If you're anything like me, you've probably signed up for a BUNCH of technology that maybe you're not using, or isn't serving your business anymore. Well, it's time to clean it all out and become really intentional about your tech stack.Join me as I talk through a simple audit process for your technology:Understanding your current business needs and goalsAssessing your current tech platforms and budgetCreating efficiencies and leveraging integrationsYour action plan for change and improvementsMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Asana: https://asana.com/Episode 18: Could Your Business Survive Being Hacked? with Caitriona Forde. Listen hereLINKSShop the templates: https://vault.thevirtualchapter.co/Hiring a VA or OBM? Let's chat: https://thevirtualchapter.co/bookNeed podcast support? Find out more: https://thevirtualchapter.co/podcasts

Have you found yourself feeling like there's always something that needs to be done? Like you can't switch off, or many just not feeling very efficient in your work?If so, this episode is for you!Join me as I share about my own recent challenges with presence and productivity, and the practices I'm re-committing to in 2024.In this episode I share:The energy and overwhelm of the never-ending to-do listThe pitfalls of multi-tasking and why task bundling is so importantHow to organise and batch your tasks to create efficiencyHow to create a personalised weekly scheduleThe tools I'm using right now to support productivityMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/Asana: https://asana.com/Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/My coach, Ellie Swift: https://ellieswift.com/ LINKSShop the templates: https://vault.thevirtualchapter.co/ Hiring a VA or OBM? Let's chat: https://thevirtualchapter.co/bookNeed podcast support? Find out more: https://thevirtualchapter.co/podcasts

Big changes are on the horizon for email marketing, and you don't want to be caught off guard. We're diving into the upcoming updates from Google and Yahoo that will shake up the email marketing world from February 1st, 2023. It's not just about staying out of spam folders; it's about making sure your emails land where they belong - in your subscribers' inboxes!In this episode, we'll talk about:Who is impact by the changes and why NOW is the time to tidy your digital house.SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records - the essential ingredients for email authentication.Find out why regularly cleaning your email list is the key to engaged subscribers who convert.If email marketing is part of your business strategy, you won't want to miss this episode! If this all feels way over your head and you're like, it is a foreign language. We've got you covered. We've set up a done for you service through The Virtual Chapter to get you authenticated. If that is something of interest to you, head over to https://thevirtualchapter.co/email, and we can help you with the setup. Are you ready to hire a team member in 2024?  Book a discovery call and let's discuss how we can support your business growth. Resources Mentioned:Give Good Email by Peta Serras:  https://www.professionalbabe.com/give-good-email/Google Blog: https://blog.google/products/gmail/gmail-security-authentication-spam-protection/ Test your spam score: https://www.mail-tester.com/ Set up Google Postmaster: https://postmaster.google.com/

It's that time of year again where you are no doubt setting goals for what is going to happen in the year ahead. For many of us who are running businesses, often those goals include making your first or next hire.But here's the thing - you can't delegate a disorganised business.In this episode, we'll talk about:Signs of a disorganised business The impact and challenges of disorganisation on hiring decisions, team effectiveness and team cultureHow to use your project management and comms tools effectivelyThe role of leadership when transitioning from solopreneur to team leader.Need help getting started in Asana? Check out our templates now: https://vault.thevirtualchapter.co/ Are you ready to hire a team member in 2024?  Book a discovery call and let's discuss how we can support your business growth.

As we approach the end of the year, it's natural to start thinking about new beginnings and how we can take our businesses to new heights in the coming year. If your vision board for 2024 includes expanding your team, then our latest podcast episode, hiring with Intention: How to Hire with Purpose and Strategy, is a must-listen.In this episode, we cover key steps to get you prepared for hiring in 2024. From setting clear business goals for the year to tracking your time and energy across tasks, to creating a job spec and preparing for the onboarding process - this episode provides valuable guidance to ensure a successful and effective hiring process for your business.

As we wrap up the year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our podcasting journey and start setting the stage for an incredible 2024. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, there are valuable insights and strategies to ensure your podcast thrives in the new year.In this chapter I share behind-the-scenes processes in preparing the podcast for 2024. From diving into data and refining her content creation approach, to the tools and tech that support The Virtual Chapter Podcast. I delve into our approach of batching content, the impact of repurposing, and the importance of setting clear goals for audience growth and engagement. We also discuss the tools and processes that have proven to be instrumental, and the adjustments we're making to optimise The Virtual Chapter podcast for the upcoming year.Whether you're looking to optimise your current podcast management or considering outsourcing your post-production elements, The Virtual Chapter can assist you in taking your podcast to the next level in 2024 find out more at https://form.jotform.com/222208440887054 This episode is a goldmine of insights for any podcaster looking to level up their game and make an impact in the ever-growing audio content space.

