Once you’ve found your first paying customers, your next challenge is figuring out how to scale your business. Here’s my definition of scaling:Scaling is increasing your revenue at a much faster rate than your expenses.In other words, scaling is NOT increasing revenue by throwing money at your business. Do that, and your expenses will quickly outstrip your income.As an introvert, I prefer to have plenty of margin in both my calendar and my finances. Which means I prefer to scale in a way that preserves my profit.Smart scaling involves making wise investments and selecting a business model that fits you and your strengths.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Six ways to throw money away and how to avoid them.Why investing in a high-ticket mastermind might not be right for you.The four components of the Business Growth Machine:Invite: How people discover youEngage: How people get to know youOffer: How people buy from youDeliver: How people work with youHow to know if you’re ready to scale your business.The four ways to scale and the pros and cons of each one. The methods are:Increase your prices.Sell to more people.Implement an agency model.Make new offers to your existing audience.Featured on this episode:Podcast Episode with Jessica and Miemie: From Zero To Fully BookedPodcast Episode: How To Scale Your Business To 100KPodcast Episode: Burnout As A GiftGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

This week I’m joined on the podcast by two special guests. Jessica Andersen and Miemie van Loggerenberg.Jessica and Miemie are both members of Business Growth Lab who recently celebrated becoming fully booked. They are also introverts and each found a unique way to build a business they love.Listen in to hear exactly how Jessica and Miemie went from zero to fully booked. You’ll discover which marketing strategies worked for them and the struggles they overcome along the way.This episode is packed with wisdom and insights for the introverted solopreneur!What you’ll learn on today’s episode:How Jessica overcame imposter syndrome when switching from professional career to business woman.A simple reframe to help make selling feel natural: “You don’t sell. You just tell.”How Miemie sold out her first paid workshop in one month.Jessica’s LinkedIn strategy and three tips to make marketing much easier.What advice Miemie and Jessica wish they’d known when they were starting out.Featured on this episode:Jessica is a book coach and editor for high-impact leaders. She partners with them to develop, write, and refine a book for their brand or business. You can connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andersenjessical/ and her website: jessicalandersen.comMiemie’s passion is to empower women to live their finest lives. She is a personal coach who helps with fulfillment, career optimization, and relationships. Miemie also publishes a bi-monthly online magazine and offer workshops and retreats. You can contact Miemie at miemie@klaenmagazine.com and find out more on her website: klaenmagazine.com/Get more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

On the podcast today, I share an exercise to help declutter your brain. It’s called The 5-Day Content Cleanse. The idea is to create space in your brain and life so that you can tap into your unique voice.I had the idea for a content cleanse during a recent food “fast”. I noticed how eliminating (most) food for five days, changed how I thought and felt about what I eat. It also created a sense of calm and clarity. An openness to possibility.The 5-Day Content Cleanse will do the same for your creative brain. It will eliminate the noise and make room for your own ideas.The end result? You will unlock your creativity and step into the role of thought leader within your niche.(NOTE: I am not a doctor and I do not recommend attempting a food fast without seeking professional medical advice.)What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why decluttering your brain will help you become a better marketer.What happened when I did a 5-day food “fast”.How to do The 5-Day Content Cleanse and start finding your unique voice.My #1 tip to help you maximize the benefits from the exercise (HINT: keep a journal!)Featured on this episode:Related podcast episode: The Visibility ChallengeMy LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/sallyorfordmiller/Get more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

