Queens Lead Amy Singleton

Listen to the fascinating journey Queen Nikki, the Sales Maven, took from working with ALL men in tech sales in the 90s, to leaning into her real gifts & sharing them with other women. Who knew sales could actually be fun & easy? Sales isn't what we think it is, and Nikki gives us the 5 step process to the stareway to heaven with sales. 
🎙️ Podcast Episode with Nikki RauschAmy and Nikki caught up on personal matters and discussed potential business trips and podcasts. They also had a detailed conversation about sales and the importance of acknowledging and leveraging one's strengths. They discussed the five-step process of sales, the concept of 'the curse of knowledge', and the importance of communication in sales. The conversation ended with Nikki offering a free mini-training called 'Mastering the Sales Conversation'.
👩‍💼 Women in Sales: Nikki Rausch's Journey and MissionNikki Rausch discussed her journey into sales and her mission to help women improve their sales skills. She shared her experience working in a male-dominated industry and how she used her sales skills to improve her personal relationships. After years of successful sales in a corporate setting, she transitioned to help women in sales, recognizing that many struggled with it. She found that she could offer valuable lessons to these women, which allowed her to continue working in sales while also networking with women, which she found fulfilling. The conversation also touched on the idea of self-doubt in sales and the tendency to undervalue skills that come naturally.
💪 Strengths, Sales, and the Curse of KnowledgeNikki Rausch and Amy Singleton discussed the importance of acknowledging and leveraging one's strengths, and how it can positively impact others. They also touched upon the concept of 'the curse of knowledge', where experts in a field often underestimate the difficulty others may face in understanding their knowledge. Nikki shared her belief in the crucial role of sales skills in personal and professional success, and introduced her 5-step 'Selling Staircase' framework for effective sales conversations. The first step in this framework is the introduction, aimed at creating a powerful first impression.
🔍 Sales Curiosity and Discovery ProcessNikki Rausch discussed the five-step process of sales, emphasizing the importance of creating curiosity in the second step. She noted that many entrepreneurs overlook this crucial aspect, making it difficult to earn a potential client's business. Nikki explained that curiosity involves sparking interest in the client to want to know more about the product or service. She also highlighted the importance of the discovery step, where the salesperson seeks to understand the client's needs and whether their product or service can meet them. Finally, Nikki stressed the need for a clear close in the final step, where the salesperson asks for the business.
📢 Communication Strategies in SalesNikki Rausch and Amy Singleton had a discussion about the importance of communication in sales. Nikki emphasized the need to approach conversations with potential clients like calling a cat, rather than a dog. She advocated for creating curiosity in the client by using intriguing statements or responses, known as "here, Kitty, Kitty" responses. She suggested that this approach would encourage clients to ask follow-up questions, leading to more in-depth conversations about the product or service being offered. Amy agreed and seemed to understand the importance of these strategies.
🔑 Curiosity and Engagement in ConversationsNikki Rausch advised Amy Singleton on the use of "here Kitty, Kitty" responses to create curiosity and engagement in conversations. Nikki emphasized that these responses could be used in various contexts and could lead to buying signals, indicating interest. She also outlined a five-step process for handling business conversations, noting that the steps could be completed in o

Tune in to hear how Colleen went from corporate drop-out to powerhouse author, speaker & coach. She's launched over 340 businesses & shares her must-dos for success. It's not as complicated as you think.
🎙️ Podcast Episode with ColleenColleen and Amy had a conversation about various topics, including their personal appearance and makeup habits, podcast length, the impact of popular podcasters on businesses, Colleen's corporate experiences, and her journey into entrepreneurship. The discussion highlighted the importance of supportive networks, taking action, avoiding common entrepreneurial mistakes, and Colleen's coaching programs for female small business owners seeking guidance on visibility and idea implementation.
💄 Podcasting, Appearance, and Supportive NetworksColleen and Amy discussed their personal appearance and makeup habits. They also explored the ideal podcast length, noting that audiences tend to lose interest after 20 to 30 minutes. The conversation touched on the influence of well-known podcasters like Joe Rogan on businesses. Amy confirmed the links to Colleen's social media platforms, and they discussed an upcoming episode of the 'Queen's Lead' podcast in which Colleen was a guest. The episode offered a 'freebie' for Colleen's team, including a drive folder of graphics and reels for Instagram. The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and stepping out of one's comfort zone was also emphasized.
🏢 Corporate Experience and Decision to LeaveColleen shared their experiences in the corporate world, highlighting the positive impact of mentors and sponsors who provided guidance and advocacy. However, challenges arose with a new CEO, boss, and company culture marked by cliques and backstabbing. Despite being productive and successful, Colleen felt a glass ceiling and ultimately decided to leave the company.
