The Sassy Strategist: Build a Profitable Business and a Lifestyle You Love
The Sassy Strategist Podcast brings you the "how-to's" of running a small business that brings you financial freedom and a fulfilling life. If you're a solopreneur or small business owner and offer creative, professional, or consumer services, this podcast is for you. Host, Kim Dawson shares insight and effective strategies to help you build a profitable business that brings you joy, purpose, and the lifestyle you desire. Kim also interviews subject matter experts to share their experience and expertise on a variety of small business topics. About the Host: Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries. Kim’s the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and hosts the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast, where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business. Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth. Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they’re crafting a life rich in experiences, skill, and personal and professional fulfillment. When not working, Kim can be found off on an adventure (either physical or intellectual): hiking in the woods, going for a run, watching Jeopardy, solving math problems for fun, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music. If you're interested in working with Kim, you can book a free consultation at https://kdawsonco.com/. Photo Credit: Kim Conant Photography Sound Editing: Hear No Evil Media
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Mastering Your Niche: Unveiling The Power of Your Brand with Mallika Malhotra
12/27/2023
Mastering Your Niche: Unveiling The Power of Your Brand with Mallika Malhotra
On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Mallika Malhotra, the Brand CEO, as she unpacks the crucial elements of brand strategy for entrepreneurs navigating crowded marketplaces. Delving into the challenges of standing out and gaining traction, Malika shares her expertise in helping experienced entrepreneurs define their power niche, craft impactful messaging, and enhance visibility to become industry go-tos. Mallika emphasizes the distinction between brand and marketing strategies, stressing the significance of brand essence before communication tactics. With a focus on niching, Malika advocates for specialization as a powerful tool to attract ideal clients, debunking fears around missed opportunities and highlighting the transformative potential of honing in on a specific audience, skill set, problem, or solution. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE Strategic Foundation: Prioritize defining your brand's essence, values, and differentiation before diving into marketing tactics for maximum impact. Niche Amplification: Embrace specialization to become the go-to expert, amplifying your brand's visibility and appeal within a specific audience or problem domain. Messaging Precision: Clarity and specificity in brand messaging create resonance and memorability, distinguishing you in crowded marketplaces. Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on a niche allows for deeper impact and growth potential, enabling scalable opportunities while fostering trust and recognition. Overcoming Fear of Missing Out: Reframe the fear of missing out on diverse opportunities by recognizing the power and impact of serving a specific audience with specialized expertise. ABOUT THE GUEST Mallika Malhotra, The Brand CEO, is an award-winning brand strategist, mentor, and speaker. After years of working in corporate advertising on renowned brands like L’Oreal and Oil of Olay, Mallika now empowers women entrepreneurs to get clear on their brand message, define their power niche and become sought-after experts. Her friends and clients call her the brand energizer because she encourages stepping out of comfort zones, taking action, and implementing ideas. When not building brands, Mallika is sipping coffee or red wine, reading a stack of books and dreaming of global adventures. She lives in beautiful coastal Maine with her husband, three sons and their mini Bernedoodle, Jax. To learn more about working with Mallika or to invite her to speak at your event or podcast, visit www.mallikamalhotra.co ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries. Kim’s the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business. Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth. Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they’re crafting a life rich in experiences, skill, and personal and professional fulfillment. When not working, Kim can be found going for a hike or run, watching Jeopardy, solving math problems for fun, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music.
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Pricing Models for Your Service-Based Business with Kim Dawson
11/29/2023
Pricing Models for Your Service-Based Business with Kim Dawson
In the initial stages of launching a service-based business, it's common to start with lower rates to attract clients and gain experience. Many entrepreneurs begin by charging hourly, ensuring they are compensated for their time. However, as expertise grows, sticking to hourly rates can hinder long-term profitability. In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson explores three key pricing models: monthly retainers, project-based pricing, and packaged services. Kim discusses the pros and cons of each, emphasizing the importance of transitioning away from hourly rates to build sustainable success. The episode delves into practical examples and strategies for implementing these models, providing valuable insights for businesses seeking to optimize their pricing structures. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE Begin with lower hourly rates to attract clients and gain experience. Relying solely on hourly rates can devalue expertise over time. Monthly Retainers offer stability and easier budgeting for service providers. Project-based pricing is ideal for one-time projects and helps to prevent miscommunication around expectations between you and your clients. Packaged Services offers different service levels for various budgets without compromising value. Flexible packages and tiers can help you maintain profitability and widen your clientele. Combining pricing models bridges revenue gaps without losing income. ABOUT KIM DAWSON Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries. Kim’s the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business. Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth. Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they’re crafting a life rich in experiences, skill, and personal and professional fulfillment. When not working, Kim can be found hiking in the woods, going for a run, watching Jeopardy, solving math problems for fun, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music. If you’re ready to have a business that supports the lifestyle you desire, book a call with Kim today at .
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Unlocking the Power of Curiosity and Authenticity: Kim Dawson's Journey to a Purpose-Driven Business, Hosted by Emily Aborn
11/02/2023
Unlocking the Power of Curiosity and Authenticity: Kim Dawson's Journey to a Purpose-Driven Business, Hosted by Emily Aborn
Unlocking the Power of Curiosity and Authenticity: Kim Dawson's Journey to a Purpose-Driven Business, Hosted by Emily Aborn In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson swaps roles with her friend and fellow podcaster, Emily Aborn, who hosts two podcasts - She Built This and Content with Character. Emily interviews Kim about her personal journey, which starts with her first business at the age of seven, and how it led her to where she is today. Kim shares some fun facts about herself and reveals how her curiosity, honesty, and passion for helping others have been constant values throughout her life. Kim’s story emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and your values, and not being afraid to reinvent yourself along the way. She also shares her belief in the power of curiosity and continuous learning in both life and business. This episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone who wants to build a business that aligns with their passion and purpose and makes a positive impact on their life and others. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE Kim Dawson's personal journey, starting with her first business at the age of seven and how it led her to where she is today. The importance of being true to yourself and your values, not being afraid to reinvent yourself, and the power of curiosity and continuous learning in life and business. The episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for building a business that aligns with passion and purpose and makes a positive impact on one's life and others. ABOUT THE GUEST HOST Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. She lives in Temple, NH with her husband, Jason, and their snuggle-loving dog, Clyde. She enjoys hiking, reading, being a Jeopardy contestant from her couch, and writing. ABOUT KIM DAWSON Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries. Kim’s the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business. Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth. Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they’re building a life filled with experiences, craftsmanship, and fulfillment personally and professionally. When not working, Kim can be found on an adventure, hiking in the woods, trying out a new recipe, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music. If you’re ready to have a business that supports the lifestyle you desire, book a call with Kim today at .
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Stop Waiting for Change and Start Creating It Yourself with Kim Dawson
06/27/2023
Stop Waiting for Change and Start Creating It Yourself with Kim Dawson
Have you been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or simply “meh” about your business lately? Does it feel like you’re in a holding pattern waiting for something to change? Are you telling yourself that eventually things will start to happen for you, and at that point you’ll finally be ready to move forward? Then don’t miss this episode of The Sassy Strategist podcast. Host Kim Dawson shares a personal story of how she found inspiration where she least expected it, and how it made her realize that waiting for change just keeps you stuck where you are. She asks the tough questions to help you realize that the only thing standing in the way of you getting what you want is waiting for it. Kim also shares specific strategies you can use to go from feeling uninspired to focused and ready for action. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You already have everything you need to inspire change in your business (and your life!) Waiting for change can keep you stuck, bored, and feeling frustrated Ask yourself what you truly want, then make a list of actions you can take to make it happen You don’t need to do everything on your list, start with one item and go from there Action creates inspiration ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and CFO Advisor for small business owners. She works with clients to increase profitability, grow their team, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they enjoy, and gaining their free time back. If you’re ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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Staying Small While Growing Your Team with Kim Dawson
05/30/2023
Staying Small While Growing Your Team with Kim Dawson
