Self-Care Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Dr. Sina Smith

This episode was inspired by a LinkedIn post on FIFO vs LIFO when it comes to project work. I decided to revisit an interview I had with Dr. Sina Smith, where she shared invaluable self-care tips for self-employed individuals.  Perfect for this time of year, or ANYTIME of year, for that matter! 

Highlights include the use of sticky notes and visual reminders, color-coded time blocking, and essential habits like proper hydration and nutrition. Dr. Sina also discussed intermittent fasting, quick meal prepping tips, and strategies for incorporating ph...

In this episode, I featured a recent livestream interview with Natalie Benamou, where we discussed the best time to make a pivot in your career or business. 

We explored this topic in depth, making it particularly insightful for those who are recently self-employed, thinking of becoming self-employed, have been self-employed for a while, or even those currently in corporate roles contemplating a change. 

Natalie shared her journey from a long career in trade shows to founding Her C-Suite, a company focused on supporting women in the second half of th...

Troubleshooting Audio Issues: Microphone and Laptop Tests

In this podcast episode, I addressed some persistent audio problems I've been facing. My microphone often sounded warbly or nasally, so I decided to troubleshoot the issue by testing various microphones and USB ports on two different laptops. 

Through trial and error, I discovered that the issue was laptop-related and not with my microphones. I shared detailed steps of my troubleshooting process to help others experiencing similar audio problems. By the end, I identified the problem and provided insights that could benefit others w...

Maximize LinkedIn Event Invites: Tips & Tricks

In this episode, I'll guide you through using the LinkedIn event invitation feature. Learn how to apply filters to invite the right people to your events, and discover a little-known trick to invite multiple connections more efficiently. Whether you're targeting specific industries or focusing on local attendees, these tips will help you make the most of your LinkedIn events. Let's get started!

00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Event Invitations
00:26 Setting Up Your LinkedIn Event
01:38 Using Filters to Target the Right Audience
03:40 Advanced Invitation Techniques
04:43 Maximizing Your Invitation...

Mastering the Art of MCing: The Unicorn Journey of Quinn Conyers

In this episode, I share an insightful livestream interview with Quinn Conyers, a professional event MC and keynote speaker. Quinn discusses her journey from speaker to dedicated MC, emphasizing the importance of embracing your unique value, or being a 'unicorn' in your industry. 

We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for MCs, handling unexpected situations with grace, and the strategies Quinn used to successfully position herself in the event industry. 

Whether you're an aspiring speaker, current speaker, or considering adding MC...

In this podcast episode, I answer LinkedIn questions from one of my VIP coaching clients. We cover topics including profile optimization, growing your network, engagement, and more. I also discuss detailed insights about profile headlines, managing your connections, and best practices for using LinkedIn features effectively. Whether you're interested in improving your LinkedIn presence or just want to know more about strategic LinkedIn usage, this episode has valuable tips and advice. Don't forget to check out our coaching packages and online programs for personalized LinkedIn support.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:08 Client Coaching Package Details
01:32 Answering...

Listen as I explain how to check the email open rate for your LinkedIn newsletters. I share step-by-step how to navigate to the necessary section on your profile to view your newsletter open rates, along with other useful statistics such as article views and social engagement factors. Additionally, I provided insights about the initial impact of your first newsletter and changes in LinkedIn's newsletter delivery system.

00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Newsletters
00:09 Discovering the Open Rate Feature
00:50 Maximizing Your First Newsletter Impact
01:15 Changes in LinkedIn Newsletter Delivery
01:54 Navigating LinkedIn Analytics for Open Rates
03:16 Analyzing...

This episode is a playback of a past live interview with Joan Frank of B Frank Communications. Joan shared her journey in PR, the importance of media relations, and how it helps to build credibility and grow businesses. We discussed practical tips for those new to PR, the significance of having a good hook, and the value of professional PR services. Joan also highlighted the benefits of media coverage and answered audience questions about navigating the PR landscape. This conversation is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to enhance their visibility and credibility.

