The Next Step Podcast with Alison Simmons Alison Leigh Simmons

Need a burst of motivation to tackle your big goals, both in business and life?! Tune in to today’s episode of The Next Step Podcast with Jacklin Drake, a leadership coach who specializes in helping her clients really “see” their future. 
Jacklin's journey from the nonprofit world to empowering leaders with her unique approach to vision boards is nothing short of inspirational. If you're curious about transforming the way you visualize and pursue your goals, you'll want to hear the simple, but incredibly effective strategies Jacklin shares in this episode!
Key Takeaways:
Discover how Jacklin found her calling in leadership coaching, moving from structured nonprofit roles to guiding leaders to visualize and achieve their dreams.
Jacklin breaks down her transformative use of vision boards, illustrating how turning goals into visual representations can fuel daily motivation and drive success.
Learn the nuts and bolts of crafting a vision board that resonates with your personal and professional aspirations, complete with practical tips from Jacklin.
Hear direct from Jacklin about the profound impact vision boards have had on her clients, helping them find clarity and direction.
Find out how to keep your vision board dynamic—reflecting achieved milestones and evolving goals to keep pace with your growth.
 
In this episode, Jacklin Drake offers up practical advice on how to use vision boards to not just dream, but do! 
For all you small business owners feeling bogged down by the day-to-day, Jacklin’s strategies are a clear call to action to start visualizing your path to success more strategically.
It’s about setting up a game plan that not only aligns with your business vision but also sparks sustained growth and passion. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform your approach and truly scale your business to new heights. Let’s dive in and make those visions a reality!
 
Connect with Jacklin: 
Facebook: 
Effective Ministry Solutions
Instagram: 
Instagram (@effective_ministry_solutions)
Links mentioned in this episode:
Vision Board Workshop: Unlock Your Vision for Business, Ministry and Home
 

This week on the Next Step Podcast, we're diving into an area that is crucial for your business growth: lead generation using the power of quizzes to understand your audience and call out your ideal clients. 
 
It's about making your audience feel seen, heard, and understood, setting the foundation for a lasting relationship. 
 
To do that, I am interviewing the Quiz Queen herself, Catherine O'Leary, who is joining us to unravel the secrets behind crafting quizzes that not only attract but also convert. Catherine speaks from her three decades in market research and consumer insights, aimed at helping you connect with your ideal clients like never before.
 
 If you're curious about how a well-designed quiz can transform your client connection strategy, this episode is a goldmine. Let's take Catherine's expert advice to heart, and start crafting quizzes that not only engage but also empower our clients to take that next crucial step with us. 
 
Topics We Covered:
Catherine shares her journey from corporate market research to become an indispensable asset for entrepreneurs looking to hone in on their client connection strategies.

Understand the difference between market research surveys and quizzes to determine which one is best for your business

Learn why starting with the end in mind and working backwards is crucial in quiz design, ensuring every question aligns with the ultimate goal of your quiz.

Tips on creating a compelling quiz hook and the significance of addressing your clients’ needs in their language, ensuring clarity over cleverness to resonate with your audience.

Catherine highlights the importance of making quizzes a reflection of your personality and brand, ensuring consistency and authenticity in client interactions.  
This episode with Catherine makes it clear that the right quiz can be a game-changer in how you connect with and convert your audience. Her wisdom peels back the layers on how strategic questioning can bring you closer to understanding and serving your clients better, ultimately paving the way for sustainable business growth.
 