There’s a misconception out there that scaling is the only way to increase revenue, increase profit, have more time, and run your business more efficiently. However, many solopreneurs and small business owners don’t really want to scale. In fact, what many call scaling, isn’t really scaling at all! In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson dispels the myths around scaling, discussing the difference between scaling and other forms of growth. Kim shares strategies for achieving your goals without scaling, and without continuously growing your team. If you’re looking to stay small, but also increase revenue and profit, while getting your time back, this episode is for you. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You can increase revenue and profit without scaling your business Scaling is a form of growth, but you can grow your business without scaling. When you build your team, profit may decrease in the beginning, but having a plan can help reduce the impact When you add to your team, pricing needs to be re-evaluated to avoid a net loss Systems may need to change as you grow your team ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and fractional CFO for solopreneurs and small business owners. She works with clients to increase profitability, improve cash flow, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they enjoy, and gaining their free time back. If you’re ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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Building a Profitable Business When You Don't Want to Be a CEO with Kim Dawson
05/03/2023
Building a Profitable Business When You Don't Want to Be a CEO with Kim Dawson
You love being a small business owner and you started your business because you wanted to make a living doing something you love. But there is pressure coming from all around you telling you to “grow and scale” - whether it’s creating passive revenue streams, hiring employees, growing your team, or even building to sell. The message you’re told is that it’s the only way to be successful. But it isn’t. In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson shares her thoughts on finding joy and profitability as a small business owner. Kim also discusses why trying to be a CEO rather than the service provider may actually be hurting your business. Listen in to hear Kim’s personal story of how she realized that staying small was the best fit for her, and her clients. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You can be financially successful without growing your team or scaling Focusing on your services rather than being a CEO may be the best fit for you and your clients Small businesses typically have small budgets - scaling may cause you to lose clients who can no longer afford your services You can do something that you love and that you're passionate about and make a good living at it ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist, accountant, and fractional CFO for solopreneurs and small business owners. She works with clients to help them increase profitability, improve cash flow, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they love, and gaining their free time back. If you’re ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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How to Get More Clients by Selling Results with Kim Dawson
11/17/2022
How to Get More Clients by Selling Results with Kim Dawson
When selling to potential clients remember one thing - they want to know that you can provide what they need, do it within their budget, and if they hire you they’ll get results. To successfully sell your services, you need to be able to communicate these results at rates that align with the value of these results. Pricing too high or too low can send the message that they won’t get the results they want. In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson shares strategies for selling from the client’s perspective; speaking to what you can do for them, the results you bring, and the investment for getting those results. Kim discusses the importance of knowing your market, aligning with their values, and seeing how results can be more than just business results, but can help them personally as well. KEY POINTS * Pricing your services will be different depending on the size of your business, and the best pricing supports both your business needs and the needs of the client. * You don’t want to overvalue or undervalue your services in regards to pricing. Pricing too high or too low can deter your ideal clients - they ‘ll think they won’t get the results they want. * Communicate with your potential client why your services are valued at the rate you charge - what are the results the client can expect from hiring you. * The results of working with you might include business results, such as increased clients, visibility in a new market, or more efficient systems, but there may also be personal results such as less stress, better time management, or more fulfillment from their work. * Pricing can vary greatly from one service provider to the next - your goal is to align your pricing with the needs of the market you work with and the value of the results you provide. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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How to Create an Effective Marketing Strategy for Your Business with Kristi Mitchell
11/03/2022
How to Create an Effective Marketing Strategy for Your Business with Kristi Mitchell
