This Best Of episode is packed with the business strategies that will change everything for you as a midlife woman in business! I’ve pulled together the most impactful segments from five incredible guests who’ve mastered different aspects of building a successful business – and they’re spilling all their secrets in one power-packed episode. Let’s go!
Highlights:
- Grace Kraaijvanger: Why your “little idea” is actually your BIG idea – and the one thing you must do to bring any concept to life (hint: it’s not what you think)
- Jen Kem: The 4-step personal branding blueprint that gets you seen, heard, and paid – plus why you need to stop trying to be everywhere at once
- Bronwyn Saglimbeni: Her game-changing “fear sifting” technique that separates the helpful feedback from the toxic noise trying to keep you small
- Joanne Bradford: The jaw-dropping story of how one woman went from $10K to $85K by simply adding a zero – and why you’re probably undercharging right now
- Dr. Shannon Udovic-Constant: The strategic playbook for stepping into leadership roles instead of waiting to be chosen (spoiler: nobody’s coming to tap you on the shoulder)
Trust me, you’re going to want to take notes on this one. These women have cracked the code on what it takes to succeed as a midlife woman in business, and they’re not holding anything back!
Boost Your Business: Simple Steps for Midlife Women
Are you a midlife woman dreaming of making a big impact with your business or career? Maybe you feel a pull to do something new, or you want to grow what you’re already doing. This article is for you! It’s packed with easy-to-understand ideas and steps to help you reach your goals. We’ll explore how to get seen, get heard, and get paid what you’re worth, all while staying true to yourself. It’s time to shine in your midlife, and we’re here to show you how.
Are You Ready for This Journey?
Before we dive in, let’s check if this path is right for you. Do you have a burning idea, a skill you want to share, or a desire to make a bigger mark in the world? Are you open to trying new things and maybe even changing some old habits? If you’re nodding your head, then you are ready! You don’t need fancy tools or a big team to start. What you need most is an open mind and a willingness to try. The resources you’ll need are mostly about connecting with others and being open to learning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Business Success
Step 1: Don’t Go It Alone – The Power of Connection
Many people think they have to figure everything out by themselves. They keep their big ideas and dreams tucked away, hoping they’ll magically grow. But keeping ideas secret is like trying to grow a plant in a dark closet; it won’t get the light and water it needs to thrive. This way of thinking can make your dreams feel stuck and hard to move forward. The secret to making your ideas bloom is to share them! When you talk about your dreams and ideas with others, especially in a kind and supportive group, it adds light and energy. This isn’t just about getting advice; it’s about growing together. Your “little idea” might just be your big idea waiting to be expressed.
To sum it up, sharing your ideas with a supportive group is like giving them sunshine and water.
- Ideas grow faster when shared.
- Working alone can make ideas feel stuck.
- Sharing ideas brings them to life.
- Your “little idea” is often your big one.
- Community and mentorship create a rich environment for growth.
Step 2: Build Your Unique Story – Personal Branding Made Simple
Thinking about your personal brand can feel overwhelming, like you need to be famous or something. But really, your personal brand is just your story. It’s about what you’ve learned, what you’re good at, and what matters deeply to you. Many people focus too much on what others are doing on social media, which can lead to feeling tired and stuck. The big mistake is thinking you need to be everywhere or perfect. Instead, your goal is to be visible, not just seen, but heard for your experiences and what you can offer. Your personal brand helps people know how you can help them. So, start by thinking about your own unique story—your experiences and what you’re an expert in. Then, pick just a few places online where your ideal audience hangs out. It’s better to be really present in a couple of places than trying to be everywhere and burning out. And remember, it’s okay to be messy and imperfect at first; that’s how things get polished over time.
In short, your personal brand is your story, shared strategically.
- Your personal brand is linked to your story, experiences, and expertise.
- Visibility means being seen and heard for your value.
- Focus on social media platforms where your audience is.
- It’s okay to start messy and imperfectly.
- Systems and help (like a virtual assistant) can prevent burnout.
- Be willing to “unlearn” old habits that no longer serve you.
Step 3: Speak Your Truth – Authentic Communication
Authentic communication can sound like a big, fancy term, but it simply means being your true self when you talk about your work or ideas. A common mistake is trying to be someone you’re not, or holding back because of fear or embarrassment. This makes your message less powerful and less relatable. Instead, think about who you are talking to. Who is your ideal reader or client? What do they need from you? Let their needs guide what you say. This takes the pressure off you and puts the focus on serving others. It’s also vital to face your fears head-on. Don’t let that inner voice that says “you’ll make a fool of yourself” stop you. Write down all your fears, then decide which ones are actually helpful (like “I need to learn how to use this tool”) and which are just holding you back. Deal with the helpful ones by learning what you need, and then tell the unhelpful ones to step aside.
