The boring sh!t in business Podcast with Amy Bajada

EPISODE 89 : Catfishing and Business

"There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception." - Aldous Huxley
Catfishing, the term given to luring someone into a relationship based on a fictional persona. Whilst the term is relatively new in the scheme of things, the art of catfishing in business has been around for many decades. But with the rise of consumer choice through channels such as Social Media platforms, we are being bombarded with lures of all kinds, promises if you will, of outcomes that may or may not be entirely accurate.  But how to tell the truth, or do we not want to know if the lure is desirable enough?
For some time now I've been convinced that my experience was enough in this game of being in business.  But I'm learning very quickly that if you fall short of being a marketing expert or hiring a marketing expert, you will find a real battle on your hands for space.  The real shortfall though, is there are so many "experts" that are making claims that can't be substantiated by real world experience, and the reputations of industries are getting hit hard as a result.
Do you or are you being catfished in business? And more importantly, how can you tell?
In this episode, I explore this notion whilst examining whether it's impact by perception.  Whilst I speak to my knowledge in the coaching space, catfishing and business isn't reserved for just the coaching space and there are so many examples of this in every industry.
Join me as I explore this notion and discuss this concept in business and whether it's just part of being in business, or whether there is something we can do about it as a consumer. Take a listen. A x
 
Other episodes as mentioned throughout;
CASHFLOW          EP63 : When there is more to cashflow than sales
PRICING          EP58 : The perfect price point
COLLECTING MONEY          EP39 : Recovering cash on your own terms
GOOD HABITS & DEBT          EP30 : Handling debt & good habits to get into
FUNDING OPTIONS          EP69 : Funding options for small business
FINANCIAL REPORTING          EP84 : Financial Forecasting Confidently
My social links to learn more about me;
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybajada/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AmyBajadaFinancialCoach
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amybajada_coaching/
Website : www.amybajada.com.au
 
 

EPISODE 88 : Erin Morris from Erin Morris Co.

As business owners our brand and voice is such an important part of the competitive landscape we find ourselves navigating.  Doing it is one thing, but getting it done right is a whole other thing for which my guest Erin Morris is an expert in. 
Erin Morris from Erin Morris Co, takes some time from her digital nomadic lifestyle to join me to discuss everything from brand stories, copywriting and why it's so important for businesses.  We also explore email sequences, messaging and how the knowledge of Richard Branson getting Virgin (airline) off the ground (pardon the pun) in 3 months has made an impact on the way she values what she can achieve in 3 months.
It's a great in depth, conversation that certainly has forced me to rethink how I see my messaging and in particular how the term "hero" when it comes to website space takes on a whole other meaning.  Join Erin and I as we explore how extremely hard she works to get this right for her clients, and how much love she has doing it ... take a listen. A x
 
Key discussion points throughout the episode;
Business Brand Stories and how they play a part in getting your messaging right for your business [8:07]
Donald Miller's "Building a story brand" discussion [8:51]
Being the guide for your clients journey [9:36]
What it takes to understand a brand and the steps Erin takes when working with clients [12:16]
How, "if you speak to everyone, you speak to no one" [14:52]
What a website needs for conversion [18:29]
The importance of the Hero section of your website and how you long it takes someone to make a purchasing decision [19:20]
SEO [25:24]
Email sequences and the importance of frequency during a launch [31:51]
 
Erin has an amazing download for you to access here 👇🏼
https://erinmorris.co/copy-conversions
 
You can get in contact with Erin in the following places ;
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/erinmorris.co/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/erinmorris.co
Website : https://erinmorris.co/
 
If you'd like to find out more about my Small Business Cashflow Course as mentioned in the episode, simply visit www.amybajada.com.au/waitlist
 
