In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of ChatGPT, the AI tool everyone seems to be buzzing about. We’ll explore what ChatGPT is, how it works, and why it’s relevant for small business owners. I'll walk you through the basics, break down the jargon, and share some practical tips on how you can start using AI to save time and enhance your business operations. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the tech talk or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this episode is designed to be your easy-to-understand guide. Let’s turn that intimidation into inspiration and help you see how ChatGPT can be a powerful ally in your business toolkit!

1. ChatGPT Demystified: Understand what ChatGPT is and how it works in simple terms.
2. AI in Business: Learn how AI can streamline tasks and save time for small business owners.
3. Practical Applications: Discover real-world ways to implement ChatGPT in your business.
4. Overcoming Tech Fears: Tips on how to embrace AI without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Staying Ahead: Why now is the time to start exploring AI for your business.

1. "AI isn’t just for the tech giants—small business owners can benefit immensely too!"
2. "Think of ChatGPT as your digital assistant, ready to help with the tasks that take up too much of your time."
3. "The key is to start small; even a little AI can go a long way in boosting your business."
4. "Don’t be intimidated by the tech—embrace it, and watch how it transforms your workday."
5. "ChatGPT is like having a brainstorming partner who never gets tired or runs out of ideas."

In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m diving into the world of AI and sharing my absolute favourite tools that can transform how you run your business. AI can feel a bit overwhelming and even a tad intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m breaking down my go-to AI tools that are not only powerful but also user-friendly, even if you're not a tech wizard. From streamlining your daily tasks to boosting your marketing efforts, these tools are game-changers. So, whether you’re curious about AI or looking for practical ways to incorporate it into your business, this episode is packed with insights that will help you get ahead of the curve.

1. Embrace AI to streamline daily tasks.
2. AI tools can enhance your marketing strategies.
3. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use AI.
4. Explore AI tools that fit your business needs.
5. Start small with AI and expand as you get comfortable.

1. "AI can feel terrifying, but it’s also incredibly exciting if you know where to start."
2. "You don’t need to be a tech expert to harness the power of AI in your business."
3. "The right AI tools can revolutionise the way you work, making your business more efficient."

• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Jasper
• DALL·E
• Decipher AI
• Manychat

In this episode of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson welcomes Kristy Borbas, an intuitive coach and wise woman, to discuss the profound impact of intuition and feminine cycles on personal empowerment and business success. Kristy and Sarah explore the importance of listening to our bodies, understanding our natural rhythms, and integrating these ancient practices into our modern lives to achieve balance and fulfillment.

Kristy shares her journey from feeling trapped in the corporate world to finding her true calling in helping women rediscover their inner wisdom. She emphasizes the significance of recognizing and honoring the different stages of womanhood, using tools like tarot, astrology, and feminine embodiment techniques. This episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking to harmonize her personal and professional life by embracing her natural cycles and intuition.

Understanding Natural Cycles : The importance of tracking menstrual and lunar cycles to optimize energy and productivity. Empowerment Through Intuition : Utilizing intuition and feminine embodiment practices to connect deeply with oneself. Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies  : How modern women can navigate the masculine-dominated corporate environment by honoring their feminine energy. Self-Care and Rest : The critical role of rest and self-care in preventing burnout and fostering sustained success. Community and Support : The value of finding a supportive community or tribe to uplift and empower one another.

https://www.instagram.com/kristyborbas/ https://www.facebook.com/KristyBorbasWisewoman

Calling any woman wanting to reclaim the power in women’s circles and groups. To be the Wise Woman and Goddess.

This group will impact you Deeply from rituals, to intuitive sessions, seasonal offerings and a space to connect to the conscious feminine. We will cover goddess mythology and astrology, tarot, embodiment and self care practises, sound , voice healing and more. We do monthly new moon and full moon circles to share and weave  in the feminine rituals.

The time has come to gather, to remember our truth, to share our wisdom , to create magical kinships and above all feel safe to be who we are. This is for those wanting to journey with me in this beautiful awakening of women , and empower themselves.

https://kristyborbas.com/products/her-tribe-monthly-subscription

Join Sarah Thomson as she chats with Lala Macnab, a dynamic business mentor and serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience. Lala shares her journey of transforming her wedding stationery business amid industry changes and COVID-19, her process in launching new ventures like Good Vibes Scents, and insightful tips on balancing work and personal life. Discover Lala's strategies for resilience, innovation, and maintaining passion in business. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom and practical advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Adaptability and Resilience: Lala emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and being resilient in the face of business hardships.

Strategic Planning: Successful business launches require thorough planning and research, as demonstrated by Lala's approach to developing Good Vibe Scent Co.

Value of Mentorship: Offering pro bono mentoring during COVID-19 allowed Lala to help others while keeping her own morale high, showcasing the power of community support and professional guidance.

Balancing Business and Personal Life: Incorporating regular self-care and setting realistic goals are crucial for sustaining long-term business success and personal well-being.

Innovative Solutions: Identifying market gaps and creating superior products can drive business success, as seen with Lala's various ventures.

https://www.instagram.com/lalaforbusiness/

Welcome back to another episode of the Social Circus hosted by Sarah Thomson! This week, we dive deep into the world of virtual assistance and creative design with Marie Fox, the savvy founder of Crafty Fox by Design. Marie brings a wealth of experience to the table, sharing her journey from traditional administrative roles to becoming a Canva guru. Whether you’re a small business owner or an aspiring VA, this episode unveils practical insights on leveraging Canva for professional growth and managing the complex dynamics of work-life balance.

Key Takeaways:

• Canva Expertise: Learn Marie’s favorite Canva features, such as the background removal tool and design guides, which help elevate business presentations and social media posts.

• Virtual Assistance Evolution: Understand the evolving role of VAs and how specializing in tools like Canva can set you apart in the competitive landscape.

• Real-World Applications: Hear real-life scenarios where Marie's Canva skills provided indispensable support for her clients, ranging from document formatting to social media branding.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Marie-fox/

In this week's episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson delves into the most common mistakes businesses make with their Meta ads. As a digital marketing coach, Sarah sees these mistakes frequently and offers her expert insight into how they can be avoided, ensuring more effective allocation of advertising budgets.

Sarah starts by explaining the transition from Facebook ads to Meta ads, highlighting the various placement options such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear advertising strategy and understanding what you are trying to achieve with your ads, especially for solopreneurs and small business owners.

Sarah further discusses the importance of timing and budget. She advises against rushing ads and endorses a planning period of 6 to 8 weeks to allow proper testing and optimization. By discussing the critical metrics such as cost per click (CPC) and cost per conversion (CVR), she stresses the significance of a realistic budget to achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, Sarah emphasizes the necessity of testing different creative aspects of ads to optimize performance, underscoring the unpredictability of user preferences.

Lastly, Sarah highlights the importance of audience targeting. Drawing from her experience, she advocates for using custom audiences and lookalike audiences in Meta's Ads Manager for better ad performance. She advises against generalized targeting and encourages businesses to refine their audience segments to cater to specific demographics effectively.

• Meta Ads Transition: Understanding the shift from Facebook ads to Meta ads and the comprehensive placement options.

• Importance of Strategy: Why having a clear strategy is crucial for successful ad campaigns.

• Effective Timing: The benefits of planning your ad campaigns well in advance.

• Budget Considerations: Insights into how budget affects ad performance, including key metrics like CPC and CVR.

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes the Search Queen, Sonja, an expert from the Search Republic, for an insightful discussion about SEO and digital marketing. Together, they delve into Sonja's inspiring business journey, her deep understanding of Google search, and the strong ethical convictions that underpin her company's success.

From her roots in traditional advertising to her evolution into a growth catalyst for businesses online, Sonja shares the motivations and experiences that shaped her agency. She articulates the importance of stripping away the industry jargon to connect with her clients and shares candid stories of industry malpractices that compelled her to start her own venture. A strong emphasis is placed on building trust with clients, especially those who have been jaded by past experiences with digital marketing agencies.

