Hustle & Climb

In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that a lot of us probably have a love-hate relationship with - organization. Yep, we're tackling the eternal struggle of keeping our lives in some semblance of order without stifling the spontaneity and creativity that makes us, well, us. Michelle shares her personal journey from being a bit of a "hot mess of chaos" (her words) to finding her groove in...

In this first part of a two-part series, Michelle breaks down the top three setups you should have to grow your business: a well-thought-out sales process, a handy task management tool, and a simple yet effective bookkeeping plan. Listen in to hear how she uses these tools to help keep her side hustle (and entire life!) running smoothly. Tools Michelle Mentioned: Notion: A handy tool to organize y...

Michelle unravels the transformative power of mentorship in propelling her side hustles forward. She shares the story of how a peer group helped her to evolve her business. Michelle emphasizes the impact of having a mentor and being a mentor to others, highlighting it as a fulfilling and enriching experience. Along the way, she shares insights on leveraging online resources and mutual exchanges to...

Based on an awesome bit of wisdom from her awesome and humble podcast manager (who may or may not write her show notes), Michelle draws parallels between nurturing children and fostering a successful business. The central idea is: Make mistakes when the stakes are lower. Michelle recounts her personal experiences from her varying ventures, illustrating the relationship between investment, financia...

Dive deep into the realms of home office productivity with tips on how to enhance your workspace for optimum efficiency and joy. Discover why designating a specific work area in your home can prevent burnout and foster greater presence in daily life. Gain valuable insights on how to cultivate a workspace that not only boosts productivity but also brings joy and satisfaction through aesthetic appea...

Make your first email list in under an hour - for free! In the digital space, having a solid strategy for managing customer information can make or break your business. Michelle was recently reminded of this after a close call where she almost lost her Instagram account after being hacked. Learn from her near-miss and past blunders as she walks you through the process of setting up your first emai...

Michelle dives deep into the realities and benefits of maintaining a side hustle alongside a full-time job. Addressing a frequent question she encounters online, Michelle sheds light on why leaving a full-time job for a side hustle might not always be the golden ticket it is often portrayed to be.  New Link JUST for podcast listeners. Plan a week of content in 20 minutes:   https://michellerundio....

Michelle sits down with, perhaps, the guest she's most excited to have on the show: the former high school art teacher turned successful entrepreneur, Amanda Brooke. Amanda takes us through her remarkable journey from the classroom to becoming the proud owner of a photography business and a digital entrepreneur. You'll definitely want to listen in order to gain insights on balancing introversion w...

In this candid episode,  Michelle shares her deeply personal journey from a single mom hustling through a high-pressure job and grad school - to discovering the pivotal role rest plays in fostering productivity. She shares the profound lessons she learned during her toughest moments and lays down the science-backed reasons why integrating periods of rest in your daily routine can enhance creativit...

In this illuminating episode of "Hustle and Climb", Michelle shares her seasoned insights into the ever-changing world of social media branding. She discusses how to effectively maintain brand identity, why aesthetic consistency might be overrated, and why your content strategy should aim to keep viewers on the app. Whether you're a seasoned online entrepreneur or just getting started, Michelle's...

"And then what?". It's the probing question that Michelle deliberates in this episode. What are the true implications of pivoting or diversifying your business? From the cozy corners of her closet studio, Michelle offers a candid take on the trending courses in the digital marketing sphere. Listen in for a refreshing mix of corporate and street-smart insights as she explores strategies for sustain...

There is a significant distinction between sales and marketing. In this episode, Michelle introduces listeners to the concept of features and benefits, highlighting the pitfalls many new entrepreneurs face. But the real game-changer? Understanding the long-term outcomes and transformations that products or services can offer clients. Whether you're selling shampoo or mobile phones, tapping into th...

Are you on social media trying to sell but feel lost? Today, Michelle takes us deep into the art of direct sell copy. Forget those generic posts; she helps you craft copy that truly engages and sells without sounding like a broken record. Dive into the proven five-step formula sourced from the world of copywriting legends and find out how you can leverage it for your side hustle. From grabbing att...

