Women Choosing Growth Tina Sue

Episode 43 – Jen Cochrane | Is it Time to Spend Money?
Summary:
In this enlightening episode of the Women Choosing Growth podcast titled "Is it Time to Spend Money?" hosted by Tina Sue and featuring guest speaker Jen Cochrane, co-founder and CEO of Gifted Travel Network, listeners are treated to a deep dive into the intricacies of strategic decision-making in business. Drawing from her extensive experience transitioning from a corporate executive to a leading figure in the travel industry, Jen shares invaluable insights on when to invest and when to exercise caution in spending, particularly focusing on financial planning aligned with broader strategic objectives.

The conversation unfolds organically as Jen dives into the nuances of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones to foster growth. She articulates the significance of having a clear vision, coupled with a deliberate and systematic approach to financial planning. Throughout the discussion, Jen offers practical advice and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of building and sustaining successful businesses in today's ever-evolving landscape.

As Tina Sue and Jen explore various facets of business growth, from the role of technology in enhancing efficiency to the criticality of hiring and team building, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge distilled from Jen's remarkable journey and entrepreneurial acumen. The episode resonates with inspiring anecdotes, insightful reflections, and actionable takeaways, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike.

What You'll Learn in this Show:

Jen's remarkable journey from corporate executive to travel industry expert.
The critical role of strategic decision-making in fostering business growth.
Insights on when to invest and when to exercise caution in spending.
Strategies for crafting a financial plan that aligns with strategic goals.
Practical advice for entrepreneurs on building and sustaining successful businesses.
The impact of mindset, risk-taking, and adaptability on entrepreneurial success.
Quotes:
"People need to be pushed out of their comfort zone because if you want to keep growing, you have to hire ahead of growth." – Jen Chochrane"Before you invest, start with a big picture and make sure that you're clear on your vision." – Tina Sue"Putting it down on paper usually makes it happen in some way." – Jen Chochrane"Success is freedom, fulfillment, and financial satisfaction; profitability alone is not success." – Jen Chochrane"Technology is essential for efficiency, competitiveness, and risk management in today's business environment." – Jen Chochrane"You don't always have to be the first to market with new technology; sometimes it's better to let it play out and see which one wins over the industry." – Jen Chochrane
Resources:
Jen Cochrane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercochrane/
Gifted Travel Network Website: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/

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Summary:
In a riveting exchange on the Women Choosing Growth Podcast, Tina Sue engages in a transformative conversation with Kortney Murray, CEO and founder of Coastal Kapital. Through Kortney's captivating narrative, listeners are invited into the world of finance, where her journey from fashion enthusiast to finance maven serves as a beacon of inspiration. With anecdotes ranging from shop class mishaps to navigating the intricacies of heavy equipment sales and mortgages, Kortney's story underscores the resilience and determination required for entrepreneurial success.
As the discussion unfolds, Kortney sheds light on the unique challenges faced by women in accessing financing for business growth. With a focus on financial literacy, Kortney emphasizes the critical importance of understanding credit, exploring diverse financing options, and effectively managing personal and business finances. Through her insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the human-centric approach to lending advocated by Coastal Kapital, where the story behind each business holds equal weight to financial metrics.
Throughout the episode, Kortney's vision for empowering women entrepreneurs shines brightly, offering a diverse array of tailored financing solutions through Coastal Kapital. By prioritizing collaboration and strategic planning, Kortney equips listeners with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship successfully. As the conversation concludes, Tina Sue and Kortney leave listeners inspired to embrace financial education, leverage alternative financing avenues, and embark on a journey toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
What you’ll learn in this Show:
The pivotal role of financial literacy in entrepreneurial success.Strategies for overcoming financing challenges and accessing capital.The importance of alternative financing options for business growth.How collaboration can empower women in business.Practical tips for building business credit and managing finances.Inspirational stories showcasing resilience and determination in entrepreneurship.
Quotes:
"You can't grow without OPM - other people's money." – Kortney Murray"The human factor is essential in lending decisions. We prioritize understanding the story behind each business." – Kortney Murray"Collaboration is the new currency. Together, we can uplift and empower women in business." – Kortney Murray"Financial literacy is the foundation for strategic growth and success in entrepreneurship." – Kortney Murray

Resources:
Website for Coastal Kapital: https://coastalkapital.com/
Kortney’s Personal Web: https://www.kortneymurray.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kortneybmurray/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaoskort/
Women Gone WIld Book: https://www.wgwbook.com/