• Sonja discusses her mission to empower business owners not only in sales but also by giving them the gift of time through her heart-centered business approach.

• Sarah and Sonja explore how mindset can significantly impact the success of Google Ads campaigns.

• A strong narrative unfolds around the ethics of business practices in digital marketing and the universal need for transparency and honesty.

• Sonja touches upon the challenges of owning a business, from managing expectations to spearheading results-driven SEO strategies.

• www.thesearchrepublic.com.au @‌the_search_republic @‌sonjathesearchqueen

In this episode, we welcome Amanda Louisa, a former corporate lawyer turned sustainability advocate. Amanda shares her inspiring journey from the grind of corporate law to discovering wellness through nervous system regulation and somatic experiencing therapies. Her story is all about resilience, self-discovery, and redefining success, particularly for women stuck in the "good girl" mold.

Amanda and I chat about the often-overlooked concept of feminine energy and how it plays a crucial role in successful entrepreneurship. She delves into her personal struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the need for authentic workplace well-being initiatives and flexible work rhythms that honor our natural energy cycles.

Key Takeaways:

• Amanda's journey from high-stress corporate life to embracing wellness and feminine energy.
• The importance of breaking free from the "good girl" conditioning to achieve sustainability in business and personal life.
• Advocacy for nervous system regulation and somatic experiencing therapies as essential for mental health.
• Emphasizing personalized work rhythms and strategic rest to boost creativity and productivity.

Notable Quotes:

• "As soon as I hit the professional world, I kind of abandoned [spiritual practices]." - Amanda Louisa
• "Unless we're working with our body and the somatic side of our nervous system, we're only dealing with 20% of the solution." - Amanda Louisa
• "If you think about males or people who have testosterone as the dominant hormone in their system, they have a linear output of energy...whereas women...have different hormonal outputs at different times in our cycle." - Amanda Louisa
• "It took me so long to learn how I want to work." - Sarah Thomson
• "The staff is taking that permission of I can do my work the way I want to do it and that's where success lies." - Amanda Louisa

Resources:

Instagram: Instagram (@theamandalouisa)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-louisa/

Website: Amanda Louisa Services — Amanda Louisa

Dive into the full episode for an in-depth exploration of these themes with Amanda and me. Stay tuned to the Social Circus for more thought-provoking conversations!

Welcome to an informative episode of the social circus, where host Sarah Thomson celebrates reaching over 100 episodes and two years of sharing valuable social media, mindset, and business insights. Today's focus is a practical guide on effectively growing your Instagram following, a question often posed to Sarah in her capacity as a business coach.

In this episode, Sarah emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive and appealing Instagram profile, likening it to an inviting storefront that captures passersby's attention. Following this, she delves into several growth tactics, including the strategic use of Instagram reels and hashtags, leveraging collaborations and competitions, and engaging directly with the audience through comments and DMs. These practices underscore the necessity of daily, authentic interaction on the platform for optimal growth and audience engagement.

• Instagram Profile as Your Storefront: Ensure your Instagram profile is inviting and clearly communicates your business offering to encourage new followers.

• Leverage Reels: Utilize Instagram reels to reach a broader audience, as reels are pushed out beyond your existing followers.

• Hashtag Strategy: Maximize your content visibility by using up to 30 relevant hashtags on every post.

• Collaborations and Competitions: Collaborate with similar non-competing businesses and consider running competitions to attract followers from overlapping audiences.

• Engage Authentically: Spend time daily engaging authentically with other accounts through comments and direct messages to increase visibility and grow your following organically.

• "Think about your Instagram profile as something similar to having a storefront."

• "Reels are the only type of content on Instagram that the algorithm will push out beyond your existing followers."

• "Instagram have told us that they consider 30 hashtags to be best practice."

• "People who are similar in terms of maybe demographic psychographic information hang out together or know each other."

• "There is no express elevator to success. You always have to take the stairs."

• The Blooming Bids Academy - Sarah's membership platform for business coaching 

• Online Social Butterfly - Sarah's Instagram handle for profile reference

• YouTube Channel: Online Social Butterfly - Find free tutorial videos by Sarah Thomson 

Continue your learning journey by tuning in to the full episode to gain more in-depth guidance and actionable strategies to grow your Instagram following. Don't miss out on more episodes filled with insight—subscribe and join us next time at the social circus!

In this episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson talks about the tough times businesses go through when things slow down. She starts by chatting about how comparing yourself to others on social media can mess with your head, and she's all about staying grounded during both personal and business growth. Sarah's got a reassuring and practical tone, offering up a mix of encouragement and advice for entrepreneurs in a slow phase.

She dives into how economic and global events can affect consumer spending and business, leading to big decisions for business owners. Drawing from her own experience, Sarah shares loads of strategies to make the most of quiet times. She highlights the importance of keeping clients happy, organizing your business stuff, and setting up efficient systems. Plus, she sprinkles in real-life examples to make her advice relatable.

• The perception of success on social media is not always indicative of reality, and comparing one's journey to others can be detrimental.

• Quiet periods in business can be utilized for productive tasks such as nurturing client relationships, organizing files, and systematizing operations.

• Implementing systematic approaches to email management, lead tracking, and financial audits can improve business efficiency and prepare one for future growth.

• Upskilling through reading, podcasts, online courses, and even revisiting past educational materials can be a valuable use of downtime.

• Taking supplementary jobs or alternate income sources during tough times is a pragmatic and jud

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson sits down with the astute Ee Zen Cha, a meticulous Online Business Manager. They take a deep dive into the intrinsic value of business systems and processes, exploring the challenges and triumphs of building a structured operational model in today's dynamic entrepreneurial environment. Ee Zen's knowledge in creating process efficiencies is a beacon for business owners seeking to streamline their workflow and scale their ventures.

With a background in ISO 9001 internal auditing and a master's degree in engineering, Ee Zen applies her methodical and process-oriented skills to assist business owners in optimizing their operations. As an Online Business Manager, she specializes in executing strategy objectives and systemizing business processes, enabling female entrepreneurs to scale and grow their businesses efficiently. Her insights are born from over 13 years of experience in process improvement, both in the corporate world and the online business landscape.

Kara Stokes has successfully transitioned from a copywriter to a brand message coach and is now making waves as an AI influencer for small businesses. With over six years of expertise, she's launched a second venture that teaches small business owners, particularly women, how to use Artificial Intelligence in marketing to gain a competitive edge. Her work focuses on content strategy, brand voice, and identity, aiming to empower women in the rapidly evolving AI space.

In an episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson chats with Kara Stokes about her journey from copywriting to coaching and her deep dive into AI. Kara discusses the importance of creating a brand identity that emotionally connects with customers, moving beyond visuals to establish meaningful brand principles. She shares insights on how AI is reshaping copywriting and reveals her personal and innovative uses of AI, from managing schedules to creating an AI cheerleader, all while exploring the future of creativity in the age of AI.

• Brand identity is a critical emotional connect between your business and customers, going beyond visual elements to how the business communicates and presents itself.

• Kara advocates for "brand principles" over "brand values" to ensure a business's actions are in alignment with its declared ethos.

• The AI revolution in copywriting has both shaken the industry and presented new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

• AI can serve as a valuable tool in life management and personal motivation, demonstrating versatility beyond content creation.

• Thoughtful engagement with AI tools can refine and accelerate content development, even for experienced professionals like Kara.

In this episode of Social Circus, host Sarah  chats with Megan Summers, the founder of Megaglow Yoga. They talk about why self-care, mindfulness, and staying active are so important for busy entrepreneurs who spend long hours at their desks. Sarah and Megan stress the need to balance personal well-being with work demands.

Megan explains how sitting for too long can harm your core muscles and posture. She gives practical advice on how to add more movement and mindfulness to your day, especially if you work from home. Megan suggests small, easy changes like setting reminders to move, doing yoga, and including meditation in your routine. They wrap up by inviting listeners to check out Megan’s online yoga library, which offers options for different lifestyles.

• Incorporate Movement: Regular movement is essential to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Simple acts like setting reminders to stand or walk can make a significant difference.

• Mindful Practices: Activities such as yoga and meditation can offer immense benefits, including better management of thoughts and stress levels.

• Commitment to Self-care: Prioritizing personal well-being is crucial for productivity and happiness. Dedicating specific times for self-care practices is beneficial.

• Accessible Yoga: Megan's online yoga library offers flexibility by providing classes of varying lengths to suit different schedules, making self-care more manageable.

• Nature’s Benefits: Taking time to disconnect and engage with nature can significantly enhance mindfulness and overall well-being

E: megaglowyoga@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/megaglowyoga/ https://www.facebook.com/megaglowyoga/ https://megaglowyoga.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/megaglowyoga/

In the 100th episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson delivers an engaging deep dive into the genesis and evolution of her podcast. Celebrating her half-centennial of episodes, Sarah provides a behind-the-scenes look at the marketing strategies and content creation process that underpin her podcasting success.

Sarah unfolds the tale of her podcast's inception back in March 2022, highlighting the intentional timing aligned with personal and business milestones. She elaborates on how podcasting serves as a medium to long-term marketing strategy and the importance of aligning podcast production with one's business growth phases. Sarah's authentic delivery resonates through insights on the tools, consistency, guest selection, and how she shaped her podcast to mirror her evolution from a social media to a broader digital marketing expert. With a personal touch, Sarah expresses gratitude to her listeners and lays down an enticing opportunity for them to win a VIP day with her.

• Podcasting is a medium to long-term marketing strategy best suited for businesses that have already established some level of personal brand recognition.

• Consistency is crucial in podcasting, with Sarah never having missed a week since starting her podcast.

• Content creation should reflect the host's personality and comfort zone, whether it's scripted or off-the-cuff delivery.

• It is important for a podcast's name and content to be flexible enough to accommodate the growth and evolution of both the host and the show.

• Hosting a podcast involves a variety of tasks, from recording to editing and promotion, which can be made easier with a well-established workflow and potentially using AI tools and assistance.

In Episode 99 of the "Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson approaches an important milestone: the podcast's 100th episode. This episode features Sarah expressing her enthusiasm for the forthcoming competition in celebration of the 100th episode and gives an overview of what the audience can expect.

Sarah Thomson, an expert in social media and business mindset, discusses her ten-day break from the digital world. She offers insights on preparing for a technology hiatus and emphasizes the significance of being present, resting, and establishing boundaries in both personal and professional life.

The episode includes Sarah’s personal experiences during her digital detox. She talks about spending quality time with her family and her struggle to disconnect from her business. She urges listeners to reflect on their own use of technology and find a balance to enhance their well-being.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes Annie Gichuru, a renowned racial equity coach whose work has been pivotal in steering online businesses towards intentional inclusivity. Together, they delve into the nuances of racial equity versus equality, providing listeners with an invaluable understanding of how to foster an inclusive environment in both personal and professional realms.

This episode shines a light on the often misinterpreted concepts of racial equality and equity. Annie explains the importance of recognizing individual circumstances to create equitable opportunities and outcomes. The conversation progresses to actionable strategies that businesses can implement, from auditing one's network and clientele to crafting inclusive lead magnets. Emphasizing the lifelong journey of learning inclusive practices, Annie guides listeners through recognizing unconscious bias and understanding the impact of microaggressions.

https://anniegichuru.com/ https://www.instagram.com/annie.gichuru Microaggressions Guide - https://anniegichuru.com/micro/

This episode of The Social Circus featuring Sarah Thomson is a special solo episode where she reflects on turning 50 and shares her personal insights. Sarah shares her initial hesitance about sharing her age publicly and worrying about how it may affect her work in the digital marketing industry. 

In addition to this, Sarah discusses the importance of understanding and planning finances, as well as the impact of this understanding on her life. She admits to previously ignoring the bigger financial picture but, after taking a course on money finance and investing, she realized the significance of managing money. This education has empowered her to have clear plans for the future, particularly as her children grow older and become more independent

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson reflects on her journey through business and personal growth as she approaches significant milestones. Sarah offers a captivating discussion filled with rich lessons learned while navigating her professional path, including the growth of her podcast and celebrating her 50th birthday. This episode is not just a narrative - it's a collection of enlightening experiences that resonate with entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, the art of starting small and growing gradually, and the value of constantly experimenting and diversifying in business ventures. Sarah's vivid storytelling seamlessly integrates these themes, underpinning the conversation with a heartfelt call to action for listeners to take bold yet calculated risks in their endeavors.

• Celebrating milestones and achievements in both business and personal life
• Overcoming the pitfalls of overplanning and the benefits of 'failing fast'
• Recognizing the potential within one's brand and exploring diverse business offerings
• The critical importance of starting an email list and growing digital products early on
• The significance of commemorating success, including the simpler moments of triumph in the realm of entrepreneurship

In this episode, the host, Sarah Thomson, shares the key lessons learned from her 13 years in  business. With a background in corporate marketing, Sarah provides invaluable insights into running a business, adapting to change, and staying true to one's passions and instincts.

Key Takeaways: Don't rush decisions when starting your business; take time to research, plan, and understand the market you're entering. Focus on services that align with your skills and bring you joy, shaping your business to reflect your passion. Trust your instincts in business decisions – they can serve as a powerful guide in steering your enterprise in the right direction. Be open to change and growth; business services and structures can and should evolve with time and experience.

In episode 94 of the Social Circus the conversation takes a turn from the usual discussions on social media and entrepreneurship, delving into the personal and widespread issue of endometriosis. As Sarah shares her own experiences with the condition, listeners are drawn into a deeper understanding of a problem that affects a significant portion of women globally.

Opening with her own journey to diagnosis, Sarah unravels the complexities of living with endometriosis. In a heartfelt account, she describes the pain and challenges that come with the condition, as well as the societal and financial toll it can take on individuals.

In this episode of the Social Circus, Sarah Thomson welcomes Nina Visic from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle. Nina shares her personal journey as a busy mom who discovered how mindful parenting techniques can make a big difference in family life. The conversation is all about how parents can handle the challenges of raising kids while juggling work, offering lots of helpful tips for listeners in similar situations.

Nina talks about how she went from feeling overwhelmed by parenthood to embracing and teaching mindful parenting principles. These techniques help bring calmness, better communication, and stronger family bonds. The episode is full of practical advice on dealing with triggers, setting up routines, and adapting to changes.

Here are the main points:

• Mindful parenting can help parents stay calm and handle tough situations better.
• Being aware of yourself and writing down your thoughts can help you understand your triggers and become a better parent.
• Finding a routine that works for both work and family life is important for keeping everything balanced.
• Practicing gratitude, like with the "Rose, Thorn, and Bud" exercise, can make family life more positive.
• Being flexible, understanding, and talking openly are essential when family schedules change.

Some memorable quotes from the episode:

• "It's all about making peace with both parts of your life, even if you're struggling."
• "Having a regular mindfulness practice helps you stay calm in tough moments."
• "Try to focus on the good things that come out of situations, not just what went wrong."
• "Knowing your limits and your kids' limits helps you make decisions and adjust as needed."
• "As my youngest started kindergarten, I'm figuring out a whole new routine for my workweek."

Nina also offers resources like her Mindful Parenting Course launching in March, memberships to Mindful Parenting Lifestyle, and one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized help. Listeners can connect with her on social media and explore her mindful parenting offerings for support and guidance.

mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au

In this episode of "The Social Circus," we meet Chris from "Head to Heart." She's all about helping women aged 40 to 80 shake off self-doubt and find their inner strength. Her goal? To make their lives full of good stuff like abundance and joy.

