The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell

Louise McDonnell

Welcome to "The Social Media Takeaway," a marketing podcast hosted by Louise McDonnell, tailored for coaches, consultants, and online entrepreneurs eager to harness the power of social media for effective sales and lead generation. Each episode features Louise engaging in insightful conversations with a diverse lineup of guests, all of whom are distinguished experts in their respective fields. Dive deep with us into the ever-evolving world of social media as our guests unravel the best takeaways from their wealth of experience. Whether it's exploring the latest trends, uncovering industry secrets, or getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the digital marketing world, "The Social Media Takeaway" is your go-to resource. Listeners can expect a treasure trove of actionable advice, practical tips, and innovative strategies designed to amplify your online presence and boost your business. With Louise's engaging interview style and her guests' expert insights, this podcast is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the digital arena. Tune in to "The Social Media Takeaway" and transform your social media endeavors into a successful journey! 

  1. Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities, Wealth and Thinking Like an Investor

    JAN 21

    Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities, Wealth and Thinking Like an Investor

    In this episode I’m joined by Lynn Kitchen, a financial expert with nearly 40 years of experience helping individuals, entrepreneurs and families build sustainable wealth and long term confidence with money. Lynn has built and sold two investment advisory firms, taught thousands how to invest, and now focuses on helping people stop avoiding money conversations and start taking real ownership of their financial future. We talk about why money feels so emotional for so many business owners, how our upbringing shapes our financial behaviour, and why handing everything over to someone else isn’t the same as having a plan. If you’re running a business, constantly reinvesting and hoping everything will “work out later”, this conversation will challenge how you think about wealth, risk, and responsibility. One powerful idea from Lynn runs through this episode: we’re living through once-in-a-generation technological opportunities. But the real shift happens when you stop being just a consumer and start becoming an informed participant. It starts with getting educated. Here’s what we cover: Why so many people have a stressful relationship with moneyHow your upbringing shapes your risk toleranceWhy entrepreneurs face a completely different money realityThe importance of understanding what you own and whyWhy uncertainty often creates the biggest opportunitiesINVITATION: Lynn's Wealth Builders Academy - MONEY TALKS! - Masterclass REPLAY IS AVAILABLE! Watch it in your own time and get a clearer sense of what’s ahead, without pressure or commitment. ▶️ Watch Day 1 Here. ▶️ Watch Day 2 Here. 📩  Connect with Lynn Kitchen on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    23 min
  2. How To Start a Business With No Money in 2026 with Estie Starr

    JAN 7

    How To Start a Business With No Money in 2026 with Estie Starr

    If building a business or finally acting on that idea has been on your list, this week’s episode is one not to be missed. I’m joined by Estie Starr, an award-winning strategist, founder of Strand Consulting, and a woman who built a multi seven-figure business without spending a cent on ads… all while raising five children. In this episode, Estie shares how any idea can be turned into profit using her five-step MONEY framework. If you’ve got a business idea but aren’t sure if it’ll work, or you feel stuck in strategy mode with nothing to show for it, this episode will give you the push (and process) to just start. Here’s what we cover: The biggest mistake people make when starting a businessWhy selling to your inner circle first makes perfect senseThe MONEY framework: five simple steps to build a business from scratchWhy you should stop jumping straight into marketing…stick with the process.How to build trust and sell without ever being salesyWhat real growth looks like (and why it’s not “launching online and going viral”)🎁 3-Day Marketing Success Challenge for free. It’s normally a paid program so grab it while it's free here! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    27 min
  3. Stop Guessing: How to Build a Predictable Social Media Sales Machine

    12/03/2025

    Stop Guessing: How to Build a Predictable Social Media Sales Machine

    In this episode, I was delighted to be interviewed by Dan O’Donoghue.  Dan is a business development specialist with over 20 years experience in helping businesses grow sustainably and strategically. We talked about my journey, the fire that was lit in me when a teacher said “I wasn’t as smart as my friends”, and how that same determination is what drives me now. We talked about my passion… using traditional marketing concepts to drive business growth on social media.  You’ll hear: Why social media isn’t just about awarenessWhy content creators and business owners have very different goalsThe one thing you need to get right before posting anything on social mediaWhy “just using AI” isn’t enoughThe difference between posting and having a systemWhy clarity always comes before confidenceJoin Louise LIVE on her upcoming 2026 Social Selling Masterclass and discover how to use social media to generate consistent leads and sales in 2026 Date: Wednesday, 10th December 2025 Time: 3:00 PM ET (New York) / 8:00 PM GMT (Dublin/London) SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    38 min
  4. How to get FREE Publicity for your Business with Jill Lublin