In this episode of Women Choosing Growth Podcast Tina Sue hosts a meaningful discussion with Allison Lacoursiere, a renowned professional coach specializing in leadership and worthiness, who dives into the multifaceted aspects of self-worth and its implications for personal and professional success. Throughout the discussion, Allison intricately unpacks the four crucial steps towards achieving self-empowerment: knowing oneself, accepting oneself, honoring oneself, and loving oneself. Each step is illuminated with insightful anecdotes and practical advice, empowering listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Furthermore, Allison sheds light on the pervasive societal and generational influences that often undermine women's confidence and self-worth. With empathy and understanding, she offers tangible solutions and resources, including her transformative group coaching program, "Clearly Worthy," tailored to support women in overcoming self-limiting beliefs and reclaiming their inherent worth.
By jumping into this enriching dialogue, listeners are not only equipped with actionable strategies for fostering self-worth but also inspired to cultivate a deep sense of self-compassion and authenticity in all aspects of their lives. Allison's profound insights serve as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path towards a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence.
What you’ll learn in this Show:
The importance of understanding and embracing your desires, needs, and values.How to accept all aspects of yourself, including strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes, without judgement.Strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and confidently asserting needs and desires.Cultivating self-love and appreciation independent of external validation.Recognizing and overcoming societal and generational influences on self-worth.Opportunities for support and growth through group coaching programs like "Clearly Worthy."
Quotes:
"Know Yourself: Take the time to understand your desires, needs, and values as an individual." - Allison Lacoursiere"Accept Yourself: Embrace all aspects of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes, without judgement." - Allison Lacoursiere"Honor Yourself: Set boundaries, prioritize your well-being, and assert your needs and desires confidently." - Allison Lacoursiere"Love Yourself: Cultivate a deep sense of self-love and appreciation, recognizing your inherent worthiness independent of external achievements or validation." - Allison Lacoursiere

Resources:
Website: https://www.yourclearalignercoach.com/about-me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-lacoursiere-32789680/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourclearalignercoach/
Permission to be Powerful Book: https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Powerful-Playing-Desires-Fullness-ebook/dp/B0CMBCNWWX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E9EKJ6MCNP7S&keywords=permission+to+be+powerful&qid=1704375427&sprefix=permission+to+be+powerful%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

Summary:
In this episode of Women Choosing Growth Podcast, Tina Sue hosts a compelling discussion with Heather Cox, co-founder of Certify My Company, on the pivotal topic of diversifying revenue streams through business certifications. Cox shares invaluable insights into the significance of certifications in supplier diversity programs, emphasizing their role in establishing credibility and trust. She highlights that certifications go beyond mere titles, serving as essential tools for accessing opportunities and expanding client bases.
Throughout the conversation, Cox outlines the process of becoming certified, stressing the importance of accurate documentation and the utilization of expert assistance. She also emphasizes the matchmaking aspect of certifications, underscoring the importance of partnering with corporations that prioritize supplier diversity.
Cox discusses the tangible benefits of supplier diversity programs, citing studies that demonstrate significant returns on investment. She also highlights the role of certifications in fostering lasting client relationships and promoting the growth of women-owned and minority-owned businesses.
Drawing on examples from well-known brands like Walmart, Target, and Ulta, Cox emphasizes the need for businesses to understand their specific goals and reach out to experts like Certify My Company for guidance. She positions Certify My Company as a supportive partner in navigating the complexities of supplier diversity and certification processes.        
What you’ll learn in this Show:
The significance of business certifications in diversifying revenue streams.The role of certifications in gaining access to opportunities and expanding client base.The importance of supplier diversity programs and their impact on business profitability. Examples of well-known brands and corporations that actively support supplier diversity.The process of becoming certified and the benefits of partnering with corporations that value supplier diversity.
 Quotes: 
"This one's diversity certified it just tipped the scales in your favor." - Heather Cox
"Diverse suppliers. Everyone gets why you have to have a diversified customer base. If you're like I'm only selling to blonde hair blue eyed people. Okay, that's a very small percentage, right? You want to have as many customers and clients that you can sell to." - Heather Cox
“You're gonna have to do the best thing for the company you work for, that's just the way it is right? So these corporations are slowly coming on board. Do all of them have it? Approximately 97% of the fortune 1000 have a program. Are they all good? Nope can they all both ah hundred and three." - Heather Cox

Resources: 
Website: https://www.certifymycompany.org/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CertifyMyCo 
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Certifymyco/?_rdc=1&_rdr 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certify-my-company/ 

