Take Control With Nicole

Hello I'm Nicole Smith COO, Operations Specialise and Systems Designer from The Artisans Business Solutions and welcome to Take Control With Nicole. In today's episode, I'm diving into what every business needs, clients. But more importantly, I'm talking to you all about your client experience.   We dive into: Understanding our clients and how we want them to feel Making your experience unique Spe...

Today I'm chatting with Fiona Johnston about her love of words and numbers playing together and sharing the intimate details of money.   We dive into: Understanding money stories camaraderie between small businesses Getting control of your business finances When outsourcing is not a good idea Advancements in software   For more detailed shownotes and full transcript of the episode, click here: htt...

Today I'm chatting about how to know when you've found the right operational human for your business.   We dive into: What to look for in a VCOO Why experience in different businesses counts What you should avoid Looking for connection driven humans   For more detailed shownotes and full transcript of the episode, click here:  https://theartisans.com.au/podcast/episode-119/

We're continuing our conversation around engaging a Virtual COO to support you with the holistic elevation of your operations in your business. Today we talk about the cost investing in your business operations or the cost if you don't.   We dive into: Things to consider when hiring a VCOO The cost of staying "stuck" Who will drive the change What it would look like to be 10% better   For more det...

Today I'm chatting with Shane & Beren about leading internal partnerships and how they've created a fabulous partnership within their organisation.   We dive into: intentional practices working in alignment different perspectives for hiring is better keeping systems simple cultural leadership   For more detailed shownotes and full transcript of the episode, click here:  https://theartisans.com.au/...

Today I'm continuing the Virtual COO journey to share with you what 6 key indicators your business is showing that mean you're ready for that next level support.   We dive into: Recap of what a VCOO does Knowing you don't want to be doing all the "things" Setting up the foundations for growth Engaging a team or specialists for efficient changes Creating a seamless experience   For more detailed sh...

Today I'm chatting about the Virtual COO, what it is, and how they can support you in your business.   We dive into: What a Virtual COO is and how I landed on this title Supporting you to manage change Creating fabulous new processes   For more detailed shownotes and full transcript of the episode, click here: https://theartisans.com.au/podcast/episode-115

Today I'm chatting with Ami about human-focused leadership with managing, delegation while keeping our humans front of mind.   We dive into: Why delegation is the key to business success The human element of leadership Management vs Leadership What to do when change feels challenging   For more detailed shownotes and full transcript of the episode, click here: https://theartisans.com.au/podcast/ep...

In today's episode, I'm sharing how to create a positive experience for your humans when rolling out a new tech tool or system.   We dive into: How to avoid resistance and pushback What testing is required before the rollout is complete Change management with your humans Creating seamless transitions with documentation     Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: h...

Continuing on our Clever Systems Designs theme, we're focusing in our our fabulous humans in our business.   We dive into: How the business thrives when our humans are connected Our easy ways of working The systems involved for connection Evolving the communication strategy Collecting feedback from your team     Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: https://thea...

Today I'm chatting with copy coach, educator & podcast host, Emma McMillan all about how to make our content creation process easier and more sustainable.   We dive into: Outsourcing everything may not be the best idea Templates that work for you to save time Creating your master form of content - like our podcast! Throwing away the "shoulds" Changing your language to serve your customers     Abou...

Today I'm chatting with about clever system design with the seamless tech connection in the four-phase design.   We dive into: The tech we use everyday to help us run smoothly What happens when you outgrow tech Avoiding shiny object syndrome Automating key parts of your workflows Reviewing your current tech stack      Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: https:...

Today I'm talking all about investing in the foundations of your systems design which will allow you to zone into that area of genius that you love to play in.   I dive into: Communication strategies What design means in the systems and tech world Automating processes Creating systems to support your business     Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: https://the...

Today I'm chatting with Hareta about the impact you have as a leader and growing a team with beautiful culture.   We dive into: How to step out of the doing and into the leading Cultivating team culture Looking after your team members to drive better results The impact you have as a leader Creating a people strategy     About Hareta Hareta McMullin is the founder of Third Space People, a leadershi...

Today my business bestie, and friend of the show, Kathy Rast joins me today to talk about something we're working on in my business together, org charts in big and small business-ing.   We dive into: Even as a small business, why we need org charts Looking at roles with a critical eye Ranking vs roles Change in roles during a growth period Setting foundations for evolution     About Kathy Kathy Ra...

Today I'm chatting about continuous improvement in business and the fact that nothing is set in concrete.   We dive into: Empowering our teams to thrive Assessing all areas of the business The who, the what, the where, the why Different ways of working and collecting data Creating a seamless process for your team   Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: https://t...

Today I'm chatting with Bestselling Author & Interior Designer, the fabulous Emma Blomfield.   We dive into: Emma's love of The Sims and how it led to her career Moving through difficulties with clients When the right time is to seek help with design Listening to your gut when you think something is wrong Creating space for family and warmth     About EMMA Interior designer, stylist and author, Em...

Today I'm chatting with Remi all about increasing visibility and brand awareness through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).   We dive into: Where to start with SEO What keyword research you should be adding to your website How podcasting can help with your digital PR Why starting with a blog is the best first step How to measure SEO success     About Remi Remi Audette is a former corporate SEO lead...

Today I'm shedding light on IDOARRt meetings, how they work and how they can be implemented into your meetings.   We dive into: Tips for creating meetings that are effective Structured meetings for success Creating purposeful agendas Valuing the humans in our team Rules of engagement in meetings     Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: https://theartisans.com.a...

Today I'm chatting with Kate and Gerri about such an important topic - SLEEP!   We dive into: Helping people start healthy sleeping habits with their babies Tips for busy parents and kids sleep Creating healthy sleeping patterns Caring for the relationship of parents and kids Valuing your own needs     About The Sleep Collective Co-founder of The Sleep Collective, Gerri has over a decade of experi...

Today I'm chatting with Darby Lyndon about all things brand strategy and how to build a business that is irresistible.   We dive into: Collaboration over competition with other businesses The difference between marketing and brand strategy How creating a brand story helps you connect with your audience Is niching something that needs to happen Brand strategy framework     About Darby Darby is a br...

We made it! 100 episodes of Take Control with Nicole, can you believe it? Today I'm sharing my process of how I plan my podcast episodes.   We dive into: Opportunities for growth Creating conversation containers Connecting with enjoyable and relatable topics Designing a process you love   Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey!   Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolu...

Today I'm chatting with the fabulous Hienna all about being an Online Business Manager and designing a business that makes sense for you .   We dive into: Really understanding your clients Perfecting the two way relationship OBM vs VA Connecting with the RIGHT people Setting up your business for success     About Hienna Heinna is here to make your burning desire to be the best OBM you can be becom...

Today I'm chatting all about async working is and how to create a successful aysnc operation.   We dive into: What exactly is asynchronous working? Async working may not be for everybody Choosing project management tools that work for YOU Different ways to communicate and collect data Empowering people to want to show up   Connect with Nicole on Instagram @theartisansolutions   Nicole's website: h...

Welcome to the first episode of 2023! In today's episode I'm running you through some fabulous ways to set yourself up for success for the year ahead.   We dive into: Celebrating 3 years of The Artisans Business Solutions Setting yourself up for success in 2023 Creating space for ways of working Email Unsubscribing     Check out the subscriptions download and Kathy Rast's Out of Office Service   C...