Or join my email community ... www.amybajada.com.au/signup
 

EPISODE 87 : How I use Canva for my business

“Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, add what is specifically your own.” - Bruce Lee
It's almost like Bruce Lee was talking specifically about the amazing graphic design tool that is Canva. Used daily in my business, it provides me with a business strategy all unto itself. Let's face it ... I'm an accountant. Creativity isn't in my DNA ... so when something as simple and easy to use as Canva comes along to fill that gap for my business .. what's not to like.
When I started my business, over 11 years now, there was no Canva.  You either used Photoshop or a Graphic Designer.  I had no idea about Photoshop, so a Graphic Designer assumed the magic for me.  But the limitation that presented as a small business owner just starting out, was that it prevented me from having the flexibility to create content as and when I needed it done.  I needed to work to another persons schedule.  And whilst that was the only option available to me at the time, it was tough to be consistent with getting my content out there.
Then came Canva ... what a shift.  Whilst Graphic Designers still play a part in my business journey, Canva provides more flexibility for me to create content on my terms and in my time.  But that's not all.  Canva have such many benefits and ways in which I use it for my business .. take a listen. A x
 
Featured Content ...
Why I signed up to the paid version of Canva [1:58]
The branding features of Canva and why I love them so much [2:08]
The background removal feature and what I've used it for [3:30]
Free stock images [5:19]
My love of project folders [5:58]
The wonderful world of Templates in Canva [6:38]
Template categories I use [6:49]
What I love most about Templates [7:19]
Transparent background feature for images [9:57]
Resizing images [10:07]
How I have created Slide deck templates [11:11]
How Canva has assisted in helping me build Business report templates and PDF downloads [11:19]
The cost of Canva's Pro Version [12:28]
Resources I have created in Canva that you can check out...
Free Guide to Business Forecasting (PDF Download) www.amybajada.com.au/freeforecastingguide
Free Elements of a Successful Pricing Strategy (PDF Download) www.amybajada.com.au/pricing
Free 3 Things you can do daily to improve your cashflow (PDF Download) www.amybajada.com.au/cashflowpdf
My website www.amybajada.com.au
Canva Code : https://partner.canva.com/c/3522262/647168/10068

EPISODE 86 : There are no shortcuts!

"Every shortcut has a price usually greater than the reward"
It becomes increasingly concerning with every facebook post, on every business forum when I see business owners completely consumed with sales, with social media, with funnels.  Where are those business owners who are consumed by business success? Where are they asking for assistance to help them to create solid financial foundations in their business?
I know where they are... they are the ones too scared to look at their bank balances, are kept awake at night working out ways to make this game of being in business work.  With not one consideration that the answer is under their noses ... know your numbers!
Instead, they choose very obviously to bypass this part of the framework needed to set up a successful business ... they take the short cut straight to selling. Straight to spending money on advertising, on setting up their instaworthy offices ... only to find themselves struggling right from day one to make money and make the money in their business count.
Stop taking shortcuts!!!  What's the rush? The reality ... your business will be around longer if you take the time now.  There is no need to rush. This episode is a timely reminder as we move into a new financial year, that it's never too late to get it right.  But you need to trash this idea that you can simply bypass this part of the process, and embrace the new norm of taking the time to do things right.  There are no shortcuts! 
But, it comes with a warning.  Only those serious about making real progress in their businesses need listen. Look around, because those you admire, those successful business owners ... they already know this stuff.  Take a listen. A x
Some resources that may assist you with getting more acquainted with your numbers;
Free PDF download : A guide to business forecasting
Free PDF download : 3 things you can do daily to improve your cashflow
Mini Course : Getting started with Xero
Mini Course : Getting started with Quickbooks
Join my community for tips and support : www.amybajada.com.au
 

EPISODE 85 : Karen Ahl founder of Web-Sta & Business Growth Coach

"Consistent action creates consistent results" - Christine Kane
My guest on this episode epitomises the sentiment that consistent actions create consistent results.  Karen Ahl, founder of Web-Sta (a bespoke web design agency) and Business Growth & Engagement Coaching, is putting in the reps when it comes to building not only two very successful businesses for herself, but also when it comes to her health and fitness. 
Karen takes a moment out of her very business schedule to talk about establishing Web-Sta back in 2006 after taking on the rock climbing wall industry, and the natural transition from web design to being a Business Growth & Engagement Coach.  
Throughout this episode we look at;
the 3 features every website should have,
how the digital world has impacted brand loyalty
to the place good old fashioned networking and referrals still have in business today 
We discuss the importance of choosing the right person for the job, and how mindset and consistency play a big part in running a successful business and personal pursuits such as health and fitness.  You'll find everything from tamagotchi's (IYKYK) to body building in this episode ... so be sure to take a listen. A x
 