Not every business owner enjoys marketing, but it’s necessary if you want to grow your business. However, you can make marketing work for you, even make it enjoyable, if you adopt a different approach. Marketing can feel overwhelming if you think you need to implement every marketing strategy and be everywhere all the time. There are several options and opportunities, but you can choose what aligns with you and your business. In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Kristi Mitchell, Marketing Strategist, who shares insight on how to create a custom marketing strategy that works for you and your goals. She talks about using pull marketing rather than push marketing strategy, especially as it relates to social media. Kristi also shares inspiration for creating lead magnets, overlooked marketing strategies that generate good ROI, and why it’s so important to have an overall marketing strategy before hiring specialists. KEY POINTS * Pull marketing may be more effective than push marketing to engage your audience, and may align better with your personal brand. * There are several strategies to choose from when it comes to marketing your business, you don’t need to implement them all. * Social media marketing may be more effective when you focus on 1-2 platforms. * Many business owners focus their attention on the attraction stage of the marketing process, while not focusing enough on the conversion stage. * Hire a strategist before hiring a specialist. A strategist can create the overall plan that a specialist can then implement. ABOUT THE GUEST Kristi Mitchell is a Marketing Strategist. She specializes in working with established business owners who have relied on referrals and word-of-mouth to get to where they are today. They know in order to take their business to the next level, they need to finally get strategic about their marketing efforts. Kristi brings an MBA, over ten years of corporate marketing experience, and a drive for continual learning to the work she does with her clients. Go to for more information or to download her free social media calendar template. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking On a New Client with Kim Dawson
10/27/2022
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking On a New Client with Kim Dawson
Even the most experienced business owner can get nervous before a sales call. We might be worried about whether or not we make the sale, and if we don’t, how it will affect our revenue. Maybe you wish you didn’t have to worry about sales or marketing, and you think you’d be happier if you could just do what you love to do in your business. In fact, you’d rather not spend any time thinking about sales funnels, sales journeys, or sales scripts. But what if sales could be different? On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson presents a new approach to sales - rather than worrying about following sales formulas, or even whether or not you get hired, what if you ask yourself if the client is the right fit for YOU! KEY POINTS * You don’t need a sales script. * The purpose of a sales call isn’t to win at selling, it’s to find out if you have the tools, resources, and skills to help someone, and if working together makes sense for both of you. * Sales can be based on honesty, the desire to help, and a willingness to build a meaningful connection. * Before agreeing to work with someone, check to see if your values align. * Having a non-scripted, relaxed approach to sales can lead to better results. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Do SEO Yourself with Karen Callahan
10/20/2022
How to Do SEO Yourself with Karen Callahan
You’ve heard about SEO and how it can really drive traffic to your website, but you keep putting it off. SEO can seem overwhelming, overly technical, and can feel like there is too much to learn. However, SEO can actually be easy to learn and implement in your business. SEO may also be the most effective marketing tool in your toolbox, and one you can do yourself with little to no cost. In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Karen Callahan, SEO Strategist, Trainer, and WordPress Developer, who shares her tips and strategies for getting found on search engines like Google. Kim and Karen discuss blog writing and content creation for maximum SEO, the do’s and don'ts of guest blogging, and whether or not it matters which website platform you choose (Squarespace, Wix, Wordpress, etc.). They geek out over SEO and you won’t believe what you learn. KEY POINTS * Guest posting is for creating awareness, not SEO. * You can boost SEO on your website by writing on a few topics from multiple perspectives. * SEO tools and plugins don’t do SEO for you! They simply evaluate and make recommendations. * The copy you put “above the fold” on your website should be written with SEO in mind. * It may be better to drive traffic to web pages other than your home page. ABOUT THE GUEST Karen Callahan, MSCIS, SEO Strategist and Trainer, WordPress Developer, Speaker, Founder of Adventures Online and Karen-Callahan.com Karen Callahan is an SEO Strategist and Trainer, WordPress Developer, and Speaker with nearly 25 years’ experience developing websites and 15 years applying SEO to websites. A fierce advocate for do-it-yourselfers, Karen has trained many clients on how to add SEO to their own websites. She has flipped the script on SEO and developed a unique system; a words-based SEO system (not algorithm-based) that is ideal for non-tech professionals. She focuses on the “words” because words are what the algorithm and statistics are measuring! ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at .
