podcast)https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep655 Qualities of Super Clickable Email Subject Lineshttps://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep54