The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell

One thing I see all the time with business owners is this. They know video matters. But they still avoid it. In this episode, Michelle and I talk about why so many business owners struggle with video content and what really helps people become more comfortable showing up online. I shared that I’ve worked with lots of businesses over the years where people would nearly rather stick a pin in their e...

In this episode I’m joined by Kathi Burns, a strategic adviser and productivity expert, founder of Organized & Energized, as well as 2-times best selling author.  In this episode, Kathi reveals why so many business owners get stuck “in the muck” and what to do about it. Kathi shares how disorganisation, lack of systems, and poor delegation are quietly costing entrepreneurs time, money, and ene...

In this episode I’m joined by Lynn Kitchen, a financial expert with nearly 40 years of experience helping individuals, entrepreneurs and families build sustainable wealth and long term confidence with money. Lynn has built and sold two investment advisory firms, taught thousands how to invest, and now focuses on helping people stop avoiding money conversations and start taking real ownership of th...

If building a business or finally acting on that idea has been on your list, this week’s episode is one not to be missed. I’m joined by Estie Starr, an award-winning strategist, founder of Strand Consulting, and a woman who built a multi seven-figure business without spending a cent on ads… all while raising five children. In this episode, Estie shares how any idea can be turned into profit using...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Laura Posey, internationally recognised speaker, author, and consultant. She's known as the simple planning specialist and she has a unique ability to make the complex. Simple and easy to get done. We chat about why so many business owners feel flat out busy but still unclear, and how a one-page plan can change that. If you're a...

In this episode, I was delighted to be interviewed by Dan O’Donoghue.  Dan is a business development specialist with over 20 years experience in helping businesses grow sustainably and strategically. We talked about my journey, the fire that was lit in me when a teacher said “ I wasn’t as smart as my friends ”, and how that same determination is what drives me now. We talked about my passion… usin...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I spoke with Ashley Leeds, known as “The 15-Minute Guy”, who helps business owners use LinkedIn to build genuine visibility without spending hours online. Ashley shared how he went from other fields into becoming a LinkedIn coach helping professionals show up confidently and consistently. If you’re struggling to post on LinkedIn, unsure what to share,...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I chatted with Jill Lublin, international speaker, best-selling author, and publicity strategist who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. We dive into how small business owners can use publicity to build visibility, credibility, and trust...without spending big on ads. If you’re a coach, consultant, or small business ow...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I had the pleasure of chatting with Niraj Kaur, bestselling author of Everybody Works In Sales. Niraj shares his journey from struggling in sales to becoming a top performer, highlighting the power of self-development, the right mindset, and practical strategies for handling objections and ghosting. We also dive into how to use LinkedIn effectively whi...

This week, I’m doing something a bit different… I’m handing the mic to my copywriter, Katy Prodromou, who’s interviewing me for a change. Shedding light on the biggest shifts I’ve ever seen in the online space and why coaches and consultants must pay attention. AI isn’t just changing how we create content. It’s changing everything . And if you’re still relying on random posting and hoping for lead...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sat down with Maureen McCowen, public speaking coach and founder of Soft Skills Success. We talked about how the fear of speaking up, whether in meetings, presentations or even casual conversations holds back far too many professionals. Maureen shared real client stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that help people go from staying silen...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I chatted with Domingo Silvas, serial entrepreneur, AI marketing pioneer, and founder of Think Smart Scale, Magpie, and Scale Up. We chatted about lead generation for service-based businesses, uncovering why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong metrics. He shared how his journey from survival-mode entrepreneurship to scaling 14 companies led him to d...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I chatted with Lyndsay Phillips, content marketing strategist and podcast guesting expert. Lyndsay shares exactly why most podcast guest spots don’t convert and what to do instead. From “billboard-ready” topics to strategic one-sheets and content repurposing, she shared a smarter way to use guest interviews to build authority and generate leads. You’l...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , Louise talks with Mari Smith, world renowned  speaker, author, trusted advisor to Meta, and widely known as the Queen of Facebook. Mari shares her expert insights on where Facebook is heading, how the algorithm is evolving, and what businesses need to do in 2025 to stay ahead. From organic reach to AI-powered ads, she breaks it all down with clarity a...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I chat with Ellen Finkelstein, internationally renowned trainer, coach, and founder of Change the World Marketing. She shares how she built her online business from the ground up, why funnels are essential for service-based businesses, and the simple steps to set up a profitable email funnel. Ellen offers straightforward advice on how to grow your lis...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , Louise talks with Allyson Machate, bestselling author and publishing consultant who has worked with Simon & Schuster. Ally shares how to write, publish, and market a book that aligns with your business. She explains why many authors write the wrong book, how to avoid that mistake, and how to use AI tools without losing your voice. She also introdu...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I chat with Kimberly Weitkamp, a marketing strategist, podcaster, coach, and host of the More Conversations, Clients, and Cash podcast. Kimberly helps coaches and service providers create content that connects and converts. She combines proven copywriting techniques with AI to help business owners drive more sales and leads. We talk about what makes g...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Lisa Bloom, professional storyteller, coach, and author of three bestsellers, including Seven Stories That Sell . Lisa has helped thousands of business owners use storytelling to build trust, stand out, and drive more sales. We explore how telling the right stories in the right way makes selling easier and more authentic. You’ll learn:  ✅...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Jay Fairbrother, a mastermind strategist who’s helped hundreds of coaches scale with high-ticket masterminds. With 30+ years of experience, Jay shares how masterminds 10x’d his business and became a lifeline during tough times. We dive into the power of real connection, business resilience, and scalable offers that truly transform. What you...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I sit down with Debbie Allen, one of the highest paid speakers in the world, and an internationally recognized market positioning expert who has built and sold multiple million-dollar businesses. At 19, she bought into her family’s business...now she’s spoken in 28 countries. We chat about what it takes to stand out in saturated markets and turn your...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I’m breaking down one of the most powerful lead generation systems in your marketing toolbox. Social media isn’t about the most followers, it’s about an engaged, ready-to-buy audience. The best way to build that? An email list powered by smart, strategic lead magnets. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The two things every successful lead magnet must do ✅...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I’m joined by Bobby Power, publisher of Go Wild Magazine , who shares how to leverage both print and digital media to boost your brand visibility. From his journey in traditional newspaper sales to building a thriving regional magazine business, Bobby reveals why print is far from dead, and how combining it with digital can supercharge your marketing...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway , I’m joined by Lorna Lyons, a positive psychology expert and entrepreneur, to talk about building a sustainable, profitable business without chasing vanity metrics. We’re diving into:  ✅ How positive psychology can help you manage mental well-being while growing on social media  ✅ Why engagement matters more than going viral—and how to attract the ri...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Wendy Weiss, founder of Salesology, to break down her proven 3-step prospecting method that helps businesses book more calls, convert leads, and grow revenue. Here’s what you’ll learn:  ✅ The key difference between marketing, sales, and advertising—and how to use each effectively.  ✅ Why marketing alone won’t replace sales (and what t...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Liam Austin, co-founder of Talks.co and Entrepreneurs HQ, who has helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs grow their businesses through digital media. 🚀 We uncover:  ✅ How to create a standout speaker profile that gets you booked.  ✅ The secret to finding the perfect podcasts for your expertise.  ✅ Using AI to craft compelling content and...