Chill & Prosper with Denise Duffield-Thomas

Is launching getting harder?

Back then when I first tried my hand at launching an online business, it was a whole different ball game. 

In 2009, social media was an infant, graphics creation was a nightmare and hosting your own videos? Forget about it unless you were ready to shell out some serious dough. 

I still remember the days when PowerPoint or Paint were my tool of choice for creating graphics and I continually tweaked HTML struggling to center things on my webpage. 

Fast forward to today, and things are wildly different. 

Creating graphics is as simple as a click with platforms like Canva and hosting videos? Platforms like Teachable and Kajabi have made it as easy as pie. 

But amidst all the convenience, I hear from lots of entrepreneurs that launching has become more challenging. 

The need to keep up with the ever-evolving social media platforms, the struggle to stand out in an increasingly saturated market - it's enough to make even the most seasoned entrepreneurs want to stop. 

So, is launching getting harder? I'd say yes and no. 

Yes, because the demands are higher and the competition is fiercer. But also no, because with the right mindset and strategy, launching can still be really rewarding. 

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and start doubting yourself when you're about to launch. I've been there, trust me.

The online business landscape is constantly changing, and what worked yesterday might not work today. But that's where the thrill lies, in continuously learning and growing. 

Listen to today’s podcast episode for my take on the challenges and winning strategies I’m seeing online.

Preparing my business for long term travel

As an introvert, the thought of living out of suitcases, constantly on the move with my family was simply overwhelming. 

But, when Mark and I first starting talking about the idea of taking on some extended travel, there was a determination deep within me to turn this journey into something more than just an extended vacation. 

It was about breaking free from the daily grind, to create vivid memories that would last a lifetime. 

In a couple of weeks, my family and I will begin four months travel in Europe, mainly based in the UK but with a few adventures and weeks away on the continent. 

I’ve never been a very adventurous traveller and I haven’t loved traveling with young kids in the past, so it’s taken some time for me to prepare for this trip. 

There are a lot of logistics to plan in our business but it’s also taken some mindset work. 

I bet many of you entrepreneurs and business owners can relate to this, especially if you’re planning to hit the pause button on work for an extended period. 

So, how am I managing to streamline my operations without breaking our business? 

Here are three simplified steps I took, which I believe would be beneficial for you as well...

Money lessons from New York

I recently got home from an AMAZING trip to New York, and I was surprised by how many money lessons I picked up! 

 

This was an unusual trip because, at least initially, it wasn't work-related. It felt hard to let myself relax and do something purely for fun. 

 

As you may know, I love musicals and Broadway (and have invested in a few), so I went to NY for BroadwayCon. 

 

The Ruler in me did add two VIP days to pay for the trip, but it was honestly such a chilled, and inspiring trip. 

 

So the first lesson straight away was that it's okay for me to do things just for me and just for joy - this is definitely something I want to lean into next year. 

 

When did you last do something just for the fun of it? 

The hardest thing about my business

I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer,” but I’m going to be real with you.

 

Being in business, particularly working with your significant other, is not always sunshine and rainbows. 

 

Today’s podcast episode isn’t a pity party, but I’m giving you an honest look at some of the things I find hardest in my business. 

Talking money with my kids

For today’s podcast I’ve got something a little different for you and it’s so fun! 

 

And this took some expert editing because recording this ep was a little manic!

 

This episode is a family affair - I’ve got four special guests; my hubby Mark and our three gorgeous kids.

Listen to this chat with our family to learn:

 

• How we talk about money
• Our kids ideas about money and future careers
• What our kids think we both do in our business
• How we use tapping to release fears or emotions 
• And so much more!

The real costs in my $5m business

SO JUICY! Ever wondered what it costs to run a multi-million dollar business?

 

In today's podcast, I take you behind the scenes and share the real costs from my company. 

How to acclimatize to higher revenue

If you’re stuck at a plateau or want to move to the next income level, it starts with exploring your unconscious beliefs about why you can’t earn more. 

 

Are there unwritten rules about what you are and aren’t allowed to earn? Maybe there are unconscious limits from your parents, industry, or mentors.

 

In today’s podcast episode, I discuss how to acclimate to higher revenue and the steps you can take to be open to expanding beyond what you thought was possible. 

 

Ask Me Anything: Goal setting, dreaming, hiring and more

This week's episode of Chill & Prosper is an Ask Me Anything, and in addition to talking about getting your partner or potential partner on board, I also dive deep into how you can: 

• Discover powerful techniques to manifest and chase after your biggest dreams. 
• Learn strategies to conquer self-doubt and eliminate limiting beliefs. 
• Uncover the secrets to improving productivity through delegation and automation. 
• Find out how writing a book can be fulfilling and advantageous for your business. 

What I’d do if I had to start again from scratch

I can't believe how far I've come since those early days when I decided to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. 

 

It feels like a lifetime ago when I was fumbling through writing my first ebook, teaching myself how to build webpages, and trying to navigate the ever-changing online landscape.

 

But there's something magical about being a newbie, filled with boundless energy and the willingness to adapt and experiment. 

 

Today I'm answering a question I get asked all the time - what if I had to start again from scratch? 

 

What would I focus on? What lessons have I learned along the way that I would apply to starting again?

How to deal with imposter syndrome and stop feeling like a fraud

I’ve never met someone who doesn’t feel like a fraud or imposter, at least some of the time. 

Myself included.

 

But the thing about imposter syndrome, especially in business, is that it feels so lonely. It feels real, and we often tell ourselves that no one else feels this way.

 

So on today’s podcast, I’m sharing some times when I’ve felt like a fraud and my tips for overcoming imposter syndrome.