🚀 Women's Journey to EntrepreneurshipColleen and Amy discussed Colleen's experiences in the workplace and their decision to leave and start their own business. Colleen often received calls from the CEO, attributing it to others' intimidation. They also expressed feeling unfulfilled and frequently upset in their role. After taking the leap into entrepreneurship, they faced vulnerability but found success through networking and self-promotion. Building a supportive tribe for women starting businesses was emphasized over perfecting a website or logo.
🤝 Social Support and Personal GrowthThe conversation delved into the importance of a supportive social circle. Colleen stressed the need to surround oneself with people who build up rather than break down. They shared experiences of distancing themselves from negative influences. Amy agreed, sharing their own experiences of finding support from like-minded individuals. They discussed the inevitable changes in relationships as people grow and the importance of having a tribe that supports personal growth.
💼 Women Entrepreneurs' Common Mistakes and SolutionsAmy and Colleen discussed common mistakes women entrepreneurs make when starting a business, including over-preparing, chasing distractions, and trying to do everything alone. They emphasized the importance of making money early to boost confidence and investing in coaching and resources. Selling skills, networking, and being part of a tribe were deemed vital. Taking action, even if messy, was encouraged to avoid endless planning without progress.
🚧 Entrepreneurship Challenges and Coaching ProgramsColleen shared their experiences as an entrepreneur and their coaching programs, primarily for female small business owners seeking guidance on visibility and idea implementation. Staying within one's area of expertise and avoiding distractions were highlighted. Colleen also mentioned a free download on their website for increasing business visibility.
🌐 Links:
Website: colleenbiggs.netFacebook: facebook.com/colleen.s.biggsInstagram: instagram.com/colleenbiggsYouTube

Listen as Denise lets us in on the secret to her successful business of over 30 years. She has dominated a male-centric space for decades. Giving back to what matters in her community & leading a team of loyal employees, THIS is what true grit & Queen Leadership looks like.
🎙️ Podcast Episode with DeniseAmy and Denise discussed a range of topics related to Denise's entrepreneurial journey, her experiences in the junk removal business, business growth, and community-centered entrepreneurship. They also touched upon technical issues, leadership experiences, and the challenges of delegating tasks in a growing business.
🚀 Technical Issue Resolved, Excitement for CollaborationAmy and Denise experienced a technical issue where Denise's voice had a significant delay compared to their video. Amy suggested trying a different device or joining from a phone. Upon switching to a phone, the issue was resolved. Amy suggested Denise should contact their IT department about the problem. The conversation ended on a positive note with Amy and Denise expressing their excitement to work together.
📚 Denise's Entrepreneurial Journey and Social Media StrategyAmy and Denise discussed the details of Denise's social media platforms and the upcoming release of Denise's episode. They also talked about the challenges Denise faced in their 30-year-long entrepreneurial journey, particularly in their junk removal business. Denise shared their experiences with expanding their business into different areas, including estate cleanouts, fire and water damage remediation, and even weekly trash pickup services. They also touched upon the issue of larger corporations monopolizing trash collection services in certain areas.
📊 Business Growth and Challenges in 2023Denise discussed the growth and development of their business in 2023. They highlighted that they had faced challenges, especially regarding advertising on Facebook, but was able to resolve them with the help of legal attorneys. Denise shared that their business expanded to include waste collection services in unincorporated areas and they purchased their first trash truck in November 2023. They also mentioned that their team has grown to six members, including part-time employees, and emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic in their team.
📈 Business Growth and Covid Impacts: Denise's JourneyAmy and Denise discussed the evolution of Denise's business over the years. Denise shared that they started with a franchise in 1993 and has since grown to a team of 35. They emphasized the importance of hard work, respect, and leading by example. Denise also mentioned the impact of Covid on their workforce and the changes in work culture over the years. Towards the end of the conversation, Denise highlighted the importance of customer service and the commitment of their team.
🤝 Delegation and Technology in Growing BusinessDenise and Amy discussed the challenges of delegating tasks in a growing business. Denise shared their strategy of gradually entrusting employees with customer interactions and encouraging open communication. They also emphasized the importance of utilizing technology and promoting efficiency to reduce physical strain on workers. The conversation also touched upon the difficulties Denise faced when an employee, who was fascinated with their work, infiltrated their computer system and stole customer information. Despite these challenges, Denise underscored their commitment to their business's growth and success.
