Summer is RIGHT around the corner. Are you ready for it!? If your answer is, "YES, Amy…I'm so pumped!", I have a follow-up question: Is your business ready for it!? As service-based business owners, this is the question we need to be asking ourselves.    As excited as many of us get about summer, we need to put plans into place and ask ourselves some serious questions to prepare our businesses for the potential "Summer Slump," or on the flipside, to get ready for a season of growth and focus. Which are you planning for this summer? If you aren't sure, you need to listen to this episode!   I'm sharing my thoughts and personal tips to figure everything out. Once you've mapped everything out, make sure to tune back in for the next episode where I will talk about growth and marketing over the summer. You don't want to miss it!   In this episode:   [06:15] The first thing to do is look at your calendar–when does it start for you personally? [08:10] Get a paper calendar to map it all out. [10:38] Overlap your personal and business calendars and make sure they work.  [11:22] Pull up data from a previous year and look for trends. [12:45] Outline the ideal combination of work and business.   Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook Book a Voxer Coaching Day with Amy!

It can be difficult to find new clients that are a perfect match for you. We are not all meant to work with every single person we encounter, and some people just aren't a good fit.    In this episode, I'm sharing my top three red flags that can come up when meeting with potential clients. It's the kind of information I wish I had when I was navigating my way through the early days of my business. I'm also giving a piece of advice regarding the first 30 days that can get you out of a potential long-haul mess.   Listen and then find me on Instagram @amylockrin and let me know what you think. Which flag have you seen most often when meeting with potential clients? Do you have a hard time determining if someone will be a good fit? I want to hear from you! In this episode:   [06:02] What is the first thing to identify when you're choosing whether or not to offer a service/proposal to a new client? [06:51] What is a growth mindset? [09:04] Look for someone who will identify and recognize that you are an expert.  [11:29] Only bring on clients who are experts in what they sell. [14:20] Ask, "Why do you need me?" [15:56] I discuss my 30-day new client policy. Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook Book a Voxer Coaching Day with Amy!

Finances. Accounting. Taxes. Do these words give you a pit in your stomach or a feeling in your chest that you just can't describe? If the answer is, "Yes, Amy. I like making money, but dealing with it terrifies me," you're in the right place.  In this episode, I am chatting with Nicole Chapman of Fusion Profits, a serial entrepreneur turned profit strategist who has made it her mission to make sure business owners can actually pay themselves and turn a profit. Would you believe that many business owners don't even actually pay themselves any money!? It doesn't have to be this way. Nicole and I are talking about all things money, from the dreaded taxes to tips for actually staying involved in your business finances versus turning a blind eye to all of it. Keeping track of everything can certainly be confusing and frustrating, but Nicole is offering her tips to make things just a little bit easier.  Whether you're a new service-based business owner or you've been doing this forever but still can't stand the money part of the business, this episode is for you. Tune in for a straight-forward discussion about how to make this part of your business less stressful so you can focus on growing and moving your business forward! In this episode: [05:02] Nicole introduces herself. [07:34] The #1 thing a business owner should know about her finances [10:45] Nicole's top recommendation for a business owner [14:54] We talk about taxes. [19:04] What does Nicole see in businesses that bothers her? [20:52] Tips for business owners to stay involved in their finances. [24:03] Nicole recommends setting up auto-draw for payments. [26:47] Where do service-based businesses spend the most money in expenses? [33:24] Nicole's piece of advice for business owners to take control of their finances Links & Resources:  Resources:  Profit First The 5-Second Rule   Connect with Nicole: Fusion Profits Facebook Email: [email protected]   Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook Book a Voxer Coaching Day with Amy!

As human beings, we want every relationship in life to be beautiful and perfect from start to finish, but we know this is not always how things happen. As service providers, we never want to think that we'll have to fire a client, but unfortunately, we sometimes do. Most service based business owners do not take the time to learn about parting ways with a client because we hope we never have to do it, but being able to fire a client is a skill in line with closing a sales call.  If you're gut-checking yourself and thinking, "Is it time to move on?"...chances are that the answer is, "Yes." There is a right way to do this and a wrong way. In this episode, I am talking about how to let go of a client gracefully so that you can leave the relationship with mutual respect.  Listen for my advice on how to communicate with the client, the ideal timeframe to give and what to do with that time, and how to ask for a referral to share with future clients. This is one of those episodes with information that you hope you'll never need but most likely will. It may seem terrifying to have to let your client go, but if you utilize these tips and keep your business goals and vision in mind, you'll be just fine. You've got this!   In this episode:   [05:06] Determine if you should let the client go.  [06:30] Do you dread the work? [08:16] Have you hit a point where you're upleveling? [10:32] Always feel confident in managing up.  [11:30] How will you communicate your intentions with the client? [12:47] The 30 day timeframe plan. [16:00] Hot Tip: Ask for a recorded testimonial. [18:30] Offer to find a replacement if you have the time.  Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook Book a Voxer Coaching Day with Amy!

