Vicky and Misty were ranting about misplaced generosity a couple of weeks ago. But ranting privately isn't very helpful, so they decided to get on the air and yell about money to you instead. In this episode, Misty talks about how to ask for money on the phone, why it's crucial to charge for what we do, and how to make sales less icky. There's bonus Grey's Anatomy and dog anatomy, too.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] Let’s talk about money.
[3:05] It’s great to be generous. Misty doesn’t want to kill that spirit, but there is such a thing as too nice.
[4:30] Money is a form of energy. You’re trading your energy for money.
[5:25] Why is it so hard to ask for money?
[7:25] It’s difficult for people to appear money-centric. People get shamed for it.
[12:10] How do you ask for money on the phone?
[17:05] If you don’t ask anyone for money, then don’t be surprised if you’re not making any money.
[23:00] Make sure you do all the necessary ‘signings and closings’ while on the phone with the client. It’s easier when you’re talking to them directly.
[26:00] What are the best ways to overcome objections?
[31:00] Stop taking projects that are not 100% in line with what you do. It will only distract you.
[35:45] Vicky asks Misty some rapid fire questions.
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: Vicky@vickyfraser.com
Writing a book is not a linear journey—and although it's amazing, it's also haaaaaard! Vicky interviews John Holcroft about the book he's writing—and he shares the most awesome advice and insights about how to talk to people (or really how to listen) and how to make people want to talk to you, instead of climbing out of bathroom windows to escape. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] A little bit about John and how he got into this line of work!
[2:55] Want to know if your product will work? Talk to your clients!
[3:10] People are afraid to talk to their ideal clients about their product. However, launching a product no one wants is even worse!
[7:10] How do you talk to your ideal client? John shares how he got over the anxiety of interviewing his ideal client.
[8:55] Hard pitching people doesn’t work!
[14:20] We’re not taught to have the hard conversations. Practicing this skill takes time.
[15:05] Most people are just waiting for their turn to talk.
[17:45] John shares a client story where things went horribly wrong.
[20:15] When John launched his beta course, it was scary. He didn’t know if it would work, but he knew he had to collect feedback.
[22:00] When you talk to people who want your service, you’re able to cut the fat really quickly and condense your product offering down to something people REALLY want.
[22:20] When is John’s new book coming out?
[24:50] The biggest step to writing your book (sounds dumb, but) is writing. You have to take that first step.
[27:00] John had to overcome his perfectionist tendencies when writing. It was a real challenge.
[29:10] The first draft is for your eyes only. Don’t try to perfect it just yet. Write for you in the beginning.
[30:35] Vicky has some rapid fire questions for John.
[31:45] How do you make your product special? By making it useful!
[37:10] Want to grab a hold of John’s book? He’s got a secret ‘beta readers only’ copy out now. Connect with him through his website!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: Vicky@vickyfraser.com
It's extremely hot at Moxie Towers, so lower your expectations for podcast energy levels and excuse the grumpy rant at the start. Then settle back for some gold advice as Vicky and Joe talk about the second edit: what it's for, and how to do it. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] Vicky and Joe are enjoying a nice bat infestation at the Dingle.
[5:30] Vicky is also sick of her own homegrown cucumbers. There’s just too many!
[6:10] So you have your second draft - now what? It’s time to do some line editing!
[9:20] What is your signature style? Put some of your personality into your writing so that it’s not so dry!
[10:20] It’s okay to have writing ticks, but be careful not to overuse it in your book.
[13:15] Look at the structure of your paragraphs. Are they varied and interesting?
[14:35] Vicky shares the difference between showing vs. telling.
[16:55] What’s the takeaway? Don’t worry too much about spelling, grammar and typos during this stage.
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: Vicky@vickyfraser.com
Slouching Towards Bethlehem, by Joan Didion
Vicky is extremely excited this week because she invited Joanna Penn onto her podcast—and Joanna said yes! Come and join us as we wend our way through theology degrees, travelling, career-changing decisions, the joys of indie-publishing, and how writing fiction is different from non-fiction. Bonus ribbons: I asked Joanna about how to get started writing fiction and her generous and full answer knocked my socks off. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[3:35] A little bit about Joanna and the work that she does!
[9:55] How did Joanna transition from the corporate world to being her own boss?
[14:25] Technology is great! It’s removed barriers to creating and publishing your own art out there.
[16:45] When the Kindle came out, the whole world changed!
[17:50] Passionate about the future, Joanna shares what she’s looking forward to in the next couple of years.
[19:45] How will traditional publishing change over time?
[21:25] What inspired Joanna to write fiction?
[27:35] Joanna shares what kind of mindframe you need to be in to write fiction.
[32:50] If you’re an expert in a particular writing style, you just have to let that go and learn something new when writing fiction.
[34:50] Joanna shares a little bit about the traveling memoir she’s writing.
[37:45] Want to write in a genre? Spend some time studying the greats!
[40:35] Don’t write things you think you ‘should’ write.
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: Vicky@vickyfraser.com
Girl One by Sara Flannery Murphy
The Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy
James Patterson on Masterclass