Align Your True North

You know that feeling. You're paying for Zapier every month, something quietly breaks, and an automation you forgot you even had just stops working. You poke around, you can't figure out why, and you start wondering if you need to hire someone just to keep the duct tape together. Every entrepreneur Brooke talks to has the same love-hate relationship with it. Sound familiar? In this episode, Brooke walks you through Relay: her own version of Zapier, built with Claude. She shows the exact automation that gives her Inner Circle members access inside Heartbeat the moment a tag drops in Ontraport, then opens the hood on how you can build the same kind of thing for your own business. Two programs talking to each other and doing a task, without the per-zap pricing and the mystery breakages. The best part? Because it runs straight through the API, she can actually do more than Zapier ever let her. You'll hear how the Relay kit reads every Zap you already have and rebuilds it for you, how to get Claude to walk you through any setup step by step (even the scary API bits), and the real game changer: Claude watching your automations and fixing the errors before they ever shut you down. By the end, you'll see why this might replace a whole lot more than your Zapier bill. Strategy first, AI second, every time! Takeaways: Build your own version of Zapier with Claude and stop paying per zap just to connect your favorite tools Connect tricky platforms like Ontraport and Heartbeat through the API, so you can do more than Zapier allows Let the Relay kit read every Zap you already built and rebuild it for you, connections and all Ask Claude to walk you through any setup step by step, even when an API key makes your eyes glaze over Have Claude watch your automations and fix the errors on its own before a broken workflow quietly shuts off Links referenced in this episode: Strategic AI Crew (build it with us, step by step) Companies mentioned in this episode: Zapier Claude / Claude Code Ontraport Heartbeat Make Integrately Visual Studio Code Google Calendar Jotform TidyCal Mentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

Creating SOPs can feel like a trip to the dentist—lots of dread and wishing you could just avoid it altogether! But fear not, my fellow entrepreneurs and operations wizards, because I’m about to sprinkle some magic dust on that SOP graveyard you’ve been avoiding! We’re diving into how to whip up effective Standard Operating Procedures that keep your team on the same page without sucking up all your precious time. Trust me, knowing the *why* behind each task is key to getting everyone onboard and making those processes sing rather than moan. Plus, I’ve got a nifty little trick up my sleeve to keep your SOPs as fresh as your morning coffee—so stick around for that!Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can feel like a chore, especially when you’ve got a graveyard of outdated ones haunting your business processes! We’ve all been there, right? Imagine spending hours crafting SOPs only to have them gather digital dust, forgotten and ignored. But fear not! We’ve got a shiny new approach to make SOPs your best friends instead of your worst enemies. In this chat, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what goes into a kick-butt SOP, starting with the all-important purpose. Why are you doing this? If your team doesn’t grasp the ‘why,’ they might as well be filling out forms in a parallel universe where no one cares! We share a cautionary tale about a coach who skipped filling out a critical form simply because she didn’t get its significance. Yikes! Understanding purpose not only keeps tasks flowing smoothly but also empowers your team to take ownership. Next up is the procedure – this is where you lay out the steps like breadcrumbs leading your team through the forest of tasks. It’s all about clarity, baby! And let’s not forget resources; does your team have everything they need to succeed? A video tutorial? Check! A step-by-step guide? Double check! We cover how to cater to all learning styles, ensuring that everyone can digest the information in a way that makes sense to them. Lastly, we’ll tackle FAQs to cover those ‘oops’ moments when things go awry. By the end of our episode, you’ll be armed with a nifty little trick to keep your SOPs fresh and fabulous, ensuring that they’re not just another dusty digital file but a living document that grows with your business!Takeaways: Creating SOPs can feel like a chore, but it doesn't have to be a total snooze-fest! Understanding the purpose behind your tasks is crucial to getting everyone on board, trust me! Make your SOPs pop with resources like videos and FAQs to keep things exciting. Keeping your SOPs up to date isn't just a one-person job; it's a team effort, folks! Using tools like ClickUp can streamline your SOP process, making it smoother than a jazz saxophonist! Don't forget, a little humor goes a long way in making SOPs more engaging! Links referenced in this episode:theopsyachtclub.comopsyachtclub.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Ops Yacht Club Loom Claude ChatGPT Gemini ClickUp Mentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

