The Dilemma Desk

Alexis Charkiw & Cassie Evans
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Dilemma Desk, the podcast in which you can gain expert advice - from our business agony aunts, Cassie Evans & Alexis Charkiw - to navigate your business challenges and dilemmas with confidence.

  1. 04/03/2024

    How to Conduct Effective Due Diligence Before Investing in Your Business

    Diving into the world of online coaching can be an exciting venture for many entrepreneurs, but it also comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the murky waters of MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) schemes disguised as coaching opportunities. When it comes to investing in the growth and development of your business, you deserve clarity and authenticity which is why this week Alexis and Cassie are sharing more on their own investment experiences and how you can carry out effective due diligence to ensure you aren't misled.   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • The structure and management of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes." • How the coaching industry is slowly beginning to resemble an MLM model due to the cycle of "coaches coaching coaches" • Feeling confident in your investment, by knowing the service will deliver value and results at the level you're promised. • "Sales" tactics that lead to client confusion and affect decision-making regarding investments. • What due diligence is and how to effectively conduct it before making an investment. • The importance of honesty and transparency in service sales, ensuring clients have clear expectations. • Why we desire to work with experienced individuals who've achieved the success we aim for in business. • The challenge with leading industry experts being out of reach, yet having the ability to reap the benefits of their value and wisdom by working with their certified trainers • Misleading or out-of-date information being used in marketing material to encourage investment • The importance of asking questions and seeking clarity when information isn't readily available, before making an investment.   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    How to Conduct Effective Due Diligence Before Investing in Your Business

  2. 03/27/2024

    Future Proof Your Business By Preparing For The Unexpected

    Preparing for the unexpected in business and life is essential, but it's something many entrepreneurs overlook until it's too late. Whether it's unexpected health crises, personal setbacks or industry changes (to name just a few); these unforeseen circumstances can throw a major wrench into even the most successful businesses. That's why in this week's solo episode, Cassie will be diving deep into some of the safeguarding techniques she uses to prepare against the curveballs that inevitably get thrown our way.   🎙️ In this episode, Cassie discusses; • The reason behind the solo episode and how it inspired the topic of discussion • The power of teamwork and the importance of establishing effective backup plans • Looking beyond the day-to-day running mindset and beginning to forward plan and schedule • Utilising automation for essential systems and processes to increase efficiency and ensure operations continue smoothly. • The importance of investing in personal and business insurance for financial security. • Acknowledging that not everything is within our control and solutions may not always be available   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Future Proof Your Business By Preparing For The Unexpected

  3. 03/20/2024

    How to Charge for Speaking Engagements as a Freelancer

    Securing speaking opportunities, hosting workshops and leading training sessions are a fantastic way to expand your reach and establish your expertise in your field. However the excitement can soon subside as you're soon left wondering if, and how, you should price your service. This was the reality for one of our listeners as they reached out to ask; "This year I really want to secure more speaking gigs, but I'd love to know (if you have done them before) do you host them for free or have you charged for your time?"   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • Their early experiences with hosting free speaking events. • Evaluating whether speaking opportunities align with and benefit your business. • Adjusting your fees as your experience and expertise develops. • Considering training formats to engage and accommodate to your ideal client. • Repurposing your training and speaking events for enhanced impact. • How to price and who to charge when hosting speaking events. • Pros and cons of charging for your speaking engagements. • Optimising sales by using an authentic follow-up process. • Completing effective market research to price competitively.   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🔗 Useful Links: Pricing A Service You've Never Offered Before

    How to Charge for Speaking Engagements as a Freelancer

  4. 03/13/2024

    The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Efficient Market Research

    Are you an entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed with conducting market research and asking yourself, "Where do I even begin?" Well, you're not the first and you sure won't be the last! Embarking on market research that could significantly contribute to your business growth often feels like an uphill battle, especially when your resources are limited. When you lack the funds and expertise, the task seems not just daunting but nearly impossible! In this week's episode, we are helping you tackle this challenge head-on by pinpointing techniques that will maximise your existing resources so you can collate the vital information that will contribute to your business development.   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • Growing your business doesn't always require financial investment. • Saving costs by delaying software updates until necessary features prompt an upgrade. • Investing time, rather than money, into completing effective market research. • Maximising efficiency by hosting market research focus groups. • Key things to consider before carrying out market research. • How to gather desired information by asking targeted questions. • Identifying your target audience to gain valuable insights for business development. • Common challenges business owners face when conducting market research. • How market research highlights overlooked factors that contribute to business approach. • When you should conduct market research within your business. • The different types of market research you can conduct.   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Efficient Market Research

  5. 03/06/2024

    Stop Taking It Personally! How Being True To Yourself Builds A Successful Brand.