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Is Social Media Really Worth Your Time? with Kim Dawson
10/13/2022
Is Social Media Really Worth Your Time? with Kim Dawson
Are you spending copious amounts of time and energy on social media marketing and not getting the results you want? Is the pressure to be active on social media and keep up with the latest social media trends making you feel exhausted and frustrated? Have you considered breaking up with social media but fear your business won’t survive? Do you wish there were a better way to use social media that would help you grow your business without taking up all your time? On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson addresses the controversial question, “is social media really worth it?” Kim shares her personal experience using social media as a marketing tool, including the struggles she’s experienced, and her honest critique of whether or not social media really generates ROI in your business. She also highlights the benefits of social media, why you may want to stay, and how you can make it work for you and your business. KEY POINTS * Social media marketing is one of many marketing tools. * Don’t let the pressure to fit in or follow trends dictate how you market your business - do what works for you. * You can use social media as a way to help your business, without letting it consume you. * If social media marketing is too energy-draining or time consuming, hire others to help you. * Invest your time and energy into what generates the most ROI in your business - and it may not be social media. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Build Systems in your Business that Work for You with Yvonne Heimann
10/08/2022
How to Build Systems in your Business that Work for You with Yvonne Heimann
Do you experience FOMO when you hear your fellow entrepreneurs talking about the latest tools they use, like ClickUp, Monday, or Asana, and wonder why you haven’t used these tools yet? Are you feeling disorganized in your business because you don’t have systems and processes in place and documented? Do you keep hearing that running your business would be so much easier if you set up automations? In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Business Efficiency Expert, Yvonne Heimann, where the two discuss what it means to set up systems in your business, and why digitizing them isn’t a requirement for them to be effective. Yvonne talks about the importance of knowing what works for you, and what doesn’t, using your own values and priorities as a guide to creating systems rather than what everyone else is doing. She shares her insight around using tools in your business, and why tools won’t solve your problems. Her philosophy - first, decide what you want, then use technology to help you make it happen. KEY POINTS * You already have systems in place - regardless of whether or not you’ve documented them. * First, create the systems, then digitize them. Tools won’t do this for you. * Your values and priorities will guide how you set up your systems. * Follow your own path - don’t worry about what works for others. * Your clients don’t care about the details of your process - they care about the client experience and getting the results they want. ABOUT THE GUEST Yvonne Heimann is the CEO & founder of AskYvi.com and the leading ClickUp evangelist, as well as a passionate Business Efficiency & Scalability Consultant, Mindset Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, & Speaker. Using her knowledge of over 15 years running multiple businesses, she helps her clients organize, strengthen, and streamline their businesses into profitability and success. Her work is driven by a vision of a world where digital entrepreneurs not only make a living doing what they are passionate about but thrive and wear their passions as badges of honor. To learn more about Yvi go to . To access the SOAR framework resource mentioned in the episode go to . ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Price Your Biggest Proposal with Confidence with Kim Dawson
09/28/2022
How to Price Your Biggest Proposal with Confidence with Kim Dawson
Have you ever had the opportunity to pitch a proposal to a client bigger than any other client you’ve ever had? A project that is so full of potential you can’t imagine losing this opportunity, but fear you will? If so, you’ve undoubtedly been nervous about what to include in the proposal, and how much to charge. You don’t want to charge too little, because it may be a lot of work, but you don’t want to charge too much and price yourself out of the running. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses best practices for pitching your biggest proposal yet. She talks about common fears and how to overcome them, and how to find the confidence to pitch what YOU need in order to have a thriving business. Kim shares negotiating strategies that will benefit both you and the potential client, and finding the courage to walk away if it isn’t a good fit. KEY POINTS Price your proposals based on what it will cost you to take on the project, not what you assume the customer thinks your work is worth. You’re the expert - Know what you need to charge, don’t expect them to tell you. Common fears are appearing greedy, overpricing your services, fear of future impact on your business, and lost opportunity - address these fears by having standard pricing based on the actual costs of running your business. You can negotiate proposals that stay within their budget without discounting your services. Avoid resentment - walk away if it isn’t a good fit. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Achieve Your Goals by Being Open to Possibilities with Jamie Chapman
09/21/2022
How to Achieve Your Goals by Being Open to Possibilities with Jamie Chapman