👩‍💼 Women's Business and Leadership ExperiencesDenise and Amy shared their experiences in business and leadership, emphasizing the importance of caution and trust. Denise recounted a past experience with a business partner who took advantage of their trust, leading them to develop a more cautious approach in future business dealings. Both women discussed the challenges of being women in male-dominated industries and the importance o

Tune in to hear the dynamic onery duo of Amy & Connie dive into what sales really is, how we can make something we actually enjoy and what it takes to get there. It starts with knowing who you are & how you communicate in every way.
🎙️ Podcast Episode with ConnieAmy and Connie discussed a range of topics related to sales, communication, and personal development. They emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles, with Connie sharing her personal experiences and a communication style assessment tool she uses. They also discussed the importance of customizing solutions for clients and the development of a new communication framework. Connie and Amy also discussed the role of self-assessments in personal growth and the importance of addressing objections in sales. Towards the end of their conversations, they touched on personal limiting beliefs and the impacts of various communication filters and biases.
🚀 Upcoming Show, Technical Issues, Free Gift, Professional Journey, Communication in SalesAmy and Connie discussed their upcoming show participation and technical difficulties with Amy's microphone. Connie offered a free gift, a communication style assessment, which Amy agreed was beneficial. The conversation ended with the hosts sharing their locations. Connie shared their professional journey from the finance industry in the 1980s to becoming a successful business owner. They emphasized the importance of communication and education in sales over traditional hard-sell tactics.
📚 Education, Sales, Communication, and UnderstandingConnie and Amy discussed the importance of education in sales and communication. Connie shared their 40-year experience and a communication model they use with their clients. They also discussed the challenges of inferring others' communication styles without directly asking them. Connie explained their four-step approach to understanding a person's communication style, emphasizing the importance of observing the person's energy level and pace. Amy agreed with Connie's method, and they also mentioned a tool they would receive for free to help with this.
📊 Communication Styles in Business SettingsConnie and Amy discussed the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles in business settings. Connie emphasized the need to recognize whether someone is people-oriented or task-oriented, and how this influences their pace and approach. They also shared an example of how they adjust their coaching style based on their client's needs. Amy agreed, noting that adapting their style out of respect for others doesn't detract from their authenticity but rather enhances the effectiveness of their interactions.
📢 Communication Style and Client InteractionsConnie emphasized the importance of understanding one's communication style and adapting to others' in order to improve teamwork and client interactions. They shared an anecdote about shifting their communication style to suit the needs of a client and stressed the need to be present and attentive during conversations. Connie also recommended spending 70% of the time listening, asking follow-up questions, and preparing appropriate questions beforehand. Amy agreed with Connie's points, highlighting the importance of active listening in improving communication quality and closing deals.
🔍 Client-Centric Solutions: Tailoring to NeedsAmy and Connie discussed the importance of customizing solutions for clients based on their specific needs and problems, rather than focusing solely on the features of the product. They emphasized the need to understand the client's context and tailor the solution accordingly. Connie suggested viewing the solution as a collaborative process, where the client's input is valued and incorporated into the final plan. They also highlighted the importance of addressing immediate needs before considering long-term goals, and the potential for th

Tune in to hear Queen Diane talk about the most common pitfalls brand new business owners can avoid & how they can truly set themseves up for success in the freedom they were seeking when they started out.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Legacy and Career ImpactDiane shared their journey into business advising and training, inspired by their father's successful sales career and their own experiences in small business management and leadership. They revealed that a pivotal moment was the death of their father, which led them to consider a career with more impact. Diane also highlighted the influence of the Dale Carnegie course on their sales skills. The conversation emphasized the significance of personal experiences and family legacy in career choices and the impact of loss on career transitions.
🧭 Diane's Career as a Business AdvisorDiane and Amy discussed Diane's potential career as a life coach or business advisor. Diane shared their realization that they were already providing advice, input, and ideas to businesses, which they couldn't implement on their own. Diane identified the most common problems businesses face as disliking sales or having a lack of time due to not having systems in place. Amy noted that these issues were similar to those in counseling. The conversation concluded with Diane identifying the need for systems and structures in businesses.
📊 Processes and Systems in BusinessesDiane and Amy discussed the importance of developing processes and systems for businesses. Diane defined a process as a series of steps to accomplish a task, which should be recorded for continuity. Amy suggested using a phone's voice recorder to document steps. They also touched on the concept of systems, which involves stepping back to analyze a business's efficiency, avoid waste, and potentially automate tasks. The importance of starting these processes early in a business's lifecycle was emphasized, with the understanding that they can evolve and change over time.