    10/29/2025

    How to get FREE Publicity for your Business with Jill Lublin

    In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Jill Lublin, international speaker, best-selling author, and publicity strategist who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. We dive into how small business owners can use publicity to build visibility, credibility, and trust...without spending big on ads. If you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner wanting to attract more clients through authentic visibility, this one’s for you. You’ll learn: ✅ Why publicity outshines paid ads ✅ How to land media coverage from day one ✅ The 3 keys to boosting visibility ✅ How kindness fuels profit ✅ Why consistency builds lasting trust SHOW CHAPTERS 0:00 Publicity Starts With One Simple Pitch 0:38 Meet Jill Lublin: Author, PR and Media Expert 1:27 Understanding Gorilla Publicity and the Broad Scope of Publicity 4:49 Crafting Your Message and Creative Strategies for Media Attention 7:27 Leveraging Special Days and Events 12:50 Planning and Executing Your PR Strategy 21:50 Final Takeaway and Free Gift from Jill 💌 Connect with Jill on LinkedIn 🎁 FREE GIFT If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    23 min
  5. 5 Ways to Transform Sales Conversations with Niraj Kapur

    10/15/2025

    5 Ways to Transform Sales Conversations with Niraj Kapur

    In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I had the pleasure of chatting with Niraj Kaur, bestselling author of Everybody Works In Sales. Niraj shares his journey from struggling in sales to becoming a top performer, highlighting the power of self-development, the right mindset, and practical strategies for handling objections and ghosting. We also dive into how to use LinkedIn effectively while staying authentic. If you’re a coach, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur who wants to feel more confident selling your offers, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: ✅ Why mindset and habits are the foundation of sales success ✅ How to reframe “selling” as helping to overcome fear ✅ Smart ways to handle objections and turn pushback into opportunities ✅ Practical strategies for following up and dealing with ghosting ✅ How to use LinkedIn to build genuine connections and grow your business SHOW CHAPTERS 0:00 Forget About Selling For One Second... 0:38 Introduction and Guest Welcome 1:36 The Journey to Sales Mastery 2:11 Mindset and Attitude in Sales 3:41 The Importance of Coaching and Continuous Learning 6:21 Challenges and Realities of Sales 7:32 Overcoming Sales Fears and Building Good Habits 11:10 Handling Objections and Client Follow-ups 13:08 Effective Sales Conversations 13:59 The Art of Asking Questions 15:49 Dealing with Client Ghosting 18:50 Effective Communication on LinkedIn 21:01 The Power of Personal Stories 24:50 The Reality of Social Media Success 25:52 Using AI in Business 29:10 Final Takeaways Connect with Niraj LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    31 min
  6. AI is Disrupting Marketing  -  Here’s how coaches and consultants must adapt on social media

    09/10/2025

    AI is Disrupting Marketing - Here’s how coaches and consultants must adapt on social media

    This week, I’m doing something a bit different… I’m handing the mic to my copywriter, Katy Prodromou, who’s interviewing me for a change. Shedding light on the biggest shifts I’ve ever seen in the online space and why coaches and consultants must pay attention. AI isn’t just changing how we create content. It’s changing everything. And if you’re still relying on random posting and hoping for leads, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, I share exactly how I’m helping coaches and consultants future-proof their business with my 5-step system, a structure that works with AI to make your marketing faster, smarter, and more effective. What you’ll take away: Why AI is disrupting marketing – and what to do before you get left behindThe difference between posting content and having a real strategyHow I use AI at every stage of my system (not just for content!)What most people get wrong in their social media bios and contentWhy your email list is still your most powerful business assetA look behind the scenes at my 5-step social selling systemHow the brand-new assessment will help you spot your biggest lead gen gapsSHOW CHAPTERS 00:00 How AI Will Affect Your Work 01:09 The Big Shift: AI's Impact on Coaches and Consultants 01:41 Before and After AI 05:55 AI's Role in Social Media Marketing 07:55 The System to Stand Out as a Coach or Consultant 10:37 Why Doing More Won’t Fix Broken Marketing 11:19 Common Mistakes in Social Media Strategy 16:57 Leveraging AI for Business Success 23:15 The Five-Step System for Success 22:48 Upcoming Free Workshop and Final Thoughts Want to see this system in action? I’m hosting a free, live masterclass on 24th September where I’ll walk you through it all plus you’ll get a digital copy of my 2025 Content Planner and take my brand-new assessment live with me. 👉 SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way! If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK ...

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Social Media Takeaway," a marketing podcast hosted by Louise McDonnell, tailored for coaches, consultants, and online entrepreneurs eager to harness the power of social media for effective sales and lead generation. Each episode features Louise engaging in insightful conversations with a diverse lineup of guests, all of whom are distinguished experts in their respective fields. Dive deep with us into the ever-evolving world of social media as our guests unravel the best takeaways from their wealth of experience. Whether it's exploring the latest trends, uncovering industry secrets, or getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the digital marketing world, "The Social Media Takeaway" is your go-to resource. Listeners can expect a treasure trove of actionable advice, practical tips, and innovative strategies designed to amplify your online presence and boost your business. With Louise's engaging interview style and her guests' expert insights, this podcast is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the digital arena. Tune in to "The Social Media Takeaway" and transform your social media endeavors into a successful journey!