The big idea in the chat is figuring out why we do what we do. Chris talks a lot about squashing those negative thoughts we all have and replacing them with hopeful ones. She shares her own story, a moment that changed her life and made her want to help others. Her program is all about digging deep to find what really matters to her clients, which changes not just how they think but how they live.

Here are the key points:

• Knowing yourself and swapping out negative thoughts for positive ones is super important.
• Getting in touch with your true self helps you figure out what's really important, both in life and in business.
• Values play a big role in making decisions and dealing with all the tricky parts of running a business.
• There are ways to break out of autopilot mode and find joy and new opportunities every day.
• It's crucial to reconnect with your own strengths and be kind to yourself by using your own name in self-talk.

 https://www.head2hearts.com.au/support-challenge

https://www.facebook.com/christine.ross.7946281

https://www.instagram.com/head2hearts/?hl=en

In this episode, Sarah Thomson, a digital marketing expert, talks about how businesses can grow using social media and client relationships. She hosts "Social Circus" and shares tips on retaining clients and getting referrals. Sarah stresses the importance of moving beyond traditional marketing methods for a successful business.

She offers valuable insights into the challenges of gaining new clients through digital marketing and the potential of nurturing existing client connections. Whether you're a business owner or interested in marketing, this episode provides valuable knowledge to inspire success.

Sarah explores the benefits of focusing on past and current clients instead of relying solely on traditional marketing. As someone deeply involved in digital marketing, she explains that while traditional methods are useful, they often take time to generate results. Sarah suggests prioritizing existing clients and past clients as key sources of business growth. She offers practical advice to improve client engagement and funnel strategies.

In this episode of "The Social Circus," I dive into the world of Facebook ads and lead generation, sharing some super useful strategies for business owners who want to succeed in today's tough market. I talk openly about how many businesses are going through quiet times and need effective ways to attract new leads and keep things moving.

I start the episode by chatting a bit about the current business climate and encouraging everyone to stay motivated. I also recommend checking out Episode 103, where I cover tips for getting through slow periods. Then, I get into the main content, focusing on three key strategies for using Facebook (or Meta) ads to generate leads: traditional lead generation ads, outbound communication ads, and two-way communication ads through platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. I break down each strategy with practical tips and examples, making this episode a must-listen for anyone who wants to step up their lead generation game with social media ads.

I go over three key types of lead generation ads on the Meta platform – traditional lead generation ads, outbound communication ads, and two-way communication ads.

Traditional Lead Generation: These ads are all about addressing client problems and encouraging discovery calls, which makes them perfect for service-based businesses.

Outbound Communication: Lead form ads within Meta are super user-friendly and tend to have higher conversion rates, but they do require businesses to be on top of their follow-ups.

Two-Way Communication: Using Messenger and WhatsApp for ads allows for a more conversational approach, which helps build trust and convert leads more effectively.

Testing and Tracking: I also emphasise the importance of testing different ad creatives, targeting different audiences, and keeping a close eye on performance. This way, you can understand your conversion rates better and fine-tune your strategies.

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson sits down with leadership coach Jenny Cole from Positively Beaming to explore the art of navigating difficult conversations in both personal and professional contexts. The episode delves into valuable insights on improving communication skills that are essential for small business owners and corporate leaders alike.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her time as a school principal, Jenny Cole has journeyed through the trials of overwhelm and burnout to reforge her career as an entrepreneur and leadership coach. In her company, Positively Beaming, Jenny focuses her expertise on ensuring that women in leadership roles have the support, skills, and resilience they need to thrive in their positions.

Key Takeaways: Approaching difficult conversations requires understanding one's emotional triggers and learning to respond instead of react. Preparing and rehearsing challenging discussions can help mitigate negative outcomes and maintain professional relationships. Clear and concise communication is key; over-explaining or providing excess detail can undermine the message's effectiveness. Getting closer to those we're in conflict with and humanizing the situation can greatly improve the resolution process. Building a 'win-win' dynamic is possible by articulating needs clearly and working collaboratively towards resolutions.

In this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson delves deep into the world of personal branding and self-marketing with the Claudia Neal-Shaw of Candor Consulting. The discussion unlocks the secrets to cultivating a business and personal brand with authenticity and confidence.

The conversation starts with Claudia's journey from a corporate lawyer to the founder of Candor Consulting. With a focus on women entrepreneurs, the dialogue touches on overcoming self-doubt, leveraging unique skill sets, and how to present oneself to the world with confidence. The episode is rich with strategies, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice for anyone looking to amplify their impact in business through personal branding.

Key Takeaways: Establishing a clear personal brand starts with understanding oneself and one’s aspirations within the business. Confidence is not the absence of uncertainty, but it's about taking action despite the fear and doubt. It's vital to recognize one's own worth and the unique skill set one brings to the table, rather than underestimating one’s capabilities. Simple confidence boosters can play a significant role in how we present ourselves online and in person. Sharing one's gifts and specialized skills with the world is not only a personal achievement but also an obligation.

claudia@candourconsulting.com

https://www.instagram.com/claudia.nealshaw/

https://www.candourconsulting.com/

Dive into the exciting world of launching with Sarah Thomson in episode 88 of the Social Circus, where she unpacks the intricate puzzle of digital marketing launches. This episode serves not only as a comprehensive guide but also demystifies the daunting experience of launching a product or service in the digital space. If you've been wrestling with the idea of a launch or find yourself intrigued by the process, keep reading for an episode that promises to empower and enlighten.

Sarah explains the multifaceted stages of the launch process, beginning with the ‘prelaunch’ phase, steering through the core launching event, and smoothly landing into post-launch activities. With an enticing blend of marketing strategies, Sarah advocates for the engagement of one's digital audience and emphasizes the critical nature of staying visible and consistent across platforms. The discussion is ripe with insightful tips, from warming up your audience to harnessing the energy during the launch for optimal results. Read on as Sarah reveals her tried-and-tested methods and offers a golden opportunity to access her "Ultimate Launch Toolkit" as the trajectory towards successful launching is charted.

• Launching refers to a systematic online event aiming to get a product or service in front of an audience, inciting engagement and anticipation for purchase.
• The prelaunch phase is crucial, often involving waitlist creation or engaging launch events like webinars and social media blitzes to prime the audience.
• A launch period of 10-14 days is optimal to maintain momentum and provide adequate time for consumers to make purchasing decisions.
• During the launch, an entrepreneur should be highly visible, engage actively with potential consumers, and anticipate a surge of last-minute sales.
• Post-launch activities are essential, including soliciting feedback from non-buyers and offering modified versions of the product that could lead to future conversions.

• "Launching is typically an online event and involves using all of your digital marketing strategies."
• "If you launch, you will always perform better than if you just kind of have your cart open and you just talk about it now and then."
• "The launch is the language that we use to say, this is the moment that I'm going to be putting my offer out into the world."
• "During the launch period, you are blanketing your social media, you are emailing your list as much as you're comfortable."
• "The purpose of a launch event is to get someone warmed up and excited about your offer."

Referenced in the discussion is Sarah Thomson's "Ultimate Launch Toolkit," which is available at a reduced price of $97, down from the usual $297. 

Invoke the enthusiasm and strategy behind successful digital launches by giving the full episode a listen, and don't forget to explore Sarah Thomson's "Ultimate Launch Toolkit" for a step-up in your launch game. 

Stay tuned for more of Sarah's empowering and expertise-laden discussions on the Social Circus.

Ultimate Launch Toolkit

Welcome to the Social Circus podcast, where host Sarah Thomson embarks on a journey to explore the pivotal aspects of social media, business mindset, and the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Dive deep into the heart of goal setting and strategic planning, as Sarah unveils her reflections on the past year and maps out her objectives for 2024. If you're an entrepreneur seeking guidance on translating your vision into tangible results or simply curious about maintaining a work-life balance, this episode is tailored for you.

