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The Social Circus
The Social Circus

The Social Circus

Join me, Sarah Thomson, as your host each week as we dive into digital marketing, social media and all the things it takes to run a business in this social circus.

Available Episodes 10

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the power of reviewing your year—yep, we’re talking about the highs, lows, and everything in between for 2024! I share practical steps to evaluate your business performance, unpack what worked (and what didn’t), and identify where you can level up. You’ll also hear about my own reflections as I gear up for 2025, because who doesn’t love a sneak peek? Whether you’re a pro at annual reviews or feeling a bit clueless, this chat is packed with tips to wrap up your year with clarity and purpose. Ready to turn those lessons into goals for 2025? Let’s do this!

2025 Goal Setting and Planning Workshop

Key Takeaways
  1. Break your year into sections to identify trends.
  2. Celebrate wins, no matter how small.
  3. Use data to guide your decisions for 2025.
  4. Reflect on challenges to discover growth areas.
  5. Create actionable goals for the new year.
Notable Quotes
  1. "Reflection isn’t about criticism—it’s about growth."
  2. "Your biggest wins might not be in the numbers but in the lessons learned."
  3. "Small steps forward are still steps forward."
  4. "Reviewing your year is like prepping your soil for next season’s harvest."
  5. "Clarity comes from looking back before moving ahead."

2025 Goal Setting and Planning Workshop

In this episode, I’m joined by Chris from MopTops Hair, and together, we dive into her incredible journey from founding a children’s hair salon to running a successful business for nearly two decades. Chris and I reminisce about our first meeting when she cut my son’s hair as a toddler, and we explore how her salon became a haven for families. We also discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of building community, and why understanding your customers is key. Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or just someone looking for inspiration, there’s something here for you!

Key Takeaways:
  1. Specialising in a niche can set your business apart.
  2. Building strong customer relationships is invaluable.
  3. Serving families requires a unique approach to customer care.
  4. Perseverance and passion are essential for business growth.
  5. Always adapt to changing customer needs.

 

https://www.facebook.com/moptopshaircare?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://linktr.ee/moptops101
https://www.instagram.com/chris_gaskell_moptopshaircare/

This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Jenni Harding, the brains behind Greatest Good. We dived deep into the world of purpose-driven business, exploring how Jenni’s unique approach helps businesses thrive while creating a positive impact. We chatted about the challenges of blending social media strategy with mindset shifts, and Jenni shared her secrets to building resilience and staying authentic in a competitive world. Whether you’re a small business owner or dreaming of starting one, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you navigate growth, embrace innovation, and connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways:

    Purpose-driven businesses create lasting impact and build trust.
    Mindset is the foundation for successful decision-making.
    Authentic storytelling connects brands with their audience.
    Social media strategy must align with core business values.
    Resilience is essential for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the power of goal setting and why starting with a big number can make all the difference in achieving success. As we approach the end of the year, it's natural to feel a bit drained, especially with the summer holidays and Christmas looming for those of us in Australia. But this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about what we want to achieve in the coming year. I guide listeners through actionable steps on how to set big, meaningful goals for 2025, break them down into manageable pieces, and keep the motivation alive even as the festive season kicks in. So grab your pen and paper, because I've got loads of tips to help you enter the new year with a clear and inspiring plan!

Key Takeaways
  1. Start with a big, ambitious goal to inspire action.
  2. Break goals down into achievable steps for clarity.
  3. Avoid burnout by aligning your goals with your energy cycles.
  4. Take advantage of end-of-year momentum to set intentions.
  5. Regularly review your progress to stay on track.
Notable Quotes
  1. "Big goals inspire big action; don’t shy away from aiming high."
  2. "Breaking goals down doesn’t make them smaller—it makes them achievable."
  3. "Align your goals with your natural energy flow to avoid burnout."
  4. "End the year strong by setting a vision for the next."
  5. "Your progress is a journey; keep revisiting and refining."

Digital Queens Mastermind

Blooming Business Academy

Click here to book FREE goal setting masterclass:

 

In Episode 129 of The Social Circus, I'm diving into the year-end hustle and the exciting energy of November as we gear up for the big finale of 2024. I'll chat about the unique rhythm of December, especially for those of us in Australia preparing for the summer holidays. With December as a hectic month, November is our golden window to finish strong! I’ll also share a peek into my Digital Queen's VIP Party Week—an event that has grown into a highlight for my community, designed to get everyone energised and aligned with their goals for the coming year. Whether you're planning big things for your business in 2025 or just trying to squeeze in those final 2024 to-dos, there’s something in this episode for you.

Key Takeaways
  1. November’s the Time: Use November to lock in 2024 goals.
  2. Plan for 2025 Now: Start shaping those ambitions.
  3. Celebrate Progress: Reflect on what’s worked this year.
  4. Engage Your Community: Events like VIP weeks boost connection.
  5. Make Time for Rest: Balance work with self-care as the year closes.

