Blaze

Megan Smyth
  • 4.8 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The go-to podcast for trailblazing entrepreneurs who believe in doing business (and life) DIFFERENTLY. Tired of hearing the same fluffy advice over and over again? We’re pulling back the curtain to give you an honest take on entrepreneurship. No BS, just real, practical strategies to fuel your growth — and remind you that wherever you are on your journey, you’re not in this alone. Join host Megan Smyth for weekly interviews, roundtable discussions, and solo soapbox episodes to help YOU blaze your own path and build a business that lights you up. Welcome to the new era of entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Blaze podcast!

  1. 3D AGO

    84. Why That Strategy From 2022 Stopped Working and What to Do Instead

    If you've been feeling like nothing works anymore in your business, you're not imagining it — but you might be looking at the problem from the wrong angle. One of the biggest questions I get asked these days is: "What's actually working in sales and marketing right now?" And the answer might surprise you. While tactics have changed—Instagram algorithms, webinar funnels, email sequences—the foundational principles of sales haven't budged an inch. In this episode, I'm breaking down why that strategy from 2022 stopped working, and more importantly, what you should focus on instead to build a business that thrives no matter what the market throws at you next.   Click play to learn: The critical difference between strategies and tactics (and why most people think they had a strategy when they really didn't) Why the tactics that worked years ago are failing now—and why they'll change again The timeless sales principles that will never go out of style, no matter how much the market shifts How to become "trend-proof" by understanding the why behind what works Why mastering foundational principles means you'll always know what to do when a tactic stops working   Ready to stop chasing trends and start building something sustainable? Join the waitlist for Sales Liberation, my signature program that teaches you the neuroscience and psychology behind selling—so you can be successful on any platform, in any market. The next cohort is opening soon, and spots fill quickly. Head to megansmyth.com/waitlist to be first to know when doors open!   Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick 5-star review to help us keep bringing you free content! Book a free Clarity Call Join the next round of Sales Liberation Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg Join our email community Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Future-Proof Your Online Business: How to Survive & Thrive in a Rapidly Changing Market How to Effectively Sell Your Services in the Age of AI: 5 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Are Doing Differently in 2025

    19 min

  2. FEB 3

    83. The Stress-Free Elevator Pitch: How to Turn Networking into Opportunities + Referrals with Annie Franceschi

    Ever left a networking event wondering why nothing came of all those connections? Most entrepreneurs think networking doesn't work because they're in the wrong rooms or not meeting enough people. But the real problem is they're either unclear about what they do, unwilling to share it confidently, or completely dropping the ball on follow-up. Today's conversation will change how you approach networking forever. Annie Franceschi is a former Disney storyteller, branding expert, and host of the Establish Yourself podcast. Since 2013, Annie has helped over 400 entrepreneurs clarify their brand message, package their offers, and grow businesses with confidence through her practice, Greatest Story Creative. Along the way, she's spoken for thousands, been featured in Forbes, and written 3 bestselling books. Click play to learn: The 5-part framework for creating an elevator pitch that actually opens doors Why clarity over cleverness is the rule to live by when talking about what you do Annie's Follow-Up Magic approach that turns casual conversations into concrete opportunities The exact email template to send after every networking interaction (that takes 30 seconds and impresses everyone) Why common words are your greatest asset—and how the war on overused language is killing your conversions Ready to build a sales system that feels good to you AND your audience? Sales Liberation is officially open for Early Bird enrollment for the next 7 days ONLY! This program is your step-by-step roadmap to take your service-based business to 6 figures—no social media or pushy tactics required. Join this week and save $500 with our Early Bird special! Check out the details here: megansmyth.com/sales-liberation  Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick 5-star review to help us keep bringing you free content! Book a free Clarity Call Join the next round of Sales Liberation Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg Join our email community Full show notes and links from this episode