Sarah Thomson starts the year with a positive outlook, emphasizing the critical nature of goal setting for business growth. Throughout the episode, Sarah shares her deliberate approach to setting achievable financial goals, dissecting revenue streams, and constructing a systematic plan to propel her business forward. The second segment of the podcast offers valuable insights into setting boundaries, structuring non-contact weeks, and managing client expectations to prevent burnout and prioritize personal well-being.

• Setting concrete goals is essential for directing your business toward success and ensuring accountability for growth.
• It's important to review previous years' accomplishments and use them as a foundation for setting realistic expectations.
• Time management and boundary setting are vital for balancing professional commitments with personal well-being.
• Time blocking, including designated CEO days and flex days, can greatly enhance productivity and prevent burnout.
• Integrating personal milestones and important events into your business calendar ensures you remain present for life's significant moments while running a successful business.

• "You must, must know where you are going. Otherwise, anywhere is good."
• "We have to honor ourselves and our energy and remind ourselves, why did we start our business and come back to that as your north star?"

In this episode, Sarah Thomson reflects on the year 2023 and shares her experiences and lessons learned. She discusses the challenges she faced, such as losing a six-figure government contract and the impact it had on her business revenue. Despite these setbacks, Sarah was able to grow her business by 6% through hard work and determination.

Sarah also talks about the importance of setting boundaries with clients and learning to say no to requests that don't align with her business goals. She shares her experiences of saying yes to things she had no business doing and the lessons she learned from those situations.

Additionally, Sarah discusses the value of networking and connecting with other entrepreneurs. She shares her decision to run co-working days and the benefits she gained from them. She also emphasizes the importance of reviewing and evaluating your business regularly to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Set boundaries with clients and prioritize self-care.
2. Say no to requests that don't align with your business goals.
3. Focus on networking and connecting with other entrepreneurs.
4. Regularly review and evaluate your business to identify areas for improvement.

In the final episode of The Social Circus for 2023, host Sarah Thomson discusses the importance of goal setting and planning for small businesses. She emphasizes the need for realistic goals and encourages listeners to review their financials from the past year to inform their goal setting for the upcoming year. Sarah also highlights the significance of understanding the numbers in your business and suggests seeking the help of professionals like bookkeepers and accountants. She advises listeners to assess their current capacity and set goals that are achievable and aligned with their energy levels. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Set realistic goals based on a review of your financials from the past year.
2. Understand the numbers in your business and seek the help of professionals if needed.
3. Assess your current capacity and set goals that align with your energy levels.
4. Take time off during the Christmas period to rest and recharge.

Summary:

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Laura McRae, a podcast manager, about the process of launching and managing a podcast. Laura explains that many people find podcasting overwhelming and don't know where to start. As a podcast manager, Laura helps her clients with all the technical aspects of podcasting, including setting up hosting platforms, editing episodes, and creating social media content. 

With a background as a virtual assistant, Laura decided to niche down her business and focus on podcast management after taking two podcast management courses. She offers a range of services, including setting up hosting platforms, editing episodes, writing show notes, and creating social media content. Laura's goal is to take care of all the technical aspects of podcasting so that her clients can focus on creating great content.

Key Takeaways:

• Niche down your podcast to target a specific audience and make it more searchable.
• Choose a podcast name that includes a keyword for better searchability.
• Consider the length of your episodes based on your target audience's preferences.
• Weekly episodes are recommended for better momentum and consistency.
• Outsourcing podcast management can save time and ensure a smooth process.

podcastsupportservices.com.au

laura@podcastsupportservices.com.au

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajmcrae/

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson shares tips and ideas for creating engaging Christmas content on social media. She emphasizes the importance of making social media fun and simple for both the business owner and the audience. Sarah suggests starting with a post that informs the audience about the business's Christmas plans and availability. She also encourages businesses to take a break during the holiday season and set clear expectations for when they will respond to messages. Sarah recommends creating a Christmas video or photo to wish the audience a Merry Christmas and thank them for their support. She suggests adding some Christmas fun to the branding, such as festive elements in the logo or cover image. For product-based businesses, Sarah advises checking the website and setting up commerce tags on Facebook and Instagram to facilitate easy purchasing. For businesses that don't sell products during Christmas, Sarah suggests supporting other small businesses by giving them shoutouts on social media. She also introduces the concept of user-generated content (UGC) and encourages businesses to engage their audience by asking them to share photos or participate in fun activities and games.

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes back etiquette coach Louise Percy to discuss tips for hosting and attending Christmas parties and networking events. Louise emphasizes the importance of sending invitations well in advance and using electronic RSVPs to track attendance. As a host, it is crucial to greet guests at the entrance and introduce them to others. For guests, self-introductions and confident networking are key. Louise also advises on navigating sensitive topics and managing alcohol consumption at work functions.

Louise Percy is the founder of the Percy Institute of International Protocol and an expert in etiquette and elegance. With a background in military, political, and diplomatic work, Louise has been running the Percy Institute since 1992, offering courses and coaching on social and business etiquette. She is known for her expertise in networking and has recently launched a podcast called "Manners and Other Matters: Exploring Etiquette and Elegance."

Here’s how you can connect with Louise:

https://thepercyinstitute.com

Facebook - The Percy Institute

Instagram.

Linkedin

Manners and Other Matters Podcast

Key Takeaways:

1. Send invitations in advance and use electronic RSVPs to track attendance.
2. Greet guests at the entrance and introduce them to others as a host.
3. Be prepared to do self-introductions and confidently network as a guest.
4. Take cues from the host regarding alcohol consumption at work functions.
5. Practice respect, consideration, and kindness when traveling and in confined environments.

This week Sarah is joined by Sally Newman and Emily Fogg who are the co-founders of Capability Network, an organization that aims to support small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. 

About The Guest(s):

• Sally Newman: Sally is a former corporate professional who transitioned into the celebrancy industry after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is now the CEO of First Line Productions, a theater and film production company that aims to share people's stories through art. Sally is also a co-founder of Capability Network, an organization that supports small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

• Emily Fogg: Emily is a former teacher with 14 years of experience in special needs and mainstream education. She is the founder of Wise Out of Tuition, a tutoring business that specializes in helping neurodiverse children reach their potential in English and math. Emily is also a co-founder of Capability Network, where she provides mentoring and support to individuals with disabilities who are starting or growing their own businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Capability Network aims to provide recognition and support for small businesses and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.
• The awards night organized by Capability Network has received nearly 250 nominations, highlighting the need for recognition in this space.
• Small businesses should consider working with individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, as they can bring unique skills and perspectives to the team.
• Inclusivity in small businesses can be achieved through simple changes, such as providing sensory boxes, offering relaxed sessions, and making marketing materials more accessible.
• Capability Network plans to offer networking sessions and online support groups to help small business owners become more inclusive and learn from individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

Welcome to episode 116 of The Social Circus! In this episode, host Sarah Thomson dives deep into the world of Reels, a powerful tool for digital marketing and social media strategy. As a business owner, understanding and leveraging Reels can be a game changer, and Sarah is here to guide you through it. Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your existing skills, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to create engaging and effective Reels for your business.

Reels, as Sarah explains, are short-form video content that have revolutionised social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. With TikTok leading the way and having over a billion active users, the impact of Reels on engagement and account growth is undeniable. Sarah emphasises the importance of creating Reels consistently and shares practical tips for doing so, including the ideal length for cross-platform use and the evolving trends in Reels content, from talking heads to faceless marketing.

Leveraging various tools and features can significantly enhance your Reels. Sarah discusses the advantages of using captions for inclusivity and accessibility, the fun of duets and transitions, and how apps like CapCut and Canva can streamline your video creation process. She also highlights the importance of staying authentic to your brand while exploring new trends and features. Sarah’s actionable advice will motivate you to start creating and experimenting with Reels, ensuring your content resonates with your audience and stands out in the crowded digital space.

