Strategy with Sally

Sally Sparks-Cousins
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Semiweekly

Strategy with Sally (formerly Straight Talk with Sally) Strategy with Sally is the podcast for women in business who are ready to stop winging it and start building a business that actually works — with clear strategy, smart systems, and the confidence to take imperfect action. Hosted by Sally Sparks-Cousins, business strategist, automation nerd, and co-founder of OmniSAM, this show dives into business strategy, personal branding, marketing, social media, mindset, automation, and scalable systems — without the fluff or hustle-for-hustle's-sake. Sally is on a mission to help women build businesses around their zone of genius (aka inner sparkle), reclaim their time, trust their numbers, and create sustainable success while balancing business, family, lifestyle, and mindset. Each week, you'll find: ◉ Practical business strategy you can actually implement ◉ Real conversations about growth, confidence, and leadership ◉ Simple systems and automation insights for small business owners ◉ Thought-provoking lessons on what it really takes to be a business owner and thought leader If you're ready to build a business on your terms, back yourself, and get out of overthinking and into action — you're in the right place. It's time to get sh*t done — strategically. ✨

  1. 23h ago

    #583: Mindset Myth 3/9: If It Feels Hard, You're Doing It Wrong

    In Episode 3 of the Mindset Myths series, Sally tackles another common belief that keeps business owners stuck: "If it feels hard, I must be doing it wrong." The truth? Not always. Sometimes hard means something needs adjusting—but often, it simply means you're learning, growing, and building a new skill. In This Episode: Why discomfort isn't always a sign to stop The difference between "hard because it's wrong" and "hard because it's new" How learning curves build confidence and capability Why repetition—not perfection—creates progress Your Mindset Reset: Instead of asking: "Why is this so hard?" Ask: "Is this hard because it's wrong, or hard because it's new?" That simple question creates space to adjust what isn't working—or keep going if you're simply learning. Today's GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Task: Choose one task in your business that feels difficult. Ask yourself whether it needs to be simplified, adjusted, or whether you simply need more practice. Then take the next small step. Because hard doesn't always mean stop. Sometimes, it means you're growing. Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    7 min

  2. 5d ago

    #582: Mindset Myth 2/9: You Need to Feel Confident First

    In this episode of Strategy with Sally, Sally continues her Mindset Myths series by tackling one of the most common beliefs holding entrepreneurs back: "I'm just not a confident person." The truth? Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build. Sally shares why confidence isn't a personality trait but the result of repeated action and collected evidence. Drawing on her own experiences of bullying, overcoming self-doubt, and stepping in front of the camera for the first time, she explains how confidence grows every time you choose action over avoidance. If you've ever believed you're simply "not confident enough" to start, sell, speak, or show up, this episode will help you reframe that story and begin building confidence one small step at a time. GSD Challenge Think about one area where you keep telling yourself, "I'm not confident with this." Now write down three pieces of evidence that prove you're more capable than your fear is admitting. They could be past successes, challenges you've overcome, skills you've learned, or difficult situations you've handled. Then choose one small action you can take today to add another piece of evidence. Remember, confidence isn't built by waiting to feel ready—it's built by taking action before you do. Connect with Strategy with Sally Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    7 min

  3. Jun 14

    #581: If You're Not Willing to Be Seen, Your Business Won't Grow

    In this episode of Strategy with Sally, Sally shares a deeply personal story about overcoming the fear of being seen and how stepping into the spotlight transformed her business and her life. From childhood bullying and hiding behind the camera to livestreaming for 365 days and building a thriving online presence, Sally reveals the mindset shifts, lessons, and practical strategies that helped her move beyond fear and start showing up consistently. If you've ever felt nervous about posting on social media, going live, recording videos, or putting yourself out there because of what others might think, this episode is for you. Sally reminds us that the people who need our help can't find us if we're hiding. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why fear of judgment keeps so many business owners invisible How childhood experiences and self-doubt can impact confidence in business The story behind Sally's very first livestream and what happened next Why visibility is essential if you want to grow your audience and impact How showing up consistently creates opportunities and business growth The difference between vanity metrics and building real business assets Why imperfect action is better than waiting for perfection Simple ways to start creating content without feeling overwhelmed How behind-the-scenes content helps build trust in an AI-driven world The power of sharing your story to inspire and connect with others GSD Challenge Choose one day and one time every week to show up consistently. Whether it's a livestream, a video, a podcast, or a simple social media post, commit to sharing one useful tip, lesson, story, or insight. Don't worry about being perfect. Just start. Connect with Strategy with Sally Follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators who need the confidence to step out from behind the scenes and share their message with the world. Stay connected for more practical business strategies, honest conversations, and real-world lessons every week. And remember: Never let anyone dim your sparkle. Every day, be marketing. Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    41 min