As we approach the holiday season, it's the perfect time to ensure that your business is set up for both success and relaxation.In this chapter, I share valuable insights on how to prepare your business for the holiday season and take a well-deserved break, all while keeping your business thriving.We talk about the importance of planning for your time off, setting clear boundaries with clients and team members, and automating tasks to make your break seamless. Planning with purposeAutomation is keyProfitability and mindsetAnd more! To help you organise and streamline your holiday season preparations, I've created a holiday planning bundle. This bundle includes an Asana template board and various task templates and resources to help you feel confident and assured that your business will continue to thrive while you are offline. You can access the holiday planning bundle at thevirtualchapter.co/holiday If you're looking to take your business to the next level in 2024, be sure to tune in to next week's episode, where I will discuss preparing to hire in the upcoming year.

When it comes to building a successful business, marketing is crucial, but it's not the only piece of the puzzle. Solely focusing on marketing efforts can leave gaps in your sales processes and ultimately impact your bottom line. To truly make more money and have a lasting impact, we need to implement systems and structures that support our sales efforts.Lead Generation systemsSales & Purchase systemsClient management & retention systemsAnd more! If you're looking to implement these systems and structures but need some guidance, I invite you to check out The Vault. This newly launched online store offers a range of business templates and resources designed to maximize your operational efficiency. From Asana and Airtable templates to revenue tracking tools, we have everything you need to support your business growth.Head on over to vault.thevirtualchapter.co to explore The Vault and start building a solid foundation for your business's success.

It's been a big year here at The Virtual Chapter and I am so excited to finally be making this announcement.It has been over 12 months in the making, but the doors are officially open to The Vault!This is our brand new online store brought to you by The Virtual Chapter to create coaches and creatives in the online space.The Vault is home to the templates that run the behind the scenes of our business and ones that I have used with clients for years to scale to multi-6 and even 7 figure businesses.Head on over to vault.thevirtualchapter.co where for access to Asana templates, podcast and client management templates, Google Looker Studio Dashboards and more!Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/book

After what was a very unplanned break from the podcast, and the business, we're back!Now, if you're anything like me and my clients, the change in weather and the fact that there's less than 7 weeks until the end of 2023, you're probably thinking about all the incredible things that you can do in you business and for your clients in 2024.In this episode I am sharing with you the one thing that I want you to do for your business before 2024 (and before you dive head first into the nitty gritty of your planning) so that you're really checking in on the health and scalability of your business.How you leave 2023 is how you will continue int 2024 so this is an important topic around your systems and processes to address now.Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

What tech, software and tools do I recommend?This is by far the most common question I get asked as the CEO of an online business support agency and OBM to some incredible business women.In this episode I'm going to give you the low down on my go to tools for running group programs and masterminds.We'll cover the tools that I recommend all the time for project management, client tracking and content planning, forms, email marketing, landing pages, learning management, client communications and checkout.(The below list contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to purchase, I may receive a small compensation for sharing the software with you. Affiliate links are indicated with an *)Project management - AsanaClient tracking & content planning - Airtable*Forms - JotformEmail marketing - ConvertKitLanding & sales pages - Showit (Get a free month!)*Learning Management - KajabiClient communication - SlackCart & Checkout - Thrivecart*And while these are all tools I LOVE, the tech world is vast and my top tip is to choose the tools that give you the user experience and client experience that suits you, your business and your clients.Over the last 4 years I have worked with the incredible Ellie Swift. I joined her team one week before the launch of her first ever mastermind, and since then we have been refining our processes in these masterminds.And now we want to share it ALL with you!The doors have just opened to The Mastermind Model and this is the only program you need to create, sell and deliver a valuable and scalable mastermind.Head over to ellieswift.com/tvc-mastermind to sign up now!

Can you have too many SOPs?Does more SOPs mean a smoother running operation?This episode is all about answering your questions about Standard Operating Procedures.Now, I LOVE a good SOP. I am a fan, but you can take it too far, and there is a point where too many just makes business even more confusing and overwhelming than it needs to be.Join me in this episode as I talk through:Quantity vs Quality when it comes to SOPs and how to identify the areas in your business that really warrant oneEssential SOPs for your business  and how to prioritise creating SOPs based on your business goals and needsCustomising, maintaining and updating SOPs to support your team and make sure they know which SOPs to followCome say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

Sometimes when we're creating content, recording podcasts or trying to have our voice heard in the online space we automatically jump to looking to say something controversial or exciting.And yet, if there's anything that I've learnt from working with clients who have scaled their business to 7 figures it's that not everything is controversial, surprising or ground breakingly new.In this episode I'm sharing with you the 5 biggest lessons that I've learnt over the past 7 years in working with 7 figure clients.If you're heading to that 6 or 7 figure of business here's what I've learnt from being BTS in the businesses that make it there so that you can see what is actually important (and honestly, it's not sexy or probably even that surprising).Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

It's time to sharpen your data-driven decision-making skills so you can elevate your business!I know that metrics and data isn't the sexiest part of your business, but let me tell you now, they hold the key to the growth and longevity of your business.In this episode we're talking about the top 3 metrics that every singe business owner should be tracking no matter what stage of your business journey you're on.Combined, your conversion rates, retention rates, and customer satisfaction (CSAT) are the GPS for your business guiding you to greater affordability, efficiency and impact.Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