Connect with Catherine: 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/colireland/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catharineoleary/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thequizqueen/
 
Links mentioned in this episode:
Catherine's Quiz: https://quizformybiz.com/
The High Achiever's Diagnoistic: https://alisonleighsimmons.com/quiz

Get ready to take on a whole new understanding of balance vs harmony in business with the enlightening perspective of Tiffanie Kellogg on this week's episode of The Next Step Podcast.
 From struggling solopreneur to a thriving entrepreneur, Tiffanie shares her journey and the pivotal moments that shifted her from being buried in her business to genuinely enjoying the journey. She lays out her unique approach that can help you not just chase after elusive balance but embrace a harmonious life and business model.
This episode is a perfect blend of hope and practical advice for any entrepreneur on the brink of burnout, searching for a way to reignite their passion for their business.
Topics we cover:
Understanding the important difference between the concepts of balance and harmony.
Why embracing harmony over balance is crucial for sustainable business growth and personal well-being.
Tiffanie's personal story of transitioning from feeling overwhelmed by her business to finding joy and success by implementing systems and prioritizing tasks effectively.
The importance of networking in a way that aligns with your personal and business values, and how to foster meaningful connections and opportunities. (Get Tiffanie's networking book: 4 ½ Networking Mistakes)
Specific strategies to prioritize and manage tasks within your business to ensure you're focusing on what truly matters and can generate the most impact.



This episode is full of wisdom and practical advice, offering a fresh perspective on achieving harmony between work and life so you can make sure you're not just working hard but also working smart. Let it  guide you towards taking strategic actions in your business, empowering you to scale to the next level with confidence and joy.




About Tiffanie
Tifanie Kellog is a powerhouse in the entrepreneurial world who’s been revolutionizing the way business owners approach making money, saving time, and injecting fun into their professional lives since 2003.
With her distinctive southern charm, Tiffanie travels globally, offering her wisdom through engaging keynotes, workshops, and her online programs, all designed to leave her audience with ‘eTiffanies’ that transform their approach to business and life. The author of several books, Tiffanie’s strategies are all about making the impossible seem possible.
 
Connect with Tiffanie:
Website: TiffanieKellog.com
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/morewithtiffanie
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
 

In today’s episode of The Next Step Podcast, we're peeling back the curtain on content marketing with Abby Herman, a Fractional Marketing Director, Content Strategist, and Podcast Manager who knows all about boosting business visibility with personalized strategies. 
Abby’s journey from a single mom and teacher looking for a side hustle to a content marketing master is rooted in her firm belief that you don't have to be everywhere online to make an impact. 
She argues for a more focused, strategic approach to where and how you show up in the digital world. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demand to be present on every social media platform, this episode is a must-listen, offering a fresh perspective on making your mark online without spreading yourself too thin.
 
Topics We Cover:
Survey Your Ideal Audience: Dive deep into understanding where your audience spends their time and the type of content they crave. Abby stresses the importance of targeting your efforts to match your audience's preferences.


Choose Your Pillar Content Wisely: Focus on creating content on platforms you own, like a podcast, blog, or YouTube channel. Abby's strategy emphasizes the power of owning your content and leveraging it across various platforms.


Be Social, Be Consistent: Engage genuinely on social media platforms where your audience hangs out. Consistency in your content creation and social media engagement is key to building a strong online presence.


Survey Insights are Gold: Use survey insights to craft content that addresses your audience's challenges and desires. Abby’s method shows how targeted questions can lead to content that engages and converts.


Embrace Resourcefulness and Patience in Your Content Journey: Abby's personal story, from starting her business as a single mom to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, underscores the power of resourcefulness and the necessity of patience. Content marketing isn't about overnight success; it's a long game that requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both challenges and triumphs.
 
Abby’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, strategy, and the courage to take control of your career path. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be everywhere online, this episode is a breath of fresh air. 
 
Connect with Abby:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontentexperiment
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/AbbyMHerman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyMHerman1
 
Free Market Research Guide: https://thecontentexperiment.com/ask
Shop: https://thecontentexperiment.com/shop
Podcast: https://thecontentexperiment.com/podcast-episodes/
 

In today’s episode of The Next Step Podcast, we break new ground by welcoming our very first male guest, Brandon Gano. Brandon’s journey from a challenging start to selling his profitable business is nothing short of inspiring. 
 