  4. Jun 11

    #580: Mindset Myth 1/9: You Need to Feel Confident First

    Welcome to the first episode of the Mindset Myths series, where Sally unpacks the sneaky beliefs that sound sensible but often keep business owners stuck. This episode tackles one of the most common myths in business: "I need to feel confident before I take action." The truth? Confidence isn't something that arrives before you start. It's something you build by taking action, one small step at a time. In This Episode: Why waiting for confidence can keep you stuck The difference between confidence and evidence How action builds self-belief Why imperfect movement beats waiting for the "right" feeling Your Mindset Reset: Instead of asking: "Do I feel confident enough to do this?" Ask: "What's one small action I can take that gives me evidence?" Because confidence is often the result of action, not the prerequisite for it. Today's GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Task: Choose one thing you've been putting off because you don't feel confident enough. Then take the smallest possible step toward it today. Write the draft. Send the message. Record the practice video. Make the follow-up. Just create one piece of evidence for your brain. Because confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you build. Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    7 min

  5. Jun 9

    #579: Quick Tip: 9 of 9: The Weekly Reset That Keeps You Moving (The 5-Minute Business Reset Series)

    In the final episode of the 5-Minute Business Reset series, Sally brings everything together with a simple weekly reset designed to help you stay focused, reduce overwhelm, and keep your business moving forward. Instead of waiting until things feel chaotic, this episode shows you how to build a regular pause into your week so you can identify what's working, spot what's slowing you down, and choose your next clear focus. In This Episode: Why weekly resets create clarity and momentum How to identify recurring bottlenecks and friction points The five questions to ask every week How small adjustments can prevent overwhelm before it starts Your 5-Minute Reset: Set aside a regular time each week and ask yourself: What actually moved forward this week? What kept slowing me down? What needs my attention next week? What can I make easier before it begins? What is my one clear focus for next week? Today's GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Task: Schedule a recurring weekly reset in your calendar and use these five questions to review your week and plan your next move. Because you don't need to fix everything at once. You just need a simple pause that helps you move forward with more clarity and less chaos. Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    9 min

  6. Jun 6

    #578: Simplifying Video: How to Create Content That Connects Without Overthinking the Tech feat. Katie Fawkes

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e19692-f7b0-8323-966f-a6701045d246-5" data-turn-id-container= "request-69e19692-f7b0-8323-966f-a6701045d246-5" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Strategy with Sally, Sally, sits down with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, live streamer, podcaster, and passionate advocate for helping creators build confidence on camera. Katie shares her journey from being terrified of live video to becoming a regular host of live shows and podcasts, proving that confidence doesn't come from having the perfect setup—it comes from showing up, learning as you go, and embracing the messy moments along the way. Together, they explore why so many aspiring creators get stuck waiting for the perfect gear, perfect background, or perfect script before they start. Katie reveals why the biggest barrier to video success isn't technology at all—it's the fear of looking inexperienced or getting it wrong. She shares stories of her own live-streaming mishaps, from frozen camera screens to empty-chair moments on live broadcasts, and explains how every mistake becomes part of the learning process. The conversation also dives into the growing importance of authentic video in an AI-driven world. Katie explains why audiences are craving real human connection more than ever and why live video creates a level of trust that polished content often can't replicate. Listeners will gain practical insights into simplifying their video workflow, avoiding overwhelm with production tools, and focusing on what truly matters—creating meaningful content that serves their audience. Katie also shares how Ecamm's flexible approach allows creators to start simple, grow at their own pace, and produce professional-quality content without complicated workflows. One of the standout moments of the episode is Katie's reminder that professionalism doesn't mean hiding your personality. From crochet creations and movie memorabilia to unique backgrounds that spark conversations, she encourages creators to let their authentic selves shine through and create genuine connections with their audience. The episode wraps up with a fun Fast Talk round covering live streaming versus recording, planning versus improvising, audio versus video quality, and Katie's favorite ways to create content. Whether you're a business owner, podcaster, coach, or content creator who has been putting off video because you don't feel ready, this episode will give you the confidence to start before you're perfect and discover that authenticity beats perfection every time.   Connect with Katie Fawkes: Website: https://www.ecamm.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecammnetwork Instagram: https://instagram.com/ecammnetwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-anne-fawkes/ Special Offer: Discover Ecamm, the all-in-one live streaming and video production platform for Mac that makes it easy to create professional-quality video without complicated tools or workflows. Learn more at: https://www.ecamm.com Tune in and learn how to simplify your video creation process, show up authentically, and create content that truly connects with your audience.   Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    1 hr

