Denise Duffield-Thomas's Blog, page 11

Simplify your business model

EPISODE 190
Simplifying your business model
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Is your business model working for you, or are you working for it? 

It's a question we often forget to ask ourselves as entrepreneurs, caught up in the hustle and grind of building our empires. 

But here's the thing: your business should fit your lifestyle and goals, not the other way around.

As someone who's been on this journey for years, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that simplifying your business model can be the key to long-term success and happiness. 

So, let's dive into how you can create a business that truly works for you.

You have the power to create a business that fits your needs. It's not about following industry norms or feeling guilty about outgrowing certain aspects of your business. It's about crafting a model that energizes and sustains you for the long haul.

In my latest podcast episode we explore the importance of regularly reassessing your business model, especially as your life circumstances change. Whether you're dealing with new family responsibilities, health challenges, or simply evolving priorities, your business should adapt to support you.

Listen now to learn; 

  Why it's crucial to serve clients who energize you
  The power of focusing on your zone of genius
  How to streamline your offerings for maximum impact
  Strategies for aligning your business with your current lifestyle
  The importance of setting clear boundaries in your business

I'll also share my personal experiences with simplifying my own business, including how I've adjusted my offerings and marketing strategies over the years.

Ready to simplify your business and rediscover your passion? Tune in to this episode and learn how to create your chill and prosper business. 

Your future self will thank you!

xx Denise

P.S. Your homework this week is to take some time to reassess your business model. Download my free planning template at denisedt.com/plan and start crafting a business that truly works for you.

Why hobbies are essential for entrepreneurs

EPISODE 189
Why hobbies are essential for entrepreneurs
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Do you feel your business has taken over every aspect of your life? 

It's time to rediscover the joy of hobbies and how they can benefit your entrepreneurial journey.

In this week's podcast episode, I share my experiences with rekindling old passions and exploring new ones. From returning to ballet classes to discovering the meditative power of cross-stitch, I've learned valuable lessons that apply to life and business.

Here's why hobbies matter for entrepreneurs:

Hobbies offer more than just a break from work. They provide:

A chance to stretch yourself and embrace a beginner's mindset
An opportunity to practice persistence and see incremental progress
A way to connect with your inner child and heal past wounds
Time away from screens and constant connectivity

Here's the truth: you're a grown-up now. You get to decide what's worth your time and money. You're allowed to try new things, quit if something isn't working, and invest in your joy and growth.

Remember, not everything in your life needs to be monetized. It's okay to do something just because you enjoy it. In fact, that's often where the magic happens!

So, how do you find a hobby that works for you? Here are a few tips:

Try different things: Don't be afraid to experiment. You might be surprised by what you enjoy.
Start small: You don't need to invest much time or money upfront. Try renting equipment or taking a single class before committing.
Listen to your inner child: What did you love doing as a kid? That might be a good place to start.
Give yourself permission to be bad: Remember, the goal isn't perfection. It's enjoyment and growth.

I'd love to hear from you. What hobby have you always wanted to try? What's holding you back? 

Go ahead, sign up for that class, buy that equipment, or dust off that old hobby you used to love. 

Your business (and your soul) will thank you for it.

xx Denise

PS: Here’s links to my recent ABC News interview about my dance studio and returning to ballet:

ABC News Interview
EV Dance Studios

Ask Me Anything: Weight loss, menopause, and TMI questions.

EPISODE 188
Ask Me Anything: Weight Loss, menopause & TMI questions
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Today’s new podcast episode is very personal. 

I receive a lot of questions, so we group them into themes for our Ask Me Anything episodes.

And today’s theme is… TMI. 

I’m answering questions about weight loss, menopause, and mental health. 

There’s never an easy answer to these questions, and most of the time, multiple layers and money mindset lessons are hiding underneath. 

I’m not an expert, but I hope that by sharing my experiences, you’ll get some insights or ideas.

You’re not a SIMs character, and you’re allowed to grow and change in ways that work for you, not other people. 

This really isn’t about weight loss or menopause but about having a mindset of self-care, self-worth, and embracing your imperfections. 