Do you find yourself struggling with decisions because you feel conflict between what you want (or think you want) and what you’re told you should want? Do you want to forge your own path in business, and in life, but not sure how to do it, or where to start? Then don’t miss this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast where host Kim Dawson interviews Jamie Chapman, a Creative Consultant in business and life, who supports women running small to medium-sized businesses. Jamie shares new and interesting perspectives on goal setting, getting clear on what you really want, and how being open to possibilities can move your business, and life, forward. Jamie and I talk about how to embrace uncertainty, and let go of rigid rules and what you think you need. We also discuss why plans typically don’t work the way you think they should and present the question - do you even need a plan? KEY POINTS -Moving away from black and white thinking or the need to fit into a box. -Getting clear on what you really want in your life and business, and running your business in a way that supports it. -Considering an alternative perspective to goal setting - don't think of it as setting a goal, think of it as deciding on your destination. -Taking risks in your business, and knowing when it may be the right time to invest in your business. -How can consultants, coaches and/or strategists help you, and what are the similarities and differences between them. -How to change the narrative and embrace possibilities. ABOUT THE GUEST Jamie Chapman, the owner of Chickbook Creative, is a Creative Consultant in business and life, supporting women who run small to medium-sized businesses. She brings 25 years of experience in systems, processes, accountability, leadership, and project management. Jamie has a multifaceted approach to problem-solving with extensive knowledge in executive functioning, habit formation, and understanding the mind of a creative entrepreneur. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Create Content that Connects with Your Ideal Client with Emily Aborn
07/15/2022
How to Create Content that Connects with Your Ideal Client with Emily Aborn
Does creating consistent and interesting content feel too time-consuming? Have you considered hiring a content writer, but fear they won’t be able to accurately capture your brand or your voice? Do you wonder about content strategy and how you can build a genuine connection with your audience? Then don’t miss this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast where host Kim Dawson interviews Emily Aborn, a Content Writer for Creative Entrepreneurs, as well as the Founder of She Built This®, a community for women entrepreneurs. Emily debunks a few myths about content creation, sharing her strategies for creating content that isn’t time consuming, and finding a content writer who can successfully communicate your personal brand, message, and voice. Emily discusses tips for sharing content across multiple platforms, how to speak to your ideal client, and why sharing content matters for both growing your business and making an impact. KEY POINTS A good content writer can capture your brand and voice Content strategy can help you build connections with your audience Consistency matters more than how many platforms you use Content builds the bridge between you and your ideal client Write content as if you’re speaking to only one person to build connection ABOUT THE GUEST Emily Aborn is a Content Writer and founder/leader of She Built This. She gets ideas out of her client's brains and onto the page by creating compelling content and copy that helps women entrepreneurs to reach their dreams AND their dream clients. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde. She enjoys hiking, reading, all the word and nerdy brain games she can get her hands on, and writing. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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Selling Your Services by Being Yourself with Kim Dawson
07/07/2022
Selling Your Services by Being Yourself with Kim Dawson
If you’re not a fan of sales or selling, it might be because you’ve been taught traditional sales strategies such as pre-planned scripts, sales templates, or high pressure tactics. But the most effective sales strategies are the ones that break tradition, and focus on getting to know people, and finding ways to help them. In fact, having only one strategy really matters - giving someone space to share what they need, and have an honest conversation around whether or not you’re the right person to help. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson presents a modern approach to sales, which includes focusing on the needs of your potential clients, seeing sales as an opportunity to help rather than sell your services, and being open-minded to the outcome, with no pressure to “close the deal.” Kim shares why you can’t really plan for a sales call, how to assess if it’s a good fit, and how to move past worry and fear about revenue when it isn’t a good fit. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Stand Out in a Highly Competitive Industry with Kim Dawson
06/23/2022
How to Stand Out in a Highly Competitive Industry with Kim Dawson
With so much of our business being online, does it feel like the amount of competition you have is endless? Do you struggle to feel seen and heard, and want to know how you can stand out so your audience can find you, without having to follow social media trends or copy everyone else? Do you want to create a unique brand, but unsure how to overcome the feeling of being discouraged by all the competition? On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson shares her number one strategy for dealing with a highly competitive industry, including sharing her own experience with it. Kim discusses what you need to build a unique personal brand, why it’s much easier than you may think, and how discovering who you are, and what your business and brand is really all about, can lead to feeling like you have no competition at all. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.
