In this episode of the Life Friendly Business podcast, Erin Thomas Wong discusses the often overlooked necessity of taking breaks as a solopreneur. She emphasises that rest is not a luxury but a crucial part of the business process, helping to prevent burnout and enhance creativity. Erin provides practical strategies for planning breaks, overcoming the fear of pausing, and embracing the idea that slowing down is essential for long-term success. She encourages listeners to give themselves permission to rest and assures them that their business will not fall apart if they take the time they need.

For more support, check out Erin's membership The Cocoon https://www.lifefriendlybusiness.com/cocoon

Takeaways

1. Rest is not a reward for success; it's part of the process.

2. Taking a break isn't lazy or indulgent; it's necessary.

3. You are not a robot; you need space to breathe.

4. Rest can restore your creativity and motivation.

5. Stepping away gives you perspective on your business.

6. You get to decide how to take a break.

7. Plan for lighter weeks before and after your break.

8. You deserve to have a break; it doesn't have to be earned.

9. You're not falling behind when you take time off.

10. Your business will not fall apart if you rest.

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

In this episode of the Life-Friendly Business podcast, Erin Thomas Wong discusses the misconception that strategy is only for larger businesses. She emphasises that even small businesses can benefit from strategic planning to ensure growth and alignment with personal values. Erin identifies common challenges faced by entrepreneurs, such as feeling overwhelmed and lacking direction, and offers practical steps to develop a strategic approach. She highlights the importance of intentional choices in marketing and visibility, encouraging listeners to embrace their role as CEOs of their businesses.

Download the free Making Decisions With Clarity checklist www.lifefriendlybusiness.com/decision

Takeaways

1. Your business is not too small for strategy.

2. Having a bit of strategy can help you grow.

3. You might be busy but not seeing progress.

4. Being strategic helps cut through overwhelm.

5. It's important to revisit foundational elements regularly.

6. Strategy starts with intentional choices.

7. You need a clear picture of your business to be strategic.

8. Planning your marketing can enhance visibility.

9. You are the chief decision maker in your business.

10. A little intention can go a long way in business.

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

In this episode, Erin Thomas Wong shares her experiences and key takeaways from the Atomicon Sales and Marketing Conference. She emphasises the importance of bold asks, vulnerability in business, effective email marketing strategies, and the realities of online launches. Erin also discusses the significance of networking and community building among entrepreneurs, highlighting the value of personal connections and continuous learning.

Speakers mentioned include Andrew & Pete, Fearne Cotton, Carrie Green, Laura Belgray, Geoff Ramm, Teresa Heath-Wareing and Suman Randhawa.

Find out more about Atomicon here through this affiliate link

Takeaways

1. It is a great opportunity to up-level skills.

2. Small asks lead to small results; ask bigger.

3. Vulnerability opens up conversations about mental health.

4. Emails should be personable and conversational.

5. Value in emails can be about feelings, not just tips.

6. Keep going and experimenting in business.

7. Mastering ourselves is key to overcoming obstacles.

8. Understanding objections is crucial in sales.

9. The reality of online launches requires strategic effort.

10. Creating memorable experiences for clients is essential

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

In this episode, Erin Thomas Wong shares valuable insights for female entrepreneurs on how to manage their businesses during the summer holidays while balancing family responsibilities. She emphasises the importance of planning ahead to ensure a thriving business in September, offering practical tips for maintaining visibility and nurturing client relationships during the quieter summer months. Erin encourages listeners to embrace the change of pace, allowing time for relaxation and creativity, while also being strategic about their business goals.

For more support to help you nail the work/life balance, check out the website www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

Takeaways

1. Plan ahead for summer to ensure business continuity.

2. Balancing family and business is a common challenge for female entrepreneurs.

3. Adopt 'CEO time' to focus on long-term business goals.

4. Pre-scheduling content can help maintain visibility during summer.

5. Nurture your audience with valuable content over the summer.

6. Manage client expectations for better service during holidays.

7. Use the summer for creative thinking and idea generation.

8. Allow yourself to decompress and recharge during the holidays.

9. September is a crucial time for business growth.

10. Embrace the summer as an opportunity for both family and business.

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

📺 Prefer to watch? Catch all episodes on YouTube

In this honest and compassionate episode, Erin Thomas Wong speaks directly to small business owners navigating the current economic challenges. She reassures listeners that they’re not alone in feeling like business is tough right now, and offers practical ways to regain focus and confidence. Erin explores the importance of refining your messaging, protecting your mindset, and leaning into the support of a like-minded community. With gentle encouragement, she reminds us that business naturally goes through cycles - and that small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