  7. Jun 4

    #577: Quick Tip: 8 of 9: How to Simplify Your Next Step (The 5-Minute Business Reset Series)

    Sometimes the thing you're avoiding isn't actually difficult — it just feels too big. In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Reset, Sally shares a simple way to break down overwhelming projects into smaller, more manageable actions. Because momentum doesn't come from doing everything at once. It comes from taking the next useful step. In This Episode: Why big projects create resistance How to turn overwhelming tasks into simple actions The difference between a project and a next step Why small wins create momentum Your 5-Minute Reset: Choose one task you've been avoiding and ask: "What's the smallest useful version of this?" Then focus only on that next action. Today's GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Task: Pick one task that feels too big, simplify it into the smallest useful step, and complete that step today. Because progress isn't about finishing everything. It's about making the next move easier. Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    6 min

  8. Jun 2

    #576: Quick Tip: 7 of 9: How to Reset Your Follow-Up Without Overthinking It (The 5-Minute Business Reset Series)

    In Episode 7 of The 5-Minute Business Reset Series, Sally tackles one of the most overcomplicated parts of business — follow-up. This quick reset is designed to help you stop overthinking follow-up and start seeing it for what it really is: helping someone take their next clear step. Sally explains why so many business owners avoid follow-up, how good opportunities slip through the cracks, and why the problem is often not the message itself but the lack of a simple system to track conversations. She shares three practical questions to help you identify who needs a follow-up, what the next helpful step should be, and how to make the process easier and more consistent moving forward. In this episode: Why follow-up feels harder than it needs to be The biggest misconceptions about following up How to stop relying on memory to manage conversations Simple ways to create a follow-up system that works Why consistency beats the "perfect" message every time Your 5-Minute Reset: Ask yourself: Who is waiting on me? What is the next helpful step? How can I make this easier next time? Then choose one person who needs a follow-up and send a helpful message today. Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

    6 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Strategy with Sally (formerly Straight Talk with Sally) Strategy with Sally is the podcast for women in business who are ready to stop winging it and start building a business that actually works — with clear strategy, smart systems, and the confidence to take imperfect action. Hosted by Sally Sparks-Cousins, business strategist, automation nerd, and co-founder of OmniSAM, this show dives into business strategy, personal branding, marketing, social media, mindset, automation, and scalable systems — without the fluff or hustle-for-hustle's-sake. Sally is on a mission to help women build businesses around their zone of genius (aka inner sparkle), reclaim their time, trust their numbers, and create sustainable success while balancing business, family, lifestyle, and mindset. Each week, you'll find: ◉ Practical business strategy you can actually implement ◉ Real conversations about growth, confidence, and leadership ◉ Simple systems and automation insights for small business owners ◉ Thought-provoking lessons on what it really takes to be a business owner and thought leader If you're ready to build a business on your terms, back yourself, and get out of overthinking and into action — you're in the right place. It's time to get sh*t done — strategically. ✨

Information

  • Creator
    Sally Sparks-Cousins
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    572
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © OmniSAM™
  • Show Website
    Strategy with Sally