    Ever feel like you're constantly being underestimated or misunderstood in your professional life, especially as a woman navigating the world of business? You're definitely not alone! We're all too familiar with the stereotypes that try to define us, the nagging imposter syndrome that questions our capabilities, and the exhausting tendency to please everyone but ourselves. This week we're sharing some of our experiences with these ever-growing issues and offering a little insight into some of the strategies we've used to navigate these challenges.   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • Being wrongly perceived and undermined in their roles, both in the corporate and entrepreneurial world. • How to handle challenging situations and the impact they can have on us personally and professionally. • The power of staying true to yourself, your core values and your beliefs. • Being mindful about where, and how much time, you're using worrying about "who cares" • Learning to let go of things that aren't within your control • How the way we dress impacts our approach to business and the perceptions of others • Embracing your authenticity and individuality • Using small details and your uniqueness to build a memorable brand and attract ideal clients   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Stop Taking It Personally! How Being True To Yourself Builds A Successful Brand.

  6. 02/28/2024

    Invoicing Dos and Don'ts for Freelancers

    Are you a freelancer wanting to set up an efficient invoicing schedule to maintain a steady cash flow but find yourself wondering "When should I actually send my invoices out? At the start of the month? Maybe when I've completed the work?" - well you're not alone! This week we are responding to one of our listeners' dilemmas and offering our perspective on effective invoicing processes that not only keep your cash flow steady but also create a strong and healthy relationship with your clients.   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • How they approach invoice distribution and management within their business • The reason why they choose to use these approaches and the benefits. • Considering the introduction of late payment fees on overdue invoices. • How delaying invoice send-outs can negatively affect your client relationships. • Communicating clear payment and working expectations for you and your clients. • Charging your value and worth for the work you are providing. • The differences between invoice date, tax point date, due date and payment date. • Benefits of using digital payment platforms and controlling your credit. • The management of your invoices for tax, self-assessment and VAT purposes. • Areas in which you can introduce automation for streamlining tasks in your business.   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🔗 Useful Links: GOV.UK Late Payment Fees Stripe GoCardless

  7. 02/21/2024

    Navigating Invoice Fees From International Payments

    The ability to efficiently receive payments from international clients is a crucial aspect of the successful running of your business. Yet, as one of our listeners recently shared, navigating the high fees associated with popular services like PayPal can be a startling setback:   "Any advice on the best way to receive payment from international clients? I have a new client in Ireland who paid for a session via PayPal today and I couldn't believe the PayPal fees, she's going to be paying for 5 more sessions so wondering what other options might work out better."   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • The positive impact of using trusted payment platforms with your customers • A real-life dilemma Alexis experienced when using Paypal within her first business • Reflecting on the fees in relation to the time completing tasks manually • Researching the payment platform capabilities to ensure they meet your needs • How to effectively factor payment fees into your prices and packages • Setting default payment methods for more control over your fees • Why you are charged in the first place for transactions • A range of payment platforms you could use and their benefits • Reflecting on and developing your ideal client profile where necessary     👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🔗 Useful Links: PayPal Stripe Crezco Squareup Wise Business GoCardless ICO

    Navigating Invoice Fees From International Payments

  8. 02/14/2024

    "Help, I've Become A Social Media Sponge"

    Business dilemma incoming... "Please help, I've become a social media sponge. I feel like I'm constantly absorbing value online and getting inspired by others but never really applying what I've learnt to my business. Any advice on how I could change this would be greatly appreciated - thank you in advance"   🎙️ In this episode, Alexis and Cassie discuss; • The love-hate relationship business owners have with social media • Their habits of being a serial consumer of value online • How the social media platforms change and the challenges we have keeping up with them • The importance of reflecting on whether changes are aligned with you, your ideal clients and your business • Identifying your ideal clients' consuming styles and ensuring you are serving them • Potential negative impacts over-consuming can have on you and your business • Considering ways to utilise your time more effectively for a great reward and result • The reality of how much time, effort and money people put into creating content that we often don't see • The importance of converting your ideas into clear plans first, so you can take aligned action • Using reverse engineering technique for your ideas to build out a tailored and timely plan • The positive impact content consistency can have on your clients and your business • How understanding their working style, and leaning into it, allowed them to be more productive • Getting clear on your end goals so you can effectively work towards achieving them • Cassie's upcoming workshop that takes you through her signature IPA Approach   👉🏻 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DILEMMA 👈🏻   🧡 Connect with Cassie: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🧡 Connect with Alexis: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   🔗 Useful Links: SIGN UP FOR THE FREE WORKSHOP - "How To Get Out Of Your Head And Into Action With Your Business Growth"

    "Help, I've Become A Social Media Sponge"
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About

Welcome to the Dilemma Desk, the podcast in which you can gain expert advice - from our business agony aunts, Cassie Evans & Alexis Charkiw - to navigate your business challenges and dilemmas with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexis Charkiw & Cassie Evans
  • Years Active
    2024
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Dilemma Desk