The path to greater creativity and confidence is deceptively simple. It comes from being more of you. This means showing up in the world as your authentic self. So that you can make your unique mark in the world.However, this is not easy to do. Society, well-meaning people, and your own self-doubt all stand in your way.For example, the fear of being seen as an imposter often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.In the pursuit of success, you risk becoming something false. You may lose touch with your own inner wisdom and stifle your creativity. The result? Instead of creating confidence and freedom, you generate more self-doubt.This is something I’ve struggled with in business. And watched many online influencers and business owners experience too. The answer is to keep checking in with yourself to make sure you’re consistent with your truth.Listen in to discover how to do this and unlock the power of being you.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Five obstacles that stand between you and your creativity.How being yourself in your business overcomes imposter syndrome.Why you know better than anyone else about what’s best for your business.Three strategies to help you unlock the power of being you:Be sure your niche reflects your values.Show up for the hard work.Practice tuning into your heart.Featured on this episode:Related podcast episodes:The Problem With Today’s Success CultureImposter SyndromeHow To Build A Heart-Centered BusinessSteven Pressfield’s Book: The War Of ArtGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Feeling purposeful in your work leads to more joy and less stress. It’s also much easier to stay motivated though the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life.On the podcast today, I share an exercise to help you find your business purpose. Here’s how to do the exercise…Write a personal statement about your business idea just like you would for a graduate school application. Answer these three questions:What specific outcomes would you like to accomplish or achieve through this business?Discuss your formal and informal education/experience related to your niche or industry.How will pursing this idea help you achieve your goals over the next five years?Keep writing until you feel excitement and passion for your topic. This is a sign from your body that you are on the right track. When you connect to your purpose in this way, you unlock greater creativity in your business.Listen to the episode to discover more about the exercise and why it’s so powerful. You will also learn more tips to help you connect to purpose in your work.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why it’s important to connect to purpose in your business.How to unlock your creativity and what it feels like to be in creative flow.Pros and cons of journalling versus writing for an external audience.8 questions to help you write a powerful personal statement.Featured on this episode:Podcast episode on Find Your Perfect Business IdeaBook: From Strength To Strength by Arthur C. BrooksGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Confidence in business is essential. And yet it’s something all new entrepreneurs struggle with.Scientists have shown that people who believe in their capabilities put in more effort and perform better. They also experience greater job satisfaction and less stress and burnout.Now, if you struggle with self-doubt in business that’s okay. Most of us do. There are ways to increase your self-confidence over time.Today, I share four steps to greater self-confidence. The method is based on the work of a famous psychologist, Albert Bandura.Bandura defined a term called self-efficacy which refers to the ability to meet challenges and complete a task successfully. Where confidence is a general belief in your abilities. Self-efficacy is specific.For this podcast, I use the terms self-confidence and self-efficacy interchangeably. What we’re really discussing here is how to believe in yourself as a business owner.The four steps to greater self-confidence can be remembered using the acronym SWIM. The steps are:Small WinsWatch OthersInvite EncouragementManage EmotionsListen in to today’s episode to discover how you can apply these steps and grow your self-confidence as an entrepreneur.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:The relationship between self-efficacy and business success.Bandura’s four sources of self-efficacy beliefs.Why you want to set realistic goals rather than impossible goals.How to apply the four steps to greater self-confidence.One powerful bonus step to help you achieve more and live your best life.Featured on this episode:Podcast episode on The Visibility ChallengeBest Possible Self Exercise: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/best_possible_selfGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191.Boyd, N. G., & Vozikis, G. S. (1994). The influence of self-efficacy on the development of entrepreneurial intentions and actions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 18, 63-77.Judge, T. A., & Bono, J. E. (2001). Relationship of core self-evaluations traits—self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional stability—with job satisfaction and job performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(1), 80.Schwarzer, R., & Hallum, S. (2008). Perceived teacher self-efficacy as a predictor of job stress and burnout: Mediation analyses. Applied Psychology, 57, 152-171.Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2007). Dimensions of teacher self-efficacy and relations with strain factors, perceived collective teacher efficacy, and teacher...

In the podcast today, I explore how to build confidence as an introvert. As your self-confidence increases, you experience less anxiety and accelerate your business growth.According to the American Psychology Association (APA) self-confidence is defined as:Trust in one’s abilities, capacities, and judgment. It means you accept and trust yourself and have a sense of control in your life.Many of us have confidence in one area of life but struggle to trust our abilities in business. The good news is that you can develop your confidence as a CEO over time.In this episode, I share a simple framework to help you build your self-confidence. I also discuss three myths about confidence. They are:Confidence is the same as arrogance.You’re born confident.You can think yourself confident.None of these myths are true. And this is good news for us introverts. Listen in to find out why.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why being an introvert can help you develop more self-confidence (through introspection and humility).The essential differences between arrogance and self-confidence.How to develop your self-confidence in any area of your life.Why positive affirmations don’t always work.The power of creating small wins in your business.Featured on this episode:Get more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

