Denise Duffield-Thomas's Blog, page 15

Workaholics, empire builders and fellow rulers

EPISODE 161
Workaholics, empire builders and fellow rulers
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Today, we’re talking about a topic close to my heart - overcoming workaholism and hustle culture. 

This episode is aimed at my fellow Ruler Money Archetypes, who want to build an empire without burning out. 

Even if you’re not a Ruler, today’s episode will give you some great insights into your friends, partner, or clients and help you understand the motivation of Rulers.

If you don’t know your Money Archetype or even know what I’m talking about, you can take the QUIZ here to discover which of the eight money personalities you are. 

You’ll also get access to a customized training workshop based on your results and an invite to my upcoming live training next week. 

Click here to reserve free spot and find out more 

Listen to today’s episode for more on: 

Identifying the harmful side of your personality and how to overcome your sabotages 
Unlocking the potential of your helpful money traits
How your past may provide clues to your money personality 
Boundaries you can set to help direct your Ruler or let other Archetypes take charge
Signs of looming burnout and balancing your vision and energy

I am a Ruler, and so is my husband and business partner, Mark. When we’re in the unhealthy side of our Ruler, we enable each other’s workaholism.

So we’ve had to learn to work together through a lot of trial and error, but when we’re aligned, we can create huge success. 

Some of the Empire Builders I really admire are Ruler/Romantics, Ruler/Nurturers, or Ruler/Celebrities like Martha Stewart, Oprah, Sara Blakely, or J-Lo. 

I want to have longevity, creativity, and family focus well into my 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. 

If Ruler is in your top three Archetypes, I’d love to hear from you. How are you handling being a workaholic or perfectionist? How does your Ruler play with your other Archetypes?

Has today’s episode inspired you to make any changes? 

xx Denise 

P.S. If you haven't yet, take the Money Archetypes Quiz now to discover which of the 8 Archetypes you are when it comes to money and what it means for your business. 

I’ve created 8 different versions of the Leverage Your Strengths and Make More Money workshop - one for each of the Money Archetypes - it’s a free, fun and practical training so you can start applying this framework to your business. Plus I have a LIVE webinar next week to answer your questions. 

Click here to register and watch the workshop for your Archetype

 

Dealing with shiny object syndrome

EPISODE 160
Dealing with shiny object syndrome
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Are you easily distracted by too many new ideas or the draw of shiny objects? Me too! 

As an entrepreneur, how can you work out which of your many ideas and passions are the right ones to pursue? And which ones can actually make you money?

I'm gearing up for my annual Money Personality business coaching program (which I'd love to see you in), so today, I've got a bonus podcast episode all about dealing with shiny object syndrome. 

If you have an Alchemist-type personality and you love creating and dreaming, staying focused can be a real challenge in your business.

So listen along today for more on:

How shiny object syndrome will show up for your personality 
Ways to set your business up to capitalize on your ideas
How to avoid common self-sabotages if you're an ideas person
Uncovering the underlying motivation for wanting variety and newness
Ideas to tweak your product offers and pricing to be more win-win

You are not alone if you've experienced shiny object syndrome - most entrepreneurs are ideas and problem-solving machines. Focusing is difficult, seeing tasks through to completion is complex, and so is not wanting to do all the things. 

I've experienced this in so many areas in my life which has brought a lot of success and a fair share of challenges. 

So don't beat yourself up if you have shiny object syndrome—I want to help make this trait work for you and not against you. So you can prosper from your ideas and stop sabotaging yourself.

It's your time. 

xx Denise 

P.S. My LIVE business course and coaching program based on the Money Archetypes framework is coming soon.

This is your once-a-year opportunity to spend six weeks with me working on your business and marketing. 

I've made over $30 million online, and I've combined all my experience in this course to help you can grow your income based on the strengths of your personality.

Click here to register your interest and find out more.

Big risks, big rewards. Embracing your maverick

EPISODE 159
Big risks, big rewards. Embracing your maverick
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Are you a risk-taker? Do you wish you could embrace the “big risk, big reward” mentality? 