00:00...

Embracing the Journey: Enthusiastically Unemployable

In this special episode, I replay a live stream from two years ago where I shared the evolution of my brand from 'Enthusiastically Unemployable' to 'Enthusiastically Self-employed.' 

I discussed the misconceptions around the term 'Unemployable' and shared my personal journey from corporate marketing to becoming a thriving self-employed professional. I recounted the challenges, key moments, and supportive individuals who believed in me, even before I did. 

This episode describes what it means to be Enthusiastically Unemployable, offering insights and encouragement for anyone contemplating a transition fr...

Leadership Lessons from Shakespeare with Carol Ann Lloyd

Connect with Carol Ann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolannlloyd/ 

This podcast episode focused on the intriguing concept of learning leadership lessons from Shakespeare. Carol Ann, a historian deeply passionate about Shakespeare and history, shared insights on how the playwright's works offer valuable guidance on leadership. We explored how Shakespeare's own entrepreneurial journey and the themes in his plays provide timeless wisdom applicable to today's leadership challenges. Whether you're self-employed or leading a team, I...

In this episode, I have an engaging conversation with my good friend Kevin D. Turner, a fellow LinkedIn trainer and coach. We discuss the abundance mentality, social media karma, and how bringing in other experts helps everyone involved. Kevin shares insights on branding, LinkedIn features, and the importance of a strategic approach to using AI. 

We also delve into how he maintains his 'LinkedIn Rockstar' status through continuous engagement and why he avoids using certain LinkedIn tools like InMails. Tune in for valuable tips and a rundown of the latest LinkedIn updates.

00:00 I...

How to Update Social Share Images for LinkedIn

Welcome back! In this tutorial, I'll walk you through updating your social share image on LinkedIn, particularly for the featured section. 

I'll show you how I adjusted my thumbnail using Kajabi, fixed a cropping issue, and ensured LinkedIn displays the updated image using LinkedIn Post Inspector. 

If you're having similar troubles with your LinkedIn thumbnails, this video is for you. For visual learners, I've included a YouTube link in the show notes. 

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:27 Updating the LinkedIn Thu...

Maximize Your Speaking Potential with Laurie-Ann Murabito 

In this episode, I replay a recent livestream interview with Laurie-Ann Murabito, a seasoned speaker coach who helps entrepreneurs and professionals find more paid speaking opportunities. 

We discuss effective strategies for overcoming nervousness, repurposing presentations, and leveraging speaking gigs to grow your business. 

Laurie-Ann offers valuable insights on maintaining genuine connections and subtly incorporating sales elements into your talks. We also tackle audience questions about public speaking, making this a must-watch for anyone looking to enhance their speaking skills and business visibility.

00:00 Int...

Video Marketing Magic : On/Off Camera

Annette Richmond: linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond  

This is a playback of a video presentation Annette delivered at my recent "Marketing for the Self-Employed LIVE-A-Thon" event. 

Register for the FULL VIDEO of this session: https://www.mellermarketing.com/m4se

Struggling with content or video? You’re not alone. While you’re overthinking, second-guessing, or avoiding the camera, others are showing up and building visibility. You know content is important. You know video increases engage...

Welcome back to the show! In today's episode, I'm answering seven LinkedIn questions asked in this past week. Whether you're a client, member, or podcast listener, feel free to reach out with your LinkedIn queries. 

Today, we'll discuss topics such as the penalty for sharing external links on LinkedIn, whether to duplicate content in email and LinkedIn newsletters, optimal posting strategies for company pages, the value of LinkedIn Premium, the importance of profile verification, troubleshooting tagging issues, and responding to unsolicited profile review requests. Let's dive into how you can get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn p...