This is the second in a two-part series about entrepreneurial burnout. Today, I’m talking about how burnout can be seen as a gift.Now, burnout absolutely does not feel like a gift in the early stages. In those initial days and weeks, your number one focus is on coping with life and finding a way back to baseline.However, once you’re on the road to recovery there are lessons you can learn from every experience. In fact, burnout can be an incredible gift. An opportunity to learn and grow.In this episode, I discuss the five big lessons I learned from my burnout and how you can benefit from these ideas too.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:5 lessons I learned from my experience with burnout in 2022.The importance of listening to your body and knowing when to stop pushing.How burnout can teach you to become fearless in your business.Why knowing yourself and your values is the key to avoiding burnout.Featured on this episode:The Big Leap by Gay HendricksPart one in this 2-part series: Burnout RecoveryTransform Stress With The CALM Method – Part I and Part IIGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Hi everyone – it’s wonderful to be back on the podcast!Today, I’m talking about my experience with entrepreneurial burnout in 2022. This is the first in a two-part series.I hope that what I share today and next week will help other entrepreneurs who are going through something similar. Also, anyone who feels they may be at risk of burning out will likely benefit from this series.Although burnout is not a medical diagnosis, the MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory) identifies 3 dimensions that are used to measure it:Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.Reduced professional efficacy.In my case, burnout showed up as a loss of creativity and interest in my work. I felt unable to create new content and struggled constantly with cynical thoughts about my business and the coaching industry.I also went through some increased anxiety and bouts of depression. The early days of burnout were not a fun experience!As someone who has felt inspired in business for the last eight years, this came as a shock. Luckily, my story has a happy ending and I’m delighted to be back working in my business and talking with you all again.You’ll also hear in next week’s episode, how I came to see my burnout as a gift.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:How introverts are both more and less likely to struggle in online business.My 4-step method to manage stress and recover from burnout.Why it’s essential you don’t make any major business decisions while recovering from burnout.Featured on this episode:Social Support, Personality, and Burnout in Nurses (Eastburg, M.C., Williamson, M., Gorsuch, R. and Ridley, C. (1994), Social Support, Personality, and Burnout in Nurses. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 24: 1233-1250)Transform Stress With The CALM Method – Part I and Part IIGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

The message that “the online world is a noisy place” is pervasive. It’s also problematic. It can lead to the belief that you have to compete for attention.The idea that you must fight to be heard can lead to spammy practices, chasing trends, and acting out of integrity. It feels bad and it’s not effective over the long term.Quiet marketing is the opposite. It’s also something that, as an introvert, you are probably naturally good at. Here’s the definition…… quiet marketing is creating consistent, quality content over a long period of time.When you keep sharing valuable content with your audience, you do several things:You refine your voice and messageYou build trust with your audienceYou create a body of work that moves people towards working with youOn the podcast this week I explore why I think quiet marketing is the most effective way to grow your business over the long term. And how you can start doing it in your online business.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why noisy online marketing tactics don’t work.How being an introvert is an advantage when marketing your business online.The three most common mistakes to avoid when creating content.How to be consistent even if you don’t want to post to a fixed schedule.Featured on this episode:Episode 25: Running Better ExperimentsEpisode 7: The Visibility Challenge: Retrain Your BrainGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

There may come a time in life when your interest in worldly things declines. And when this happens, you may start to question your business and goals.The Cambridge English Dictionary describes worldly things as “relating to or consisting of physical things and ordinary life rather than spiritual things”. Examples of worldly things include: material possessions, money, awards, recognition, physical appearance, world affairs, etc.When your interest in such things fades, it inevitably leads to the following question: if worldly things are no longer a driver for your business then what is?This is the topic of today’s podcast episode. I discuss how I’m answering this question for myself and provide some guidance on how you can begin to do the same.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:What are worldly things and why they may become less important to you over time.What to do when you find your business no longer reflects your values or beliefs.The power of the question: how can you participate in what is good and true to you?Preview of changes coming to my group program in September.Featured on this episode:Episode 23: Creating Programs That Get Clients ResultsGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

