BELAY client Geoff Welch and his BELAY Virtual Assistant Trúc Towns talk with Tricia about their experience of learning to work together and their top tips for getting started working with a Virtual Assistant. Geoff also explains how delegation has allowed him to play to his strengths in both his career and his personal life.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, harnessing the power of technology and artificial intelligence has become essential for businesses and professionals aiming to thrive in their respective fields. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from a remarkable duo who have embraced the potential of AI to enhance their productivity and streamline their work processes.
Wes Gay is a StoryBrand Certified Guide, Agency Owner, and Private Workshop Facilitator. And since 2016, he’s helped hundreds of organizations find clarity with StoryBrand. Jodi Reiter is an accomplished Executive Assistant, bringing a wealth of experience from the marketing, advertising and photography industries as she supports Wes. They sat down with Ryan to share their experiences, strategies and success stories in utilizing AI to collaborate more efficiently and achieve remarkable outcomes. Listeners will learn about the most impactful AI tools on the market and how to weave them into your daily workflow.
Today on the podcast, we have a special episode courtesy of our friends at the Maxwell Leadership Podcast. BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld sat down with Mark Cole recently to co-host an episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast about how to get time back as a leader.
In this Bonus Next Step, Tricia and LZ share how to identify and prioritize your most important emails so they don’t get lost in the mix.
Communication is a critical part of leadership. But managing email can be tedious and frustrating for busy leaders. In this episode, Tricia and LZ will discuss their strategies for email management and reaching “inbox zero.” Leaders will get new ideas about how to manage email, how Tricia and LZ delegate to their virtual assistants, how they prioritize their emails, and a lot more!
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY’s Sr. Acquisitions Manager Ashlee Webb shares the one thing she wishes she would have known before starting this process of building relationships with potential partners and affiliates.
B2B marketing can often be hit or miss. And determining and getting access to your target market can also be difficult. The best way to find and access that target market is to align yourself with companies who already have relationships with those people. They can introduce you to that market directly using their relationship, trust and team. Our goal is for business owners to be able to more effectively leverage partnerships and affiliates in their sales and marketing efforts. In this episode, we’ll be joined by BELAY Sr. Acquisitions Manager, Ashlee Webb. She will chat with us about how to build and scale your business using partnerships and affiliates.
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY Solutions Consultant Theresa Summerlin breaks down the pros and cons of hiring a virtual assistant to help run your social media, versus hiring a dedicated social media manager.
There’s a major difference between recognizing that social media is important and having the knowledge and skills you need to use it effectively. If you’re struggling to find the time to devote to social media, or you want to take your strategy to the next level, it might be time to hire a social media manager. In this episode, BELAY VP of Marketing Amy Appleton talks with Solutions Consultant Theresa Summerlin about the different ways that hiring a social media expert can help your business’ marketing, sales, and customer service. Theresa also shares some practical tips for leaders who are managing their own accounts and discusses a few key signs that it might be time to start outsourcing this piece of your business.
In this Bonus Next Step, Tricia and LZ share some of the key red flags to look out for to determine if someone isn’t right for the job..
What makes up the perfect virtual assistant? What should leaders be looking for when they are hiring this important position? In this episode, Tricia and LZ will share the key attributes that make up a great VA, from their decades of experience in interviewing, hiring, and being them. They’ll leave our listeners empowered and equipped to find the right fit for the job, knowing exactly what to look for in a great VA.
In this Bonus Next Step, Ryan Fitzgerald shares what benefits business owners and leaders fail to think about when it comes to the hybrid, remote model.
In this episode we’ll talk with BELAY’s own Ryan Fitzgerald, who is our Director of Marketing. He’ll talk about his experience with managing hybrid teams in a church setting and the various benefits of fractional, hybrid workforces for churches and nonprofits. Business owners and church leaders who are on the fence about remote work should get a lot from this episode.
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY’s VP of Marketing Amy Appleton tells small business owners and solopreneurs who haven’t made their first dedicated marketing hire where they can go to get help.
Return on Investment (ROI). Every business leader knows what it is, and knows it’s important, but how many really have put a plan in practice to build a healthy ROI in their marketing? In this episode, Amy Appleton, VP of Marketing at BELAY, rejoins the podcast to talk with LZ about all things ROI. They’ll discuss what a good ROI looks like, how to know when you’re succeeding with ROI, what to do when things go wrong, what type of technology can help, and more.