Addressing Common LinkedIn Concerns: Guidance and Tips

In today's podcast episode, I discuss common concerns about using LinkedIn that have been shared with me over the years. The goal is to reassure listeners that they are not alone and to address a variety of issues people face with LinkedIn, ranging from technical challenges to feeling out of place on the platform. I'll review each concern one by one and provide advice and tips. Concerns include the time needed to learn LinkedIn, the perception that LinkedIn is too corporate, feeling behind on using the platform, embarrassment...

Making the Leap from Corporate Career to Self-Employment: Lessons Learned with Maartje van Krieken

In this episode, I interviewed Maartje van Krieken on LinkedIn Live. We discussed her journey from a corporate career to becoming self-employed, focusing on the lessons learned and challenges faced along the way. Maartje shared her experiences in helping businesses in turmoil as a 'business emergency room doctor' and provided valuable insights on network leveraging, client acquisition, and the importance of trusting oneself. We also explored the role of LinkedIn in her career transition and the impact of peer groups and professional coaching...

In today's episode, I interview Candice Lazar about her journey from corporate life to becoming a coach specializing in breathwork and transformational coaching.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE

Candice's FREE Kit on 5-Minute Breathing

https://44breathwork.com/5-in-5

Other resources by Candice: 

https://www.abreathwelltaken.com/

We discuss the prevalence of burnout among the self-employed and the importance of feeling good for business success. Candice shares a practical breathing technique that listeners c...

LinkedIn Profile Mini Audit for Course Creators | Featuring Sheila Koenig

Join me as I conduct a LinkedIn profile mini audit for course creator and CPA, Sheila Koenig. 

In this episode, Sheila shares her extensive background with the IRS and her transition to starting her own business aimed at helping small businesses with bookkeeping and tax resolution. 

I provide Sheila with actionable tips for optimizing her LinkedIn profile, growing her network to 500+ connections, and increasing her activity on the platform to attract potential clients. 

Self-Employed Success Strategies | VIP Office Hours

Listen to a playback of our Self-Employed VIP Office Hours where we share valuable insights and tips for those embarking on or already on the self-employed journey. 

This episode covers various topics, including navigating Zoom features, effective LinkedIn strategies, engaging with your audience, and recommended books for business owners. 

Featuring introductions and expertise from several All Stars and attendees, this session is packed with practical advice and friendly discussions aimed at helping you thrive in your self-employment endeavors.

00:00 Introduction and Meeting Guidelines
01:09 Event Live St...

The Benefits of Giving Back for Entrepreneurs, Job Seekers, and Nonprofits with Wendy Ernzen

In this episode, we revisit a LinkedIn live stream from early 2025 featuring an insightful conversation with Wendy Ernzen. Wendy, a fund development advisor with over 20 years of experience, discusses the importance and benefits of giving back for entrepreneurs, job seekers, and nonprofits. 

The conversation covers how volunteering can develop new skills, explain employment gaps, expand networks, and boost community involvement. Wendy also gives practical advice on different ways to contribute your time, talent, and treasure. The episode provides a...

This episode features an interview with Marjorie Turner Hollman, a specialist in supporting aspiring authors through the self-publishing process. The discussion covers various aspects of writing and publishing a non-fiction book, including platforms like Amazon, Ingram Spark, and Lulu, as well as the value of having a book to enhance credibility. 

We discuss the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self-publishing, and the detailed steps involved from manuscript preparation to cover design. 

Marjorie also addresses audience questions on PR efforts, using content from previous books, and practical tips for new authors. 

LinkedIn Profile Mini Audit: Tips to Improve Your Presence with Laurie Moser

In this episode of our LinkedIn profile mini audit series, I sit down with Laurie Moser, founder of Staying Active Health and Wellness. 

Laurie supports moms of teens dealing with mental health challenges. Laurie admits to not spending much time on LinkedIn and is curious if it could be a valuable platform for her business. 

We discuss LinkedIn's potential, tips to increase her visibility, and essential steps to boost her profile, including the im...

LinkedIn Marketing Pro Tips: Answering Your LinkedIn Questions

In this episode, I aswers six LinkedIn questions I received over the past week. (See Below) 

Key topics include the frequency and types of posts to maximize reach and engagement, the importance of asking for engagement, and strategies for effective LinkedIn networking. 