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How to Stop Overthinking and Start Moving Forward in Your Business with Kim Dawson
06/09/2022
How to Stop Overthinking and Start Moving Forward in Your Business with Kim Dawson
Do you ever feel like you’re working all of the time, but not making progress? Is the *work* you’re doing more thinking and less action? Do you struggle to make decisions in your business because you fear making mistakes? Overthinking, or as some call it “Analysis Paralysis” affects many of us, especially entrepreneurs. We get stuck in thinking mode, preventing us from moving into action mode. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses her own personal struggles with overthinking, over-analysis, and fear of making mistakes. She shares how she works to overcome these, and the steps to take to find clarity when making decisions, and easily transition from overthinking into taking action and moving forward. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.
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…And We’re Back! (Why I'm NOT ending the show) with Kim Dawson
05/25/2022
…And We’re Back! (Why I'm NOT ending the show) with Kim Dawson
Host Kim Dawson shares why she decided NOT to end the Sassy Strategist Podcast, and gets honest about the struggles we face as entrepreneurs to make decisions. Kim talks about her own struggle with her brand name, and why naming anything in our business feels so important (and why we’re so afraid to make a mistake!). Kim also discusses her plans for moving the show forward, including the kind of interviews and content she hopes to bring to the listeners, and why it matters. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.
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The Next Stage in the Entrepreneur Journey with Kim Dawson
05/14/2022
The Next Stage in the Entrepreneur Journey with Kim Dawson
Host Kim Dawson gets personal and shares the “why” behind her work, and what she is planning for the next stage of her own entrepreneurial journey. Discussing the importance of entrepreneurship as a means to creating a meaningful and purposeful life, Kim shares exciting news, including how she will continue her mission of bringing you, the small business owner, the tools you need to connect your creativity and passion to building a business that can support the lifestyle you desire.On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson shares why she started the podcast in 2015, why she (almost) decided to end the show, and what she plans to create next. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. If you’re ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.
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5 Signs You Should Raise Your Rates with Kim Dawson
03/30/2022
5 Signs You Should Raise Your Rates with Kim Dawson
Making decisions around raising your rates can be tough. We often worry about the amount we should charge for our services and how a price increase will affect our ability to retain and attract clients, but choosing the right time to increase our rates is equally important. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses five signs to look for in your business that will tell you it’s time to consider raising your rates, including why each one of them is important. Kim also shares insight on why re-evaluating your prices on a consistent basis is critical for building a sustainable business.
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How to Niche Down in Your Business with Kim Dawson
02/23/2022
How to Niche Down in Your Business with Kim Dawson
If you are a solopreneur or small business owner, you have probably heard of niching down and the importance of it for growing your business. However, you probably also have concerns about niching, and wonder if it is right for you. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses different options for niching down in your business, including the pros and cons of a market niche and a service niche. Kim also shares insight on how to address the fears around defining a niche, and how you can use niching to implement better marketing strategies as well as attracting your ideal clients. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is the founder of K.Dawson Company, a consulting firm that provides business strategy and coaching, management accounting, and CFO advisory services for solopreneurs and small business owners who are looking to increase revenue, improve operations, build their team, or expand into new markets and niches. Kim is the author of Passion to Profits: Your Guide To Building a Successful Business You Love, and is the host of The Sassy Strategist Podcast. To learn more, visit kdawsonco.com.
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The Enneagram and Entrepreneurship with Christina Granahan
01/28/2022
The Enneagram and Entrepreneurship with Christina Granahan
When you’re a solopreneur or small business owner, especially working in the service industry, your business is just as much about connecting with your clients as it is the service you provide. Our work can feel personal, and we often prefer to grow our businesses in a way that aligns with our values, our interests, and what feels right to us. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, I am interviewing Enneagram-Informed Therapist and Coach, Christina Granahan LICSW, PCC, who shares insight and strategies we can use to grow our businesses in a way that aligns with our personality, and resonates with our audience. We discuss topics such as decision making and risk tolerance, as well as how we show up in the world, including our strategies around content creation, networking, and marketing.
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Rethink Your Tax Strategy with Ronica Brown
12/06/2021
Rethink Your Tax Strategy with Ronica Brown
While talking about taxes isn’t the most glamorous topic of conversation, it’s a necessary one for all of us, especially if you own your own business. On this episode of The Sassy Strategist Podcast, listen in to Ronica Brown, CPA, advisor and tax strategist and I as we attempt to make “tax talk” interesting, and dare I say, fun. Well, at the very least, we share helpful tips for how use tax strategy to improve your financial situation, and maximize profit in your business.