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY’s Director of Talent Madison Morgan shares some of the characteristics that sets a great VA apart from the crowd during the interview process.
The process of finding a great virtual assistant can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to make sure you know what traits you’re looking for and how to screen for them in the interview process. In this episode, BELAY Director of Talent Madison Morgan will share an overview of BELAY’s proven process for hiring great VAs. She’ll also explain how partnering with BELAY can save leaders an enormous amount of time and stress. Listeners should leave this episode with an understanding of what it takes to hire a virtual assistant, as well as the benefits of working with BELAY rather than hiring someone on their own.
It’s the leader’s job to chart the direction of the business. However, even with a clear vision, selecting the right goals can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when there are more options and opportunities than resources. Without specific goals, you and your team will struggle to focus and maximize the return on your effort.
Tracking progress often feels just as confusing. Even the most profit-minded leaders sometimes question if they’re headed in the right direction and wonder how if what they’re doing is working.
This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite (and first) episodes of the podcast in case you missed it back in 2020. In this episode, Tricia and Lisa interview entrepreneur, best-selling author, and investor of ABC Network’s Shark Tank, Daymond John about taking control of your game by setting goals and tracking progress for your business.
In this Bonus Next Step, Carrie Fabris explains what “all in” means and shares a few tips for leaders to help them confront the barriers keeping them from experiencing everything life has to offer.
We all want to hire people who are good at what they do, but how do we make sure we’re allowing our team members to play to their unique strengths? This is a question that Carrie Fabris has helped many leaders answer as a coach and a speaker, and in this episode, she’s going to share her insight with our listeners. Anyone who listens to this episode should gain a better understanding of what it means to leverage your strengths in your personal and professional life, while also equipping others to do the same.
In this Bonus Next Step, John Duisberg shares how building a great employee experience helps businesses attract quality talent, and how leaders can best communicate their unique culture to prospective employees.
67% of employees say burnout has worsened during the pandemic, so it’s more important than ever for leaders to prioritize the employee experience. In this episode, John Duisberg, co-founder of Cooleaf and host of “The Great Retention” Podcast, will break down some of the common problems he’s seen when it comes to employee experience, and he’ll share practical steps leaders can take to better engage their team members and improve retention in the process. Leaders who listen to this episode should feel convinced that experience and engagement are something they need to focus on, and they should each walk away with at least one practical action step that’s applicable for their business.
Even the most capable working professionals struggle with self-doubt, costing themselves time, money, opportunities, and their reputations. This week, we’re featuring one of our favorite episodes from the last two years of the One Next Step podcast. In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld interviews Tricia Sciortino, BELAY CEO, focusing on her approach to helping leaders harness their grit and trust their gut so they can defeat self-doubt, gain confidence, and make progress on their priorities.
In this Bonus Next Step, Mike Byam explains how leaders can give recognition that resonates with employees and makes them feel appreciated but not create a sense of entitlement.
For leaders dealing with hiring and retention issues, employee recognition is probably not their top priority. But Mike Byam believes it should be. In this episode, he’ll explain why recognition is vital for a healthy work culture, and he’ll break down the specific types of recognition and communication that today’s employees are looking to receive from their employers. Leaders should walk away from this episode with a clear understanding of why recognition matters, as well as actionable steps they can take to build recognition into the routines of their business.
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY clients Tony & Kristina Ebel share the biggest lesson they’ve learned about relationships from running a business together.
Many business owners who hire a virtual assistant expect that it will help them stay organized professionally, but people don’t always realize that working with a VA can also empower you to build a healthier personal life. This is especially true for today’s guests, Tony and Kristina Ebel, because they are spouses who run two successful businesses together. Tony and Kristina are the owners of The Pediatric Experience, which includes both a brick and mortar and an online business. In this episode, Kristina and Tony will talk through some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced while building their businesses, and they’ll explain how hiring a BELAY virtual assistant has helped them grow both individually and collectively.
In this Bonus Next Step, Kim Stone shares with LZ a few key signs that it might be time to step into something new.
As someone who’s spent 25 years advancing through the top organization’s in sports and entertainment, including the Miami HEAT and Golden State Warriors, Kim Stone is an expert at seeking out new challenges and opportunities within her organization. In this episode, Kim is going to explain how she balances staying hungry for new opportunities with enjoying the present and conserving her energy to lead for the long haul.
In this Bonus Next Step, BELAY client Bruce Ackerman talks about the most important things you can do to create a lasting partnership with your new VA right from the start.
When scaling a business, it’s natural to reach a point where you feel like your limited capacity is slowing down the business’ growth. In this episode, LZ will talk with Bruce Ackerman about his experience hiring a BELAY virtual assistant. Bruce is the founder of Printavo, a software company that helps screen printing shops stay organized as they grow. Bruce will also talk about some of the biggest challenges he’s overcome while building his business and will share advice for other entrepreneurs.
In this Bonus Next Step, Brian Dodd shares about his most respected sports figure – who is it, why, and the biggest lessons he learned from them.
Join us for our conversation with Brian Dodd, Director of New Ministry Relationships at Injoy Stewardship Solutions. He’ll chat with us about all things leadership – from how to measure effective leadership, to building winning cultures, to questions we should be asking our teams, and a whole lot more.
In this Bonus Next Step, Jon Gordon explains how positive leaders can create a greater impact by inspiring positivity in their team members. He also describes how a positive, relationship-focused mindset can strengthen your team’s connection and commitment.
Positivity is not sticking your head in the sand to ignore challenges, but rather facing them head on with optimism and courage. In this episode, author and speaker Jon Gordon explains how positive leadership can transform your organization. He also shares success stories he’s seen firsthand from some of the world’s top organizations, and he lays out some practical steps you can take to start becoming a more positive leader today.
What worked for your business on social media in the past — even six months ago — will probably not work today. Social media is constantly changing, and keeping up with the latest trends and growth strategies is a full-time job. So in this episode, BELAY Social Media Strategist Jessica Doehling provides a state of the union on social media in 2022. She breaks down the biggest trends, explains how to determine which platforms you should focus on, and gives an overview of the most important things to include in a social media strategy. Whether you’re running your own socials or just want to better understand the landscape your marketing team is working in, this conversation is packed with useful information.
In this episode, Jeff shares some of the key lessons from his new book, “What to Do Next.” He breaks down a few key signs that you might be ready for a change, explains why it’s so important to create optimal options, and shares some strategies for building and accessing your personal network. Whether you’re a leader who’s currently in the midst of a transition, or you want to prepare yourself to make a change in the future, this episode is full of valuable insight!
Communication is one of the most important parts of a leader’s job, and yet 66% of leaders report feeling uncomfortable communicating with their employees. In this episode, BELAY Vice President of Operations Matt Seaton unpacks four necessities for communicating effectively with your team. He also shares practical tips for implementing those strategies and explains how leaders of remote and hybrid teams can build connections even without physical proximity.
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, but there are a few key characteristics that can increase your chances of success at whatever business you choose to build. In this episode, Monica Allen talks through some of those characteristics and shares the biggest lessons she’s learned throughout more than twenty years of entrepreneurship. Monica is the co-founder and COO of Zeus’ Closet, owner of Monica Allen Interiors, and host of the “Become Your Own Boss” podcast. She discusses some of the common issues facing today’s entrepreneurs, shares a few of her favorite resources, and explains why she’s focused on calibration instead of balance.
In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld and CEO Tricia Sciortino break down the process of building culture, from defining your values to integrating those values into your team’s daily routines. Tricia and Lisa also share some creative examples of the ways BELAY has implemented the core values of gratitude, fun, and vision.
In this episode, BELAY CEO Tricia Sciortino talks with Chick-fil-A operator Rob Herold and his BELAY virtual assistant, Mindy Brewer. Rob and Mindy share practical insight about the process of onboarding and beginning to delegate to a VA. They also explain how their partnership frees Rob up to focus on the things he does best. Whether you’re currently working with a VA or you’re considering hiring one but aren’t sure if you’re ready, this episode is full of valuable information.
As a leader, you’re responsible for setting the tone when it comes to your team’s productivity. But in a culture where many of us confuse busyness for productivity, it can be difficult to find the daily rhythms and structures that help you and your team accomplish your most important tasks. In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld talks with V.P. of Marketing Amy Appleton about four strategies leaders can use to be more productive with their time, physical space, meetings, and delegation. They share practical tips for becoming a better delegator, setting up a physical space that’s conducive to productivity, structuring meetings for maximum effectiveness, and more.
Strong relationships are one of the keys to building a great company culture, especially for remote or hybrid teams. In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld shares a few key hacks for leading with empathy, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where feedback is encouraged. Whether you’re new to working with hybrid teams or you’re an experienced leader who just wants to learn more, this episode is full of practical advice and insight.
Strong relationships are one of the keys to building a great company culture, especially for remote or hybrid teams. In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld shares a few key hacks for leading with empathy, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where feedback is encouraged. Whether you’re new to working with hybrid teams or you’re an experienced leader who just wants to learn more, this episode is full of practical advice and insight.
When you’re looking to grow your business, the answer is usually less about working harder and more about delegating effectively. That’s why Stacy Tuschl is so focused on helping business owners stop getting in the way of their own growth. In this episode, Stacy shares practical advice leaders can use to start delegating, creating more accountability among team members, and setting up systems that allow the business to keep running smoothly.
Kevin B. Jennings joins us again to share some practical tips for making the most of your social media presence, measuring your marketing success, and helping people transition from followers and subscribers into customers. If you’re a business owner who’s struggling to get traction with social media and email marketing, or you don’t have a strong online presence yet and want to get started, this episode is full of great advice.
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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tonia Benas, BELAY’s Talent Acquisition Recruiter & D&I Committee Co-Chair, and Beth Thompson, BELAY’s HR Generalist. They will talk about the importance and value of diversity and inclusion in business, and they’ll also explain BELAY’s journey to developing their own D&I Committee. Listeners will feel motivated to help make their workplace more inclusive, and they’ll have the strategies and resources to do just that.
In this episode, LZ and Tricia will talk to busy leaders about the importance of taking time off. Too many leaders and business owners go so hard that they don’t take time for themselves. LZ and Tricia will help leaders understand why vacation time is so important, both mentally and physically. And they’ll explain some strategies and techniques leaders can use to help them implement healthy processes that allow them to get away.
Tim Schurrer is the former VP of Talent Management and Culture at StoryBrand, and the author of a new book, “The Secret Society of Success.” He is dedicated to helping leaders stop chasing the spotlight and redefine success so they can start making an impact that goes far beyond themselves. If you are a leader who is tired of trying to climb the ladder of success, or you’re struggling to figure out your purpose, this episode can help.
Harris III is a professional illusionist, speaker, storyteller and entrepreneur. He is passionate about helping solopreneurs move out of their old life and old ways of thinking and find the new life they want to live. His transformation map and concept of the Wonder Switch are life-changing tools for entrepreneurs. If you are an entrepreneur or leader who feels stuck and possibly unmotivated, this episode is just for you.
Some business owners don’t understand the value of having a bookkeeper. They might not even realize how beneficial bookkeepers are until they have one in place. In this episode, Catherine Bowman will talk about her first-hand experience as a BELAY bookkeeper, and how bookkeepers help their clients save time and money. She’ll also talk about how they help entrepreneurs wisely manage and spend their hard-earned dollars.
In this episode, we are joined by Mohammad Anwar, the President and CEO of Softway. He’s authored a Wall Street Journal best-selling book called Love as a Business Strategy, and he’s going to talk to us about how to implement this transformational idea all around building a culture of resilience, belonging and success. Listeners will leave this episode feeling hopeful and ready to at least begin thinking about making some changes in their business and culture after listening to Mohammad.
In this special episode, BELAY CEO Tricia Sciortino joins The EntreLeadership Podcast, where she talks with their host George Kamel about how finding a high-performing assistant who thinks like a leader can help business owners take back their time and focus. The conversation was so enlightening that the One Next Step team wanted their listeners to hear the original interview with audio generously provided by The EntreLeadership Podcast.
In this episode, Melissa Baggett, the senior client success consultant at BELAY, and Melissa Tidwell, solutions consultant, continue their talk about the surprising ways a business can use a bookkeeper to grow their business while saving money along the way.
What does it take to be an industry leader? Tiff and Leon Chen basically built an industry from scratch when they created Tiff’s Treats, an amazing company that delivers warm cookies to your door. They have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to create the Tiff’s Treats brand, built around technology, charity, and warm moments. In this episode, they’ll talk about how they built their company, how they’ve used technology while still growing and creating personal moments, how they approach fundraising, and much more.
Many people never reach their potential simply because they are scared and fearful about stepping out. In this episode, Jason talks with Tricia about how everyone can cultivate a mindset that allows them to be more successful and fulfilled. He’s incredibly confident that anyone can achieve goals that they once thought were impossible.
In 2014, faced with a lot of disruption within the company, Target realized it needed to make some changes. Nathan Artt, the Principal and Founder of Ministry Solutions and author of the new ebook, Target Corp and the Flexible Church, realized that churches had a lot to learn from Target’s former situation. He talks with us about those major changes, why Target saw the need to make them, and what churches and business owners can learn from it.
Are you looking to build and grow your marketing and sales processes? If so, this Masterclass episode is just for you. Tricia, LZ, and several guests will help small business owners who might not have a fully staffed sales/marketing team learn how to take their marketing game to the next level.
Ilyce Glink is the CEO of Best Money Moves and an expert on financial wellness programs. She will share with our listeners why a financial wellness program is important, how it benefits teams and organizations, and how an employer can successfully incorporate a program like this.
We don’t often think that culture and branding are connected. But Ted Vaughn – co-author of Culture Built My Brand and co-founder of Historic Agency – will show us otherwise. In this episode, he will talk about the Marquee Culture Method, what it is, how it works, and how to put it in place in your organization. You will better understand how culture and branding are related and what you need to do to win more customers.
This is the second of a two-part episode about delegation. Matt Seaton, VP of Operations at BELAY, joins the podcast to discuss the nuts and bolts of delegation. He and Lisa will talk about how to be effective at delegation, how much you should delegate, the differences between remote vs traditional, how to build a culture of delegation and much more.
In the first of a two-part episode about delegation, LZ and BELAY’s Director of Marketing, Amy Appleton, will share how a leader can know when it’s time to start delegating, the obstacles they’ll face, and how to develop trust with other team members (i.e. contractors, employees, etc.). They’ll also talk about the myth of the “Superhero ideology” and why “I’m fine” just doesn’t always cut it.
In this episode, Tricia and Lisa will discuss the ways a bookkeeper can help you prepare your business and alleviate the stress of tax season.
J.R. McNair, a small business consultant who is considered to be one of the nation’s foremost experts on startup businesses, joins us to talk about just that. He’s also the founder of The Velocity Accelerator and Small Business Day: The nation’s largest startup launch event. He’ll chat with us about some trends he’s seeing in small businesses and what we can learn from the thousands of small businesses he’s worked with.
McKenzie Reeves Decker is the COO of System & Soul, and she works for a visionary, driven leader. In this episode, she talks about how to make the most of a relationship with your leader, and why it’s so hard for some leaders to ask for and receive help.
Dave Richards is the CEO and Lead Coach at Elite Performance Associates and a former executive director for John Maxwell’s company. In this episode, he’ll talk with Tricia about self-awareness, relational awareness and situational awareness and how leaders can benefit from more of each.
In this episode, Brooke Cecil, the Director of Client Relations at BELAY, will talk to Lisa about some problems entrepreneurs face when wanting to get started with a bookkeeper, and how to overcome them.
In this masterclass episode, Tricia and LZ will dig into the question: While you’re still building your business, what tools are essential to making sure you keep your finances in order to scale your company?
Excerpts include Tricia and LZ’s advice on how to say no and helping employees be productive without micromanaging. Tricia and LZ’s assistants, Kate and Melissa, join the podcast to discuss best practices for working with an assistant. Ian Morgan Cron sits down with our hosts to talk about the Enneagram and how it relates to self-awareness and leadership. And Krisha Buehler walks us through building a supportive and available remote work culture.
In this episode, we are joined for a second time by Sangram Vajre, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Terminus. He offers his unique take on go-to-market strategies (aka, bringing new products and new business to the market). He will tell us about his 4 questions that help launch products, create ideal customers, and gain a competitive advantage.
He’ll explain the basics of a go-to-market strategy and how leaders can effectively begin using it to take their organization to the next level.
In this special episode, Lisa interviews Tricia, focusing on her approach to helping leaders harness their grit and trust their gut so they can defeat self-doubt, gain confidence, and make progress on their priorities.