I also introduce a new, beta test of a limited-time service offering for ongoing LinkedIn strategy support and share insights on posting photos via the LinkedIn mobile app. 

Additionally, tips on connecting with the right peo...

In this podcast episode, I review recent activities, focusing on event planning for the 'Michigan Summit for the Self-Employed' and the upcoming virtual event, 'Marketing for the Self-Employed.' 

I enjoy planning and hosting these events to support others who are self-employed. 

Detailed discussions include the lineup of speakers, promotional strategies utilizing LinkedIn and other social media platforms, registration processes, and marketing techniques. Personal anecdotes and actionable insights are shared throughout to guide you in hosting your own successful events. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:07 Rec...

In this episode, a group discussion covers key strategies for promoting your business at events and the thought process behind naming a business. The participants share practical tips such as using custom name tags, QR codes, and unique business cards to make memorable connections. 

We also delve into the importance of choosing a business name that is adaptable and reflects the brand identity, while avoiding legal complications and ensuring it stands out. 

The episode also highlights the significance of preparing for both in-person and online networking to maximize business exposure.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Ov...

Boost Your Event Attendance with LinkedIn Invitations | Step-by-Step Guide

This episode walks you through a step-by-step guide on how to invite your LinkedIn connections to your events, increasing your event attendance significantly. Learn how to navigate LinkedIn's event feature, use filters to target invitations, and send mass invites to your first-level connections. 

This technique can help you invite up to 1,000 people each week, making it an incredibly effective tool for event marketing. Whether your event is in-person or virtual, this guide will help you reach a wider audience and boost your event's success. 

In today's episode, we revisit a panel discussion from the March 2024 SHIFT LIVE-A-Thon event, focusing on how to confidently shift from corporate life to becoming a solopreneur. 

The panel features three inspiring women: Mindy Stern, Michelle B. Griffin, and Michelle Carley. 

In today's episode, we revisit an insightful presentation by my good friend, Christopher G. Johnson, who shared valuable tips at the Shift LIVE-A-Thon event in September 2024. 

Full event details / playbacks at https://www.mellermarketing.com/introvertshift

Christopher, a virtual event producer and owner of CalmClearMedia, offers practical advice specifically for introverts on how to navigate and use Zoom effectively, particularly if you are self-employed. He dives deep into various Zoom settings, such as managing the waiting room, audio, and video controls, and even suggests scheduling breaks in meetings to avoid Zoom fatigue. 

Enjoy th...

In this episode of our monthly VIP Office Hours for the self-employed, we dive into essential topics for those who are newly self-employed or considering self-employment.

Watch it on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U1QxAMU0PU&t=25s?sub_confirmation=1

Highlights include discussions about setting your prices, when to raise them, and knowing when to walk away from tricky client negotiations. Hear valuable insights from various industry professionals, and learn about the tools and strategies that can help you succeed in your own business endeavors.

Join...

What are page invitation credits on LinkedIn?
How do I grow my company page followers on LinkedIn?
When should I invite my connections to follow my company page?

In this podcast, I explain my techniques to use your LinkedIn page invitation credits to grow your company brand and your business on LinkedIn.

Starting with the basics, I guide you through accessing and navigating your company page as an admin. Then, I demonstrate how to invite your connections to follow your page, highlighting search features, selecting target audiences, and managing your 250 monthly credits.
<...

Why can't I add a website link to my LinkedIn profile?
How do I add a website link to the top of my LinkedIn profile?
Why can't I edit a website link in my LinkedIn profile?
Did LinkedIn remove the website link feature?

Word on the street is that LinkedIn is REMOVING the Website Link in Your Top Header Card -- here's what you need to know!

LinkedIn is retiring the custom website link feature from our profiles, and I explain its implications. I share steps to verify if we still have...