To recap, communicate genuinely by focusing on your audience and tackling your fears.
- Focus on your audience and their needs.
- Your decisions should be guided by who you serve.
- Face your fears by “fear sifting”: write them down.
- Identify helpful fears (e.g., “I need to learn this skill”).
- Discard unhelpful fears (“I need to lose 10 pounds”).
- Put your work out there without waiting for perfection.
Step 4: Know Your Worth – Smart Pricing Strategies
Many talented people, especially women, are afraid to charge what their work is truly worth. They worry clients will walk away if the price is too high. This fear often leads to undercharging, which means you’re working harder for less. But here’s a new way to think: your price isn’t just about money; it’s about showing the value of what you offer. If you’re providing something essential and impactful, clients will pay for it. Think about who you’re working with: a big company has a different budget and understanding of value than an individual. A simple trick is to consider adding a zero to your current price. You might be surprised at how willing people are to pay more when they see the full value. Also, think about how you package your services. Instead of just offering one thing, can you group your services or products in a way that provides more value and encourages a bigger commitment from your client? This can make your offerings more attractive and show you are serious about the quality and impact of your work.
To summarize, price your services to reflect your impact and package them smartly.
- Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth.
- Consider adding a zero to your current pricing.
- Understand who you are charging and their ability to pay.
- If they need your expertise, they will pay.
- Package your services to show greater value and encourage commitment.
Step 5: Claim Your Spot – Stepping into Leadership
As midlife women, you lead in so many areas of your life already – in your homes, communities, and workplaces. But often, we wait for someone to tap us on the shoulder and say, “You should be a leader.” This can lead to missed chances because higher leadership roles usually require you to go after them. A better approach is to start with some self-reflection. What are your core values? What are you naturally good at and passionate about? This helps you find leadership roles that truly fit you, so you can lead with integrity. Once you know what kind of leadership aligns with you, be strategic. Tell people you want the role. Find out who the decision-makers are and build relationships with them. You also need to be willing to stop doing things that don’t give you the visibility you need for your desired role. And this is a big one: take credit for your work. It’s common for women to say “we did it” when they led a team, but when you’re aiming for leadership, you need to own your successes and say “I did this.” This isn’t ego; it’s recognizing your crucial role in making things happen.
In essence, take charge of your leadership journey by knowing yourself and your impact.
- Understand your values, skills, and passions.
- Identify the type of leadership that aligns with you.
- Be strategic: tell people you want leadership roles.
- Build relationships with decision-makers.
- Audit your time and focus on activities that increase your visibility.
- Take credit for your leadership and contributions.
- Don’t delay due to fear of not knowing everything; you can learn on the job.
Your Midlife Spotlight Awaits
You are not too old to step into the midlife spotlight and claim everything you desire. The big idea here is that your midlife is a powerful time for growth, impact, and achieving your dreams. By taking these steps, you’re not just building a business or career; you’re building a life that truly reflects your worth and potential.
Here are the key steps to implement these ideas successfully:
- Seek Community: Actively share your ideas with supportive groups and engage in reciprocal mentorship.
- Define Your Brand: Understand your story, choose focused platforms, and embrace imperfection in your visibility efforts.
- Communicate Authentically: Focus on serving your audience and actively address and reframe your fears.
- Value Your Worth: Re-evaluate your pricing, considering adding a zero, and strategically package your services.
- Claim Leadership: Reflect on your values, strategically pursue desired roles, and confidently own your achievements.
It’s your time to shine. Go out there and get what you want!
You’re Not Too F***ing Old! to kick ass in business!
Learn more about Jen Marples at https://www.jenmarples.com
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Unedited AI Transcript Here
LINKS MENTIONED:
Ep 78 The Importance of Mentorship and Community with Grace Kraaijvanger
Ep 105 How to Create a Strong Personal Brand at Midlife with Jennifer Kem
Ep 101 The Power of Authentic Communication with Bronwyn Saglimbeni
Ep 178 Getting Paid What You’re Worth! with Chief Money Officer Joanne Bradford
Ep 194 Women Rising: How to Claim Your Seat at the Table with Dr. Shannon Udovic-Constant
CONNECT WITH GRACE KRAAIJVANGER:
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER KEM
CONNECT WITH BRONWYN SAGLIMBENI:
CONNECT WITH JOANNE BRADFORD:
CONNECT WITH DR. SHANNON UDOVIC-CONSTANT:
