In Episode 129 of The Social Circus, I'm diving into the year-end hustle and the exciting energy of November as we gear up for the big finale of 2024. I'll chat about the unique rhythm of December, especially for those of us in Australia preparing for the summer holidays. With December as a hectic month, November is our golden window to finish strong! I’ll also share a peek into my Digital Queen's VIP Party Week—an event that has grown into a highlight for my community, designed to get everyone ...
Nov 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 129
In this episode, I dive into a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Mel Stibbs, the founder of ADHD Village. We explore the unique challenges neurodivergent women face, especially in the business world, where typical structures and approaches don’t always fit. Mel opens up about her personal journey, from her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism to the drive to create a community where women can feel seen and supported. Together, we talk about how to balance the superpowers of ADHD—like cre...
Oct 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 128
In this episode, I sit down with Julie, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, to explore what sets this approach apart from traditional healthcare. We dive into the differences between a nurse practitioner and a general practitioner (GP), highlighting the unique blend of experience and advanced training that nurse practitioners bring to the table. Julie shares insights into the core principles of functional medicine—like addressing root causes rather than just symptoms—and how this approach ...
Oct 22, 2024•31 min•Ep. 127
In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring founder of Aijan Skincare to uncover the story behind her brand. We dive into her transition from the world of finance to the skincare industry, and why redefining ageing is at the core of her brand's mission. She shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding skincare, the importance of trust, and what it means to create a product line that truly resonates with women. If you're curious about how skincare can empower you to age on your own te...
Oct 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 126
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with the wonderful Caryn from Firefly Graphics about something super important but often overlooked: inclusive design. If you’re like me and hadn’t even heard of this concept until recently, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Caryn and I dive into what inclusive design really means, why it matters for small businesses, and how it can create a more welcoming experience for your customers. Caryn shares practical tips and insights on how to incorporate inclusivity into y...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min•Ep. 125
In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the importance of entering awards, especially for women in business. I reflect on my own experiences, sharing how I’ve gone from being a finalist several times to winning my first major award this year. It wasn’t an overnight success, and I discuss how persistence and believing in yourself are key ingredients. Many of us hesitate to put ourselves forward, thinking we’re not good enough, but I encourage you to challenge that mindset. Whether you'r...
Oct 01, 2024•25 min•Ep. 124
In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with the amazing Roslyn Thompson, founder of Cheerful Days Co. We dive deep into the idea of blending business growth with positivity and mindset strategies. Roslyn shares her journey of building a business that focuses on creating joyful work environments while also driving success. We discuss how social media plays a role in fostering connections, what it’s like to work with clients who share your values, and some practical steps to maintain balance...
Sep 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 123
In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with Ash Battye from Career Pursuit HR, and we dive deep into the world of human resources for small businesses. We cover everything from the common HR challenges that business owners face to how to build a strong and efficient team. Ash shares her top tips for creating a positive work culture and the importance of compliance. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any business owner who’s looking to streamline their HR processes and ensure...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 122
In this episode, I sit down with Tania Carcenac, an inspiring entrepreneur, to talk about the rollercoaster that is running a business. We explore that familiar mix of excitement and fear, which Tania brilliantly coins as "terrified yet excited." We dig into her journey, touching on the moments when fear actually pushed her to make bold moves. Throughout our conversation, we explore how business owners can lean into their fears, turning them into a driving force for success. Tania’s honesty abou...
Sep 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 121
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 ...
Sep 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 120
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 ab...
Aug 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 119
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...
Aug 20, 2024•23 min•Ep. 118
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, ...
Aug 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 117
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 explain...
Aug 06, 2024•23 min•Ep. 116
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...
Jul 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 115
n this episode of the Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson welcomes Emily Fogg, the innovative founder of Wise Owl Tuition, to discuss the complexities and triumphs of running a business as a neurodivergent individual. Emily shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the critical need for specialized educational services for children with learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD. Delving into her own recent diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, Emily offers a...
Jul 23, 2024•26 min•Ep. 114
In episode 113 of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson delves into the intricacies of running successful Instagram competitions. Understanding the challenges business owners face with engagement and follower growth, Sarah provides a practical guide for leveraging Instagram contests to drive attention, engagement, and new followers. Launching into the topic, Sarah emphasizes the versatility of Instagram compared to other platforms like Facebook, highlighting the fewer restrictions and easier m...
Jul 16, 2024•25 min•Ep. 113
Welcome to another episode of the Social Circus, hosted by Sarah Thomson. This week’s episode takes you through the insightful journey of Susan Hughes, an ADHD Parent Coach, who shares her experiences and expertise in coping with ADHD in family life. Susan delves into how she transitioned from the corporate world into coaching after facing parenting challenges, especially after her child was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Throughout the episode, Susan emphasizes the importance of understandin...
Jul 09, 2024•28 min•Ep. 112
In the 111th episode of "The Social Circus," host Sarah Thomson delves into the intricacies of video marketing for businesses. As video content continues to dominate social media platforms, Sarah emphasises its crucial role in building trust, establishing connections, and ultimately driving business growth. She shares invaluable tips and strategies to help entrepreneurs and business owners overcome common fears associated with creating video content, such as discomfort with appearance and voice....
Jul 03, 2024•25 min•Ep. 111
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 t...
Jun 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 110
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 advi...
Jun 18, 2024•24 min•Ep. 109
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 man...
Jun 11, 2024•20 min•Ep. 108
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...
Jun 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 107
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 an...
May 28, 2024•23 min•Ep. 106
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 s...
May 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 105
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 ca...
May 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 104
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 s...
May 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 103
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 ba...
Apr 30, 2024•25 min•Ep. 98
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 ...
Apr 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 102
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...
Apr 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 101