What does a good process look like?Systems and processes are the backbone of having a truly scalable and sustainable business.They are vital for consistency, reducing errors (from yourself and your team), improving your client experience and saving time so you can spend it in the areas of your life that you really want toJoin me for this episode as I discuss:The importance of having best practice processes to support your business growth and achieve big goalsHow to identify the core processes in your business and create really robust systems around them to start setting up best practice processesThe key tools you need to document your processes without the need for expensive platforms and techAutomating, training and quality control as key stages of your business best practiceIf you want to take your business to the next level then it's time to start implementing best practice processes to support your business growth.LINKS:Episode 59: 5 Ways to Automate Your Coaching and Course Business Episode 61: The 7 Systems That Created My 7 Figure Business Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

We recently celebrated a HUGE revenue milestone as we crossed the 7 figure lifetime revenue mark here at The Virtual Chapter.We haven't just winged our way here (nor have we always gotten it right) but we have scaled really quickly since moving to an agency model because of the really robust systems we have in place across the business.There are 7 systems that I'm sharing with you in this episode and I think number 7 will surprise you!Join me as I chat about:The importance of having strong foundational systems in place for your business operations, including finance and legalThe role of content marketing in nurturing and preparing your audienceThe significance of an efficient sales process and client onboarding system for business growth and successCome say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

Things are going to go wrong in business.Sorry, not sorry. If you've been in business for any amount of time, you should know that things go wrong, deadlines get missed, emails go out without links or at the wrong time,  tech breaks down, it's a long list of things that can go wrong in business.Despite it being almost a guarantee that things will go wrong, they are also often preventable or at least minimisable when we employ systems that work for us AND we keep them up to date.Join me in this episode as I chat about why sh*t goes wrong and how you can use your business systems to minimise the frequency and cost involved of things going wrong.LINKS MENTIONEDEpisode 9: The Missing System For Your Next Income GoalCome say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

Is automation one of your business goals?I often hear that the dream is to have everything just running on autopilot behind the scenes, but after duplicating what someone else online is doing, it doesn't seem to work as smoothly as what was imagined.When scaling our business I see 2 key areas to gain back time:More team supportMore automated systems and processes.Join me in this episode as I chat about how you can make #2 work for you with:The 5 key areas to implement automation in your online business as a coach, course creator or online consultantBenefits to automating systems in your business including enhancing your client experienceHow you can select the right tools for what your online business needsHow to overcome the challenges of maintaining personalisation, adapting to your client needs and ensuring engagementLINKS MENTIONEDThrivecartLaterZapierCome say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

Tech is a tool, not the solution to your problems.This is something that I talk about often, because how great would it be if we could just get the latest, greatest technology and have it solve our problems, right?But that's just not the reality.I love technology, the innovation, the possibilities and all of the ways that technology makes our lives easier and I want to share with you some of my most unexpected tech advice to help you become more comfortable and confident using tech as a business owner and navigating the digital landscape.In this episode we explore:Debunking 4 common misconceptions in working with technology as an entreprenuer so that you can integrate technology into your business in a way that is going to support youMy simple tech philosophy that will help you overcome your worries or fears around not being techie enoughMy foundational tech recommendations for running an online businessPractical tips for integrating technology into your business and your life.Episodes mentioned:Ep 18. Could your biz survive being hacked? With Cyber Expert Caitriona FordeEp 34. How to use ChatGPT to Save Time & Amplify CreativityEp 55. 7 Ways AI is Transforming Podcasting (And How We're Using AI Tools Right Now)Come say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz

It feels like we talk a lot about money in the online business world, but this week we're going a level deeper than just the wild income claims and huge launches that we see on Instagram.Today's guest, Katy Almstrom is a leading money mentor and wealth coach, a teacher and speaker who works with ambitious women who are ready to steward their money in their business and life by creating a sustainable strategy, simplify their process, and build limitless confidence in their money habits and behaviours. With over a decade of experience in teaching and coaching combined with her own debt-free entrepreneurial journey and simplified life, Katy provides a unique service for her clients to help them slow down, map out their own joyful wealth-building journey, and create a life that has WAY less stress around money.In this episode we dove deep into:The importance of building your relationship with money and what that actually looks likeHow Katy paid off $40k in debt in just 2 years and the transformative impact it had on her lifeThe importance of understanding the seasons of business and money, and how to prepare for financial wintersBuilding a positive relationship with money through practical actions, consistency, and aligning spending with values including Katy's daily money practice that takes less than 20 seconds a dayGrab a pen and paper to take some notes because there is something in here for you no matter how you feel about money right now.Connect with Katy:Join the free Overflow MasterclassSay hi over on Instagram: @katy_almstromJoin the free FB communityGet your name on the Moneywise WaitlistListen to the podcastCome say hi on Instagram - @thevirtualchapterBook a call with us: www.thevirtualchapter.co/bookReady to take the next Step? Check out our podcast support packagesNot sure where to start with outsourcing? Download our free guide to over 70 tasks a VA can do for your coaching business.Find out which systems needs your time and energy: The Scalable Systems Quiz