In today's episode, I address a question from a client about LinkedIn search appearances and profile views. I explore the insignificance of search results and emphasize the value of profile views for self-employed individuals. We'll delve into how LinkedIn analytics can be misleading and why focusing on profile views is crucial. Additionally, I offer advice on optimizing your LinkedIn presence and being proactive in outreach. If you have any LinkedIn questions, DM me on LinkedIn or email me at brenda@mellermarketing.com 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Explanation

01:24 Question: LinkedIn Search Results

02:26 Analyzing LinkedIn Analytics

Maximizing Your LinkedIn Company Page: Essential Tips and Strategies

In this episode, inspired by a recent coaching session, I share practical tips on how to effectively use your LinkedIn company page. Learn why posting at least once a month is crucial, how to engage with your page followers, and build connections. I discuss a four-month content cycle strategy that includes reposting from your profile, highlighting service offerings, sharing evergreen content, and promoting events. Plus, discover ways to make posting easier and more consistent. Tune in for actionable advice that can help boost your LinkedIn presence...

In this episode, I host the second Friday VIP office hours for the self-employed and those considering self-employment. Broadcasting from a beautiful day in Michigan, I set the stage for an insightful discussion. 

We address a YouTube live stream error, noting it might resonate with listeners facing similar issues. In the session, we discuss key aspects, including various insurance options for the self-employed, such as health, business, and liability insurance. Members share their experiences and tips on choosing the right insurance plans. 

Additionally, we explore the use of 'I' versus 'we' in br...

Do you offer group coaching calls? Listen to this episode to hear my pro tips about creating playbacks in an effective and efficient way. 

In this episode, I detail my process for making group coaching call playbacks available to my members. 

I walk through using Zoom for live calls, utilizing caption tools, and the AI meeting summary feature. 

Post-session, I show how to download the MP4 file, upload it to Descript for a more accurate summary and timestamps, and then edit and share the content. I also cover creating PDF versions of transcripts and...

In this episode, I discuss why using automation to grow your LinkedIn network is annoying for everyone. I'll explore how automated messages are easily detectable and often irrelevant, a clear violation of LinkedIn's terms of service, and the dishonesty associated with these tactics. 

I share my personal experiences and the negative impact of automation, emphasizing the importance of organic growth and real interactions on LinkedIn. 

I also highlight the risks of automation, the untruthful practices of some companies, and the value of creating genuine professional relationships.

00:00 Introduction: Why Automation on LinkedIn Annoys Everyone

In the first session of our VIP Office Hours, we focused on those considering self-employment. I shared my journey from corporate to self-employment and highlighted the importance of identifying one’s market niche. 

The session included valuable introductions and advice from our all-star participants, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of being self-employed. We discussed financial preparedness, the importance of self-motivation, and the necessity of having a clear path for clients to engage with your services. 

We also introduced a private LinkedIn group for ongoing support and resources. This session will...

In this LinkedIn profile mini audit, I review Julie Kleinhans' profile and provide tips for optimization. Julie, the founder of Reshape and Recover, helps people overcome food addiction and emotional eating through her Christ-centered 12-step program. 

Key suggestions include adding descriptive text to her top header card website link, enhancing the About section with a detailed backstory and call to action, updating the LinkedIn URL, and leveraging keywords for better visibility. 

These tips aim to attract the right audience, improve profile aesthetics, and enhance searchability.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:04 Profile Overview an...

Answering Your Top LinkedIn Marketing and Profile Optimization Questions

In this episode, I introduce a new series where I answer your questions about LinkedIn, marketing, and my work. 

Topics covered include recent LinkedIn invitation limits, revising my book 'Social Media Pie,' understanding LinkedIn invitations, expectations for my coaching cohorts, Sales Navigator usage, tips on optimizing personal vs. business profiles, and CRM recommendations. 

Additionally, I discuss the costs and benefits of LinkedIn Premium and offer practical advice for maximizing connection invitations and engagement on the platform. 

The questions primarily ste...