Currently, he’s shaking up the traditional business growth model alongside his business partner, Sean Delaney, aiming to provide small business owners with a revolutionary blueprint for success. Listen in on this conversation as we uncover the realities of entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments of Brandon’s career, and how the HARMONIOUS process they've developed offers a lifeline to entrepreneurs struggling to navigate their business growth.
 
Topics We Cover:
Brandon’s transition from facing business hardships to achieving and selling a successful enterprise.
Insights into why letting go of a profitable business can be a strategic move for bigger aspirations.
The importance of mission, vision, and core values in laying down a firm business foundation.
Highlighting the shift from exhaustive efforts to targeted, impactful business strategies for enhanced growth and personal well-being. The HARMONIOUS Blueprint: An introduction to the ten key disciplines designed to optimize and simplify business operations for growth.
 
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H.O.M.E. - Humans Optimized in a Meaningful Environment (Traditionally HR)
Analyze - Metrics & Numbers
RAD - Risk Assessment and Defense (Traditionally Legal & some Finance) 
Modify - Change Management
Operate - Project Management
Navigate - Strategic Planning 
Inspire - Leadership Corp, Communications, L&D, Mindset
Order - Process Management, Value Chain Management, Operating Model Canvas, Fulfillment, Customer Service
Ubiquity - Marketing & Sales, Sales Mgmt, Affiliate Programs
Serenity - Time Management, Delegation, Organizational Design

 
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Today’s chat with Brandon Gano offers a compelling look at the entrepreneur's journey, from the initial excitement to the eventual realization that growth can lead to unforeseen challenges.
Brandon's personal experience has not only shaped his approach to business but also led to the creation of a method that promises to guide business owners through their growth phases more smoothly.
Whether you're wrestling with the scale of your success or finding the right path forward, the HARMONIOUS approach could very well be the turning point you need. Let this episode be a reminder that with the right strategies and mindset, scaling your business can lead to not just financial success, but true satisfaction and balance in your entrepreneurial life.



Connect with Brandon:
whadif.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandongano/
https://www.youtube.com/@Askwhadif
https://www.facebook.com/brandon.gano.9 
https://www.instagram.com/brandonbusinessbuilder/
 

Welcome back to a new season of The Next Step podcast, where we're all about helping you transition from taking messy action to strategic growth in your business. Kicking things off is my interview with Jackie Easterday, a certified public accountant, who's here to share her practical advice on how to make the daunting world of taxes and bookkeeping not just manageable, but surprisingly straightforward and, dare we say, FUN! 
 
This episode on finance management is more than just a guide for surviving tax season—it’s a blueprint for taking control of your business finances year-round. By applying the strategies Jackie shares, you're not just preparing for tax time; you're laying the groundwork for strategic growth and sustainability. 
 
Topics We Cover:
Understanding the basics of bookkeeping and its critical role in tax preparation.
Simple steps to start organizing your finances, even for those intimidated by numbers.
The importance of separating personal and business finances for clarity and legal protection.
Practical tools and software recommendations for effective bookkeeping.
Strategies for accurate tax filing, including handling international contractors.
Insights on when to seek professional help with your taxes and bookkeeping.



If you've ever felt a pit in your stomach at the thought of sorting your finances come tax season, this episode is a must-listen. Jackie shares some invaluable advice that could transform the way you view your business finances—making them a tool that helps you scale, rather than just the result.
 
Remember, understanding and organizing your finances is a crucial step towards scaling your business to new heights. So, listen to Jackie’s advice, apply these actionable tips, and move confidently toward a future of financial clarity and business success.
 
Connect with Jackie:
Website: https://easterdaygroup.com/
Free Resources: https://easterdaygroup.com/education#header.3
Book A Discovery Call HERE
 
Other links mentioned in this episode:
CRM Tool: Honeybook (this is an affiliate link)
Budgeting Tool: YNAB (YouNeedABudget)