Summary:
In this episode of Women Choosing Growth, hosted by Tina Sue, dives into the differences between growth mode and scaling mode for businesses. Tina emphasizes the importance of understanding when to adopt each approach and highlights the key components of each. Growth mode involves linear expansion by replicating existing business models, with resources allocated towards sales, market share, and increasing productivity or service delivery. On the other hand, scaling mode focuses on leveraging technology and systems to exponentially increase productivity, optimize processes, and expand reach beyond geographic limits. 
Tina provides examples to illustrate the differences, such as opening new physical locations in growth mode versus developing an online ordering system in scaling mode. Additionally, she warns about the five biggest pitfalls when in scaling mode, including the lack of a clear strategy, insufficient financial planning, neglecting to invest in talent, overexpansion, and ignoring customer feedback.
Furthermore, Tina stresses the importance of having a clear strategy for scaling, outlining goals, targets, and expansion strategies, and highlights the need for sufficient financial planning to account for expenses before reaping rewards. She also emphasizes the significance of investing in talent and not attempting to scale too quickly, which may lead to instability and jeopardize the business. Tina underscores the value of actively seeking and heeding customer and team member feedback to ensure the maintenance of quality and successful scaling. She offers a free downloadable worksheet to help businesses build their 5 and 10-year plans, encouraging listeners to envision and plan beyond their perceived limits.       
What you’ll learn in this Show:

The distinction between growth mode and scaling mode in business development.The five biggest pitfalls encountered by businesses in scaling mode, including the lack of a clear strategy, insufficient financial planning, neglecting to invest in talent, overexpansion, and ignoring customer feedback.The importance of having a clear strategy and well-defined plan for scaling, including outlining goals, expansion strategies, and financial considerations.The significance of understanding the difference between growth in exponential matters versus linear growth, and how resources are allocated differently in each mode.The emphasis on leveraging technology and systems to increase productivity and efficiency in scaling mode, as well as the shift from physical expansion to optimizing and automating processes.The need to invest in top talent and the potential consequences of neglecting to do so in scaling mode.The potential risks of overexpansion and the importance of strategic planning and control in scaling mode.The value of customer and team feedback in ensuring the success and sustainability of scaling efforts
Quotes: 
"Expansion is usually linear and involves replicating existing business models. Resources are usually allocated towards sales and market share." – Tina Sue
"Scaling mode emphasizes leveraging technology and systems to increase productivity and efficiency, focusing on exponential growth rather than linear growth." – Tina Sue
"Neglecting to invest appropriately in the right talent can hinder scaling efforts, as it requires people who already possess the necessary skills and experience." – Tina Sue
  
Resources: 
Website:  a...

Join Tina Sue as she embarks on an enlightening dialogue with Amanda Edgar, exploring the path of entrepreneurship and the alchemy of turning personal tales into published treasures. This engaging exchange delves into the challenges entrepreneurs face in narrative sharing, interwoven with Amanda's remarkable journey from actress to academic to author. Through Amanda's venture, Page and Podium Press, she illuminates the obstacles of fear and perceived expertise hindering storytelling endeavors.
Their exchange extends into the meticulous process of crafting and releasing a book, unveiling the nuances of self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid approaches. Amanda underscores the importance of grasping the time, financial investment, and degree of control inherent in each method, alongside the pivotal role of an enticing book cover in captivating readers. She champions individuals to embrace their unique voices and perspectives, regardless of the subject's prior literary exploration.

Moreover, Amanda shares invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies for book promotion, emphasizing the significance of consistency across diverse platforms such as podcasts, social media, and strategic sales ventures. Her guidance serves as a beacon for aspiring authors, encouraging them to recognize the transformative potential of their narratives and the merit of sharing them with a broader audience. Amanda's wisdom inspires individuals to surmount self-doubt and embark on the empowering journey of storytelling.

.What you’ll learn in this Show:

The benefits of writing a book, including sharing your story and expertise, and leveraging it for marketing purposes.The process of writing and publishing a book, including the different publishing paths and the importance of a book cover.Marketing strategies for promoting a book, such as podcast interviews, social media, bulk sales, and sponsored sales.The significance of sharing your unique perspective and voice in a book, and the impact it can have on reaching and helping others.Overcoming the fear of visibility and the curse of expertise as hurdles to sharing your story.The importance of consistency in marketing efforts and leveraging podcast interviews for book sales.The reasons why entrepreneurs may hesitate to share their stories and expertise, and how to overcome these hurdles.Considerations for choosing a publishing path, including time, expense, and control.The value of investing in yourself and the potential impact of sharing your story on others.

Quotes: 

"That's your marketing budget and a lot of times that is a pocket of money that they really don't have a huge plan for spending." - Amanda Edgar

"If you work with a ghost-writer, you will pay at least 5 figures. If anybody's trying to sell you ghost-writing that's under 5 figures, I would be really cautious about that. That's a big investment." - Amanda Edgar

"We know from data that about 81% of people believe that they should write a book that they have a book in them. We also know that only about 15% of that group ever even starts only 3% finishes and only point 6% actually publishes it I know." - Amanda Edgar

Resources: 
Website: https://pageandpodium.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandanelledgar
Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress" rel="noopener noreferrer"...