Podcast Summary: Episode 118 – "Things I’m Currently Dropping the Ball On"

The Email Sound Booth with Liz Wilcox
Host: Liz Wilcox
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Duration: 11 minutes

Introduction

In Episode 118 of The Email Sound Booth, titled "Things I’m Currently Dropping the Ball On," host Liz Wilcox takes a candid and transparent look at the various areas in her professional and personal life where she's falling short. Embracing vulnerability, Liz shares her struggles with time management, health issues, and balancing her business responsibilities, providing listeners with relatable insights and encouragement.

Business-Related Challenges

1. Promoting "Ask Me Anything April" AMA

Liz begins by addressing her disappointment in not adequately promoting her recent "Ask Me Anything April" (AMA) session.

• Quote [02:15]:
  "I got a lot of people that were on my email list, but not in my membership... I just feel like I'm dropping the ball on it."

She acknowledges that after launching the AMA in March, she failed to effectively market it to her audience, leading to lower-than-expected engagement.

2. Podcast Consistency

Maintaining a regular podcast release schedule has been a significant struggle for Liz this year.

• Quote [04:10]:
  "This podcast. I think three times already this year, I've gone an entire week without posting."

Liz typically batches her podcast recordings but has recently been unable to adhere to her usual schedule, resulting in fewer episodes and reduced listener numbers.

3. Newsletter Strategy

Liz expresses concerns over her diminishing email newsletter effectiveness.

• Quote [06:00]:
  "My newsletter strategy, you know, ask me anything, April. I doubt I dropped the ball on that podcast. Getting downloads. Ball dropped."

She highlights that her inability to write and send newsletters consistently has impacted her audience engagement and download rates.

4. Inbox Management

Maintaining regular communication through her inbox has also been challenging.

• Quote [07:30]:
  "I want to be in there two, three times a week, but sometimes it's like I'm in there once a week."

Liz aims to increase her frequency of inbox interactions but finds herself falling short due to other commitments.

5. Promoting Others

Liz recognizes the importance of reciprocal promotion within her business network but feels she's not contributing enough lately.

• Quote [10:45]:
  "I feel like I'm dropping the ball on promotions for other people. I need to be more reciprocal in my business relationships."

She expresses a desire to support her peers more actively, which has waned due to her overwhelming responsibilities.

Personal Challenges

1. Health Concerns

Health has become a priority for Liz, leading her to drop certain professional balls.

• Quote [08:20]:
  "My personal health has taken a front seat. So I'm doing yoga, like, four or five times a week. I'm going to therapy."

Chronic health issues over the past five years have forced Liz to focus more on self-care, reducing her capacity to manage her business effectively.

2. Quality Time with Her Child

Balancing motherhood with her professional life has been particularly challenging.

• Quote [09:50]:
  "I feel like I'm dropping the ball on spending quality time with my kid. I feel like I'm getting so less quality time with her."

Liz shares feelings of guilt over not spending enough meaningful time with her 10-year-old daughter due to her hectic schedule and exhaustion.

3. Time Spent Outdoors

Despite living in the sunny Panhandle of Florida, Liz admits to not spending enough time outside.

• Quote [10:10]:
  "It's getting nice outside. And I feel like I haven't been outside. So I feel like I'm dropping the ball on that."

She acknowledges the mental and physical benefits of outdoor time that she's been neglecting.

4. Financial Concerns

Liz is grappling with increased expenses despite stable or slightly reduced income.

• Quote [10:25]:
  "I have a mortgage, you know, all this other stuff. I gave Patricia a raise. I gave myself a raise. I hired Amy. You know, I'm just spending more this year."

This financial pressure adds to her stress, highlighting a disconnect between her earnings and expenditures.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Throughout Episode 118, Liz Wilcox emphasizes the importance of transparency and self-compassion. By openly discussing her shortcomings, both in business and personal realms, she aims to normalize the experience of "dropping the ball" and encourage listeners to acknowledge their own struggles without self-judgment.

• Quote [11:00]:
  "You are not alone and don't shit on yourself. That's really gross."

Liz's honesty serves as a reminder that it's okay to prioritize health and personal well-being over business demands. She encourages her audience to grant themselves the same grace she is attempting to extend to herself.

Furthermore, Liz underscores the value of setting realistic expectations and the significance of seeking support, whether through team expansion or reciprocal business relationships.

Final Thoughts

Episode 118 offers a heartfelt and relatable exploration of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs juggling multiple facets of their lives. Liz Wilcox's willingness to share her vulnerabilities fosters a sense of community and understanding among her listeners, reinforcing that perfection is unattainable and that self-care is essential for sustained success.

For those navigating similar struggles, Liz's episode serves as both a mirror and a source of solace, reminding us all that it's okay to occasionally drop the ball as long as we continue striving to pick it up.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:00]: "I got a bone to pick with myself today."
• [02:15]: "I have a lot of people that were on my email list, but not in my membership... I just feel like I'm dropping the ball on it."
• [04:10]: "This podcast. I think three times already this year, I've gone an entire week without posting."
• [06:00]: "My newsletter strategy, you know, ask me anything, April. I doubt I dropped the ball on that podcast. Getting downloads. Ball dropped."
• [07:30]: "I want to be in there two, three times a week, but sometimes it's like I'm in there once a week."
• [08:20]: "My personal health has taken a front seat. So I'm doing yoga, like, four or five times a week. I'm going to therapy."
• [09:50]: "I feel like I'm dropping the ball on spending quality time with my kid. I feel like I'm getting so less quality time with her."
• [10:10]: "It's getting nice outside. And I feel like I haven't been outside. So I feel like I'm dropping the ball on that."
• [10:25]: "I have a mortgage, you know, all this other stuff. I gave Patricia a raise. I gave myself a raise. I hired Amy. You know, I'm just spending more this year."
• [11:00]: "You are not alone and don't shit on yourself. That's really gross."

For more insights and to connect with Liz, consider subscribing to The Email Sound Booth or joining her email marketing membership for weekly templates and exclusive access.