    50 min

  3. JAN 27

    82. The Invisible Factor That Makes or Breaks Every Sale (Master Your Energy in 3 Simple Steps)

    You can have the perfect offer, nail your messaging, and execute your marketing strategy flawlessly…but if your energy is off, people won't buy. When I ask customers why they chose to work with someone, there’s always one answer that comes up every single time: "I loved their energy." It's not your credentials, your portfolio, or your pricing that closes the sale. It comes down to how you make people feel. In this episode, I'm breaking down why your energy is the invisible factor influencing every sales interaction—from your marketing content to networking events to sales calls—and how to master it so you can attract more clients with less effort. If you've been doing all the "right" things but still struggling to close sales, or if selling feels uncomfortable and desperate, this episode will show you exactly what's missing and give you three practical ways to shift your energy immediately.   Click play to learn: Why energy trumps your offer, pricing, and messaging when it comes to making sales How your internal monologue during sales calls is sabotaging your close rate (even when you follow the perfect script) Why this invisible factor will only become more important in the age of AI (and how to use it to your advantage) How to become magnetic and attract more opportunities without trying so damn hard The 3M Method for shifting your energy: Mindset, Music, and Movement Why making sales about the other person (not yourself) is the fastest way to feel better about selling   Ready to build a sales system that feels good to you AND your audience? Sales Liberation is officially open for Early Bird enrollment for the next 7 days ONLY! This program is your step-by-step roadmap to take your service-based business to 6 figures—no social media or pushy tactics required. Join this week and save $500 with our Early Bird special!  Check out the details here: megansmyth.com/sales-liberation    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick 5-star review to help us keep bringing you valuable, free content!   Book a free Clarity Call Join the next round of Sales Liberation Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: The Magic Sales Call Question That Will Double Your Conversion Rates How to Create An Offer That Sells Itself (No Convincing Required)  The 5 Stages of Purposeful Entrepreneurship with Quinn Tempest

    25 min

  4. JAN 20

    81. How to Maximize Your Profit Margin and Make Data-Driven Decisions for Your Business with Marissa Lawton

    If you're afraid of the numbers side of your business, avoiding your P&L statement, or just winging it in your marketing strategy…this episode is for you! In this conversation with Marissa Lawton, we're breaking down the four categories of metrics you need to track (including one outside of your business), how to overcome avoidance and anxiety around numbers, and why understanding your profit margins is non-negotiable.    Whether you're a numbers person or you'd rather do literally anything else, Marissa shows you how staying on top of your metrics can be simpler than you think.  Marissa Lawton is a business mentor for seasoned entrepreneurs who have outgrown hustle culture. After a decade supporting online coaches and course creators, she's become known for helping established business owners reconnect with their numbers, rebuild trust in their businesses, and make decisions from clarity instead of panic.    Click play to learn: The 4 must-track metric categories (including one most people skip over) Why waiting to be “successful” to review your numbers is actually the riskiest move you can make How to balance following your intuition with data-driven decision making The difference between operating costs and growth investments How to make smart investment decisions based on your business model (so you can stop buying stuff you don't need)   Enjoyed this episode? Leaving a 5-star review will only take a moment, but it means the world and helps us bring you more free content!    Book a free Clarity Call   Join the next round of Sales Liberation   Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg   Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: The MOST Important Marketing Data You Need to Hit Your Goals with Kierra Conover How to Raise Your Rates Without Losing Clients: My Unconventional & Wildly Effective Process The Simplest, Easiest Path to Your First $100k: The ONLY 3 Things You Need for a Successful Online Business How to Stop Spiraling When Sales Are Slow: The Secret to Feeling Secure Even with Inconsistent Income

    54 min

  5. JAN 13

    80. How to Ditch or Limit Social Media in 2026 (+ Make MORE Money)

    What if you could actually attract MORE clients by spending LESS time on social media?  In this episode, I’m sharing how stepping back—or stepping away entirely—from social can increase your revenue, free up your time, and give you back your peace of mind.   If social media feels more draining than effective, this episode is for you. I’m sharing my personal journey of leaving Instagram behind and how it led to my first 6-figure year. This process will help you evaluate the role social media currently plays in your business and replace it with a more sustainable strategy that works for you.   Think of this as your 3-step social media escape plan!    Click play to learn: How quitting Instagram completely transformed my revenue, focus, and mental health The hidden cost of maintaining a social media presence for your business Real-life examples of entrepreneurs thriving without Instagram, TikTok, or Threads How to identify the role social media currently plays in your business—and decide for yourself whether it’s worth it Practical alternatives + lead gen strategies to help you get OFF the hamster wheel   Enjoyed this episode? Leaving a 5-star review will only take a moment, but it means the world and helps us bring you more free content!    Register for the FREE Live Masterclass: Your First $100k: http://megansmyth.com/masterclass   Book a free Clarity Call   Join the next round of Sales Liberation   Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg   Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Lifecycle Marketing 101: Keep Your Customers Longer with Shlesha Pandey How to Effectively Sell Your Services in the Age of AI: 5 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Are Doing Differently in 2025 Stop Creating Content from Scratch: How to Turn 1 Client Project Into Months of Marketing with Shayna Lloyd Stop Relying on Instagram: Turn Your Podcast into Your #1 Lead Generator with Rachel Traxler