### Key Takeaways:

*   **Understanding Reels:** Learn what Reels are and why they are vital for engaging your audience on various social media platforms. *   **Optimal Reels Length:** Create Reels that are ideally 59 seconds or less to maximise use across multiple platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. *   **Evolving Content Trends:** Stay updated with current trends in Reels content, such as talking heads, transitions, and faceless marketing, to keep your videos engaging and relevant. *   **Useful Tools:** Utilise apps like CapCut for advanced video editing and Canva for creating visually appealing Reels with ease.

Sarah McLeod, a personal stylist, joins Sarah Thomson on The Social Circus to discuss confidence, styling, and showing up as your best self.

Sarah shares her journey into styling and how she helps women find their confidence through clothes. She emphasizes the importance of starting with what clients already have in their wardrobe and helping them understand their personal style. Sarah also addresses common misconceptions about personal styling and offers advice for women who struggle with confidence and want to show up as their best selves.

About The Guest(s): Sarah McLeod is a personal stylist and the founder of SJM Styling. With a background in marketing, Sarah followed her passion for helping others feel confident and stylish by becoming a personal stylist. She believes in bringing sparkle, joy, and magic to her clients' lives through clothes.

https://www.instagram.com/sjmstyling/

https://www.facebook.com/sjmstyling

In this episode, Sarah discusses how small business owners can navigate running their businesses during times of uncertainty and unrest. She emphasizes the importance of being true and authentic to oneself and honoring one's feelings. Sarah also addresses the challenge of discussing contentious political issues and advises business owners to approach these topics with compassion, kindness, and love. She highlights the need to maintain sales, promotions, and offers during turbulent times to create financial freedom, influence, and the ability to give back. Sarah encourages business owners to use their financial success to support causes they are passionate about and to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Honor your feelings and be authentic in how you navigate running your business during uncertain times.
• Approach contentious political issues with compassion, kindness, and love to avoid isolating your audience.
• Financial success creates influence and the ability to give back to causes you care about.
• Maintaining sales and promotions during turbulent times helps bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Melissa Ahlquist is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who has successfully started and managed multiple businesses. She began her journey by importing and selling outdoor beanbags in Australia, with a portion of the profits going towards missions work. Melissa then ventured into business coaching, where she realized the need to provide affordable coaching resources for small businesses. She started Little Biz Foundations, offering workshops and coaching tailored to the needs of micro and small businesses.

Melissa also found success as a WordPress web developer, helping businesses build and manage their websites. She is passionate about giving back and continues to support missions work and charitable causes. Key Takeaways: Melissa started her first business by importing and selling outdoor beanbags, with a portion of the profits going towards missions work. She recognized the need for affordable business coaching resources and started Little Biz Foundations to help micro and small businesses. Melissa became a WordPress web developer after realizing the challenges small business owners faced with their websites. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one business at a time while allowing room for new opportunities. Melissa's passion for giving back led her to support missions work and charitable causes.

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Ellie Swift, a successful business coach and Mastermind mentor. Ellie shares her journey from working in corporate to starting her own coaching business. She explains how she transitioned from one-on-one coaching to running multiple Mastermind programs. Ellie also discusses the importance of creating a unique Mastermind experience and the power of podcasting in growing a business.

About The Guest(s):

Ellie Swift is a business coach and Mastermind mentor who helps coaches, creators, and consultants build sustainable and profitable businesses. With over six years of experience in the industry, Ellie has successfully created and scaled multiple Mastermind programs. She is also the host of the "Shine Online with Ellie Swift" podcast.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ellie Swift transitioned from working in corporate to starting her own coaching business after realizing she was dissatisfied with her role and wanted to make a more meaningful impact.
2. Ellie's Mastermind programs have different tiers based on income level, allowing clients to progress and grow within the programs.
3. Creating a unique Mastermind experience that aligns with your strengths and values makes it easier to sell and retain clients.
4. Collaboration and community are key elements of a successful Mastermind, and strategies can be implemented to foster these dynamics.
5. Podcasting is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and generating leads, as it allows people to get to know, like, and trust you quickly.

In this episode, Sarah Thomson discusses the importance of setting boundaries and improving productivity in your business. She emphasizes the need to reassess goals and plans for the final quarter of the year and shares her own strategies for managing time and energy. Sarah also highlights the impact of good boundaries on overall well-being and offers practical tips for tracking time and structuring workdays.

Key Takeaways:

• It is crucial to set intentions and reassess goals for the final quarter of the year to avoid rolling into the new year without a plan.
• Good boundaries are essential for protecting health, energy, and overall well-being in business.
• Time tracking is a valuable exercise to understand how time is spent and identify areas for improvement in productivity.
• Setting aside dedicated time for working on business goals, such as a CEO day, can lead to significant growth and progress.
• Outsourcing tasks, even with a few hours of virtual assistant support, can alleviate overwhelm and free up time for more important activities.

Quotes:

• "If you don't start to do some of this planning now, it will get to December, and we just kind of roll into the new year without any plans or thoughts or ideas on what that is going to look like for ourselves and our business." - Sarah Thomson
• "If you do too much, you burn yourself out. You're exhausted, you get sick for a long period of time. That is all going to have a massively detrimental impact on your business." - Sarah Thomson
• "The easy way to start outsourcing is with a virtual assistant with just a few hours a week of support." - Sarah Thomson
• "There is nothing, how do I describe it? There is no magic behind the curtain when it comes to achieving growth and attaining the goals in your business. It is nothing sexy or special. It is simply a matter of setting aside time, preferably every single week, to work on those." - Sarah Thomson
• "We do not get anything back. This is not a do over. This is our one time to do the things we want to do." - Sarah Thomson

Sarah Thomson, host of The Social Circus podcast, welcomes back guest Simone, a Pinterest and SEO expert. They discuss the unique aspects of Pinterest as a search engine and how it differs from traditional social media platforms. Simone shares her journey from Pinterest to SEO and explains the three key elements of SEO: technical optimization, usability, and keyword optimization. She emphasizes the importance of Google Business profiles and collecting reviews. Simone offers a done-for-you service for both Pinterest and SEO, empowering clients to manage their own websites.

About The Guest :

Simone is a Pinterest and SEO expert who fell into the world of digital marketing while looking for a creative outlet outside of her nursing career. She is passionate about helping businesses optimize their online presence and has become an expert in both Pinterest and SEO strategies.

Key Takeaways :

Pinterest is a search engine, not a traditional social media platform. SEO involves optimizing your website to make it easier to find through search engines. Google Business profiles and online reviews can significantly impact search engine rankings.

Quotes :

"Pinterest is a search engine where you come for yourself, not to learn about other people." - Simone "SEO is optimizing your website to get found by your ideal client or customer." - Simone "Google Business profiles and online reviews are essential for local businesses." - Simone

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson interviews Becca Maxwell, a divorce coach and relational intelligence consultant. Becca shares her journey into entrepreneurship and how her experience in the corporate world and consulting led her to start Do Divorce Right. She discusses the challenges of managing a corporate job and running a business, and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and delegating tasks. Becca also provides valuable advice for individuals going through a divorce, including managing overwhelm, acting with integrity, not delegating responsibility, and filling your own cup with joy. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Manage overwhelm by making appointments with yourself to address thoughts and emotions related to the divorce. 2. Act with integrity and avoid badmouthing your ex-spouse to others. 3. Take responsibility for decisions and arguments related to the divorce, rather than delegating them to others. 4. Fill your own cup with joy and find activities that bring you happiness during this challenging time. **Quotes:** - "Make an appointment for yourself to deal with overwhelming thoughts and emotions related to the divorce." - Becca Maxwell - "Act with integrity and avoid badmouthing your ex-spouse to others." - Becca Maxwell - "Take responsibility for decisions and arguments related to the divorce and create your own narrative." - Becca Maxwell - "Fill your own cup with joy and find activities that bring you happiness during this challenging time." - Becca Maxwell

About The Guest: Becca Maxwell is a divorce coach and relational intelligence consultant with over six years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has a background in the advertising industry and has used her expertise in relational intelligence to help individuals navigate through difficult divorces. Becca is the founder of Do Divorce Right, where she provides support and guidance to those going through a divorce.