Discover The Cocoon and the support available to you here

Takeaways

1. You're probably not doing anything wrong.

2. Business is really hard for so many of us.

3. Selling is simply offering someone the opportunity to help.

4. How clear is your messaging right now?

5. Practice gratitude to find more good.

6. It's okay to pause, pivot, or get a job.

7. Things are tough out there right now.

8. Just because you're finding it hard right now does not mean the end.

9. What small changes could you make to your business?

10. We need to surround ourselves with the right people.

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

📺 Prefer to watch? Catch all episodes on YouTube

In this episode of the Life Friendly Business podcast, Erin Thomas Wong speaks with Claire Richards, an award-winning will writer and owner of a raffia business. They discuss Claire's journey into both businesses, the importance of humour in serious conversations, and the necessity of having a will in place.

Claire shares insights on managing two distinct businesses, marketing strategies, and the importance of community and support for entrepreneurs. The conversation emphasizes the balance between work and personal life, and offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners.

Takeaways

1. Claire Richards is an award-winning will writer and owner of a raffia business.

2. Humour can help make serious topics like wills feel more approachable.

3. Having a will is essential for everyone, not just the wealthy.

4. Small business owners should consider the implications of their business in their wills.

5. Marketing strategies differ significantly between industries.

6. Running multiple businesses requires effective time management and scheduling.

7. Finding a supportive business community is crucial for success.

8. It's important to assess the viability of a business idea before diving in.

9. Digital assets are an important consideration in estate planning.

10. Balancing personal and professional life is key to managing multiple businesses.

Connect with Claire on Instagram @allthingsraffia or on LinkedIn as Claire Richards https://www.dorsetcoastwills.co.uk/

Learn more about working with Erin in The Cocoon here https://www.lifefriendlybusiness.com/cocoon

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💥 Erin helps women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through her membership, mastermind and podcast.

❓ Find out more about how she can support you:

⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite podcast player to be notified of new episodes — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review!

📺 Prefer to watch? Catch all episodes on YouTube

In this episode of The Life Friendly Business podcast, Erin Thomas Wong discusses the concept of 'CEO Time' - a dedicated time for business owners to step back, strategize, and prioritise their tasks for the week ahead. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, and how this practice can lead to greater productivity and a more balanced approach to running a business.

Erin shares her personal experiences and practical tips for implementing CEO Time effectively, encouraging listeners to take control of their schedules and make strategic decisions that align with their business goals.

Check out the mini Steal My CEO Routine training at www.lifefriendlybusiness.com/ceoroutine

Takeaways

1. CEO time is crucial for business owners to strategize.

2. Taking time to zoom out helps in decision making.

3. Being proactive leads to better productivity.

4. Changing your environment can enhance focus.

5. Rewriting your to-do list is a strategic practice.

6. Identify the 5% of activities that drive results.

7. Avoid being reactive to daily tasks.

8. Ring-fencing time for yourself is essential.

9. Starting the week with intention improves outcomes.

10. In-person CEO Days provide valuable networking opportunities.

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💥 I help women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through my membership, mastermind and podcast

❓ Find out more about how I can help you at ⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com⁠⁠

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite player to get notified of the next Podcast episode. Please do leave a review! 🙏

In this episode of Erin Thomas Wong interviews brand designer Ellie Bowie, who shares her unique approach to branding and her business journey. They discuss the importance of understanding brand values, the need for authenticity in messaging, and how creativity thrives on rest and reflection. Ellie emphasizes the significance of taking time to explore one's business identity and the role of intentional content creation in attracting the right clients. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing creativity with business management and the necessity of self-leadership in the entrepreneurial journey.

Ellie Bowie is the creative curiosity behind Bowie Design – a brand identity studio rooted in her deep-thinking, define-before-design approach.

Takeaways

1. Branding is about how you make people feel.

2. Understanding your business's values is crucial for effective branding.

3. Small businesses often need to explore their brand identity deeply.

4. A strong brand helps businesses stand out in a crowded market.

5. Your unique life experiences shape your business identity.

6. It's important to take time to understand your audience's needs.

7. Creativity thrives on rest and reflection.

8. Authenticity in messaging attracts the right clients.

9. Intentional content creation is key to visibility.

10. Don't rush the branding process; it takes time.

Connect with Ellie via her website or on Linkedin.

Download Ellie's free Brand Review Guide here

Find out more about working with Erin through The Visibility Commitment here

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💥 I help women adopt a life-friendly approach to growing their business through my membership, mastermind and podcast

❓ Find out more about how I can help you at ⁠⁠www.lifefriendlybusiness.com⁠⁠

🎙️ Subscribe on your favourite player to get notified of the next Podcast episode. Please do leave a review! 🙏