Maybe you love taking risks in search of new, exciting adventures.

This might sound familiar if you have a Maverick, Alchemist, or Ruler personality, and it will terrify the Accumulators out there.

But today, we’re talking about how to take risks in business without sabotage, wrecking your business, or burning out. 

Business isn’t all or nothing. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs have learned to embrace their maverick and take risks even if they’ve experienced failures along the way. 

If you want to start doing business on your terms, listen to today’s podcast episode to learn: 

How to navigate the potential pitfalls of taking big risks 
Discernment over what risks to take and which rewards are worthwhile
Where you need stability in your life and business versus play and creativity 
How to take a risk so it’s sustainable and doesn’t cause chaos 
Which business models work if you like the adrenaline of variety and risk 

I’d love to hear your takeaways from this episode. 

Be kind to yourself if taking big risks has got you into trouble in the past.

If you have a maverick personality, you’ll likely always be looking for something new and exciting, so I hope today’s tips help you embrace this without its downside. 

xx Denise

P.S. Whatever your personality, learning to play to your strengths will grow your business faster and easier than trying to compensate for your weaknesses.

You can build your business on intuition or through painful trial and error.⁠

You try to change who you are or copy the gurus - or you can short-cut that journey with a more personalized path for you. ⁠

And this is what I teach in my annual business coaching program.

This business course has already helped thousands of people make more money and stop making the same mistakes. ⁠

I’m getting ready to open the annual enrollment, and if this sounds familiar I recommend you consider joining us. ⁠

Join the waitlist here to be the first to find out all the details. 

Imagine what you could do if only you had permission to follow your own path AND a map to follow?⁠

Ask Me Anything: Travel, Anxiety and Scaling

EPISODE 158
Ask Me Anything: Travel, Anxiety and Scaling
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Today on the podcast we have a fun “Ask Me Anything” episode that is packed with nuggets of wisdom.

I answer your questions about:

Managing work while taking extended travel or time-off 
Balancing your ambition and work ethic if your partner has a different personality 
Tips to start manifesting more money 
Overcoming anxiety when starting your business 
When to outsource or hire when scaling your business

I loved answering these questions and would love to hear from you if you have other questions for future AMA episodes - just message me here. 

Whatever your question, my most simple answer is that “it depends”...

Nothing in your business is set in stone, and you have the power to make decisions, change your mind and grow your business in a way that suits you, your life and personality. 

Your business, your rules - and you’re ready for the next step! 

xx Denise

P.S. If you’ve got questions and need support with your business model, marketing, hiring or passive income, then I’ve got something EPIC coming your way. 

Once a year I run a live business coaching course all about designing your business to fit your personality and play to your strengths. 

I’ll be announcing more info soon and opening enrolment, but in the meantime, click here to join the waitlist. 

I normally don’t do one-on-one or business coaching but this is your chance to get my eyes on your business and money and work with me as your business mentor.

Growing your email list and social media

EPISODE 157
Growing your email list and social media
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You might not want to hear this, but there are key numbers in your business that you need to track and have a plan to grow. 

It’s possible to both love your people and want to grow your numbers quickly. 

Don’t be afraid to look at these numbers. The success of your offers, launches, and, in fact, your whole business is directly linked to the size of your audience. 

The truth is that the more people see your stuff, the more money you’ll make - it’s a numbers game, so it’s essential to get clear on where you’re at and have a target you want to grow to. 

On today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing how I grow my list and following, including: 

The valuable non-monetary benefits of a solid online following
How my book deal came straight from my newsletter list 
Ways to leverage your newsletter content for other platforms 
So many ideas for free lead magnets to get people on your list 
The difference between growing an email list versus social media 

One of the biggest business mistakes I see people make is only growing a social media following. 

We don’t own our social followers or the platform, and it can be shut down at any time, but your email list is yours and can be the cornerstone of your business. 

Consistent income comes from consistently showing up and giving value. 