Sarah Thomson, the host of The Social Circus podcast, answers listener questions about Meta ads and provides insights into other advertising platforms. She explains the importance of understanding the audience on different platforms before running ads and highlights the differences between Google Ads and Meta Ads. Sarah also emphasizes the need to know how customers find your business and the scalability of your products or services when considering ads. She discusses the Advantage Campaign Budget feature in Ads Manager and shares her best-performing ad campaign, which is a lead magnet for a Canva class on creating reels.

Key Takeaways:

• Before running ads on a platform, establish a presence and test it organically to see if your audience is there.
• Google Ads are effective for bottom-of-the-funnel advertising, while Meta Ads are better suited for top-of-the-funnel campaigns.
• Understand how customers find your business and focus on scalable products or services when considering ads.
• Advantage Campaign Budget in Ads Manager allows for testing and optimization of ad sets and reallocates budget based on performance.
• Testing and refining ads is crucial for success, and the best-performing ads often result from continuous testing and adjustments.

Quotes:

• "Before you run any paid ads on a platform, it is always wise to have a presence on that platform." - Sarah Thomson
• "Google Ads are more effective when people are close to making a purchase decision." - Sarah Thomson
• "Your most effective ads are always going to be top of the funnel for Meta platforms." - Sarah Thomson

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson answers questions from listeners about running successful Meta ads. She covers topics such as targeting specific geographic areas, determining a good cost per acquisition (CPA) or cost per click (CPC), choosing the right audience size, knowing when to make adjustments to an ad, and the order in which to test different components of an ad. Sarah emphasizes the importance of testing and patience when running ads, and shares her personal strategies for achieving success with Meta ads.

Key Takeaways:

1. Targeting specific geographic areas is possible in Meta ads, and it's important to consider the distance people are willing to travel for events or services.
2. The ideal CPA or CPC depends on the value and profitability of the desired action or conversion.
3. A good audience size for Meta ads is between 250,000 and 2 million, depending on the targeting criteria.
4. It's best to wait until an ad has generated at least 100 results before making any adjustments.
5. When testing different components of an ad, start with images, then move on to audiences, placements, call-to-action buttons, headlines, and finally ad copy.

Quotes:

• "Successful people fail fast and fail often." - Jenny Cole

In this episode, Sarah discusses the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads and provides valuable insights on how to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ad success benchmarks, testing ads organically before running paid campaigns, optimizing landing pages for mobile devices, defining the ideal customer, and conducting rigorous testing to improve ad performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand ad success benchmarks to set realistic expectations for your ads.
• Test your offers and landing pages organically before running paid ads.
• Optimize your landing pages for mobile devices to maximize conversions.
• Define your ideal customer and tailor your ads to their specific problems.
• Conduct rigorous testing of different variables in your ads to improve performance.

Welcome to episode 71 of The Social Circus! I'm your host, Sarah Thomson, and we're now in week three of Meta Month. In this episode, I want to discuss the top mistakes that people make when running Meta ads. As a small business owner, it's essential to spend your advertising budget wisely and avoid wasting money on ineffective ads. Meta will gladly take your money, whether your ad is successful or not. It's up to you to understand why your ad may not be performing as expected. So let's delve into the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Understanding Ad Success

Many people don't understand what ad success looks like. They lack knowledge of the benchmarks and metrics they should be aiming for. It's essential to have realistic expectations and know what to measure in terms of click-through rates, conversion rates, and other relevant data. To help with this, there is a document that provides benchmarks for Meta ads by the industry. Understanding these benchmarks allows you to assess whether your ad is underperforming or if there are other factors at play, such as issues with your landing page or sales page.

"Most people think that if I haven't made a sale, my ad isn't working, and that is simply not true. It can be other factors for that." - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 2: Not Testing Organically

Before running ads, many people fail to test their offer, product, or service organically. They skip the crucial step of gauging interest from their audience before investing in paid ads. Testing organically allows you to gather valuable feedback and determine if your offer resonates with your target audience. It's important to have a significant number of visits to your landing page or sales page before making any judgments about its effectiveness.

"If your page that you're wanting to run an ad to has not had traffic through it of at least 100 visits, which is like an absolute minimum, you cannot then say, does this page work? Does it convert? Is the offer interesting to my audience?" - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 3: Neglecting Landing Page Optimisation

One common mistake is blaming the ad for poor performance when the issue lies with the landing page. It's essential to test your landing page on mobile devices since a significant portion of Meta ad traffic comes from mobile users. Ensure that your landing page renders well and that buttons, images, and other elements are optimised for mobile viewing. Neglecting mobile optimisation can lead to low conversion rates and wasted ad spend.

"Landing pages are often a big culprit for poor-performing ads, and people don't think to look at those. They go straight to their ad and think about what isn't working in my ad, and why is it not working?" - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 4: Poor Audience Definition

Understanding your ideal customer is a fundamental aspect of marketing. However, many people make the mistake of thinking their product or service is ideal for everyone. It's essential to define your target audience and tailor your ads to their specific problems and needs. Trying to market to everyone leads to a diluted message that fails to resonate with anyone. Break your audience into logical groups and create ads that speak directly to their unique challenges.

"It is never true that your product or service or offer is ideal for everyone. It is never true. What you need to know is for your ad, who is your audience? And your audience is always those people who are most likely to buy the product." - Sarah Thomson

Mistake 5: Lack of Testing

Testing is a vital component of running successful ads, yet many people neglect it. To optimise your ads, you need to treat them like science experiments. Change one variable at a time and track the results. Testing different elements such as images, headlines, and call-to-action buttons allows you to identify what resonates best with your audience. Rigorous testing helps you refine your ads and improve their performance over time.

"One of the biggest mistakes is that most people don't do testing of their ads, and if they do, they do inadequate testing and they don't also have those benchmark data to use." - Sarah Thomson

Implications and Potential Impact

By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can significantly improve the performance of their Meta ads. Understanding ad success benchmarks, testing organically, optimising landing pages, defining target audiences, and conducting rigorous testing all contribute to more effective advertising campaigns. These strategies can lead to higher click-through rates, improved conversion rates, and ultimately, increased sales and revenue.

The impact of implementing these best practices can be transformative for businesses. By aligning ads with the needs and preferences of their target audience, businesses can create more compelling and relevant messaging. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of attracting and converting potential customers. Additionally, optimising landing pages for mobile devices ensures a seamless user experience, leading to higher conversion rates.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Running Meta ads successfully requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of your audience and their needs. By avoiding the top mistakes discussed in this episode, businesses can maximise the effectiveness of their advertising efforts. It's essential to set realistic expectations, test organically, optimise landing pages, define target audiences, and conduct thorough testing.

As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Meta Month has provided valuable insights into the world of Meta ads, and businesses should continue to educate themselves on the ever-changing advertising landscape. By staying informed and adapting their strategies accordingly, businesses can leverage Meta ads to drive growth and achieve their marketing objectives.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Social Circus. I hope you found this discussion on the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads insightful and informative. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where I'll be answering questions from the Blooming Biz Academy members about their common problems with Meta ads. Until then, happy advertising!

Quotes:

• "Test your concept organically before running paid ads to ensure it resonates with your audience."
• "Don't overlook the importance of optimizing your landing pages for mobile devices."
• "Your ideal customer is not everyone; focus on targeting the audience most likely to buy."
• "Testing is crucial for improving ad performance; treat it like a science experiment."

