Entrepreneurship is hard, yet rewarding but we need to talk about the hard stuff so you know you're not alone. In this conversation, Ruthie Sterrett and I talk about the hard things we've encountered that we didn't know was coming our way as an entrepreneur. From revenue changes to emotions, we share it all and we do it while we are both experiencing hard things. Instead of waiting until we were on the other side of it, we share while we're in the messy middle so you know you...
Mar 25, 2024•55 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Josh Haynam, co-founder of Interact, a quiz software company, shares openly about the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship. Josh was on the podcast in 2020 and we talk about all that's changed at Interact including how they've built a team (with no investment), continued to focus on not just results for customers but also a culture of the team as it's grown and how "egolessness" was at the heart of it all. We talk about the iterative process of evo...
Mar 18, 2024•52 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I share how the use of quizzes can help you grow your email list and business. We talk about why quizzes are more interactive, how they help you learn more about your audience and how they can help you grow your business. I share the 3 types of quizzes and then share a step-by-step process of creating a quiz in just 2 minutes using InteractAI. You can find all the details about this process and create your quiz in 2 minutes for free at amandamckinney.com/interact. Takeaways Usin...
Mar 11, 2024•24 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Matt Gerlach shares his journey of stumbling into entrepreneurship and working with entrepreneurs in the baby product industry. He discusses the challenges and lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Matt emphasizes the need to trust the process and surrender to the unknown. He also highlights the significance of focusing on results and prioritizing actions that lead to success. Matt encourages entrepreneurs to avoid the tr...
Mar 04, 2024•42 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I share my overview of the book 'Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us' by Daniel Pink. The book is focused on motivation and especially highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation as it relates to following through and staying focused on a specific outcome. As an entrepreneur, this content will help you understand how to set meaningful goals and continue to stay motivated through tough times. I also emphasize the concept of mastery and how you can ...
Feb 26, 2024•31 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Amanda McKinney and Erika Lucas discuss the topic of knowing when to shut down a business. They emphasize the importance of listening to customers and being receptive to their feedback and also checking in with yourself to ensure the business is still connected to your values. They also discuss failure, adaptability and getting support from other entrepreneurs. The combination of understanding data (revenue, product-market fit, etc.) as well as your capacity and willingness to c...
Feb 19, 2024•58 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Erika Lucas shares her insights on the 5 mistakes that new entrepreneurs often make. As an investor who works with startups, growth phase and mature companies, she's seen it all and boils it down into 5 things to watch out for. All entrepreneurs fall into these traps but once you know what to look out for, you can prevent staying in them. Both Amanda and Erika share personal examples of each of the mistakes to ensure you don't feel like you're the only one navigat...
Feb 12, 2024•56 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I share what to do when it feels like nothing is working in your business because these times are tough when you're an entrepreneur and feel alone and like you're the only one dealing with the hard times. I share my approach that helps me and my clients navigate the tough times and come out stronger on the other side. I share my step-y-step process (which includes 7 questions to ask yourself) for assessing the stressful situation and creating a focused and intentional ...
Feb 05, 2024•34 min•Ep 228•Transcript available on Metacast Feeling the stress of doing it all in your business? It can be overwhelming and while it seems like doing it all yourself is the best option, it might be time to let go a little. In this episode, my right-hand-lady, Jess Gulley-Ward, and I talk about how we approached working together so I could successfully hand things off to her and gain some of my time back as the CEO of my business. This honest, casual conversation includes: What led Amanda to (finally) outsource in my business Finding the r...
Jan 29, 2024•44 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I discuss how to get what you want this year. After conducting research from my audience I realized there are 3 main things everyone seems to want: Clarity, Calm and Profit. After analyzing the data, I realized that you're closer to these things than you think but you have to do one thing first...stop lying to yourself. I've identified 3 lies we tend to tell ourselves as entrepreneurs in the thick of things but if we stop lying about these, we will have the Clarity, Ca...