I’d love to hear what this episode brings up for you - message me on social @denisedt.

xx Denise

Organize and streamline your to-do list

EPISODE 187
Organize and streamline your to-do list
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Ooh, we’ve got a super sexy topic for today… getting through your to-do list.

On today’s podcast, I’m sharing how I stay organized, run my business, and make things easy for myself

It’s okay to design your business and life in a way that works for you, so listen to this episode to learn: 

My four-step process for streamlining and simplifying your business
How to ELIMINATE the major stressors in your life
To set boundaries with your time, team, and clients 
When to AUTOMATE and DELEGATE tasks to stay organized 
Where your money blocks are making business harder 

 

Now, I don’t pretend to be super organized, and I don’t have any advanced strategies - I don’t even have a set business plan. But I have some core business philosophies that help me chill and prosper. 

Making money doesn’t have to be hard. It’s “Effortless, not effort none” but there are always ways to make things easier. 

It’s your time, and you’re ready for the next step.  

xx Denise

Making business easy breezy

EPISODE 186
Making business easy breezy
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One of my core Chillpreneur principles for life and business is…

"There's always an easier way to make money." 

Do you believe that? What does that idea bring up for you?

We're looking closer at this on today's podcast, and I share how to make business easy breezy. 

If you ever feel like you're swimming against the current in your business, it's time to embrace this philosophy that could change everything: there's always an easier way.

Listen today to learn:

How to align your business with your natural strengths 
Why one-size-fits-all advice might be holding you back
Strategies for attracting clients who are a perfect fit for you
How to embrace the power of abundance thinking in growing your business
Get inspired by real-world examples of simplifying business 

You'll discover why it's crucial to design your business around your preferences, not someone else's blueprint. 

The bottom line is this: you have permission to run your business in a way that feels good to you. It doesn't have to be hard, stressful, or draining. 

So, I challenge you: What's one thing in your business that you could make easier this week? 

How can you align your work more closely with your natural tendencies and preferences? 

Remember, there's always an easier way - you just have to be willing to find it!

xx Denise

Denise on the Media Magnet Podcast

I was on the Media Magnet podcast recently, sharing the Lucky Bitch brand story.

We also dove into how I found the courage to nail my niche, my strategy and purposefully positioning my area of expertise and (the holy grail!), learning to give less F's about what people think and doing it anyway.

>> Click here to view the full show notes + episode transcript

 

 

 

Overcoming the "starving artist" money block

EPISODE 185
Overcoming the "starving artist" money block
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In this week's episode of Chill and Prosper, I'm tackling some of your burning questions about money, business, and success.

Listen now to learn:

How to be a confident speaker and book speaking gigs (even if you don't love speaking)
Overcoming your "starving artist" mindset to make money from your creativity 
Negotiating a pay increase and navigating the corporate ladder
Getting started with earning affiliate income 
How to work on multiple goals at once 
Balancing kids and business  

And so much MORE…

Remember, we're all figuring things out as we go. Most of the time, I'm making it up!

I hope you enjoy this honest discussion on navigating the world of business and creativity.

And if you want more support and mentoring as part of our community, join us in Money Bootcamp - it is a game-changer for your mindset, and once you're in, you'll never look back! 

xx Denise

P.S. I’m recording new podcast episodes next week and would love to feature you! Here’s how:

Hit reply and send me your questions or the topics you’d love me to talk about
Click here to send me a voicemail either asking me a question or providing a case study/testimonial for one of my books or courses - I’ll include these soundbites in future episodes.

Life-changing power of affirmations

EPISODE 184
Life changing power of affirmations
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If you don't set intentions for where you're going, you often get very confused results from the Universe.

Over the past year, there've been times when I've felt I didn't have any big goals in my life.

Part of that was "Lucky B problems" - I'd achieved many things on my dream board and business was going well, but I also didn't know what I wanted next.

And when this happens, you'll find things get wishy-washy, and it's easy to drift or get distracted. 

So today, we're talking about the power of daily affirmations to change your life and business. 

If you ever feel like you're just drifting through life without a clear direction, you're not alone and this episode is for you. 

