The Messy Desk Podcast

In episode #33, we talk about the #1 obstacle to reaching your goals, why it happens and what to do about it so you can defeat it and achieve success. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:49] There Can be Many Obstacles to Reaching Your Goals [02:05] The Obstacle that Will Prevent You From Reaching Your Goals [05:28] How Procrastination Keeps You from Achieving Your Goals [08:44] 4 Reasons Why You Procras...

In episode #32, we discuss the current state of blogging, podcasting, and vlogging and how to choose which one is right for you. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:58] Which format we prefer [04:19] Blogging [08:45] Podcasting [14:18] Vlogging [18:20] Four factors to help you decide whether to blog, podcast, or vlog [24:08] Wrapping it up [27:14] Bloopers WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: What should we talk ab...

In episode #31, we share a framework specifically designed to help you make progress on your goals every single day so that you’re accomplishing what needs to get done without the overwhelm and drama. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:57] Achieving Your Business Goals is More Important Than Doing it All [04:32] Take the Right ACTION on Your Business Goals [16:27] Make Progress on Your Business Goals Ev...

Having a content strategy means you’ll achieve better results from your content marketing efforts. That’s why in episode #30, we talk about what content strategy is, why you need it, and how to get started—even if you’re not an experienced marketer. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:55] The First Step in Content Marketing is Strategy [02:12] What is Content Strategy? [03:10] What is Covered in a Conten...

In episode #29, we talk about what you should and shouldn’t do when you hit obstacles with your goal achievement. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:52] Why You’re Not Achieving Your Goals [02:57] Obstacles in Goal Achievement is Normal [05:03] 3 Things You Should Never Do When Your Goal Achievement Hits a Snag [08:17] What to do When Your Goal Achievement Hits a Snag [13:20] Goal Achievement and Your S...

In episode #28, we talk about some of the reasons to avoid content marketing.  Although content marketing is an effective way to build and grow a business, it’s not a strategy that makes sense for every business.  Find out if it’s right for you! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:19] Introduction  [02:41] 4 Reasons to Avoid Content Marketing [10:20] Content Marketing is the Best Marketing [13:07] Bloope...

In episode #27, we’re discussing how daily rituals help you be more productive and 5 rituals you must incorporate into your life. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:22] Your Elaborate Morning Routine Won’t Work [03:39] The Difference Between Routines and Rituals [04:53] Good Rituals Begin with Good Habits [06:31] 3 Ways Daily Rituals Improve Productivity [11:22] What Makes a Good Ritual? [14:46] 5 Daily...

In episode #26, we talk about why content marketing is important and why it ultimately generates 3x more leads than traditional marketing strategies. Can you benefit from using content to grow your business? Listen to find out! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [02:51] What is Content Marketing? [05:00] How Does Content Marketing Work? [08:37] Why Content Marketing is Important [15:50] Content Marketing Wo...

In episode #25, we share three things you must do before you create successful goals for your business. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:51] The Purpose of Creating Effective Goals [03:32] Creating Effective Goals Starts with Thinking [06:15] How to Focus Your Thinking [10:04] Your Mission Statement is Key to Setting Effective Goals [11:47] Know Where You are to Know Where You’re Going [13:43] Effecti...

In episode #24, we talk about the customer avatar approach to marketing and why figuring out the demographics and characteristics of your perfect buyer can hold you back. If you’ve put off creating your own customer avatar, then you’re going to love the two alternatives we’re sharing in this episode. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:11] What is a Customer Avatar and Why Create One? [04:04] The Problem...

In episode #23, we’re sharing why it’s critical to build good habits and how to go about doing so step-by-step. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [03:08] What is a habit? [07:16] Why habits matter [09:26] Build good habits by starting small [12:48] How long does it take to establish a habit? [15:15] How to build good habits [17:20] What is a habit loop? [19:42] Use the 4 laws of behavioral change to build...

In episode #22, we talk about what an editorial content calendar is and the benefits of using one to plan your blog, vlog, and podcast content. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:40] Start with Strategy and Planning in Your Marketing [04:33] What is an Editorial Content Calendar? [08:24] How to Format an Editorial Content Calendar [11:15] The 5 Benefits of an Editorial Content Calendar [21:22] Is Having...