    32 min

  6. JAN 6

    79. 6 Things No One Tells You About Making 6 Figures

    Six figures might be a cliché milestone, but for most entrepreneurs, it’s a real turning point.    This episode breaks down what it actually takes to build a business that pays you well, supports your life, and doesn’t burn you out in the process (spoiler alert: you don’t need a massive audience or consistent content)!   I’m sharing the honest truths behind reaching your first $100k: why strategy alone isn’t enough, what actually moves the needle, and why your business will only grow to the extent that you do. We’ll talk mindset, habits, identity, self-trust, self-care, skill development, and how doing less can help you earn more.    Ready to build a business that creates overflow instead of “just enough?”    Click play to learn: Why there is no “best” strategy (and how chasing one keeps you stuck) How slowing down and working less helped me double my revenue Why $100k isn’t the dreamy finish line we’ve been sold…and what actually matters instead How everything in your business acts as a mirror (this alone could change everything for you) Why you don’t need a massive audience or consistent content to make 6 figures—and what to focus on instead   Enjoyed this episode? Leaving a 5-star review will only take a moment, but it means the world and helps us bring you more free content!    Register for the FREE Your First $100k Masterclass: megansmyth.com/masterclass   Book a free Clarity Call   Join the next round of Sales Liberation   Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg   Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: The Simplest, Easiest Path to Your First $100k: The ONLY 3 Things You Need for a Successful Online Business The 3 MOST Important Areas to Spend Your Time to Make More Money Stop Relying on Instagram: Turn Your Podcast into Your #1 Lead Generator with Rachel Traxler

    46 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    78. How to Plan Your Best Year Yet: A Simple 2-Step Process to Turn Your Vision into Reality

    What if I told you that choosing a revenue goal was only the first step in New Year’s goal setting?  In this last episode of 2025, I’m walking you through a simple two-step process to create your roadmap for the new year. You'll clarify not just *what* you want, but the best strategy for *how* to get there—the part most goal-setting content skips over.We cover everything from defining your dream lifestyle and personal income goal to reverse engineering how many clients you need, how to price your services for success, and which marketing platform to actually commit to.If you've felt lost or overwhelmed trying to turn your goals into reality, this episode is for you!   Click play to learn: Why revenue goals aren’t enough—and how stopping here sets you up for failure The 2-step method to align your big goals with a clear weekly action plan How to work backwards from your revenue goal to calculate the exact number of clients and leads you need (and at what price point) The real reason why  The power of deciding how you want to feel along the way, and why accessing those feelings now (not someday) changes everything   Enjoyed this episode? Leaving a 5-star review will only take a moment, but it means the world and helps us bring you more free content!    Book a free Clarity Call   Join the next round of Sales Liberation   Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg   Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Year-End Reflection: How to Finish Strong and Set Yourself Up for Success in 2026 Why I'm NOT Setting Goals for the New Year (+ What I'm Doing Instead) The Simplest, Easiest Path to Your First $100k: The ONLY 3 Things You Need for a Successful Online Business How to Realistically Double Your Revenue in 2025: Leave This One Habit Behind

    40 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    77. Year-End Reflection: How to Finish Strong and Set Yourself Up for Success in 2026

    Are you closing the year properly…or just rushing into the next one?   In this episode, I’m guiding you through a simple three-step reflection process to close out the year with intention. You’ll celebrate your wins, get honest with your numbers, and extract the lessons that make your next year easier, smarter, and more intentional—the part most goal-setting content skips over.   We cover everything from honouring what you accomplished, spotting patterns in your results, to uncovering the insights that will actually make 2026 your best year yet.   Whether you crushed your goals or came up short, this episode is for you. Reflection is the foundation for momentum, clarity, and confidence in the year ahead.   Click play to learn: How the year-end reflection process helps you avoid burnout, integrate valuable lessons, and set the tone for your year ahead  Why celebrating your wins isn’t a “nice-to-have” but an essential part of maintaining motivation + momentum Essential business metrics to review (including a few most people skip over…) 15+ Powerful reflection questions that reveal hidden growth opportunities, energy drains, and how to make more money with less effort in the new year   Enjoyed this episode? Leaving a 5-star review will only take a moment, but it means the world and helps us bring you more free content!    Book a free Clarity Call   Join the next round of Sales Liberation   Say hi on Instagram or tag @saleswithmeg   Join our email community   Full show notes and links from this episode   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Quarterly Planning: The Blueprint for Your Most Productive 90 Days Ever The Unplugged Entrepreneur: How Taking Real Time Off Leads to Bigger Results Why I'm NOT Setting Goals for the New Year (+ What I'm Doing Instead) How to Realistically Double Your Revenue in 2025: Leave This One Habit Behind

    21 min
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4.8
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About

The go-to podcast for trailblazing entrepreneurs who believe in doing business (and life) DIFFERENTLY. Tired of hearing the same fluffy advice over and over again? We’re pulling back the curtain to give you an honest take on entrepreneurship. No BS, just real, practical strategies to fuel your growth — and remind you that wherever you are on your journey, you’re not in this alone. Join host Megan Smyth for weekly interviews, roundtable discussions, and solo soapbox episodes to help YOU blaze your own path and build a business that lights you up. Welcome to the new era of entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Blaze podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Smyth
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright 2026+ All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Blaze