Wobizzle Podcast

A lot of businesses fall victim to predatory marketing and may not even realize it. Today, Michelle and Melissa are going to talk about what predatory marketing is, how to spot it, and how to protect your business from it. This is not an attack on sales professionals, but takes a hard look at those who are focused only on selling the product – whether it’s a good fit for the client or not. We recognize that shopping for ad space or marketing help can be overwhelming, especially if it’s not what you do. We’ve got tips to help you navigate and help you make sure that your marketing dollars are well spent!

Not all clients are a good fit, and sometimes it’s better to part ways sooner rather than later. Today, Michelle and Melissa will discuss how to know when it’s time to fire a client, and how to do it gracefully. Sometimes it’s scope creep, sometimes the client is a haggler, or perhaps they push their way to the front of the line and expect you to be “always on”, and sometimes the project just isn’t a good fit. We get it, and know that when it’s time to let them go it’s super scary. Sometimes though, you just need to do it, for your own good and for the good of the client.

In today’s episode Michelle and Melissa look at why it’s important to take time off, and how to make it happen. Burnout is bad, and an “always-on” approach to work will lead to it fast. Busy isn’t always a good thing and if you don’t pace yourself, your mental, emotional, and mental health will suffer. We share strategies to help you avoid the negative side-effects of high performance, and tips on forecasting, ways to maximize efficiency and workflow, and how to set a schedule and stick to it.

Today Michelle and Melissa are tackling an issue every business owner has to deal with – surviving peaks and valleys. We share strategies on how to deal with the ups and downs of a changing workflow while you’re in the moment and look at ways to see the peaks and valleys coming and plan accordingly. We also share tips on managing expectations, developing a more balanced schedule, and look at the always dreaded valley panic. Learn how to continue to deliver your best and ride the wave of small business ownership!

In this episode, Michelle and Melissa tackle the issue of scope creep, aka the projects that start to creep beyond the scope of what was originally agreed upon. It happens, and while sometimes it can be a good thing, other times it can be problematic. We discuss ways to communicate with the client when this happens, as well as ways to protect yourself financially, and how to protect your schedule as well as other clients and projects that you have going on. Learn how to stay in the zone of your money-making best, and make the projects you take on work for you.

In this episode, Michelle and Melissa talk about the art of the pivot. Regardless of your industry, it’s a given that your business will evolve over time and we discuss how you need to expect it and be ready for it. We also look at the importance of paying attention to trends, keeping up with technology, and adapting quickly to meet the needs of your clients (or customers). You’re responsible for your own success, so get comfortable with the pivot – your ability to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace depends on it!

Michelle and Melissa talk about getting paid. If you’re a full-time freelancer, you’ve no doubt had to deal with slow paying or even no-paying clients. We’ve been there, and today will discuss the importance of a contract, the art of the advance, invoicing and collection strategies, general tips and tricks for getting paid faster, and some tools to help you keep it all together.

Michelle and Melissa tackle ways to make working from home work. Looking at everything from
things to think about before you get started to maximizing space, setting boundaries, and
finding support, the home-based veterans share their own experiences, and lessons learned
along the way.

The Wobizzle Podcast is an extension of Wobizzle.com, which serves as a resource for women who own or aspire to own their own businesses. Hosts Michelle (West) and Melissa (Miller Young) both want to help other women, and with each episode will provide
the tips and tools you need to succeed.