So, commit to start today. Start as if thousands of people are waiting for your gold, and soon, thousands will be opening your emails.  

xx Denise 

Failing businesses and hard economic times

EPISODE 156
Failing businesses and hard economic times
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We have such a joyful podcast episode today! It's all about failing businesses and tricky economic times. Urgh. 

But if you've been in scarcity, feeling fearful, or worried about failure, you'll feel better after listening. 

The feeling of uncertainty and concerns about the cost of living are real for a lot of us at the moment, so it's normal if you're feeling stressed.

It's also normal if you've noticed these feelings starting to have a knock-on effect on your business, but this doesn't have to be disastrous. 

If you've made a mistake or your anxiety is peaking (I've been there), then today's episode will help you:

Take a breath and acknowledge that there are challenges in the world right now
Tweak your mindset so your business can be a source of positive impact and wealth 
Feel hopeful about the future and inspired to take your business to another level
How to identify new opportunities and thrive in this or any economy 
Practical steps to navigate a business failure or mistake

So, what can you do to help your clients still and create abundance for your family?

In every economy, there are businesses that do well, so how can you become a thriving business or find other growing businesses to support?

Sometimes we have to embrace the beginner mindset and get creative to find new and different opportunities - it's about being adaptable and asking who really needs you now?

Whether you're facing a challenge or even coming to terms with a failure, no one can take away what you've learned in your business. I hope today's mindset tips help you navigate your way back to success again. 

It's still your time. 

xx Denise

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Sacred Money Archetypes® helped me play to my strengths

SACRED MONEY ARCHETYPES® REVIEW
Bia Bliss

Holistic Sex, Intimacy & Relationship Facilitator, NZ
Archetype: Romantic, Alchemist & Connector

 

This course really made me understand why mainstream advice wasn't working for me - this advice from these people that were "making it". But they're not me, and they are not my archetype.

Like Denise, I have Romantic in me, and I want to tell and do things the easy way. I'm a square peg in a round hole and learning about SMA really helped me to play to my strengths. T he reason why my messaging wasn't working and the reason why I was struggling just showing up was because I wasn't in alignment with my archetypes.

And now that I know they exist, well now I only speak to the people that I'm here to serve. I play to my strengths, and I let other people play to their strengths. It's  such a game changer because it creates so much space in my life, in my heart.

So I have a better work life balance. I don't beat myself up too much if things aren't working.  I just realise that the reason why it's not working is because I'm not playing to my strengths.

If you don't know what your strengths are, the Sacred Money Archetypes quiz gives you a list, so you can actually just go back to them and refer to them.

Since doing the course, I'm a lot happier and I serve my people! Not everybody though - I'm not here to serve everybody, and neither are you.

So if you're considering joining the course, my advice is just to do it. Because you have a community, and you have amazing content and so much support.  You have the opportunity to also hear from people just like you and you get access to come back again and again every time the course runs.

That's my my advice. Do it! Nothing to lose, everything to gain. I'll see you there.

 

 
Unlock the code to more
 ease and abundance

By asking you a series of insightful questions about your money habits and beliefs, the Money Archetypes Quiz will provide you with unique insight into your money opportunities and pitfalls.

You'll receive a personalized workshop outlining your Archetype and what it means for your business. 

 

Sacred Money Archetypes® is a Registered Trademark of Heart of Success, Inc. and licensed by Lucky B Pty Ltd. © 2022 Kendall Summerhawk

 

Business & mindset lessons from 4 months traveling

EPISODE 155
Business & mindset lessons from 4 months traveling
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Last year, I took my family to Europe for four months - hubby, three children, and my mom - and it was intense and magical in lots of ways. 

We were so lucky to spend time in the UK, seeing Mark’s family and traveling to places like Paris, Barcelona, and Lapland - I hope it was an unforgettable trip for the kids.

I tried not to work much on the trip, but so many experiences stood out while we were overseas I just knew I had to share them in a podcast episode.