We all know that social media is one of the most important pieces of a marketing plan when running your own business, but it can also be one of the most confusing pieces. It feels like there is a secrecy around hashtags and strategy that can be difficult to navigate.    In this episode, Valentina Escobar-Gonzalez, MBA, founder of Beyond Engagement – Social Media Solutions, is discussing alllllllll things Instagram and LinkedIn. We're talking about everything--hashtags, geotagging, newsfeed vs. stories, reels, engagement.....the list goes on and on.    Listen for TONS of information and several helpful tips from Valentina that you can implement immediately to connect and engage with a growing audience on social media (Hint: One involves some non-creepy stalking that will put you at the forefront of your clients' minds). Intrigued? Just push play!   In this episode: [05:18] What drew Valentina to the social media business world? [06:55] We start talking about Instagram. [09:20] Does hashtag order or location matter? [12:05] A tip from Valentina to increase IG engagement.  [12:37] Valentina's thoughts on reels.  [14:48] Valentina begins giving her LinkedIn tips.  [18:33] How often should you post on LinkedIn? [22:44] Valentina discusses her favorite social media platform.  [23:50] A secret way to engage with your current and potential clients.  [27:21] Valentina's top social media tip for growing your business. For more specifics and reference links for Valentina's sources, you can find her at::: Links & Resources:  Resources:  Instagram LinkedIn For more specifics and reference links for Valentina's resources, you can find her at: Beyond Engagement LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Email: [email protected]   Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook  

When you're just getting started in your service-based business, things can certainly be overwhelming to say the least. The to-do list seems like it never stops and your schedule can feel completely unmanageable. You started this business to gain freedom in your life, but you feel more burdened than ever.    If this is your experience so far in your online business journey, today's episode will resonate with you. If you're just getting started, you need to listen to get things going in the right direction from the start.    I am talking with Annie Young, founder and owner of The Consulting Reserve. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP), a certified Director of Operations (DOO), a mom to two sticky-handed boys, a three-time All American, and a continuous world traveler.    We're talking about Annie's corporate background and how she started off at a humongous company and downscaled every time she changed jobs. From there, we talk about the ins and outs of managing your client-base, your time, and Annie's personal tip for avoiding burnout when starting your own online business.    Listen to this episode for honest advice on the best way to get a service-based online business started without completely wearing yourself out. We are excited to share our stories with you! In this episode: [04:28] Annie shares her background. [08:31] Annie discusses what made her decide to go into business for herself.  [11:37] How did Annie determine what kind of clients she wanted to work with? [13:36] Amy explains how your business growth can be hindered by not being niched. [17:19] Amy talks about the importance of having a retainer client when you have a new service-based business. [21:10] What surprised Annie most about starting an online business. [22:48] Annie's favorite part of running her own business. [26:00] You always want to know that your business and your income is protected. [29:40] Annie's advice for someone getting started with their online business. Links & Resources:  Resources:  Director of Operations Certification Training Girl Friday  Amy's previous podcast episode, "How to Start an Online Business"   Connect with Annie: The Consulting Reserve Services LinkedIn | TCR LinkedIn | Facebook Email: [email protected]   Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook  

In this first episode of 2022, I am talking about how you can start your own online business. Exciting, right!? If you have been thinking about starting a business but aren't sure what direction to go in, you are in the right place today.    In my business journey, I started as a virtual assistant and have evolved into a business growth strategist and certified Director of Operations. I have experienced different facets of the service-based business industry in my own business and am excited to share what I have learned about business creation with you.    Not sure what you can do? I believe that we all have some kind of skill set that can translate to a successful business, and I am talking about what questions you need to ask yourself to determine what kind of business would be best for you.    What experience do you have? What skills do you have? What do you like to do? What kind of life do you want? Who needs you?   I am breaking each of these down and talking about the specific things you need to consider before jumping into your online business. Listen today and take the questions and information to your friends and family. Then come back and let me know–What kind of business will you be starting? I can't wait to hear!   In this episode: [02:36] A quick breakdown of what this year holds for the podcast. [03:25] I discuss the evolution of my business. [05:56] It's important to know what your motivation is. [07:47] What is going to make you feel good in your business? [10:30] What experience do you have? [11:46] What skills do you have? [12:46] What do you like to do? [13:02] What kind of life do you want? [15:44] Who needs you? [17:30] Business ideas. Links & Resources:  Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook

It's hard to believe that this will be the final episode of the Frazzled to Focused podcast for 2021. When I started the podcast this summer, I was excited and so ready for the challenge of trying something new, but I definitely had a LOT to learn. Over the last 6.5 months, I have received feedback that has helped me to know what my audience is craving and how I can make the podcast even better for 2022.  In this episode, I am talking about what you can expect from this podcast in 2022. The year will be broken up into four "seasons," including: Getting Started, Operations and Your Backend, Growth and Marketing, and Scaling Your Business. Episodes will feature tactical strategies that can be implemented immediately, including episodes with expert interviews and pop-up coaching, as well as traditional episodes where I share my tips and advice learned through years of working with female entrepreneurs in the service-based business world. I hope you'll tune in for the details and join me here again next year for more.    In this episode: [01:34] This will be the last podcast that releases in 2021. [02:40] The podcast will now be based on mini-seasons released throughout the year.  [03:55] What can you expect in 2022? [04:24] What seasons will be featured? [05:48] Episode examples revealed.  [07:20] A thank you from me.   Links & Resources:  Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook

Like many service providers, Jacq Fisch began her career successfully climbing the corporate ladder. Despite that success, she experienced multiple layoffs and, realizing that job security is a myth, decided that she needed to build a business of her own.   In this episode, Jacq and I are discussing the evolution of her service-based writing business.  We discuss how her business developed from solely working with clients 1:1 for writing coaching to offering her "Write Like a MOFO" writing community membership where subscribers meet to focus and get their writing done in a group setting.   Jacq talks about various aspects of her business growth, including how she is able to cap her hours and how her own need to focus on a big writing project led to the creation of a new membership group. Then she offers a key piece of advice for others interested in starting a membership for their own business.   If you are considering starting a membership service in your business, tune in to this episode for inspiration from someone who has been there and done that. I hope her story is the nudge you need to make a move in the direction that will propel your business forward! In this episode: [01:49] Jacq introduces herself. [07:10] Jacq discusses how she started her business. [08:20] How does Jacq keep her hours capped? [10:16] Jacq talks about how her business evolved into membership.  [14:18] Jacq was a writer who wasn't writing. [15:34] Jacq creates a co-writing community to help finish her book.  [16:30] Jacq discusses how she avoids the shiny objects often found in the online space.  [18:35] How has the membership helped Jacq's business grow? [21:58] What advice would jacq give a new service provider considering starting a membership? Links & Resources:  Connect with Jacq: jacquelinefisch.com LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Email: [email protected] Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook

When you think about taking time off from work, do you feel excited? Or is the feeling more like, "Will this ever actually happen?" This episode is all about planning, communicating, and setting things up so that you can take a vacation and feel confident that everything for your business is taken care of.  It's important to remember that it's okay to want to work it all the time because you love your work. When I have free time, I will often use it to work. Time off from work is often seen as needing to leave everything behind, but I don't believe that. If you want to take time off, it's about a shift in the balance.  To take time off, you'll need to set expectations for what will happen while you're away. This will involve making a plan that works for you and your family and communicating that plan to your clients. Just a few of the action items I discuss are: Making sure all of your SOP's are documented to help others that might fill in while you're gone.  Informing your clients of vacation as soon as possible.  Checking to see what processes can be automated.  Writing a detailed out-of-office message. Listen for many more tips and details that will help you come up with the best possible plan to step away from your business in a way that feels good to you and take that vacation! DM me on Instagram to let me know what your vacation-proofing plans are. I'd love to hear from you!   In this episode:   [05:02] If you are someone who loves to work, you are not in the wrong. [07:25] It has never felt right for me to close my business.  [08:42] We need to prep and plan.  [09:45] Document everything.  [11:35] Give as much advanced notice to clients as possible.  [13:55] What tasks can you automate?  [16:52] Make sure all of your tech is working properly.  [17:44] Do you owe anyone anything?  [19:43] Set up all of your social media.  [22:44] You don't want to overdeliver after you've set boundaries.  [24:16] Make sure you still plan your day with a rhythm that feels good to you. [25:29] Give yourself a day to ease back into work.    Connect with Amy:  Amy's Website Amy on Instagram Amy on Facebook