If you’re an operations pro hustling 50 hours a week and still barely scraping by, boy, do we have some juicy insights for you! Today, we're diving into the big ol' world of operations and revealing how you can transform your game from trading time for pennies to raking in the big bucks—think $5,000 to $15,000 a month! You see, the secret sauce isn’t just hard work; it’s all about how you position yourself and the value you bring to the table. We’re talking about ditching that hourly grind and instead showcasing your strategic thinking skills that business owners are absolutely craving. Stick around, because I’m spilling the beans on how to fix those pesky mistakes that keep you from cashing in and stepping into your true worth—no more staying broke on the hamster wheel of hourly rates!Ever felt like you’re stuck in a hamster wheel of working 50 hours a week, yet your bank account is not reflecting your hustle? I hear ya! It’s a real drag when you see fellow operations pros cashing in big bucks while you’re just scraping by. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to flip that script. By the time we wrap things up, you’ll be armed with all the juicy tips to transform your operations game from mundane to magnificent! First up, let’s chat about the classic blunder: trading your time for money. It’s like trying to fill a bathtub with the drain open – it’s just not gonna work out! Instead of getting paid for every hour you clock in, it’s high time you start charging for the value you bring to the table. Think about it! When you position yourself as a strategic thinker, the cash flow starts to pour in like a fountain of gold! I mean, who wouldn’t want to pay for brainpower over just manual labor, right? And trust me, it’s not just about doing tasks but about creating transformations that keep your clients coming back for more. Now, let’s not forget about the importance of language. Words have power, my friend! Swap out boring phrases like 'I can update your CRM' for something that makes business owners perk up like a kid in a candy store. How about ‘I can optimize your sales process to increase conversions by 20%’? Now that’s what I call painting a picture with your words! So, if you’re ready to ditch the low-paying gigs and become a strategic partner in the operations world, stick around because we’ve got loads of tips coming your way. Stay tuned and let’s make that bank account as happy as we are!Takeaways: Many operations professionals are stuck trading time for money, which keeps them broke. The key to success is positioning yourself as a strategic thinker instead of just a doer. Business owners crave strategic insights, and they'll pay more for your brainpower than your hands. Using outcome-based language when discussing services can drastically increase your perceived value. Links referenced in this episode:theopsyachtclub.comMentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

Are you the one holding yourself back from success? Brooke Elder dives into the common struggle of imposter syndrome and how it often stems from our own fears and doubts. She shares a powerful story about a client who nearly missed out on an incredible opportunity due to feelings of inadequacy, only to realize her true worth after stepping out of her comfort zone. This episode emphasizes that your worth remains unchanged regardless of external validation, and it's crucial to recognize that you're at the beginning of an exciting up level in your journey. Discover practical strategies to combat imposter syndrome, including creating a "brag book" to remind yourself of your achievements and the value you bring to the table.Brooke Elder dives into the transformative power of self-belief and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. Through compelling anecdotes, including a story about a client who wrestled with self-doubt before embracing a lucrative opportunity, she illustrates how many professionals grapple with imposter syndrome—a universal experience that can hinder success. The discussion highlights practical strategies for combating these feelings, emphasizing that the obstacles we face often stem from our own perceptions. Brooke encourages listeners to recognize imposter syndrome for what it is: a sign of growth. By creating a 'brag book' filled with testimonials and positive feedback, one can retrain the brain to acknowledge their worth and capabilities. The episode ultimately serves as a motivational call to action, inspiring individuals to confront their fears and pursue their ambitions with confidence, as their potential is often trapped behind self-imposed limitations.Takeaways: Imposter syndrome is common and affects everyone, even experienced professionals like Brooke Elder. Recognizing that imposter syndrome signifies you're about to up level is vital for growth. Creating a brag book can help combat imposter syndrome by reminding you of your achievements. Your worth is constant and unaffected by external validation or client rejections. Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal and professional development. Every experience you encounter is a learning opportunity, helping you grow and improve. Mentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