So today, I’m diving into the business, marketing, and mindset lessons I got from my Europe trip. Listen now to learn about:

Marketing lessons from Disneyland and how I apply them in my business
After-sales tips to surprise and delight your customers
Lessons in humility, consistency, and connection from a magic show
What I learned from meeting Santa and Mrs Claus in Lapland.

I’d love to know what ideas this episode sparks or if you have any big lessons from traveling.

What good or bad experience has made you change something in your business? 

Message me @denisedt and let me know. 

xx Denise

P.S. For more on why I love Disneyland and how the “Mickey Mouse” principle is key to how I show up in my business, check out this early Chill and Prosper episode on being the Mickey Mouse in your business: Listen here. 

Business Besties 101: Finding your people

EPISODE 154
Business Besties 101: What to do and what not to do
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Let’s talk about finding your people - the communities, coaches and business besties you need to thrive. 

This is one of my favorite topics because I love talking about my business besties and sharing their work. 

Which inevitably leads to questions like “How do I find more besties?” or “Which community should I join for XYZ?”

Having friends who understand your business and have similar experiences is so important. It will play a vital role in your success as an entrepreneur for four main reasons:

Support from someone with a shared experience who can offer empathy, compassion, and advice on overcoming business challenges.
Ideas and feedback on improving parts of your business or marketing.
Contacts and recommendations of great systems, contractors, or staff you’ll need along the way.
Opportunities to uplevel and network by opening doors to new audiences, stages, or events.

More than someone to vent or cry with, a business best friend can be invaluable for masterminding, partnering, and cheerleading. 

On today’s podcast, I share my tips on finding new business besties and the right coach to help you grow this year. 

So, what support do you need right now in your business?

Motivation, inspiration, tactics, accountability? 

What type of coach or training makes the most sense to help you move to the next level? 

Be strategic in making the next right investment for this season of your life and business. 

I’d love to hear what you got from today’s episode and what support you want to add to your life. 

If it’s money mindset, I’m your gal, and once you join our Bootcamp community, I know you’ll never look back! 

xx Denise

No business plan? No problem.

Starting a business can be super exciting but also very overwhelming. For some reason, there is a belief that you have to create the perfect plan before taking any action. Throughout my journey, I've learned that it's more important to have a big goal, take action first and adjust the details along the way. 

I’ve never really had a detailed business plan, and I don’t think you need one. But I have some key steps to share with you so you can keep your plan simple and start making more money!

If you’re thinking of starting a business, here’s the steps I recommend: 

Identify your target audience and goals.
Begin with a simple product or service.
Focus on consistent marketing efforts.
Refine processes and delegate tasks.
Reflect, adjust, and set new targets.

 

1. Identify your target audience and goals

Rather than overthinking every detail and aiming for an ideal road map to getting more clients, focus on identifying your target audience and setting clear goals. By doing so, you can be ready to adapt and make adjustments along the way. 

Rather than getting overwhelmed by trying to create an ideal solution, start broad and refine your approach as you go forward. 

It is so important to be consistent, persistent, and learn from your mistakes. Start small with a single client or project and allow your experiences to guide you as you figure out the next steps.

"It's okay to start broad, and it's okay to eliminate stuff as you go."

Understanding the importance of identifying your target audience and setting clear goals is crucial for anyone nervous about starting a business without a step-by-step plan. Focusing on these two aspects allows entrepreneurs to adapt, learn and grow in response to real-world situations, rather than getting lost with ‘what if this happens?’ It is totally ok to try something out and see if it works. The key is to keep showing up and then reflecting on what is working and what needs to change.

 

2. Begin with a simple product or service

"Start with one, see if you like it."

One of the key steps that can help entrepreneurs overcome procrastination is to begin with a simple product or service. By starting small and focusing on a single offering, you can create momentum, gain valuable experience, and learn as you grow. Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers right away. The most crucial aspect of running a successful business is taking that first step and consistently moving forward.

“Perfection is not a requirement to start a business.”