Connect with Karen Ahl
Facebook (Coaching) | https://www.facebook.com/karenahlcoach
Facebook (Web-Sta) | https://www.facebook.com/webstawebsites
Linked In (Personal) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenahl/
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-m1N5mQp7cftWSB0ged_dQ
Websites | https://www.karenahl.com.au and https://www.web-sta.com.au
Other resources Karen mentioned throughout the episode
Karen's Blog Post : 38 Things I Wish I Knew About Business Before Starting
The Profit Masterclass Course
More resources
My Small Business Cashflow Course : www.amybajada.com.au/waitlist
 

EPISODE 84 : Financial Forecasting Confidently

I know you've heard the term, I know you know it's something you really should be doing as a business owner, so why haven't you done so yet?  In my experience a lot of it has to do with confidence, a lot to do with time and a hell of a lot to do with just not seeing any immediate purpose for it because you are busy with marketing, making sales and doing business.
Well my friend, now is the time to make time.  There is such volatility in the market at the moment, consumer habits are changing and we are being forced to think differently.  So why not start the change with a financial forecast to help you shape the future.
In this episode my conversation is centred around the foundations of financial forecasting and what benefits it can have on your business.  How understanding various aspects of how your business operates, can make this process not only easier for you, but more effective.  I talk fixed and variable components, pricing impact and controls, stress testing or scenario testing your business, being flexible and realistic along with importance of re-evaluating your assumptions for them to stay relevant.
If you don't already ... you should. Take a listen. A x
 
Topics of interest throughout the episode;
Starting with what you know [4:45]
Fixed and Variable elements of your business [4:45]
A chat on Fixed [5:34]
Identifying drivers of change [6:18]
A chat on Variable [6:34]
Pricing models [7:50]
Stress testing or Scenario testing your business [10:07]
The fun part [11:05]
Forecasting integrity [11:50]
Optimistic forecasting [12:22]
Measurement [13:18]
Forecasting for significant shifts [16:07]
The key take aways from this episode;
Understand the key drivers of your numbers
Identify what is fixed and variable
Use what information you have available to you to understand business trends
Stress test scenarios in your business to see what makes the most sense
Be realistic and flexible in your approach to your forecast
Commit to the strategy
Relevant links as mentioned throughout;
Small Business Cashflow Course www.amybajada.com.au/waitlist
Book a Discovery Call www.amybajada.com.au/discoverycall
Sign up to my community www.amybajada.com.au/signup
 

EPISODE 83 : The motto I live by

If you had the opportunity to have access to the right information to positively change your lifestyle, the success of your business ... would you??  
Or would you choose to not invest in it because you don't think it's worth it and you don't want to hear it??
What am I talking about?  And what does this have to do with the motto I live by?  In this episode, I talk about learning for the very first time the value of knowledge.  How to use it to create strength and what power it has when you embrace it.
As a financial coach, this becomes prevalent in work I do every day with business owners .. You would think that there would be a resounding "YES" to the above question of "If you had the opportunity to have access to the right information to positively change your lifestyle the success of your business ... would you?"  But sadly, this is met with a "NO", 9 times out of 10.  Why? Because so many small business owners choose ... yes choose, to ignore the financial side of their business because they don't value it. They aren't the processors of the financial information in their business, they have an accountant or bookkeeper do that ... so they choose to not get involved in the "hows and whys".  
Knowledge isn't reserved for the "so-called" experts ... as a business owner, knowing your numbers is imperative to the successful day to day running of a business.  If this isn't of value to you yet ... perhaps this episode is worth a listen.  Or more still, perhaps we need to have a chat.  But check this out first.  A x
To book a FREE, no obligation discovery call with me simply head to www.amybajada.com.au/discoverycall
To check out free resources to assist you in getting familiar with your numbers and various other financial aspects of your business, head to www.amybajada.com.au