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How Strategy Took Me From Fear To Success with Kim Dawson
10/06/2021
How Strategy Took Me From Fear To Success with Kim Dawson
For the first time on the show, host Kim Dawson shares her own personal journey of building her business, which she nearly quit several times. Kim shares the mistakes she made during the first few years, including spending too much time and energy working on tasks that didn’t bring results, without having a plan that truly aligned with her goals and values.
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Managing Your Business During a Personal Crisis with Julia Becker Collins
08/23/2021
Managing Your Business During a Personal Crisis with Julia Becker Collins
Julia received the call of her cancer diagnosis at 5pm on Friday, March 13, 2020, just as businesses throughout the country began shutting down from the COVID-19 pandemic. Julia Becker Collins, COO of Vision Advertising, was met with the challenge of dealing with a life changing medical diagnosis, with offices closing and the world in chaos, all while continuing to run a company where staff and clients were depending on her to navigate the way. In this special episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, Julia shares her story of how she was able to manage her diagnosis and treatment while also managing her company staff, now all working remotely, dealing with clients, and implementing new operations as a company due to COVID-19, all while reminding herself that from now on, her health needed to be top priority. KEY POINTS Having a strong support system in place can be extremely helpful to you during a crisis. Set boundaries with staff and clients regarding your time - this includes letting them know you may not be available at certain times. Delegating and trusting others to get things done is critical to success when you need to step away from your business. Before saying “yes” to a request, first ask yourself, “how does this serve me?” If the answer isn’t compelling enough to say “yes”, then say “NO.” You can’t really be good at running a business if you’re not living a fulfilling life outside of your business. ABOUT THE GUEST Julia has more than 16 years experience in marketing and business. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Vision Advertising and leads all aspects of the company, from managing day-today operations to talking marketing and business strategy with clients. Julia's the Founding President (emeritus) & Co-Founder of the MetroWest Women’s Network, a group of more than 3,500 ambitious women that work together to meet their goals. Julia regularly speaks at business events, seminars, training sessions, and more. Julia holds an MPA from Framingham State University & a BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was awarded the Distinguished Alum Award at UMass Amherst in 2016. In 2019, she won the 40 Under 40 Award from the Worcester Business Journal. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to scale to the next level to increase their bottom line. With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. After working with Kim, her clients end up doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling their revenue, all while gaining their free time back.⠀
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Convert Leads Into Clients Using Email Automation with Bev Feldman
07/26/2021
Convert Leads Into Clients Using Email Automation with Bev Feldman
Bev Feldman is a marketing technology consultant at Your Personal Tech Fairy and helps coaches & solopreneurs create and maintain email automations that can build trust and nurture relationships with subscribers. Bev takes care of the tech side of email marketing so that you can focus more on the aspects of your business that bring you joy. On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, Bev and I discuss why email marketing is an effective tool for creating better connections with your audience, engaging with your audience, and generating sales both now and in the future. We also discuss three top reasons why consistency matters, why using filters and tags are so important, and how to overcome your fears of email marketing.
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Changing Your Pricing As Your Grow with Kim Dawson
07/13/2021
Changing Your Pricing As Your Grow with Kim Dawson
As your business grows, you may find that the rates you once charged, no longer sustain you, or your business. Perhaps you are ready to hire help, but you’re unsure how you can afford it, or your experience level means it’s time to start increasing your rates, but you’re not sure how to go about doing so.
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Website Strategies to Attract Your Ideal Client with Robyn White
07/01/2021
Website Strategies to Attract Your Ideal Client with Robyn White
Robyn White is is the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio, a boutique website design studio.
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Discover Your Innate Marketing Genius with Christina Frei
06/04/2021
Discover Your Innate Marketing Genius with Christina Frei
Christina Frei is a branding and marketing consultant for smart business owners who are trusted advisors. She helps them identify what she calls their “one voice, one strategy”, and brings sanity and clarity to their marketing life.
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