Enthusiastically Self-Employed: business tips, marketing tips, and LinkedIn tips for coaches, consultants, speakers, authors, solopreneurs & small business owners – Details, episodes & analysis

Do you offer group coaching calls? Listen to this episode to hear my pro tips about creating playbacks in an effective and efficient way. 

In this episode, I detail my process for making group coaching call playbacks available to my members. 

I walk through using Zoom for live calls, utilizing caption tools, and the AI meeting summary feature. 

Post-session, I show how to download the MP4 file, upload it to Descript for a more accurate summary and timestamps, and then edit and share the content. I also cover creating PDF versions of transcripts and chats, and enhancing the playback content with summaries, timestamps, and special member offers. 

My goal is to make this resource available within one business day to ensure members can access and benefit from the session promptly.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:21 Setting Up for Group Coaching Calls

00:47 Using Zoom Features for Accessibility

01:18 Post-Session Processing

01:41 Uploading and Summarizing with Descrip

04:52 Creating and Sharing Playback Content

06:23 Offering VIP Upgrades

09:34 Final Steps and Email Preparation

10:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Use my link to try Descript (free) before deciding if it makes sense to get a subscription. I'm currently paying $30 / month. 

https://www.descript.com/?lmref=XW9wYg 

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

In this episode, I discuss why using automation to grow your LinkedIn network is annoying for everyone. I'll explore how automated messages are easily detectable and often irrelevant, a clear violation of LinkedIn's terms of service, and the dishonesty associated with these tactics. 

I share my personal experiences and the negative impact of automation, emphasizing the importance of organic growth and real interactions on LinkedIn. 

I also highlight the risks of automation, the untruthful practices of some companies, and the value of creating genuine professional relationships.

00:00 Introduction: Why Automation on LinkedIn Annoys Everyone

00:22 Identifying Automation in LinkedIn Invitations

01:23 Violation of LinkedIn's Terms of Service

04:42 The Ineffectiveness of Automated LinkedIn Growth

05:44 Calling Out Automation Users

07:50 The Pitfalls of Automated Engagement

08:35 The Value of Genuine Interaction on LinkedIn

10:25 Conclusion: Grow Your LinkedIn Network Organically

Resources Mentioned:

LinkedIn's Terms of Service https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement#dos 

My friend Mic Adams published a blog about this a while back:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/30-ways-lose-your-linkedin-account-using-tools-overview-mic-adam/

Here's a post from another highly reputable LinkedIn coach (Richard van der Blom) about this:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/richardvanderblom_outbound-sales-using-linkedin-are-we-one-activity-7304136597761916928-XDA_?

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Keeping Accounting Records Up-to-Date for Easier Tax Prep with Michelle Carley

Where do we even get started with this process?

What do we need to know about our accounting records as it relates to getting things ready for tax prep?

What advice would you give to someone who's just getting started?

What about somebody who's already well established, working with a CPA?

Who does a good support team consist of?

Could you give us some examples of what a startup cost would be compared to what is an operating cost?

What are those common mistakes or pitfalls that we need to be avoiding?

What do you recommend for someone who hasn't done their mileage yet and needs to before tax time?

Do you recommend people try to do their taxes themselves?

What's the difference between cash base versus accrual base?

In this replay of a LinkedIn Live episode from Summer 2024, Brenda Meller speaks with accounting expert Michelle Carley. They discuss the importance of keeping accounting records up-to-date for easier tax prep, particularly for the self-employed, such as coaches, consultants, and small business owners. Michelle, CEO and founder of Big Easy Bookkeeping Company, shares valuable tips, including knowing your numbers, scheduling regular bookkeeping time, and distinguishing between startup and operating costs. They also explore common pitfalls in bookkeeping and the benefits of having a suitable support team and a well-designed bookkeeping system. Michelle offers resources like a startup checklist and a list of tax-deductible expense categories, aiming to help solopreneurs manage their books effectively and confidently.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Context

00:33 Meet Michelle Carley: Bookkeeping Expert

01:43 The Importance of Organized Accounting

07:17 Top Tips for Tax Preparation

10:40 Advice for Solopreneurs and Established Businesses

16:36 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid

21:15 Cash Basis vs. Accrual Basis Explained

22:10 QuickBooks: Overkill or Essential?

22:35 Navigating QuickBooks Challenges

24:01 Live Q&A Session Begins

25:23 Mileage Tracking for Self-Employed

27:25 Tax Preparation Tips for Self-Employed

29:22 Profit First: A Money Management System

31:37 Free Resources and Offers

32:32 Connecting on LinkedIn and Final Thoughts

Originally aired in July 2024

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Planning an Event? Learn Event Marketing Tips to Drive Attendance and Engagement with Victoria Ipri

Originally aired Friday, June 26, 2020.

Resources Mentioned:
https://www.ticketleap.com/ (Event Webpage Hosting, alternative to EventBrite)

https://www.linkedin.com/events/

https://www.socialtables.com/  (Event Management Software)

https://www.canva.com/ (Graphic Design)


Stock Photo Sites (for event headers)
https://www.123rf.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

https://pixabay.com/

https://unsplash.com/


To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5HEJFKOPeM

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

In this solo episode, I teach you 10 1/2 marketing techniques to help amplify your events.

I also encourage you to read this related blog: https://www.mellermarketing.com/blog/my-top-10-half-tips-for-marketing-events

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Bad with Money? Science Says We All Are. Learn How to Make Wise Financial Decisions Anyway with Stephanie McCullough

Connect with Stephanie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemccullough/
https://sofiafinancial.com/

Originally aired Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Redds28_iHg

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Collaborative Book Projects: A Pathway to Becoming an Author

Connect with Barbara:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraboldt/
https://www.boldtglobal.com/

Originally aired Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsND3s47Deo

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Essential Tips on How to Write a Business Book that Matters with Josh Bernoff

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshbernoff/
https://bernoff.com/

Originally aired Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsY-fuVu8Ws

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

Listen for LinkedIn tips from yours truly as well as my fellow LinkedIn experts Michelle B. Griffin and Michelle J. Raymond.

Connect with Michelle B. Griffin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin/

Connect with Michelle J. Raymond on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/

Originally aired Monday, March 7, 2023.

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)

This chat on "Mastering Your Voice" with Tonia East Phanor features public speaking and communication tips.

Connect with Tonia:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonia-east-phanor-ph-d-2b36106/
https://drtoniaphanor.com/

Originally aired Monday, November 8, 2021.

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_QargAFJ38

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)