In episode #21, we dive into the importance of writing down your goals, why you don’t write them down in the first place, and how doing so helps you win in business. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:55] Achieving Your Goals is Harder When You Aren't Clear on Them [03:49] What Keeps You From Writing Down Your Goals [07:39] Achieving Your Goals Starts with Writing Them Down [09:14] 3 Reasons Why Writing...

In episode #20, we give you a different perspective on what saying “no” means as well as some tips for how to say “no” with more confidence (and less guilt). TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:53] The Struggle to Say No [03:37] Reasons Why You Say No [07:25] Changing Your Mindset About “Yes” and “No” [11:04] What Saying No Really Means [13:00] Ways to Help You Say No [20:52] The Confidence to Say No Com...

In episode #19 we share three little known productivity hacks that will make a huge difference in your work performance. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:51] A Fresh Perspective on Productivity Hacks [02:37] Leverage Your Natural Patterns for Better Productivity [06:04] Use Music to Boost Your Productivity [11:58] Get Dressed to Shoes to Be More Productive [16:50] Final Thoughts About Effective Produc...

In episode #18, we talk about how to find better, more effective content ideas for your business so that you can generate targeted leads, build a community, and increase your sales. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:10] A Little Bit About Content Marketing [02:53] The Role of Content in Your Business [05:10] Analyze Your Existing Assets [07:41] Search These Websites for Content Ideas [09:39] Click Hash...

In episode #17, we talk about the effects of mindset on your ability to succeed and share 5 core business beliefs you can adopt today that get you unstuck and help you prosper. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:53] Challenging Times Affect Your Mindset and Your Mood [02:58] Challenging Times Affect Your Productivity [06:33] How Fear Can Keep You Stuck in Your Business [08:21] Limiting Beliefs have Cons...

In episode #16, we talk about how you can improve your content’s effectiveness by following a few simple guidelines.  As a result, you’re going to create content that’s much better for your audience—and your bottom line! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:15] The Role of Planning and Strategy in Effective Content Creation [04:58] What Happens When You Don’t Create Effective Content [10:06] How to Make Y...

In episode #15, we talk about the five steps you can take to plan your time in a way that maximizes productivity while creating time for personal goals, fun, and self-care. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:26] What Really Kills Your Productivity? [02:29] The Pros of Planning Your Day [06:27] The Consequences of Not Planning Your Day [08:26] Have a Process to Plan Your Day [11:28] Step 1: Consult Your...

In episode #14, we share business writing tips that will improve your writing so that you achieve better results from your marketing as well as increase your influence and impact. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:01] The Power of Your Words [04:36] Effective Writing Requires Practice [05:27] 5 Business Writing Tips to Improve Your Marketing [05:50] Identify a Goal [07:56] Research the Competition and...

In episode #13, we’re sharing strategies you can use right now to leverage your time so you can work smarter and defeat the daily disorder! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:53] Wasted Time is a Big Challenge for Business Owners [04:59] Where You Waste the Most Time [10:14] Track Your Time to Leverage Your Time [12:55] How to Track Your Time [16:42] Why You Should Leverage Your Time [18:58] Strategy #1...

In episode #12, we explain why small business owners would or wouldn’t want a business blog. TIME STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:07] Keeping Your Marketing Minimal [04:57] What is a Business Blog? [07:06] Is Blogging Still Effective? [11:20] Do You Need a Business Blog? [15:22] Is a Business Blog Worth It Even Though It’s Not a Quick Win? [18:05] Bloopers WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: What should we talk abo...

In episode #11, we talk about how to banish negative thoughts and self-talk and discuss why a positive attitude matters in business. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:54] Your attitude is everything [01:47] How negative thoughts affect the entrepreneur [05:05 How to change your limiting beliefs [07:38] Reason #1: A positive attitude allows you to take risks [08:35] Reason #2: A positive attitude means...

In episode #10, we share actionable tips to help you increase your focus, so that you’re more productive and less distracted.  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:10] What is productivity? [02:20] Having focus [02:55] What are the consequences of not focusing? [04:04] The benefits of increasing your focus [04:35] The enemy of focus [07:16] Tip 1 to increase your focus: plan ahead [08:05] The benefits of...

In episode #9, we talk about the role of marketing in your business, the skills you need when you’re wearing your marketing hat, and how to DIY these skills when you don’t have them. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:22] Do small business owners need marketing skills? [04:13] What’s the role of marketing in small business? [05:44] What does marketing encompass? [07:56] #1 Copywriting skills [09:28] How...