Jan 22, 2024•27 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast Want to ditch your corporate job and go all-in on entrepreneurship? It's a fantastic dream but it can be scary to take steps to make that dream become a reality. In this podcast interview, Holly Haynes shares how she navigated the self-doubt and created a 7-figure business over the course of a few years. While it didn't happen overnight, it only took 18 months for her to leave her corporate job and retire her husband from his job too! She's proof that you don't need all day t...
Jan 15, 2024•46 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I discuss how to create a sustainable business that integrates into your life instead of taking it over. There are four steps to achieve this: identifying your definition of success, determining financial sustainability, designing your ideal schedule, and overcoming the comparison game. By understanding what success means to you, setting financial goals, creating a schedule that aligns with your desired lifestyle, and avoiding comparison, you can build a business that supports t...
Jan 08, 2024•21 min•Ep 224•Transcript available on Metacast New year, new business goals. But what happens when your mind plays tricks on you and says "but you didn't follow through last year, why try this year?". It's time to kick those thoughts to the curb and re-write your story for 2024 because just because you didn't follow through before, doesn't mean you can't this time around. In this episode I'm sharing: My Follow-Thru Framework that ensures progress on your goal. Set clear and meaningful goals that you tr...
Jan 01, 2024•38 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast Do you feel lonely, like you're on an island and the only person who's dealing with these entrepreneurship struggles? While the feeling is real, the good news is that you're not the only one. Every accidental entrepreneur has felt this way at some point. Plus there's one thing you can do to help this process overall and it's to find your support system. In this episode I'll share: Why a support system is critical for accidental entrepreneurs The 5 buckets of support...
Dec 25, 2023•19 min•Ep 222•Transcript available on Metacast It's that time of year when we look back and reflect on what we've achieved (or haven't) and set our sights on the new year. While it's tempting to skip right to the fun planning part for next year, please don't skip the reflection process. As a business owner, taking time to reflect will help you make better business decisions and set achievable goals for the coming year. In this episode I share: 3 step process for end of year business reflection Next year goal setting ...
Dec 18, 2023•23 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast As a business owner who's almost a one-woman-show, it was nerve-wracking to know I needed to take a month off due to a health issue. But I learned a lot and now get to apply it to my business and you can too! I'm sharing all the lessons I learned as a prepped for and took 1 month off from my business. Prepping for taking a month off Getting back to work after a month off Mentally, how it impacted me Did I actually complete disconnect from business What was the biggest challenge / bigge...
Dec 11, 2023•31 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast It's goal setting season! As business owners who are tackling a lot of decisions in our business, this is a big one that often comes with a lot of pressure. In this episode I'm sharing a snippet from a live planning series I hosted all about Resilient Business Planning and I don't want anyone to miss out on this part. Setting a realistic-for-you goal is critical to your business success and I'm sharing the step-by-step process. How to approach goal setting in a realistic way ...
Dec 04, 2023•25 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're learning from entrepreneur and fashion stylist, Jessica Pappineau. While she's a successful business owner now, her journey to success included working retail and collecting food stamps for a while when her family was going through a hard time. Too often we see the end result for business owners and think it was an easy journey but Jessica shares her journey to living her dream. Plus she shares fashion tips with us so we can find confidence through clothes even though it&ap...
Nov 27, 2023•46 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we sit down with the fabulous Barb Betts, who is shaking up the traditional approach to referrals! Barb spills the tea on why she hates that word and reveals her genius strategy for building genuine relationships that lead to a steady stream of business, in any industry. Get ready to learn how to make trust your secret marketing weapon and discover the power of unexpected deposits in people's lives. In this episode we discuss: How word of mouth is an unsteady referral base C...
Nov 20, 2023•47 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast Thinking of transitioning from your corporate life to entrepreneurship? Or maybe your in a season of uncertainty of whether you can really cut it as an entrepreneur. This episode was recorded for you! My guest, Nicola Mercer navigated the journey from working at Nike to starting her own business. Nicola candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of being an accidental entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and making decisions for oneself. We also explore the transition fr...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, guest, Paola Soares shares her journey of overcoming fear and failure, ultimately finding success as the host of the But First She Failed podcast and coaching other female entrepreneurs. Discover how embracing our dreams and helping others can lead to a fulfilling life. From navigating layoffs to transitioning from accidental entrepreneurs to unapologetic ones, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical steps to pursue your passions. Don't let fear hold you back;...
