The Dream Biz Podcast

Discover the essential steps and strategies to kickstart your CRM journey and unlock the power of automation. We'll dive into it step-by-step. I'll teach you what need to have ready before you start your CRM journey and what the process will look like. Want help setting it up? Book your free consultation at christijohnsoncreative.com/consultation.

Ever wondered which email marketing platform can take your outreach to the next level? Look no further! I've done the legwork and uncovered the three contenders that have truly impressed me: FloDesk, ConvertKit, and MailerLite! FloDesk is a game-changer with its unlimited subscribers plan and gorgeously designed templates that'll make your emails stand out in a crowded inbox.  ConvertKit brings analytics to the forefront, allowing you to fine-tune your strategy based on detailed insights.  And MailerLite strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and automation, making email marketing a breeze. Ready to revolutionize your email game? Tune in to the episode below and get ready to supercharge your marketing efforts!

As an Online Business Manager, I'm ALL about streamlining and optimization. This all comes down to reducing friction in your business. How do you do that? That's what this episode is all about! Here are some key takeaways:

1. Streamline your communication
2. Automate your manual busywork
3. Delegate as much as possible
4. Improve your workflows
5. Pivot based on your FAQs!

Want more? Then listen in for the full scoop!

Let's face it. As a business owner you're faced with a million decisions everyday. Starting your day can be overwhelming! When everything on your to do list feels important, how do you know what to prioritize? I'm here to help with today's episode! Here are some key questions I ask myself when prioritizing:

• Is there a deadline?
• Are there any dependent steps?
• Is anyone waiting on me for anything?
• What are my longterm goals?
• What will make me more money?
• What will save me time?
• What will bring me closer to my values?
• What do I want to do?

I pick my top 3 after answering those questions and try to hit at least 3 tasks per day. You got this, friend!

Today’s episode is all about mindset shifts to fuel momentum. We’ll talk about the power of mindset, how to overcome limiting beliefs as a business owner like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m a failure” and how to surround yourself with a supportive community and set SMART Goals. Listen in!

Does your calendar look like a hot mess? As business owners, there is SO MUCH to keep track of and schedule to run our businesses. It can be OVERWHELMING. I want a life that I love, that is flexible, and that works for me. How about you? Isn't that why you got into business in the first place? It seems like often times the exact OPPOSITE happens. Well, my hope with this episode is to help you find more flexibility and freedom in your schedule. I'm sharing my top tips to manage your calendar, your time, and increase your productivity. Listen in!

Are you a new business owner or struggling to grow your business? Today I'm talking about the top 5 mistakes I see people make when starting their business. We'll cover vision casting, marketing, messaging, getting set up legally, and productivity.

Today's episode is all about how to increase your productivity with special guest Business Strategist Sarah Ziesler! Sarah talks to us about how to increase your productivity, move into feminine flow, and manage your time intuitively. Listen in for more! Sarah Ziesler specializes in Empowering Women in Business by designing a Strategy that fits Your nature of business in order to reach your Goals Successfully.

Hi friends! Today I'm sharing the top 5 apps that I use every day in my business! Plus, a few bonus apps.

If you're a business owner seeking additional help or are considering transitioning from a VA to an OBM, this episode is for you. We'll start with the basics about what differentiates a Virtual Assistant from an Online Business Manager.

A VA assists with specific tasks in your business. They're great for repeatable tasks and processes that you don't have time for anymore as you grow. A VA is an implementer, meaning they'll take your existing content and instructions and implement them. Some examples of tasks a VA can do include graphics creation, scheduling social media posts, sending invoices, and keeping records.

On the other hand, an OBM is a higher-level strategizer who works closely with you to manage and grow your business. OBMs are not just implementers but also provide strategic thinking, planning, and project management. They can help you streamline your processes, create systems, and improve your team's productivity. If you're a business owner who wants to focus more on your zone of genius and let someone else take care of the day-to-day operations, an OBM may be a great fit for you. They can help you manage your team, delegate tasks, and free up your time to focus on the big picture.

So, which one should you hire for your business, or which one should you become if you're looking to enter this field? If you're just starting out and need help with some basic tasks, a VA may be a good place to start. However, if you're looking for someone to manage your business and help you grow it, an OBM may be the better choice.

In this episode of the Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast, we dive into the world of online business managers and how they can help you achieve your goals and grow your business. If you're not familiar with an online business manager, get ready to discover a valuable member of your team who can streamline your systems and processes, manage day-to-day operations, and even take care of some tasks. We'll explore the key services they offer, such as inbox and calendar management, as well as their ability to think on a high level and make decisions to help you achieve success. If you're feeling overwhelmed and ready to take your business to the next level, it's time to consider adding an online business manager to your team. Tune in to learn more!

If you're only using your CRM (HoneyBook, Dubsado, 17Hats, etc) to send invoices, you're doing it wrong. That's right, I'm calling you out! But I'm doing it with empathy, because you're not alone! And I want to help you get the most out of your CRM. Today's episode is all about the best workflows and automations you can set up to streamline things. We're talking about the top CRMs, how to know which CRM is right for you, and some processes you can put in place right now to save you time! Listen in!

Today's episode is all about understanding your client's needs! Have you ever gotten to a sales page and wondered how they were reading your mind? It's because they did their market research! I'm sharing with you why getting to know their deep pain points is important and how you can do that easily. We'll talk about how to poll your past clients and how to chat with your ideal client. Plus, we'll talk about how to frame your services in a way that speaks to them emotionally and appeals to their deep desires so they aren't just making a decision based on price. It's all in today's episode! Join me! 

Looking to take your client experience to the next level? Join me, Christi Johnson, on the latest episode of Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast! As a business strategist, online business manager, and wedding photographer, I've learned a thing or two about client communication. In this episode, we'll dive into the essential touchpoints every service-based business owner should focus on to ensure their clients have a phenomenal experience. From making a great first impression to retaining clients with extra perks, I'll share my top tips to help you level up your client communication game. Don't miss out on this valuable insight – tune in now!

You have the power to create an unforgettable experience for your clients that they will rave about to their friends and family. But where do you start? Look no further than the client onboarding process. This is the first impression your clients have of your business, and it can determine whether or not they stick around for the long haul.

In this episode, we'll cover why the client onboarding process is so important and how to effectively onboard your clients. We'll talk about the key steps to creating a personalized onboarding plan that works for both you and your clients. We'll also share tips on how to automate the onboarding process to save time and energy, while still providing a boutique experience for your clients.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of client onboarding and learn how to create a process that will help you communicate your professionalism, personality, and provide an exceptional experience for your clients. Listen now to learn how to take your business to the next level!

This week, I’m talking about one of the most important things you need to know as an entrepreneur: sales funnels. Sales funnels are essential for creative entrepreneurs, and I’m breaking down everything you need to know about them.

In this episode, I’ll be discussing what a sales funnel is, how to build one, and some strategies to make sure it’s effective. I’ll be walking you through each step of the process, from identifying your target audience to measuring your results.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur looking to increase your sales and profits, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and learn how to take your business to the next level with sales funnels.

In today's episode, I'm walking through my entire yearly goal setting process.

We'll talk through how to celebrate your wins from last year, letting go of what's not serving you, brainstorming for the new year, and how to map things out in a way that is attianable.

It's all in today's episode!

If you are confused by all the steps to register your business, register an LLC, and get your business started this episode is for you! I was overwhelmed by all of these steps when I first started my business, but once I finally did them I realized how easy it was. It doesn't have to be complicated! Listen in for some tips to make this process easy for you too. 

Have you ever wondered if you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing? 

Do you second guess yourself a lot? You're not alone.

Have you ever gotten an incredible idea for your business, but a bunch of time and energy into creating something, put it out into the world, and then no one bought it?

It's super disappointing, right?

Chances are, you may have forgotten one key step: Market Research.

Market research sounds boring, but it's an important step for anyone selling absolutely anything. Whether you're selling products or services, you should be doing market research.

Doing correct market research will help you know that you're creating something people actually want.

You won't have to convince them to buy from you. They'll be practically begging you to sell to them!

Market research is a really complicated subject with a lot of ins and outs. But today we're going to talk about one really easy way to do market research!

This will help you
- Know your customers pain points so you can create something that will serve them well
- Know their exact words they use to describe their problem so you can write irresistible sales copy
- Find people ready and eager to buy what you offer

It's all in today's short but sweet episode!

Get episode 69 of the Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast today!

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Have you ever felt like you want to quit? Like nothing is working and this whole business thing is not worth it and you just want to throw in the towel? Friend, I've been there. In fact I was just there last week (: You are not alone!

As business owners, it's really easy to get in our heads and believe that what we're building won't work. That it will just come tumbling to the ground. But if you have a passion for what you do, you know that quitting is not an option. I've thought about quitting before and I quickly realize that is not what I want. I want to own a business. I want to help people. I want to keep doing this.

But when I get those feelings of overwhelm and feeling like it's not worth it, what do you do? How do you get out of the self-doubt spiral and move forward with purpose? I'm talking all about it on today's podcast episode. We'll talk through 5 steps to take when you feel like you want to quit.

Get it all on episode 67 of the Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast!

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You know the feeling when you get a new inquiry in your inbox? It’s exciting, right?! Landing a new inquiry means your marketing efforts are working! Woohoo!

But getting a new inquiry is also a little bit stressful.

Now you have to close the sale!

I used to drop everything when I got a new inquiry and take time to respond to it right away. Even if it was 11pm or I was on vacation, responding quickly was my first priority.

I was so afraid of people ghosting me. In fact it happened a lot and I wasn't sure why.

Now? I don’t worry about responding asap anymore!

Because I have a booking workflow that responds automatically to inquiries, tells potential clients the next steps and makes me look good too!

I also know that whoever lands in my inbox is really interested in working with me and is really likely to convert into a paying client because I qualify the leads so that I'm only spending time responding to clients that actually want to work with me.

In today's podcast episode, I'm talking all about how to streamline your booking process to save you time, make you more money, and reduce your stress too!

We'll talk about things like:

• What to put in your contact form so people are more likely to inquire
• What to include in your inquiry reply so people are more likely to respond
• What to put in follow up emails so people are more likely to book

Ready? Let’s do this!

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Sometimes I look at my schedule and I freak out in panic at the sheer amount of things on there.

And sometimes the tasks that I have to do seem insurmountable. Like there's no way it's all going to fit.

When that happens, I have a choice. I can either continue to cram things into the schedule, or I can make a pivot.

Our culture tells us we need to have packed schedules. They tell us we need to take care of ourselves and be the best at everything. And because we see everything on social media, we're constantly comparing ourselves to everyone else because that's the message we're fed. That you have to be the best, you have to be busy, and you have to be the boss. If you do that, then you'll find ultimate happiness and win at life and be happy forever!

But we've been doing that and it's not working. Instead of leaving us feeling accomplished, it leaves us feeling stressed out, insecure, and lonely.

If you're feeling this way, you're not alone, my friend. I've been right there where you are. In fact, I've probably been there this week.

Is there hope to change? Yes, absolutely. And it comes back to pivoting.

On today's episode, I'm talking all about the Top 3 Mistakes you're making that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed, insecure, and lonely. Listen in to figure out how to pivot and feel inspired, confident, and supported.

You're not alone, my friend! 

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I know I've talked about busy season a lot these last few weeks. Maybe you're tired of hearing about it.

But if you're anything like me, fighting overwhelm is a daily battle. In fact, sometimes it's an hourly battle.

We have to give ourselves more reminders, more compassion, more grace to match the busyness of the season.

Here's a comment I saw online recently:
"I feel like my mental cup is overflowing and I'm spreading myself too thin."

Can you relate, friend?

I think we all know that the solution is slowing down. But how do you slow down during busy season? Is it even possible?

It might feel like it's not possible right now. And it's okay that it feels like that.

Slowing down is possible. But it won't happen unless you take the steps to actually slow down.

I really am passionate about this and want you to hear it because I don't want you to spend one second more in the pit of frustration, overwhelm, stress, grief than you have to.

On today's podcast episode, I'm sharing the exact steps you can take to slow down even during busy season.

What can you do to bring more energy, joy, and ease into your life?

It's all in today's episode! Listen to Episode 65 of the Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast.

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A couple weeks ago I had a launch planned for my membership program. I created a masterclass to promote it and was off to the races.

Well, it sort of flopped!

(put in a gif that's kind of like oh no or meh or disappointment or something funny)

And today I'm pulling back the curtain on my launch plan and why I think it went the way it did and what I can do to have a more successful launch next time.

The truth is, this is not a failure (even though it certainly felt like it at first).

This is just another step on my journey.

The way my personality works is I don't fully process things until I've shared them someone. I knew that I wanted to move forward with the launch instead of push it back when I knew I wasn't going to have the time to work out all the kinks beforehand.

Was that a mistake? Maybe. But I am glad I did it beacuse now I can take the lessons from this launch and use them to make the next launch even better!

In today's podcast episode, I'm telling you all about my initial launch plan, how the launch actually went, and what I learned from it.

Listen in to Episode 64 of the Crush Your Goals with Christi Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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Busy season is here whether we like it or not!

I don't know about you, but I am BUSY. In fact, busy season came EARLY for me this year. I wasn't fully prepared for it.

I told my husband the other day I feel a low grade sense of anxiety like... all the time.

Can you relate?!

I think it's especially important to guard ourselves against burnout in this season.

Every year I tell myself I'm going to put things in place that will make me not hate my life when October rolls around. While I still feel that busyness and anxiety right now, I do have to say I am closer to my dream reality this year than I've ever been.

Why? Because I've seriously been working on showing up how I want to show up and setting boundaries that make that possible.

Today on the podcast, Katrina Widener is telling us how to do just that and more

She's sharing exactly how to prevent burnout as an entrepreneur and what to do when you start to feel it coming.

Listen in to this episode for some much needed relief!

About Katrina

Katrina Widener is a business coach, podcast host, and community leader. Simply put, she helps established entrepreneurs make more by doing less — reaching full alignment in their business through Human Design, business strategy, and mindset. Say ‘see you never’ to draining compromises, and elevate your empire in a way that feels joyful and builds wealth.

PREVENTING BURNOUT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Burnout and overwhelm are some of the most common struggles amongst all entrepreneurs. By approaching our businesses from a proactive — not reactive — place, we can strategically build them to prevent burnout from the beginning. 

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