HerBusiness

You delegate something to your team, or explain a new project, and then… watch as it lands right back on your desk. Learning how to communicate your vision (for the business, a project or even a simple task) to your team (and have them take OWNERSHIP of it!) is one of the most common challenges small business owners face, no matter how long they've been in business. After years of leading teams and working closely with thousands of women business owners, Suzi Dafnis has come to understand that changes how your team responds to you: The problem doesn't lie within your vision… it lies in the translation. In this episode, Suzi shares a practical three-part framework that will help you communicate any project, task, or campaign to your team in a way that creates real ownership (instead of vacant stares and nodding). Here's What You'll Discover in the Episode: Why even capable, well-intentioned teams bring the work back to you (and what's actually causing their behaviour) The difference between explaining your vision and enrolling your team in it What actually creates real team accountability and ownership Why you should never, ever over-explain while briefing your team A three-part framework for how to communicate your vision to your team (that works for any project, campaign, or goal) Real examples of what effective team communication sounds like in practice Why a brief is one of the most underused leadership tools in small business (IF you do it right!) How to stop micromanaging by getting clear before the conversation starts What becomes possible for your business when your team is genuinely enrolled (and excited) with where the business is going Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Follow us on Instagram The Leaders' Table – A six-part leadership series Reviewer: Kim Linton, Jim's Bookkeeping, Ashburton

What if your most powerful growth strategy was about having meaningful conversations and building connections? In this episode, Suzi chats with Jules Brooke, founder of She's the Boss, who shares how podcasting became her most effective tool for building influence, connection, and opportunity — without needing a massive audience. Jules didn't start with a grand strategy. What began as a love of interviewing women has evolved into a powerful platform that has connected her with hundreds of founders worldwide. Along the way, she's built not just a network — but genuine relationships that have led to collaborations, clients, friendships, and unexpected opportunities. Why Podcasting is a Powerful Networking and Growth Tool One key takeaway is that podcasting flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of awkward small talk or transactional conversations, a podcast creates space for deeper, more meaningful connections. It gives you: A reason to reach out to influential people A structure for the conversation A natural way to build rapport and trust And importantly, it removes many of the barriers that make networking feel uncomfortable—especially for introverts. How to Use Podcasting to Build Influence and Authority In this episode, you'll discover: Why a podcast can open doors that cold outreach never could The surprising reason audience size matters less than you think How to turn conversations into collaborations, clients and long-term allies The difference between "being visible" and being known for something meaningful A smarter way to approach networking (especially if you're an introvert) What to do if your podcast—or your visibility strategy—feels scattered or unfocused Meaningful Visibility vs Social Media Noise But this isn't about creating content for content's sake. Jules makes a clear distinction between "noise" and "meaningful visibility." It's not about how many people see you—it's about being seen by the right people, consistently, for what you want to be known for. She also challenges the idea that a podcast needs a huge audience to be worthwhile. In fact, she argues the real value lies in the doors it opens—the people you meet, the credibility you build, and the conversations that wouldn't otherwise happen. Start a Podcast to Grow Your Business and Network If you've ever thought about starting a podcast—or wondered how to make your existing one more strategic—this episode will give you a new lens on what's possible. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network How to Become a Woman of Influence Online Course

If you've ever felt like your message no longer quite fits your business—even though everything looks "successful" on the outside—this episode will resonate deeply. In this conversation, Patrice Poltzer, creator of My Story Pro, explores a subtle but critical shift that happens as businesses grow: the story that once built your momentum may no longer carry your leadership. In the early stages, your founder story is often everything. It's personal, relatable, and powerful. It helps people connect with you in a crowded market. But as your business evolves—growing in team, complexity, and impact—that same story can start to feel incomplete. Not wrong. Just… outdated. Patrice introduces the idea of moving from a founder-led story to a mission-driven story. One that still honours where you began, but expands to reflect what you now stand for, who you serve, and where you're going. We also explore: Why messaging becomes "blurry" as your business grows The difference between content that creates noise vs. authority Why so many women feel they're constantly repeating themselves—and what's missing What sustainable visibility looks like (especially if you don't want to be "on" all the time) How to use AI as a tool without losing your voice One of the most powerful takeaways is this: your story is not just about your past—it's a tool to help you step into your future. And yet, many women hesitate to fully own their story. Not because they lack experience—but because they question whether it's "worth" sharing. Patrice challenges that directly. Your story is your unique IP. It's the one thing no one can replicate. And in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated content, your humanity is your greatest advantage. This episode is an invitation to rethink how you show up—not just as a business owner, but as a leader. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Meet our reviewer - Lydia Dyhin, Calma Lifestyle Start your 7-Day Trial of Patrice's My Story Pro Software