Are your client proposals falling flat? Discover how to transform your approach and get clients chasing you down for your services. In this episode, Brooke Elder emphasizes the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than just listing tasks or hours in your proposals. By identifying the core problem you solve and articulating the tangible results your clients can expect, you can create compelling offers that resonate with potential clients. Brooke shares practical strategies and examples, including a worksheet to guide you through crafting your offers, ensuring that your clients see the value in what you provide. Tune in to learn how to elevate your proposals and attract the clients you truly want to work with.Navigating the intricate world of client proposals can often feel like an uphill battle, especially for those in service-based businesses. Brooke Elder dives deep into the common pitfalls that lead to client rejections, urging business owners to rethink their approach to proposals. The crux of the discussion centers around the misconception that clients care about the hours spent or the tasks performed. Instead, Elder emphasizes the importance of focusing on outcomes—the transformative results that hiring a service provider can bring to their business. By illustrating how to shift the narrative from a task-oriented proposal to one that highlights the benefits and results, listeners learn how to position their offers in a way that resonates deeply with potential clients. The episode culminates in practical advice on crafting offers that not only address client pain points but also clearly articulate the desired outcomes, thus enabling business owners to attract clients who are eager to engage their services.Takeaways: Business proposals should focus on outcomes rather than listing tasks and hours. Identify the core problem you solve for clients to create compelling offers. Emphasize the transformative results clients will experience by hiring you. Effective communication in proposals can lead to clients seeking your services eagerly. Articulating the benefits of your solutions can significantly enhance client engagement. Use worksheets to clarify your offers and streamline the proposal creation process. Links referenced in this episode:alignyourtruenorth.com/offer-solutionMentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

Feeling overworked? You might not be managing your time effectively. In this episode, Brooke Elder dives into practical time management strategies that can help you optimize your business while still prioritizing your family and personal vision. She emphasizes the importance of viewing time as a container, where setting goals and compressing timelines can actually boost productivity. Through techniques like time blocking and reducing context switching, Brooke provides actionable tips to streamline your workflow. Plus, she offers a free training resource to help you implement these strategies and achieve more in less time.Struggling to find that sweet spot between work and personal life? Brooke Elder hosts an enlightening discussion centered on the often-overlooked topic of time management, especially for busy entrepreneurs. Her perspective shifts the narrative, urging listeners to consider time as a limited resource that, when managed correctly, can lead to greater productivity and a more balanced life. Elder's insights challenge the common misconception that simply working harder will yield better results; she argues instead that efficiency is key. By compressing timelines and setting clear goals, individuals can unlock their potential and enhance their creativity, leading to a more fulfilling work experience.The episode dives into the practicalities of time management, emphasizing the importance of strategies like time blocking. Elder differentiates between two types of individuals: those who thrive on detailed schedules and those who prefer a more flexible approach. Regardless of one's style, the core principle remains the same: reducing context switching is vital for maintaining focus and efficiency. Elder advocates for grouping similar tasks, which not only minimizes distractions but also allows for deeper engagement with work. Her personal anecdotes and relatable examples resonate with listeners, making her advice actionable and relevant.To further aid her audience, Elder introduces a special gift— a free training called the ‘Productivity Project’—designed to help implement these time management techniques. This resource serves as a stepping stone for listeners eager to refine their skills and take control of their schedules. By the end of the episode, Elder inspires a newfound appreciation for managing time wisely, encouraging her audience to embrace these strategies and ultimately reclaim their time, leading to a more productive and harmonious life.Takeaways: Time management is crucial for balancing work and personal life, yet many avoid fixing it. Setting constraints on time can boost productivity and foster creative problem-solving. Grouping similar tasks together minimizes context switching and enhances efficiency in work. Utilizing time blocking allows you to prioritize family and work commitments effectively. Implementing the Pomodoro technique helps maintain focus and gives essential breaks for productivity. The right time management strategies can enable you to take on more clients successfully. Links referenced in this episode:alignyourtruenorth.com/productivityMentioned in this episode:Become a Member of the Ops Yacht ClubI've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com