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Have you ever wished you could hit pause on your day, pull out your phone, and ask that one question that’s been circling your brain about your brand, your systems, your pricing, your next move? Well, now you can.
Just call me at (218) 203-9660 and leave a message with your name, location, and question!
In today’s episode, you’ll hear real voicemails from real Goal Digger listeners—women just like you—navigating everything from hiring a VA with inconsistent hours, to marketing a service no one knows they need yet, to figuring out if bigger really is better when it comes to scaling a business.
We’re talking about pricing your art without second-guessing, drawing boundaries between your life and your brand, starting email lists and websites while drowning in content creation, and yes, how to make peace with Instagram!
This isn’t just another Q&A; it’s a deep dive into the challenges and decisions that so many of us face on the journey of building a business and a life we love. Whether you’re wondering how to measure podcast success, how to build a personal brand, or why you should finally start that email list, I’ve got you.
These are the questions that matter because they reflect the real work of entrepreneurship. Let’s get into it!
Hiring a Virtual Assistant When Your Hours Vary
Jodi from Indiana asked: “How do you go about hiring a VA when some weeks I may need 3 to 5 hours and then there are weeks where I need 10 to 15?”
Let’s be honest: hiring help can feel intimidating, especially when your needs shift week to week. The truth? It starts with honesty. Tell your potential VA what the weekly hour range looks like: 3 to 5 one week, maybe 10 to 15 the next. Good VAs are usually juggling multiple clients and can work with fluctuating needs.
Get clear on whether you want someone fully trained or someone you’re open to growing with. It’ll affect both the hiring process and the investment. Platforms like Upwork, Belay, or even your network are great places to start.
I hired my first VA because she was persistent and caught me at just the right time. Your time has value, and even a few hours of support each week can give you major breathing room.
How to Measure Podcast Success
Melissa from Wisconsin asked: “How do you measure success with your podcast and what metrics really matter?”
Metrics matter, but your “why” matters more. Whether you’re podcasting to build trust, grow your audience, or deepen your impact, you need to know the goal before you can define success.
That said, I do watch four key numbers: 30-day downloads per episode, retention rates (are people finishing your show?), your top-performing episodes (what content is resonating?), and the traffic or conversions to your offers.
But beyond numbers, remember that every download is a person inviting you into their day. Podcasting is long-game gold; keep showing up with purpose and consistency.
How to Build a Brand (Not Just Be a Resource)
Sheryl from Texas asked: “How do I build a homeschool mom brand without just being a resource?”
Resources are great, but community is built on connection. If you’re only sharing tools and tips, it’s time to let your audience into your story. Let them see the real-life wins and messes. Share the “why” behind your mission.
Start hosting live check-ins, community challenges, or action-based workshops. Don’t just talk at your people, co-create with them. Invite responses. Build feedback loops. And most importantly, make YOU the brand. That’s the sticky, memorable part that information alone can’t replicate.
Being a Mom and Business Owner in the Age of Instagram
Jennifer from New York asked: “How do I make the most of my time being a mom and a business owner, and how important is social media, specifically Instagram?”
Balance? Honestly, I think it’s a myth. Instead, I ask: Where am I needed most right now? That answer changes every day. I have help, and I want to acknowledge that. But I’ve also learned to protect my time fiercely. I say no a lot, build in white space, and do fewer things better.
And social media? It’s a tool, not a business. I post when it’s valuable and stay off when it’s not. Instagram is a doorway, but your podcast, email list, and offers are the house. Build there.
How to Price Your Creative Work
Rachel from Massachusetts asked: “What’s the best way to price my work ‘right’?”
There’s no “perfect” price—but there is a price that reflects your value. Start by calculating your costs, including time, materials, packaging, and profit. Then look around your industry. Not to copy, but to understand where your work fits.
Remember, one person paying your full rate is proof others will, too. Price for where you’re going, not just where you are. And never forget: people aren’t just buying your art, they’re buying how it makes them feel.
Blending Multiple Passions Into One Brand
Jess from California asked: “How do I integrate my health and nutrition knowledge into my pediatric sleep content and get moms interested?”
If you’ve got multiple certifications or niches, start by identifying the overlap. In Jess’s case, it was where sleep and nutrition intersect. From there, use storytelling. Show how your knowledge connects, not just why it’s useful. Wrap the new content in a bonus-feel—a little extra love, not a jarring pivot.
Most importantly, speak your audience’s language, not just your expert lingo. Keep your brand umbrella wide but connect the dots clearly and confidently.
Creating Systems as a One-Woman Show
Krista from Ontario asked: “Do you have any advice for putting systems in place early on when you’re doing everything yourself?”
The best way to build systems early on? Get really good at one thing. Master a platform or workflow. Create repeatable steps. Turn them into templates. Use tools like Monday.com (my fave!) to organize and track your work.
Theme and batch your content to avoid burnout. And start documenting everything now. You may be solo now, but your future team will thank you for the clarity.
For more help with creating systems that ACTUALLY work, check out these episodes:
- Episode 884: The Summer of Systems: Inside Our Playbook Project for Peace & Clarity
- Episode 856: Smarter Marketing, Less Work: 11 Automation Tips You Need to Try
- Episode 832: The One Principle Every Entrepreneur Must Master to Maximize Results
- Episode 738: Productivity Hacks That ACTUALLY Work for Me
Marketing a Service People Don’t Know Exists
Andrea from Romania asked: “How do I market a service that my ideal client doesn’t know exists and doesn’t realize is the solution to their problem?”
Start with the pain point they do know. Sell them what they think they need, then deliver what they really need. Use storytelling to help them connect the dots. Position your service as the missing link between where they are and where they want to be.
You don’t need to explain every detail of your method. Just paint the before and after. That transformation is your most powerful marketing asset.
Branding Yourself vs. Your Business
Stephanie from Pennsylvania asked: “Should I focus on myself as the brand or build a business brand that stands on its own?”
There was a time I believed that you are the brand, period. But that belief has evolved. Now, I believe in drawing lines between what you share and what stays sacred.
You can be the face, the energy, the heart, without being the whole story. Define what feels aligned to share. You get to evolve. Your audience will follow if you bring them with you.
Deciding to Scale or Franchise
Megan from Nebraska asked: “When deciding to scale, what are some key factors to focus on when looking for the right partners, investors, and should I consider franchising?”
Ask yourself: is bigger actually better for me? Scaling sounds glamorous, but it multiplies everything: the wins AND the gaps.
So, get crystal clear on your vision. Do you want tight control or broad reach?
Before you franchise, make sure your systems and reputation are airtight. Try small first. Test with one partner or pilot location. Choose people who align with your values, not just your budget. And don’t be afraid to say no if it doesn’t feel like a yes.
Got A Question? Call Me!
What a joy it is to hear your questions, your voices, and your hearts. I hope you feel seen, heard, and supported. If today’s episode sparked your curiosity or gave you clarity, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a friend who’s building something brave.
If you found yourself nodding along or thinking, I’ve got a question too, here’s your invitation: call me. Seriously! Whether it’s business strategy, boundaries, burnout, confidence, clarity, whatever’s on your heart… ask it.
Just leave me a voicemail at (218) 203-9660. Tell me your name, where you’re calling from, and your question!
You never know… you might hear your voice on a future episode.
As always, thank you for being here. For being part of this community. For doing the work, asking the questions, and building something that matters.
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