"I can't rely on anyone else in my business. It's easier if I just do it myself." In this #AskSuzi episode, we are tackling one of the most common (and most misunderstood!) challenges women business owners face: feeling like you're the only person you can truly rely on in your business. It seems like your team keeps dropping the ball. If you want tasks done right, you have to do them yourself. You're constantly picking up the pieces and patching the leaks. THAT is not leverage. In this episode, I talk about the reason you're having team struggles, how to fix them, and how to lead a team that runs with clear direction (so you can do more of what YOU do best). What You'll Discover in This Episode: The four real reasons you feel like you can't rely on your team (and why only one of them is actually about your team members) Why the identity that built your business might be the very thing keeping it stuck The secret to delegation (and why most people get it wrong) What healthy leadership actually looks like Why business owners are hesitant to step into leadership (and the misconceptions we have on what being the 'boss' means) The reason your team needs vision more than you realise — and how to loop them in on your business big picture Three practical places to start making changes TODAY to create a team that you can finally rely on What life looks like when you have people around you who can help carry the load of the business Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Reviewer Susan Bell, of Susan Bell Research Episode 345 – The Secrets to Speaking with Impact, Confidence, and Presence as a Small Business Owner with Anne Maree Wilshire

In business, there are seasons when everything seems to flow effortlessly. Ideas land. Clients say yes. Momentum builds. And then there are the other seasons. The ones where you feel like you're doing all the things… yet somehow getting nowhere. If you've ever found yourself staring at your laptop, wondering whether you've forgotten how to run your business, you're not alone. In this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, Suzi Dafnis explores the very real cycles that most business owners experience — from soaring growth to frustrating plateaus — and why those slower seasons might actually be laying the groundwork for your next leap forward. You'll also hear how to tell the difference between a temporary hard week and deeper burnout, why doing less isn't always the solution, and how to recognise when your business model may no longer be aligned with who you've become as a leader. Because often when things feel stuck, it's a sign of a transition. And transition is where meaningful growth begins. In This Episode You'll Discover: Why it's normal for businesses to move through cycles of momentum and stagnation What it really means when you feel like you're "getting nowhere" The key difference between a tough week and true burnout How misalignment in your business model can lead to exhaustion Why doing less isn't always the answer to burnout How to recognise the work that creates energy versus the work that drains you The difference between maintenance work and momentum work A powerful question to ask when you feel overwhelmed in your business How identity shifts influence the way you lead your next chapter A Few Questions to Reflect On As you listen, you might like to ask yourself: Where am I constantly forcing myself in my business? If I were building this business from scratch today, would I design it the same way? What work consistently gives me energy? What work drains me every time? What is the one thing that would make everything else easier right now? Often, clarity doesn't come from doing more. It comes from creating space to think. Join the HerBusiness Network:If you're ready to grow a sustainable business surrounded by other ambitious women business owners, the HerBusiness Network is where strategy, community and support come together. Apply to join us here: https://www.herbusinessnetwork.com Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Episode 330: Why "White Space" is the Secret to Getting Unstuck in Business Review by Davina Borrow-Jones, The Mumpreneur LawyerDavina specialises in drafting custom contracts and reviewing existing agreements to help protect your business.Website: https://mumlawyer.com.au/

Is Your Brand Supporting Your Growth — or Slowing It Down? As your business grows, your brand needs to grow with it. But many small businesses operate under a brand created in the early days — when they were charging less, serving different clients, or still figuring out their positioning. And over time, that misalignment can quietly slow your growth. In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Horvat, Founder of Graphika, a branding partner to professional service providers who want to build clear, compliant and credible brands that support long-term success. With nearly three decades of experience — working with organisations like Paralympics Australia, NSW and QLD Government, corporate clients and hundreds of small businesses — Melissa understands how to translate your expertise into a brand presence that builds trust and authority. In this conversation, we explore what branding really means for professional service providers — and how to ensure your brand reflects the level of business you're building now, not the one you started with. If you're serious about sustainable growth, this episode will help you assess whether your brand is an asset… or a limitation. Here's What We Cover in This Episode: The subtle signs your brand is out of alignment with the level of business you're operating at now Why professional service providers need more than a "nice logo" to build authority and trust How a clear and credible brand shortens the sales cycle and attracts better-fit clients The role compliance and professionalism play in building confidence with high-value clients What happens behind the scenes when your visual identity doesn't match your expertise Practical first steps to elevate your brand without overcomplicating the process Branding isn't about making your business look bigger than it is. It's about making sure your brand accurately reflects the quality, expertise and experience you bring — so the right clients recognise your value immediately. If you've been feeling like your business has evolved… but your brand hasn't caught up, this conversation will give you clarity on what to do next. Mentioned in This Episode: Get Your Free Brand Consultation Check out Melissa's Social Media Course Register Your Interest in the Brand You Membership Thanks to our Reviewer, Brigit Hallam of Throw Your Leg Over Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

If LinkedIn has felt like something you should use but don't quite know how, or you've been posting without much traction, this episode is for you. My guest today is Jo Saunders, known as Australia's LinkedIn Demystifier. Jo is a LinkedIn strategist who helps service-based business owners turn LinkedIn into a sales and relationship-building tool — without being pushy or inauthentic. In this conversation, we talk about how women entrepreneurs can use LinkedIn strategically — to build trust, increase visibility, and make real sales — all while showing up as their true selves. Whether you're already active on LinkedIn or feeling embarrassed by your neglected profile, Jo offers practical advice and powerful mindset shifts that will help you take the next step. In This Episode, We Cover: Why random posting isn't enough — and how to use LinkedIn with real purpose The algorithm changes in 2026 you need to know about (and how to work with them) What it means to be "appropriately human" on a professional platform How to position your offers and include CTAs without turning people off The importance of being consistent in your messaging (and how talking about too many things can confuse your audience — and the algorithm) Jo's thoughts on AI-generated content and why authenticity matters more than ever What "connect-fluence" means and how to use connection to drive influence and sales The key differences between showing up to "make friends" versus selling with service How to leverage key areas of your LinkedIn profile (Jo calls them "sales hotspots") to drive traffic and conversions Whether or not you need LinkedIn Premium — and who it's really for Why slowing down your outreach and engaging thoughtfully is the biggest missed opportunity How Jo is using leverage in her business this year by relaunching community events What "Your Business, Your Rules" means to Jo — and how she embraces it by showing up in her colourful, unique way Key Takeaways: Don't just post to be visible — post with a purpose. Know what you're selling, who it's for, and create content that helps them. Your LinkedIn profile is a credibility tool. Treat it like a landing page — make sure it's clear, current, and aligned with your message. Show up as yourself — strategically. You don't have to fit a corporate mould. Just be intentional and on-brand. Connection comes before conversion. Build influence by building trust. Engage meaningfully, and don't rush the sale. You can sell — without being salesy. Provide value first. Then give people a clear next step. Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network Get a copy of Jo's LinkedIn Healthcheck Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Learn more about working with Jo Follow strategist Joroen Kraaijenbrink of The Big 5 of Strategy on LinkedIn Reviewer Kaye Ure, of Styling Individuals Listen to episode 330: Why "White Space" is the Secret to Getting Unstuck in Business

No matter your level of expertise, years in your industry, or depth of knowledge — if you're not able to present that content with confidence and PRESENCE… you're quietly holding your business back. How we present ourselves and our businesses is just as important as the actual value we provide. So how can you ensure you're showing up ready to make the greatest possible impact with your presence? And how can you do this while remaining authentic and true to yourself? That's exactly what Anne Maree Wilshire and I are discussing on this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast. Anne Maree, founder of Vibrant Voices, is an expert on voice, presence, and presentation—and today she's sharing the secrets to speaking with impact, confidence, and presence as a small-business owner. Here's What You'll Discover on This Episode: What "presence" really means in a business context (and why it creates trust and authority!). The 3 biggest internal barriers that prevent your message from landing – and how to recognise them fast. Why old belief systems about being 'appropriate' hold us back from saying what we truly want (and prevent us from attracting people who agree!) The #1 blindspot entrepreneurs have when preparing for presentations, keynotes, podcasts, or any speaking event (Hint – it's NOT the quality of your notes!). The professional masks you might be putting up that actually create a disconnect with your clients (You might not even realise you're doing this!) How to make your audience understand – and resonate with! – your message, without feeling like you're overexplaining or rushing. Why confidence is never something you can wait for, and the ONE thing you can do to actually create it. Exactly what to prepare before speaking so you can stay grounded (and more importantly – connected to your topic, audience, and passion). What conviction and courage really look like, and how to access them in high-pressure situations. Why presence matters to you and your brand, and how to cultivate that presence to attract more clients, bring in opportunities, and open doors for yourself. Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network Vibrant Voices with Anne Maree Wilshire Episode EP336: Reflect Now, Relax Later: How to End 2025 Strong and Step into 2026 with Intention Big Stories, Little Films

It's time to #AskSuzi! To start off this brand-new series, I'll be answering a question I get from women business owners all the time. "How can I turn cold leads into warm leads… without feeling like a used car salesman??" It's something the majority of new (and even established) business owners feel uncomfortable doing. But the good news? There is a science to it. Let's dive into it. Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why following up with cold leads feels so awkward (and what you can do to reframe it) What to say when following up without sounding awkward or 'desperate' for the sale. What adding value (without asking for the sale) builds the trust and momentum you need Why creating a PATHWAY to the sale is your best bet to reaching it. How to design a simple lead nurturing pathway that moves prospects towards becoming clients. Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network How to Get FREE Leads & Buyers on Instagram with Nicole Burke From Free to Paid: How To Seamlessly Convert Leads to Buyers How To Create A New Client Nurture Email Campaign Thanks to our Reviewer - Brigit Hallam - Throw Your Leg Over Motorcycle Adventures

To kick off 2026 as The Year of Leverage, I'm sharing the six marketing trends that will shape how successful businesses grow this year. And to do that — I've tapped into my network and asked world-renowned marketers and entrepreneurs for their 2026 predicted trends. This episode is a goldmine of marketing knowledge from some of my favourite successful business owners. Featuring: Dale Beaumont (CEO of Business Blueprint), Omar Zenhom (host of the popular $100 MBA Show), Sharon Pope (master life coach and best-selling author), Stu McLaren (Founder of membership.io and creator of The Membership Experience), Tina Tower (CEO of Her Business Empire), Matt Diamante (Instagram strategist and SEO expert), Susan Bradley (former guest and CEO of The Social Sales Girls), Tracy Harris (CEO of Tracy Harris.co and host of the Mums with Hustle podcast), and Ingrid Angehrn Dewulf (CEO of Style Me Happy) and Gabbi Kitchener of the Art of Flow for their contribution to this episode. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The top 6 marketing trends that experts expect to see (and integrate!) in 2026 — and how you can put them into action. Dale Beaumont's plan to get his content in front of a larger audience this year, and the ONE strategy he's focusing on. The biggest change Omar Zenhom is making in his business in 2026, and why he thinks it will pay off. Why Sharon Pope believes that your authentic voice is going to be more critical than ever to gaining the trust of your audience. The importance of nurturing your audience (while leveraging your workflow) with Stu McLaren. Why Tina Tower is doubling down on her paid ad strategy — and why she's experimenting with her creative this year. The multi-media approach that Matt Diamante will be using to bring in more leads and higher conversions. How Susan Bradley is tapping into a new social media strategy and going all-in on short-form video. Why storytelling and intimate conversation with your audience is going to make or break your audience's trust with Tracy Harris. The power of showing more personality and opinions in your social content, launches, and paid programs with Ingrid Angehrn Dewulf. And, why Gabbi Kitchener has made the bold move with AI-FREE marketing in 2026, and the value of authenticity. Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network Dale Beaumont (CEO of Business Blueprint) Omar Zenhom (host of the popular $100 MBA Show) Sharon Pope (master life coach and best-selling author) Stu McLaren (Founder of membership.io and creator of The Membership Experience) Tina Tower (CEO of Her Business Empire) Matt Diamante (Instagram strategist and SEO expert) Susan Bradley (former guest and CEO of The Social Sales Girls) Tracy Harris (CEO of Tracy Harris.co and host of the Mums with Hustle podcast) Ingrid Angehrn Dewulf (CEO of Style Me Happy) Gabbi Kitchener of the Art of Flow HerBusiness Podcast Episode 323: Want more sales? Do these three things every month with Susan Bradley HerBusiness Podcast Episode 327: Grow Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships – with Sharon Pope

Every business owner trying to scale beyond the solopreneur or micropreneur stage reaches this point. A ceiling (maybe a revenue plateau, maybe a leadership problem, maybe a team or leadership skill gap) that prevents getting to that next level. Good thing we have Chantel Gilbert, our 2025 HerBusiness Member of the Year and CEO of Bluegum Electrical Solutions, here to tell us exactly how she did it. In this episode, she's showing us how she stepped into the CEO role of her business in more than title alone — and scaled her 7-figure business. Here's What You'll Discover in this Episode: Chantel reveals the surprisingly common leadership trap women fall into, and why solving every problem yourself keeps you stuck (even if it feels good to be the one with the answers!) How to empower your team to take initiative and responsibility for the business's long-term success (and how YOU can let go, in order to grow). Discover the GENIUS decision-making tool that will help your team solve 90-100% of their problems independently, so you don't have to be involved in every decision. Chantel's must-haves (or must-not-haves!) in order to scale successfully — and why reviewing your systems, processes, and habits is step #1. How to use data and cycles to experiment in your business, rather than simply following what the industry says (or guessing!) What scaling really means for your work-life 'balance'. And what changes to expect with your capacity, seasons of life, and personal life. How to realistically prepare your business for the next stage of growth, and start building foundations now. Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network HerBusiness Podcast Episode 328: 4 Systems That Saved My Sanity as a Business Owner Bettina Mitchell, Workflow Mastery

What if EVERY client project, business building campaign, or idea automatically appeared in your calendar… so you could sit down at your desk, ready to work? That's not the reality for most of us as business owners. A huge chunk of time goes to project planning. But Belinda Weaver, copywriter, coach, and CEO of Copywriting Matters has discovered a brand new system that makes project planning SO much faster and more organised. Today, she's sharing her ChatGPT Project Planning System (with all of the prompts she used!) so you can have your calendar auto-populated with tasks – taking the mental load off you completely. Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: How you can use ChatGPT to organise upcoming projects, break down tasks, and automatically upload them into your calendar. How to take the burden of planning, scheduling, and delegating out of your everyday workflow The prompts to use in order to break a big, overwhelming project into clear, sequential tasks so nothing gets forgotten Why AI can help you uncover hidden time-vacuums, and start planning enough time to get everything done How Belinda gets ChatGPT to create a detailed, week-by-week plan that factors in your working days, deliverables, client preferences, start/finish dates, white space, and non-negotiables. Why seeing a birds-eye-view of your calendar or project instantly reveals hidden problems with capacity (and how to stop overloading yourself!). How to use ChatGPT the RIGHT way — and get better quality outputs (hint: it all starts with your prompts!) Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network Belinda's ChatGPT Guide (and Walkthrough Video) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v4uWG0t7Reqs1mKyU_UnMNGMvDp27Xgw1ITNdrL7tEE/copy= Want Belinda's Eyes on Your Copy? Complete Your First Impressions Audit Here https://y4vmyamwjws.typeform.com/to/ruwrwTVO Claire Harrison, Harrison HR Episode 335 of the HerBusiness Podcast How to Build a Business Plan for 2026 That Doesn't Burn You Out