Summary of "Shiny New Clients!" Episode 3: "Boring" Business Tasks to STOP Avoiding ASAP
Podcast Information:
- Title: Shiny New Clients!
- Host: Jenna Harding (Warriner)
- Episode: 3 "Boring" Business Tasks to STOP Avoiding ASAP
- Release Date: July 14, 2025
- Description: The marketing podcast that helps you attract shiny new clients to your business using social media, marketing strategies, and a heaping scoop of fun. Ideal for service-based business owners looking to fill their calendars with perfect clients.
Introduction: Embracing Future Growth (00:00 - 02:30)
Jenna Harding opens the episode by encouraging entrepreneurs to "treat your business like it's already bigger than it is" (00:45). She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset early on, acting as though you have more clients than you currently do. This proactive approach helps in preparing the business infrastructure for future expansion.
Notable Quote:
"If you have five clients, act like you have 10. If you have 10 clients, act like you have a hundred." (00:45)
Accepting Early Chaos as Part of Growth (02:31 - 05:00)
Jenna acknowledges that the initial years of running a business can be chaotic. She shares her personal experience of her business being a "mess" in the early stages but still profitable. This segment reassures listeners that it's normal for a business to feel disorganized during its formative years.
Notable Quote:
"Everything is going to feel like it can be tidier. Everything will always feel like it can be more organized." (04:10)
Key Task 1: Implementing Naming Modalities (05:01 - 12:30)
Jenna introduces the concept of naming modalities—standardized naming conventions for organizing files, folders, and tags. Initially resistant due to complexity and intimidating formats, Jenna later embraces intuitive naming systems proposed by her operations manager. She explains how consistent naming helps in maintaining organization as the business scales.
Key Points:
- Avoid random or overly descriptive names: Stick to a uniform structure.
- Example: Email sequences labeled with specific prefixes like
[Opt-In]followed by the sequence name. - Benefits: Simplifies file retrieval and ensures consistency across the business.
Notable Quote:
"Everything is titled in the same way. ... It doesn't need to be codes, it doesn't need to be scary, they can still be relatively self-explanatory." (08:15)
Key Task 2: Knowing Your Numbers (12:31 - 22:00)
Jenna stresses the importance of tracking key business metrics to make informed decisions. Drawing inspiration from Amy Porterfield, she discusses monitoring conversion rates, sales statistics, and other vital data points. Jenna shares a personal anecdote about her product "Strategic Stories," which sold over 400 units without active promotion, highlighting how understanding these numbers can reveal hidden successes.
Key Points:
- Monitor conversion rates: From lead magnets to sales.
- Regularly review data: Schedule consistent times (e.g., bi-weekly) to assess business performance.
- Avoid decisions based solely on intuition or "vibes."
Notable Quotes:
"Data over drama." (16:45)
"I was running my business on vibes, not realizing what my most successful products were." (19:30)
Example:
- Product: Strategic Stories
- Sales: 405 units sold in six months without active promotion.
- Insight: Significant demand was present, unbeknownst to Jenna until data revealed the numbers.
Key Task 3: Incorporating Your Business Early (22:01 - 26:45)
Jenna discusses the benefits of incorporating a business sooner rather than later. She shares her own experience of delaying incorporation, which led to financial drawbacks during periods of rapid growth. Incorporation provides legal protections, tax benefits, and a more professional business structure, which are crucial as the business scales.
Key Points:
- Legal and financial protection: Shields personal assets and optimizes tax strategies.
- Professionalism: Enhances credibility with clients and partners.
- Avoiding future complications: Prevents costly adjustments during high-growth phases.
Notable Quote:
"Incorporating my business was far from the savviest decision when I delayed it." (24:20)
Conclusion: Preparing for Success (26:46 - End)
Jenna wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of preparing for growth by organizing now. She poses a thought-provoking question to listeners:
"If you had a hundred more people sign up to work with you next month than you were expecting, what would need to change to make it work?" (26:50)
By addressing these "boring" tasks—naming modalities, knowing your numbers, and incorporating early—business owners can lay a solid foundation for scalable and sustainable growth. Jenna encourages listeners to start implementing these strategies today to ensure they are ready for the success that lies ahead.
Final Thought:
"Assume success is imminent and prepare accordingly. Lay the groundwork now so when your business grows, you're not overwhelmed." (26:30)
Takeaways for Listeners
- Adopt a Growth Mindset: Treat your business as if it's larger than it currently is to foster proactive scaling.
- Standardize Organizational Systems: Implement naming modalities to maintain order as your business expands.
- Track Essential Metrics: Regularly monitor key numbers to make data-driven decisions and uncover hidden successes.
- Incorporate Your Business Early: Establish a formal business structure to protect and optimize as you grow.
- Prepare for Unexpected Growth: Think ahead about the changes needed to handle potential increases in clients and revenue.
By addressing these essential yet often overlooked tasks, Jenna Harding provides valuable insights that empower entrepreneurs to build resilient and thriving businesses.