EPISODE 82 : Roberta Fairbanks from The Stylish Studio

Being a mum can often be a lonely and challenging time.  Being a mum and business owner, even more so.  My guest, Roberta Fairbanks knows a thing or two when it comes to rallying a strong community of women and business owners and has taken a moment out of her extremely business schedule to have a chat.
Roberta does it all .. an award winning marketing strategist, branding specialist, website designer, magazine editor, event planner, speaker and mum ... Roberta knows just what it takes to have resilience and drive in business. Having owned several very successful businesses, and recently having gone through a business breakup ... I was drawn to Roberta's strength and ownership when it came to telling it all like it is. She uses her social platforms to remain connected and candidly shares the highs and lows of her journey through this beautiful life.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting boundaries, passion and aligning that to our purpose, the importance of a supportive community and showing up as our authentic selves.  In addition, we chat about how competition can push us to our next level and how going through the pain, rather than avoiding it ...  reminds us of our purpose.
I loved my time with Roberta, and you will to ... take a listen. A x
 
How to get in touch with Roberta ...
Instagram ... www.instagram.com/roberta.fairbanks
Instagram ... www.instagram.com/thestylish.studio
Website ... https://thestylishstudio.com.au/
 

EPISODE 81 : The greatest piece of advice I’ve received

I love me a "thought for the day" ... I started posting them on my socials back when I started my business about 11 years ago now.  The idea to do this was spawn from the actual even of starting a business.  You know how it goes ...  everyone has something to say when you embark on something as monumental as this starting a business, and so it started out with me wanting to share some of that wisdom with those in my social community ... you know, share the love.  It turned into a daily occurrence, even all these years later ... they include everything from funny, to business related and most importantly, those that have profound impact on my life.
But the greatest piece of advice I got came long before I was to start my business, in fact, it was when I was in university, my first year actually.  And it's this piece of advice that I have carried with me, both professionally and personally for such a long time.
Take a listen as I tell you the fateful tale of failing university and the moment someone made me see that it was a good thing to have happened to me.
Other links as discussed throughout the episode;
My Small Business Cashflow Course : Learn more here www.amybajada.com.au/sbcc
Join my socials to get your daily fix of thoughts for the day with added bonus business content;
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amybajada/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AmyBajadaFinancialCoach
Or my mailing list : www.amybajada.com.au/signup
 
 
 

EPISODE 80 : Money Mindset Myths

Snoop Dogg once said ... "I've got my mind on my money and my money on my mind" ... Whilst he isn't hailed one of the masterminds of this area of expertise, you can't deny that he has a really good point! ... 
Money and mindset go hand in hand, and I know you already know that! 
As a financial coach I see this all too often .. many business owners convinced that they just aren't good with money because maths wasn't their best subject in school.  Now whilst that's a watered down version of the many conversations I've had with business owners over the years, the one thing remains constant, there is a real problem with mindset when it comes to money and in particular business owners wanting to participate in the financial side of their business.
For some reason there is this real fear, or even disregard for the importance of knowing more about this in our businesses.  And for all the power that it holds, I'm surprised time and time again when this isn't the first thing business owners want to know when they start a business.
There are many reasons this problem is created, and throughout this episode I explore a few of them along with of course providing nuggets of valuable ways we can shift this mindset and these blocks for run more financial freeing businesses. Check out the conversation here.
 
For free financial resources to help you improve margins, profitability and cashflow ... head to my website www.amybajada.com.au
 
My Small Business Cashflow Course ... opening again on the 30th May 2022, www.amybajada.com.au/sbcc
 
To discuss 1:1 coaching opportunities ... simply book a discovery call at www.amybajada.com.au/discoverycall
 
And to join my inner circle ... www.amybajada.com.au/signup