In this episode of the Social Circus podcast, host Sarah Thomson is joined by Kylie Patchett, an expert copywriter with a distinctive flair for storytelling. With a background in forensic science and health, Kylie discusses her unconventional journey into entrepreneurship and her eventual transition into copywriting. This episode delves into her experiences, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and how personal and professional stories can deeply connect with audiences.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Kylie explore how storytelling can transform business copy from mundane to magical. Kylie shares her insights on integrating storytelling in social media posts, particularly on Instagram, to show personal elements that resonate with clients. Highlighting the power of vulnerability and authenticity, Kylie emphasizes that being true to yourself and sharing your unique stories can attract the right clients and build stronger professional relations. They also touch on the challenges of shedding corporate personas to embrace one’s true self as an entrepreneur.

• Authenticity in Storytelling: Sharing genuine stories helps in connecting with the audience on a personal level and attracts clients who align with your values.

• Power of Micro-Stories: Using platforms like Instagram stories to share small, everyday tales can effectively engage your audience without diving into heavy, vulnerable narratives immediately.

• Embracing Your True Self: Leaving the corporate world allows entrepreneurs to discover and express their authentic selves, making their business more relatable and human.

• Natural Integration of Stories: Incorporating personal anecdotes, such as daily routines or minor mishaps, can make your professional narrative more colorful and engaging.

• Value-Based Content:

  • Emphasising your values through storytelling helps clients understand your business ethos and connect more deeply with your brand.

Can you believe that Meta (Facebook) introduced ads in 2007. That is a long time and it means that this is not really a new form of marketing – it should be part of your mix.

Advertising is a type of marketing that always involves the spending of money. Many small businesses avoid paid ads in favour of organic marketing. This is a common misconception – that organic marketing is free. However, it still takes time and effort to create content, whether it is organic or paid.

The Shift to Digital

It is hard to think that 20 years ago most advertising spend was focused on the traditional mediums such as tv, print, radio and outdoor. Over time, we have watched digital marketing continue to erode the share away from these traditional advertising platforms.

The reality is that for traditional media, the market changed significantly and I am not just talking about social media. Lets consider how we spend our time. 20 years ago we may have all sat around as a family watching tv and tuned in during ad breaks. Now the whole viewing market has evolved and changed. We now have endless choice as to what to watch – think so many more channels, streaming services and apps for all the major stations. This has fragmented our viewing habits.

Add to this the rise in devices in our homes. Once upon a time we had a single tv and we had to agree (or fight) about what to watch. Now we all have our own devices with multiple tvs in our homes. There is no need to compromise on what we watch any longer.

All of this has had a negative impact on what we watch – this has made it harder for advertisers who rely on traditional media to connect with their audience.

On top of all these changes in our homes and habits, the time we spend on social media has been on the rise for years now. Our eyes are glued to our screens and we are addicted to the scroll.

These eyeballs on screens has meant good news for digital advertisers. The more time we spend on social media, the more ads that can be delivered to us.

It is anticipated that Meta will make around $120billion in ad revenue in 2023. This gives it around 13% market share of the digital advertising spend. Google’s share of this is around 28% with Amazon considered to be the other major player whose share of digital ad spend is around 7%.

So why should you consider running paid ads using Meta?

Running ads using Meta means you can get your ads in front of a huge audience. Every month Meta platforms reach almost 3 billion people (out of 8 billion on the planet). This means you can really get seen.

As well as have numerous placement options within each platform, you can push your reach with Meta ads allowing you to place your ads on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and audience network. It is so much more than Facebook ads.

Welcome to Episode 69 of our podcast! In this Meta Month special, we're delving deep into the world of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and a host of other influential brands. Join us as we explore the history, acquisitions, and impact of this technological giant.

Segment 1: The Birth of Meta

• Meta, originally known as Facebook, was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and three Harvard University friends.
•  Initially limited to Harvard students, the platform's popularity skyrocketed, leading to rapid expansion to other universities.
•  In 2005, the company acquired the domain facebook.com and rebranded, dropping "The" from its name.

Segment 2: Building a Monolith

•  Meta's growth strategy involved acquiring numerous companies to expand its reach and influence.
• Notable acquisitions include Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014).
• Instagram was purchased for $1 billion and became one of the highest-priced acquisitions of a profitless startup at the time.
• WhatsApp's acquisition for $19 billion was initially seen as a risk but has since proven its value.
• Oculus VR's acquisition for $2 billion positioned Meta as a player in the virtual reality market.

Segment 3: The Meta Rebrand

• To streamline branding and clarify its identity, Meta emerged as the parent company in October 2021, overseeing Facebook and its acquired brands.

Segment 4: The Revenue Machine

• Meta's platforms are free for users, with revenue generated primarily through paid advertising.
• In 2022, Meta's revenue reached an impressive $116 billion, although there was a slight decline due to substantial investments in the Metaverse, its virtual reality prototype.

Segment 5: Exploring the Metaverse

• Meta has invested $36 billion in developing the Metaverse, an ambitious concept with no operational prototype as of now.
•  Drawing comparisons to the fictional world of "Ready Player One," the Metaverse aims to revolutionize virtual experiences.

Segment 6: Popularity and Influence

• Facebook remains the dominant social media platform with nearly 3 billion monthly active users, surpassing even the global population.
• WhatsApp boasts 2.7 billion users, while Instagram follows closely with 2.35 billion.
• Messenger, another Meta-owned platform, boasts 931 million users.

Segment 7: The Power Players

• Meta is part of an elite group known as "The 4," along with Alphabet (Google), Amazon, and Apple.
• Microsoft was formerly included but withdrew due to differences in data collection practices.

Segment 8: Threads' Triumph

• In 2023, Meta made a significant comeback with the launch of Threads under the Instagram brand.
• Threads, designed to rival Twitter (now rebranded as X), garnered an astounding 100 million users within just five days.
• The platform enables users to share posts in concise text format, complemented by images and videos, while excluding in-app editing and messaging functions.

Check out my podcast episode on Threads here

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of our podcast. Stay tuned for more captivating insights into Meta and its evolution throughout this Meta Month!

In today’s episode, I chat with Tracy Murray aka The Glasses Lady, who is quite well known around Perth for her positivity, zest for life, and passion for inspiring others.  

Tune in to hear what inspired Tracy to follow her dreams and start her own business. Saying “If you believe in the service you can offer someone, follow that talent, and passion and be inspired to do great things… be patient.”

Tracy offers a personalised service taking the time to understand your preferences, characteristics, and lifestyle needs, guiding you on a transformative journey of self-expression, to discover the perfect frames that enhance your features, boost your confidence, and embrace your uniqueness.

Sharing her experience of running a business, making all the decisions, learning how to use social media platforms… “Thank you Sarah”. The importance of networking and being part of the community. She also lets us in on what’s next for The Glasses Lady which is going to have a big impact on many.  

If you’re ready to be inspired to do what you love, you don’t want to miss this episode.

If you want to find out more about what The Glasses lady has to offer, or even help out with what Tracy has got planned next, you can connect with her here:

https://www.facebook.com/theglasseslady

https://www.instagram.com/theglassesladyperth/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-murray-the-glasses-lady

In today’s episode, I chat with Elsa Mitchell, Business Mentor and Podcast host of Bossy Bitch.

Hear how we met, and why we decided to collaborate since bonding over different life experiences.

Chatting about our upcoming event here in Perth. It’s at a great location, with incredible food… Hello, Morning Tea and Lunch! Fabulous for making connections, and a door prize you won’t want to miss. So much value in the one day!

We also chat about the power of stories, our vulnerability and real talk. We’ll be sharing more of our stories at our event.

Sharing some of the things we hear our clients struggling with, and tag team our top ideas on how to bring in some extra cash to make bank for Christmas. Here’s a couple to whet your appetite:

• Affiliate marketing with integrity
• Track and follow-up your leads

We’re stronger together!

If you’re ready to Make Bank for Christmas, you don’t want to miss our live event in Leederville later this month. Here’s the link to get your hands on a ticket: https://onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au/make-bank-for-christmas-workshop/

Also, here’s where you can connect with Elsa

https://elsamitchell.com.au/

And, here’s the link to the book “Go Giver” by Bob Burg mentioned in this episode: https://a.co/d/0ARkr54