Try not to get stuck in the paralysis of decision-making. By starting with a simple product or service, you can give yourself the opportunity to test the waters, determine what you enjoy doing, and refine your product and services as you learn more about your target market and ideal customers. This is a great way to reduce the pressure and stay focused on what business tasks you actually need to do.

 

3. Focus on consistent marketing efforts

Starting a business without a perfect business plan might seem counterintuitive; however, this approach encourages action and flexibility. By focusing on consistent marketing efforts, you can build brand awareness and cultivate relationships with potential clients while adapting your business plans based on real-world experiences. 

Instead of getting caught up in planning every detail, you should prioritize consistent marketing efforts to establish a strong presence in your niche and build connections with your target audience. This strategy ultimately allows for more time and energy to be dedicated to actually growing the business. Prioritise money-making activities first. 

My business plan is super simple and we break down our business tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly. My team consistently shares the content I create on social media, providing value and developing the know, like, and trust factor with my audience. Each week, we share a valuable piece of content like a blog post, article, or podcast, followed by monthly mini launches and quarterly big sales events.

It is important for us to have consistent marketing efforts that are in streamlined processes. By sticking to this plan, we are able to develop a strong brand and maintain a connection with our audience. Consistent marketing efforts help keep a business in the forefront of customers' minds, making it more likely they'll continue to engage with the brand and make recommendations to their peers. Most of these marketing activities can be batched so they don’t take ages or feel like daily obligations. 

I share my simple two-step marketing process that has helped me grow a multi-million dollar business here on the Chill and Prosper podcast, have a listen and enjoy!

 

4. Refine processes and delegate tasks. 

Once you start to identify what is working, what you are good at and more importantly, what you enjoy doing, you can start to refine the processes in your business. 

By looking at what you can eliminate, automate, delegate and outsource, business owners can reduce the pressure of having to do it all as well as release the belief that you have to work hard to make more money!

Take a moment to look at what you need to eliminate in your business. What don’t you need to be doing? You may find that there is an opportunity to delegate these tasks to someone else or perhaps outsource them altogether.

Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of just completing the repetitive tasks in business. These are the tasks that need to be automated first. Automation supports entrepreneurs to focus on what really matters in their business and what their role is.

 

5.  Reflect, adjust, and set new targets.

Remember it is important to grow and evolve in your business. Many entrepreneurs believe that you have to stick with the original plan and concept. You don’t. Having regular opportunities to reflect and adjust what you are doing in business will lead you to success. It is okay to set new targets. Just don’t keep moving the goal posts without giving yourself and opportunity to celebrate what you have achieved. Many entrepreneurs move onto the next target before taking a moment to ‘look back’ and see how far they have come. This is a fast way to end up in business burnout. Give yourself the opportunity to reflect, adjust, set new targets and celebrate!

"It's totally okay to shift and change in your business."

Starting a business without a perfect business plan is an empowering approach for entrepreneurs who often hesitate to take that first step. By focusing on simplifying your business plan and taking action, you can overcome indecision and make progress toward your goals. Remember the importance of identifying your target audience, offering a simple product or service, and maintaining consistent marketing efforts. As you grow, refine processes, delegate tasks, and adjust your targets when needed. Don't let perfection hold you back - embrace this approach and watch your business come to life.

Your business, your rules.

 

Money blocks stopping you from moving forward?

It’s totally normal if you’re feeling scared or unsure when you’re starting a business.

Your money blocks and fears are going to come up and without addressing them early, they’ll keep resurfacing and trying to sabotage your business - or at least they’ll limit your income and enjoyment. 

I’ve got a free workshop to help identify the seven most common money blocks I see derail entrepreneurs and how to overcome them.

Click here to watch the money blocks training today and start feeling more empowered and in control of your financial destiny. 

And click here to grab a copy of my best-selling book which is packed with business and marketing tips to set up your new business to make more money without hustle and burnout.  

I’d love to here where you’re at in your business journey and what you found useful in this article. Send me a message on social @denisedt and I’ll cheer you on.

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