In today's deep dive, Michelle explores the compelling world of customer service in the age of instant information. She introduces the concept of "value brokering" and underscores the significance of the 'wow factor' in every touchpoint of the customer journey. From her firsthand experiences at renowned luxury brands to the essential tools for keeping loyal customers engaged, this episode is a mas...

Ever wondered how to connect with or sell to someone who leans more introverted? Or perhaps you identify as one and want to understand how your buying behavior impacts the market. In this episode, Michelle provides invaluable insights from her 15 years of side hustle experience and reveals the top three lessons on selling to the introverted consumer. Plus, find out why Michelle identifies with a t...

Michelle presents three crucial questions every small business owner should consider when thinking about adding another revenue stream. Whether you're an e-commerce entrepreneur, involved in network marketing, or just curious about whether diversification is the right step for you, this episode offers insights and real-life examples to guide your decision-making process.  New Link JUST for podcast...

Michelle felt like the biggest "fraud" while recording her first podcast episode. Luckily, she's 90 days in and she's finding her groove! In this episode, Michelle delves into the very real challenges of imposter syndrome and how it affects us all. As she celebrates her 90th day of podcast, Michelle offers insights, personal experiences, and practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and embracing...

You've got a lot going on in your life. You simply do not have time to sit around and labor over each and every piece of content that goes up on social media! Michelle has definitely been there - too much to do with too little time - and she comes bearing gifts to help. Dive into Michelle's workflow as she details the art of the "Idea Bank" for content planning, the secret weapon of using AI like...

Dive deep into the heart of Costa Rica's business ethos with a special guest who shares insights from the Pura Vida land. Michelle speaks with Dylan Monge, an entrepreneur that she met on her recent travels to Costa Rica. Listen as Michelle and Dylan unravel the essence of simplicity in business. Whether you've been chasing quality over quantity, pondering on leveraging your enterprise, or seeking...

Ever wonder how to get the most ROI from your marketing, sales, or even time management efforts? Dive deep into the Pareto Principle, often referred to as the 80/20 rule, and discover its transformative impact on Michelle's own business journey. She shares real-world applications, personal insights, and surprising revelations on how identifying and focusing on the vital 20% can radically shift you...

Michelle responds to a listener question that speaks to the heart of many entrepreneurs: "At what point do you walk away from your business if it's not working?" Drawing on her 20 years of corporate experience in healthcare, a sector where business intersects deeply with compassion, Michelle discusses the intricacies of balancing profits with purpose. She discusses the challenges of sustaining a s...

Sometimes all you want to do is share a win that you've have with your side hustle. However, you're concerned that sharing that big win might come across to friends or family as simply bragging. Well, in this episode, Michelle delves into that all-too-familiar awkwardness. Drawing from her own experiences and corporate knowledge, Michelle emphasizes the importance of having a "brag buddy"—someone...

Drawing from her own experiences in 2021, Michelle shares how choosing to be disciplined about her work took her business and personal life to heights she never imagined. Her insights and journey might just inspire you to shift your perspective and choose discipline as your daily mantra.  New Link JUST for podcast listeners. Plan a week of content in 20 minutes:  https://michellerundio.ck.page/243...

After a whirlwind trip to Costa Rica and the challenges of juggling a corporate job, a side hustle, and a podcast (among other things), Michelle had an epiphany about the value of reusing her best work. Sharing her personal struggles with time management and over-scheduling, she emphasizes the need to be efficient with the content we produce. Join Michelle as she offers listeners five actionable w...

Michelle chats with arguably the most grounded entrepreneur she's ever known. Earning over a million dollars in her journey, Samantha Kelly remains remarkably modest. Dive in to discover the invaluable insights she offers on achieving business success and evolution. Here's a quick preview: Samantha's key takeaway? Business isn't just about non-stop grinding. With the right approach and brand evolu...