In this episode, I dive into a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Mel Stibbs, the founder of ADHD Village. We explore the unique challenges neurodivergent women face, especially in the business world, where typical structures and approaches don’t always fit. Mel opens up about her personal journey, from her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism to the drive to create a community where women can feel seen and supported. Together, we talk about how to balance the superpowers of ADHD—like creativity and drive—with the daily struggles, including organisation, emotional regulation, and overcoming stigma. Mel shares insights on the dangers of self-diagnosis, the rise of ADHD awareness on social media, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand you. This episode is an open, honest conversation aimed at inspiring and empowering neurodivergent women to embrace their strengths and create a business journey that truly works for them.

Key Takeaways
  1. Embrace your neurodivergent strengths, but recognise the challenges.
  2. Surround yourself with a supportive community that "gets" you.
  3. Avoid self-diagnosis and consult a professional if ADHD resonates.
  4. ADHD can amplify both creativity and overwhelm; find strategies.
  5. Advocate for acceptance—neurodivergence should be understood.

In this episode, I sit down with Julie, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, to explore what sets this approach apart from traditional healthcare. We dive into the differences between a nurse practitioner and a general practitioner (GP), highlighting the unique blend of experience and advanced training that nurse practitioners bring to the table. Julie shares insights into the core principles of functional medicine—like addressing root causes rather than just symptoms—and how this approach can make a real difference for patients. Whether you're curious about alternative approaches or seeking a deeper understanding of healthcare options, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone wanting to take charge of their wellbeing.

Key Takeaways
  1. Functional medicine focuses on identifying root causes, not just treating symptoms.
  2. Nurse practitioners combine clinical experience with advanced training for holistic care.
  3. There are fewer than 3,000 nurse practitioners in Australia, making them a unique asset.
  4. Functional medicine emphasizes patient education and empowerment.
  5. Collaboration between medical professionals can lead to more personalised care.

juliefarrelly.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/juliefarrellyatAchieveOptimalHealth
https://www.instagram.com/achieveoptimalhealth/

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring founder of Aijan Skincare to uncover the story behind her brand. We dive into her transition from the world of finance to the skincare industry, and why redefining ageing is at the core of her brand's mission. She shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding skincare, the importance of trust, and what it means to create a product line that truly resonates with women. If you're curious about how skincare can empower you to age on your own terms, this conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Transitioning industries can spark innovative ideas.
  2. Redefining societal norms around ageing is empowering.
  3. Trust is key in building a successful skincare brand.
  4. Skincare goes beyond appearance; it’s about vibrancy.
  5. Pursuing passion leads to rewarding entrepreneurial journeys.

www.aijan.com
@‌aijanskincare
@‌age__isjuatanumber

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with the wonderful Caryn from Firefly Graphics about something super important but often overlooked: inclusive design. If you’re like me and hadn’t even heard of this concept until recently, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Caryn and I dive into what inclusive design really means, why it matters for small businesses, and how it can create a more welcoming experience for your customers. Caryn shares practical tips and insights on how to incorporate inclusivity into your branding and design without it feeling overwhelming. Trust me, after this chat, you’ll see how these small changes can make a big impact on your business.

Key Takeaways:
Inclusive design ensures that everyone feels welcome when interacting with your brand.
Small businesses can make big strides with simple design changes.
Accessibility should be a priority from the start—not an afterthought.
Inclusive design helps expand your audience and deepen customer loyalty.
Being proactive about inclusivity reflects well on your business values.


Notable Quotes:
"Inclusive design isn't just about accessibility; it's about creating an experience where everyone feels valued."
"Small changes in your design can make a world of difference for people who might otherwise struggle to engage with your brand."
"The future of business lies in inclusivity—it's not just a trend, it's a necessity."
"Don't wait until you're bigger to focus on inclusive design—start where you are and grow from there."
"Inclusivity reflects the heart of your business—show your customers they belong."

In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the importance of entering awards, especially for women in business. I reflect on my own experiences, sharing how I’ve gone from being a finalist several times to winning my first major award this year. It wasn’t an overnight success, and I discuss how persistence and believing in yourself are key ingredients. Many of us hesitate to put ourselves forward, thinking we’re not good enough, but I encourage you to challenge that mindset. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, entering awards can boost your confidence, visibility, and credibility in ways you may not expect!

Key Takeaways:
  1. Awards can significantly enhance your business’s credibility.
  2. It’s important to overcome the mindset of "not being good enough."
  3. Persistence is key in being recognised—many stumbles happen before success.
  4. Women, in particular, need to get better at promoting their achievements.
  5. Entering awards can open doors you may not even realise exist.
Notable Quotes:
  1. "For every success story, there’s usually a couple of stumbles behind the scenes."
  2. "This year was my year, but it took a lot of effort to get here."
  3. "Women, especially, are really bad at tooting our own horn."