I'll reveal why setting intentions is crucial, even when you feel uncertain about your goals. 

You'll discover how these powerful statements can illuminate areas of your life that need attention and guide you toward positive change.

I also share two game-changing affirmations I've used this year and how these seemingly vague intentions have led to major shifts in my business, financial planning, and personal boundaries.

Listen today to learn: 

How affirmations reveal areas in your life needing improvement
The importance of questioning your goals and beliefs
Ways to customize affirmations for different life stages
Using affirmations to set boundaries and prioritize self-care
Incorporating affirmations into daily life for lasting change

Even if your affirmations aren't that specific or detailed - start with what you have energy for and set an energetic intention for your next chapter. 

You can harness the power of affirmations to create positive change in your life and business.

Tune in to learn how these simple statements can become your compass for success and personal growth.

The best investments and upgrades for your business

EPISODE 183
The best investments and upgrades for your business
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I've got a question for you: Are you investing in the right areas of your business?

Are you wondering where to invest your hard-earned money? It's a common question, and the answer isn't always straightforward. But don't worry, I've got you covered!

In today’s episode, I'm sharing my insights on smart business investments that can propel your growth. 

We'll explore four key areas where your dollars can make a real impact:

 1. Systems Upgrades

From legal structures to payment systems, we'll discuss how upgrading your business infrastructure can set the stage for expansion and efficiency.

 2. Support Upgrades

Discover why investing in help - both in your business and personal life - can be a game-changer for your productivity and well-being.

 3. Marketing Upgrades

Learn about strategic investments to boost your visibility and attract more clients, from content creation to branding refreshes.

 4.  Mindset Upgrades

And of course, we’ll explore the power of investing in your money mindset and how it directly impacts your business success.

I'll also share a valuable lesson from my Money Bootcamp course, absolutely free! You'll get practical tips on identifying the right investments for your unique business needs and goals.

Here's what you can expect to gain from this episode:

Understand how to prioritize investments based on your current business stage
Learn why certain upgrades feel "grown-up" and how they can boost your confidence
Discover the hidden benefits of outsourcing tasks you dread
Gain insights on balancing personal and business investments for optimal growth
Get inspired to take action on those "someday" business goals

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. I'll guide you through considering your personality, strengths, and needs to make the best choices for your business.

So, are you ready to make some smart investments and watch your business thrive? 

Click here for your FREE Money Bootcamp Lesson on Business Upgrades

I know that as entrepreneurs, we often feel like we need to do everything ourselves. 

But here's the truth: sometimes the smartest move is to spend money on upgrades that will help you and your business grow. 

It’s your time and you’re ready for the next step. 

xx Denise

Ask Me Anything: Increasing your prices

EPISODE 182
Ask Me Anything: Increasing your prices
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Raising your prices can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're worried about losing clients. 

But what if I told you it's not just about the numbers? 

It's about understanding your worth, communicating effectively, and aligning your energy with your new pricing. It's about clearing any blocks that are making money feel hard. 

I get if it feels like a strange time to be considering a price increase - with the cost of living going up for us all, but if you're fully booked, in demand, or know you can help people, then a price increase might make sense and can be done sensitively. 

I'll answer your questions about increasing your prices in today's episode. 

Key takeaways from this episode:

Recognize the signs it's time to raise your prices
Understand the importance of communicating price increases effectively
Learn how to handle the transition period after a price hike
Discover the energetic alignment needed for successful pricing
Gain insights on attracting clients who value your new pricing

Plus, I'll talk you through my step-by-step guide to raising your prices, including: 

Preparing your clients for the change
Setting clear boundaries and deadlines
Communicating the value behind your new pricing
Handling objections and concerns

Remember, the price is just the price. It's not a reflection of your worth as a person, but rather a representation of the value you provide. 

Tune in to this episode to gain the confidence and strategies you need to raise your prices successfully and attract clients who appreciate your true value.

"It's safe for me to charge and receive more". 

xx Denise

P.S. My Perfect Price Increase Script outlines the process and words I use to increase my prices, grab your free copy here.