🚀 Leadership, Trust, and TeamworkAmy and Diane discussed the importance of leadership in process improvement and the value of listening to team members. They highlighted the struggles that small business owners often encounter when trying to let go of control and trust their team members. They emphasized the importance of trust, recognition, communication skills, and integrity in effective leadership. They also addressed the challenges of maintaining a healthy ego and acknowledging mistakes. Lastly, they underscored the role of leaders as stewards of their team members, with a responsibility to lead by example.
🤝 Redefining Sales: From Persuasion to CuriosityDiane and Amy discussed the concept of sales and the fear associated with it among business owners and salespeople. Diane shared their experience of explaining to their son the importance of civility and politeness towards strangers. They delved into the idea of redefining sales, moving away from the traditional concept of always closing and being persuasive, and instead emphasizing curiosity and focusing on the other person. They agreed that the traditional concept of sales is flawed and needs to be redefined, especially in the context of the internet era where consumers are well-informed.
🧠 Sales-to-Empathy Mindset Shift DiscussedDiane and Amy discussed the importance of shifting from a sales-focused mindset to one that is more curious and empathetic. They emphasized the value of understanding potential clients beyond just their ability to pay, including their values and whether they are a good fit. They also highlighted the potential benefits of this approach, such as building trust and respect, even if they don't end up working with the client.
📈 Selling, Small Businesses, Leadership TrainingDiane and Amy discussed the importance of not appearing desperate when selling, emphasizing that customers want to make purchases when they need it, not due to persuasion. Diane shar

Hear Queen Lorraine chat with Amy about being "born talking" and discusson on the topics ranging from crappy coffee at corporate, to exiting her business after 20 successful years. She is a true queen leader, having accomplished so much- we can all look to her for guidance today.
🚀 Lorraine's Career Journey and Marketing GuidanceLorraine detailed her career path from corporate marketing at a large insurance company to running her own business for two decades before venturing into podcasting and marketing education. They discussed the freedom of guiding others in marketing without hands-on involvement. Lorraine shared insights gained from turning around a struggling company through entrepreneurial initiatives and mentioned that she sold her business three years ago, focusing on teaching and training.
🎙️ Podcasting Journey: From Impulse to Actionable TipsLorraine spoke about her 14-year podcasting journey, starting impulsively and evolving to provide short and actionable tips for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Changes in podcasting, including live call-in shows and real-time Twitter engagement, were highlighted. Amy recognized Lorraine's pioneering role in podcasting.
📈 Business Asset Mindset: Benefits and Exit PlanThe conversation emphasized the advantages of viewing a business as an asset rather than a personal extension. Lorraine discussed how this mindset shift simplifies decision-making and encourages process documentation, even if the business isn't sold. They stressed the importance of having a clear exit plan, which allows for worry-free vacations.
📊 Project Management Evolution: From Spreadsheets to Digital RecordsLorraine shared insights into the evolution of project management in their industry, including the use of spreadsheets and corporate-derived processes to track and manage projects. They also discussed the transition from paper files to digital records.
💰 Enhancing Business Value for SaleAmy and Lorraine explored strategies to make a business more appealing to potential buyers. Documentation of processes and nurturing long-term customer relationships to create recurring revenue streams were highlighted as value-enhancing practices. Lorraine shared her experience of selling her business and the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for clients through the establishment of account managers.
🔄 Recurring Revenue Streams and Customer RetentionThe discussion underscored the significance of recurring revenue streams and well-documented processes for businesses. Consistency in the sales process and maintaining high customer retention rates were identified as crucial. They also emphasized the need to understand team capacity and adjust pricing strategies instead of expanding staff, prioritizing staff experience for improved morale and customer relationships.
🎤 Podcast Networking and Marketing InsightsLorraine's podcast, available on various platforms and released weekly, was a topic of discussion. It enables networking and knowledge-sharing within the marketing and small business community. The idea of releasing a collection of essays by Lorraine's guests, well-received in the previous year, was mentioned. The process of creating this collection fostered deeper connections among the authors.
🌍 Regional Accents and Business TravelAmy and Lorraine exchanged experiences related to business events and meeting people from different regions. Lorraine, originally from New York but now living in Indiana, and Amy, representing Oklahoma, discussed the unique accents and cultures of their respective regions and how these can be perceived by others. Both expressed appreciation for the affordability of their current homes and the opportunity to travel.
🌅 Lorraine's Post-Company Life and Special OfferLorraine shared details of her post-business life, which includes teaching at a university, working on a second essay collection, selective consulting, and travel. Th