I see business as a series of experiments. I do this for two reasons…First, experiments help you get better at what you do. When you’re constantly improving, your business results will always be trending in the direction you want. Success becomes inevitableSecond, experiments are fun. Viewing your business as a series of experiments reminds you not to take things too seriously. It’s easier to let go of any heaviness and instead grow your business in a way that feels good.However, many people don’t know how to execute an effective test. They focus on what steps to take but overlook the other three components of an experiment.So, on this week’s episode I discuss how to run better experiments in business.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why adopting an experimental mindset will transform your business results.The four components of an effective experiment.Why being an introvert is an advantage (HINT: you’re good at processing lots of information!)What not to do when analyzing your experiment results.Featured on this episode:The True Self Podcast Series:Episode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureEpisode 20: True Self Versus False SelfEpisode 21: What Drives You: Some Lessons From TolkienEpisode 22: How To Build A Heart-Centered BusinessEpisode 23: Creating Programs That Get Clients ResultsGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Were you ever told as a child to stop asking so many questions? Were you rewarded for staying quiet and doing your assigned work?Whether you were an A-student or if you struggled in school, it’s likely that you learned that ‘good students’ study hard and do what they are told.The problem with this system is that it kills curiosity. Our schools (and most corporations) teach us to follow rules and avoid failure. And this is a problem.Successful entrepreneurs are creative - they come up with ideas that have value. They are also willing to execute on their ideas and risk failure.You cannot build a business by pursuing external approval and fearing failure.Listen to this week’s episode and discover how what you learned in school is preventing you from growing your business.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:The difference between mastery and performance goals.Why schools kill creativity and grading is a scam.How to use curiosity to stop fearing failure and start experimenting more.The importance of recognizing that your worth is not determined by performance.Featured on this episode:TED Talk: Do Schools Kill Creativity?Episode 22: Creating Programs That Get Clients ResultsEpisode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Most online businesses are about helping people. But how many programs or courses have a one hundred percent success rate? Or even fifty percent? The truth is very few.Whatever the niche - business, health, personal development - online programs have a high non-completion rate. And of those students who complete a program, only a few realize all the promised results.It’s my belief that we can do better. Much better. And I include myself in this.I’m committed to helping my students build profitable businesses they love. And it’s become clear to me that to help more people, we need to approach the design and delivery of online programs differently.The traditional method of delivering content and adding on support (either via a group or coaching calls) is not enough. Too many students are dropping out, not engaging, and failing to get results.To find answers on how to do better, I had to look outside the online business world. Sometimes, improvement means completely rethinking the way we do things.Listen in to find out what I discovered and how I’m changing Business Growth Lab to help my clients get results..What you’ll learn on today’s episode:An honest look at the online business industry and the results we help our clients get.Why most online programs have low completion rates.What we can learn from sports, top universities, and scientific research about getting results.Three things an online program must provide to help students succeed.How I’m rethinking the way I’m delivering Business Growth Lab.Featured on this episode:Episode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Today’s episode is the fourth and final episode in the True Self Series. This week we explore how to build a heart-centered business by making decisions from your True Self.When you build a heart-centered business you experience more peace and joy in your business. You also do work that feels good and purposeful to you.Differentiating between your True and False Self takes practice. It’s something you can only learn through personal experience.In this episode, I offer some exercises to help you explore the difference for yourself. This is how you can start to build a more heart-centered business.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why you want to make business decisions from your heart and not just your head.How to tune into your intuition and know what’s true for you.What it feels like to build a business from your False Self versus True Self.Some exercises to help you start making more heart-centered decisions.Featured on this episode:Episode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureEpisode 20: True Self Versus False SelfEpisode 21: What Drives You: Some Lessons From TolkienGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Today’s episode is the third in the True Self Series. The series is about building a heart-centered business – one that feels true to you.In this episode, we explore how the head, heart and body serve different purposes. We look at why you need all three and how the head and body can lead you astray.When you raise the head (or body) above the heart you take away what it means to be human. The heart is the part of you that recognizes truth and beauty. It’s also the seat of the True Self.If you want to build a business that feels true to you then you want to let your heart guide you.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:The problem with asking “what do you want?”The differences between the head, heart and body and why you need all three.How the false self can manipulate the head and the body.What we can learn from Lord Of The Rings about certain character traits.Featured on this episode:Episode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureEpisode 20: True Self Versus False SelfGet more information about Business Growth Lab here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Today’s episode is the second in the True Self Series. The series is about building a heart-centered business – one that feels true to you.There’s a well-known story called The Tale Of The Two Wolves Inside You. It goes like this:One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.“My dear one, the battle between two ‘wolves’ is inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.The other is good. It is: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”The grandson thought about it for a moment and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”In this episode, I explore the difference between the true and false self. Recognizing this difference allows you to choose which wolf you want to feed.Do you want to create a business from joy and peace or from envy and ego?What you’ll learn on today’s episode:Why making business decisions from your ego creates shame and dissatisfaction.The differences between the false self and true self.How the true self will help you find more joy and peace in your business.Featured on this episode:Episode 19: The Problem With Today’s Success CultureGet more information about my group program, Business Growth Lab, here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Today’s episode is the first in a series that I’m calling the True Self Series.If you prefer to hide from the world, it may be because you don’t resonate with today’s ‘success culture’. Perhaps you find it too loud. Or aggressive. Or it makes you uncomfortable, but you’re not sure why.The demands and noise of the outside world can be overwhelming. We are told that we should want more… do more… be more. Yet deep down what we long for is peace, calm, and truth.If this resonates then I invite you to turn inward and embrace what feels true to you. In the True Self Series, I will be showing you how to let go of what you ‘should’ do and instead build a business that feels true to you.On this first episode in the series, I discuss what I mean by today’s ‘success culture’ and why it can lead to a constant striving and sense of failure.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:What I mean by today’s ‘success culture’ and why it influences all of us.The tension between what you ‘should’ do and what your heart wants.Why money goals and money awards are not necessarily a good thing.How to escape the treadmill and find more peace in your business.Featured on this episode:Episode 18: Simple Selling – Part IIGet more information about my group program, Business Growth Lab, here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

This week’s episode is a follow up to the previous episode on ‘simple selling’. I dive into some of my own challenges and explain how I am using simple selling to course correct.As a reminder, simple selling is inspiring people to take a specific action and doing it in a way that aligns with your values. You know you’ve nailed this concept when it feels good and natural.When I recorded the previous episode, I was in the middle of a launch for my group program. And as I created the podcast, I realized that I was not taking my own advice!My launches did not feel ‘good and natural’ – I felt out of alignment.Listen in to learn how I explored what was ‘off’ in my launches and the changes I decided to make to my group program.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:How I realized I was not practicing ‘Simple Selling’ in my launchesWhy it’s easy to ignore your inner wisdom and get distracted by outside voicesSome changes I’m making in my business to get back in alignmentWhy self-improvement and constant striving do not always serve youHow to manage the inner struggle and stay consistent with your valuesFeatured on this episode:Episode 16: Simple SellingDoors to Business Growth Lab are open (and staying open)! Get more information and join here: sallyannmiller.com/thelab/

Have you ever felt an urge to change your business niche? Do you find yourself constantly researching different ideas? Or daydreaming about how much better it would be if you switched to something else?These are all signs of niche indecision. And it’s extremely common.However, switching niches is rarely the answer. If you jump ship too soon, you waste any progress you’ve made and will end up taking all the problems you have now into your next business idea.So, what should you do? When is it a good time to switch niche? And if you don’t change, what should you do instead?In this episode I show you what’s behind niche indecision and provide a simple framework to help you make the best decision for you and your business.Whether that’s stay with your current niche or switch to something new.What you’ll learn on today’s episode:What’s really behind niche indecision.Four compelling reasons to stick with your current niche.How to make the best decision for you and your business.The one time it IS a good idea to change your business idea.Featured on this episode:Episode 2: Find Your Perfect Business IdeaEpisode 6: What To Do When Nobody Is BuyingDoors to Business Growth Lab open again in August! Get more information at sallyannmiller.com/thelab/