Nov 06, 2023•39 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive into the hectic world of accidental entrepreneurs, exploring the critical relationship between sleep and stress. Running a business, keeping clients happy, and managing a personal life can often leave us sleep-deprived and stressed. But fret not, as we've got a survival guide tailored just for you. Sleep and Stress Coach, April Likins shares 10 tips for getting better sleep. We discuss: Why sleep is critical and we need to stop thinking "I'll sleep when I&...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode I'm talking with special guest, Christy Pennison and we're talking about dreams, determination, and overcoming obstacles all while protecting your mental health as an entrepreneur. From being stuck in the past to building a thriving therapy practice, Christy shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. Get ready to hear a real-life story with witty banter and valuable insights that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer your own dreams. W...
Oct 23, 2023•55 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, we have a special guest, Alyson Caffrey, who will redefine what it means to take a sabbatical and provide valuable insights for small business owners. Alyson, the author of "The Sabbatical Method," challenges the traditional perceptions of sabbaticals and emphasizes the importance of rest for high performance. Alyson's journey from accidental entrepreneur to empowering leader will inspire and motivate you to take control of your life and business. Plus, sh...
Oct 16, 2023•47 min•Ep 212•Transcript available on Metacast I'm sharing the last planning system you'll ever need in your business. I realize that is a bold statement but I believe it 100%. After analyzing how I've been able to hit goals and continue to make progress even when life has thrown me some rough curveballs, it's actually pretty simple what works. This is a preview of what I'll cover in more detail in my offer, Beyond Goals: Resilient Business Planning. I'm hosting a live version Oct. 18, 20 and 23, 2023 and if you...
Oct 09, 2023•45 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever felt like there's more to life than what you're currently doing? Do you find yourself questioning your path and wondering if you're truly fulfilling your purpose? You're not alone. In this article, we'll explore the importance of finding your purpose and share insights from a fascinating interview with Traci Schubert Barrett, an expert in helping individuals discover their true calling. In this episode we explore: Why your purpose matters How success has be...
Oct 02, 2023•58 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast Being an entrepreneur is tough but toss in a chronic illness/pain, a family crisis, health issues, or everyday kid schedules and it gets much tougher. All of these situations put limits on your time and energy and that in turn impacts your business. In this episode you'll hear from 3 entrepreneurs who live with a chronic illness and they share their tips on how to continue to run a successful business with limited time and energy. They share: How their diagnosis impacted their life and busi...
Sep 25, 2023•33 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast This is the most personal and vulnerable podcast episode I've ever recorded. I'm sharing about a health scare of mine and how it's impacted my entrepreneurship journey overall. In this episode I'm talking about: A health scare I experienced over the last 6 months Why I've decided to share this story How this health issue has impacted my business How I'm planning for 1 month off in November due to the health issue Resources Mentioned: All podcast episodes: https://po...
Sep 18, 2023•29 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast Do you ever find yourself stuck and you can't seem to make a decision? Chances are it happens often and it can impact your business if you don't find ways to help you move forward. In this week's episode, Renee Bauer, shares her Stop, Drop & Roll method that will help you make decisions with confidence and clarity. We also talk about: How divorce led her to entrepreneurship Navigating self-doubt Comparison to others and how it effects us What winning feels like for her Plus Re...
Sep 11, 2023•47 min•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode get ready to rebel with guest Dr. Michelle Mazur! It's all about distilling your ideas into a powerful "3 Word Rebellion" and revolutionizing your marketing strategy. From battling imaginary nemesis to finding your unique voice, Michelle shares her expertise in empowering experts to amplify their message. Get inspired, take action, and join the rebellion in this lively and transformative episode! We discuss: What is a 3-Word Rebellion How to create your unique 3-Wo...
Sep 04, 2023•43 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast