The Ops Authority
You can’t ignore the back-end pieces that have to work together and flow smoothly in order to build a brand, grow a movement or disrupt an industry. If the operations side of your business is a mess, putting out fires will always take priority… leaving no room for creative innovation, fun visibility or networking with powerhouse peers (or wannabe peers). If you’re soaking up what I’m spilling and are getting a little excited about operations, I invite you to listen to The Ops Authority podcast. Every week, I will share actionable strategies from the Director of Ops community to move your business forward and transformational stories of powerhouse business owners who now value operations.
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247. How Kara Barnes Designed Work She Loves After the DOO Certification
04/17/2024
247. How Kara Barnes Designed Work She Loves After the DOO Certification
Hey, hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Ops Authority Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to have Certified DOO, Kara Barnes with us to dive deep into how the DOO Certification was the driving force in her journey to designing a career she truly loves. She gives a glimpse into her company, Backstage Ops, and her approach to business operations. She dives into her business shift from working on a retainer basis to running an agency. Throughout our conversation, Kara continually reflects on the profound influence that the Director of Operations Certification has had on her career. This was an amazing episode with Kara Barnes—an episode filled with profound lessons and actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance their operations career. Tune in for an incredible dose of inspiration and strategic wisdom right here on The Ops Authority Podcast! For full show notes visit Stay Connected: Brought to you by the
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246. The Journey from VA to Consultant with Sarah Neumann
04/10/2024
246. The Journey from VA to Consultant with Sarah Neumann
Welcome back to another episode of The Ops Authority podcast. I have certified DOO, Sarah Neumann, here to share about her personal journey from being a Virtual Assistant to becoming a certified Online Business Manager and Director of Operations. She’s currently a consultant with a focus on team development. We dive into Sarah’s shift from doing fractional work to embracing a consulting role, further explaining her desire to help businesses thrive through the strategic crafting of teams and organizational structures. Sarah shares more about her consulting methodology, which encompasses the creation of team roles and responsibilities, the provision of developmental frameworks, and the offering of coaching services. I commend Sarah for her remarkable growth and encourage you to join the next cohort of the Director Of Operations Certification! This was a great episode on aligning your work with your passion, taking decisive action, and continuing to refine your business processes to achieve success! For full show notes visit Stay Connected: ! Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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245. How the Strategic Mapping Model™ Creates Freedom in Your Ops Career
04/03/2024
245. How the Strategic Mapping Model™ Creates Freedom in Your Ops Career
On today’s episode of The Ops Authority Podcast, I am sharing more about the Strategic Mapping Model™ and its significance for Directors Of Operations. It is not just a tool but the foundation of what we do as certified Directors Of Operations. The Strategic Mapping Model™ doesn’t just streamline operations but it builds freedom. I’m sharing those four freedoms that it gives to you on today’s episode, so tune in! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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244. The Difference Between Strategic Mapping and a Business Plan
03/20/2024
244. The Difference Between Strategic Mapping and a Business Plan
Do you know the difference between a business plan and a Strategic Mapping Model™? In today's episode, I am sharing those differences. The Strategic Mapping Model™ is taught in the Director of Operations Certification Program and is more practical for small businesses in today’s digital economy. It provides a clear, interactive framework that aligns strategic vision with daily operations. While traditional business plans are outdated, the Strategic Mapping Model™ is not. Check out this episode to hear more about why you should be incorporating the Strategic Mapping Model ™ into your services for clients! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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243. 6 Ways to Design Your DOO Business
03/13/2024
243. 6 Ways to Design Your DOO Business
Welcome back to another episode of The Ops Authority Podcast! I am excited to share this one with you today. Once you become a Director of Operations, there are many routes to take in your business. Here, I am going to share 6 ways that you can design your DOO business! From Strategic Mapping™ to project management, you can take many routes. Tune in to hear more and let me know — do you have another way that I haven’t shared here? For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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242. Understanding Assessments Used by Service Providers
03/06/2024
242. Understanding Assessments Used by Service Providers
On today’s episode, I am sharing the different types of assessments. These are particularly important in the hiring process. I’m diving deeper into the significance of the Kolbe A assessment and how knowing this can make a difference as a DOO! I even share how this assessment identifies strengths and helps match others to the right business roles. If you’re ready to understand the different types of assessments and why they are important to business, you aren’t going to want to miss today’s episode! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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241. 3 Ways to Convert Discovery Calls in 2024
02/28/2024
241. 3 Ways to Convert Discovery Calls in 2024
Are you having trouble converting discovery calls to paid clients? On today’s episode, I am sharing the 3 ways to convert these discovery calls! I discuss key strategies such as showcasing leadership and adaptability, actively listening, and providing tailored solutions. Tune in to hear how to move your prospective clients to paying clients! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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240. Set Yourself Apart in Your Next Interview
02/21/2024
240. Set Yourself Apart in Your Next Interview
Are you ready for your next interview? On today’s episode, I am sharing tips with you that you can use to set yourself apart! I share the importance of researching the company, understanding the job description, and using strategic thinking. I give you practical tips for crafting a strong introduction, giving clear answers, and maintaining professionalism. Having a list of questions ready for the interviewer at the end is key and make sure that you are clearly communicating how you are going to provide success in this role. For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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239. Upwork and Insight for Finding New Work and Clients with Meighan O'Toole
02/14/2024
239. Upwork and Insight for Finding New Work and Clients with Meighan O'Toole
Have you used Upwork to land clients? On today’s episode, I have Meighan O’Toole on to share more about her tactics for landing clients in our current market, with the use of Upwork! We unpacked the strategies and insights Meighan uses for service providers ready to gain more clients through Upwork. Tune in to hear all of the advice that she has to share! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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238. Do This if You Need Clients Now
02/07/2024
238. Do This if You Need Clients Now
Do you need clients? With this shifting market, I’m sharing ways that you can land clients now! I’m giving you several tips that you can use to push forward and land clients even with a changing economy. I share ideas such as recognizing the shift that has happened since the pandemic, setting clear goals, and maintaining regular client outreach. I also recommend networking locally and reconnecting with past clients. I suggest adapting service offers to the current economic situation and considering employment as an alternative. I hope these tips help you adjust your approach to thrive if you are needing clients! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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237. 3 Actions Operators Should Take When Imposter Syndrome Sets In
01/31/2024
237. 3 Actions Operators Should Take When Imposter Syndrome Sets In
Has imposter syndrome ever held you back? On today’s episode, I tackle the issue of imposter syndrome. I share my personal experience with imposter syndrome and give you a little interesting background on the history of it. I also share 3 actionable tips that you can take to overcome it, so that you don’t stay stuck! Tune in to hear more! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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236. A Fulfilling Career Journey Because of the DOO Certification with Martina Douglas
01/24/2024
236. A Fulfilling Career Journey Because of the DOO Certification with Martina Douglas
Are you ready for a fulfilling career? In today’s episode, I have Martina Douglas on sharing more about her journey through the DOO certification. We dive into how she made the leap into the DOO certification and how it has had a profound effect on her career. She shares more about what the DOO certification looked like for her and her success in the program. If you are on the fence about joining the DOO certification program, check out Martina’s episode! It’s time for you to have a fulfilling career that you love too! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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235. Strategic Leadership in Government Contracting: Stephanie Marquardt's DOO Certification Journey
01/17/2024
235. Strategic Leadership in Government Contracting: Stephanie Marquardt's DOO Certification Journey
In this DOO success story, I chatted with Stephanie Marquardt, the founder and CEO of Continuous Synergy LLC. We talked more about the work that she does with government contracting and the importance of operations, systems, and processes. Stephanie shares her personal journey with the DOO certification program and how it has been beneficial to her own business. We also chatted more about the importance of having support and structure in small teams. Operators are important for all businesses, and I hope this episode is a reminder for you today! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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234. How to Walk Away from Work as a Part of Your Uplevel
01/10/2024
234. How to Walk Away from Work as a Part of Your Uplevel
It can be a tough decision to walk away from current work that no longer aligns with your personal and professional growth. On today’s episode, I want you to shift your perspective to think about it as part of your uplevel. It’s important to uplevel in your career and sometimes that means walking away from current work. I share insights on assessing your client relationships and offers and encourage you to join my Implementation Escape Plan to learn more. I give you advice on exiting relationships while still maintaining professionalism. I also offer advice on pursuing work that resonates with your values. Remember, if the work no longer aligns with your mission, vision, and values, it’s time to walk away! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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233. Revolutionize Your Thought Leadership to Flow and Innovate with Dr. Julia Colangelo
01/03/2024
233. Revolutionize Your Thought Leadership to Flow and Innovate with Dr. Julia Colangelo
Happy New Year! In this first episode of the year, I have Dr. Julia Colangelo, award-winning educator and researcher who specializes in flow and mindfulness, on the show today! Dr. Julia shares her expertise on how to achieve a state of flow for optimal performance. We talk more about the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and embracing our imperfections. I hope this episode encourages you to tap into your own flow and appreciate your unique gifts as we start a new year. Let’s make this year a year of growth, joy, and fulfillment! For full show notes visit Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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232: 2023 Year in Review
12/27/2023
232: 2023 Year in Review
What has been happening at The Ops Authority in 2023? Find out in this fun behind-the-scenes year in review episode. We are wrapping up 2023 by looking at my business and sharing my review. I do this behind the scenes episode each year because I really value transparency with those who support me! For full show notes visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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231: 2024 State of the Union for Service Providers - Part 2
12/20/2023
231: 2024 State of the Union for Service Providers - Part 2
What are the business trends that we see as we head into 2024? Today we are continuing our discussion of the State of the Union for service providers. Make sure to check out last episode's discussion for . For the past two years, I have gathered together some amazing peers who have a heart for service, and we come together to do a state of the union address. Today's episode is all about looking forward to 2024. We will share our thoughts on what is on the horizon, and what trends are ahead so we can create strategies and plans for moving forward. My goal is to help you see what is possible for the new year! For full show notes, visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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230: 2024 State of the Union for Service Providers - Part 1
12/13/2023
230: 2024 State of the Union for Service Providers - Part 1
What are the business trends that we see as we head into 2024? For the past two years, I have gathered together some amazing peers who have a heart for service, and we come together to do a state of the union address. This gives me the awesome opportunity to gather bigger perspectives, and when we come together there is always learning, growth and innovation. It is our time to bring together some collective thoughts for you. In today's podcast we are going to focus on 2023, what worked and what opportunities we have as service providers. I have invited six of my peers who are all educators of service providers of varying specialties. We also all represent different business models and this is just a varied perspective as we look back at the year. For full show notes visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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229: What's the Difference in an OBM and a DOO?
12/06/2023
229: What's the Difference in an OBM and a DOO?
Are you unsure about the differences between the certifications of an Online Business Manager (OBM) and a Director of Operations (DOO)? We are diving into this very popular question: “What is the main difference between an Online Business Manager and a Director of Operations? You are not only getting my perspective, but five other people's perspectives in this unique episode. This is part of a new mini series for anyone who is an OBM, or has similar questions Check out the full series and make sure to subscribe at . For full show notes visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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228: Creating Operational Profit with Danielle Hendon
11/29/2023
228: Creating Operational Profit with Danielle Hendon
How confident do you feel in your ability to parse financials and analyze profit? Today my friend Danielle Hendon joins us to talk about operational profit. We are both big proponents of creating operational profit for two reasons: The more profit a business has, the more enjoyable it is and the longer the business is able to survive and thrive As a service provider you have the ability to drive the operational profit inside a business Danielle will share her financial framework on how we can be a driver of change in a business. For full show notes visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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227: Creating a Career Path as an Operator
11/22/2023
227: Creating a Career Path as an Operator
Do you know what level of service you provide in the hierarchy of operations? Most of us are meant for something more, and it is so easy to take the path of least resistance because we desire safety and security. Unfortunately that keeps you in the past version of yourself. My personal mission at The Ops Authority is to help women step into their next best self, and break patterns so we can continue to grow and elevate. I want to keep you moving forward, and make sure you have a development plan. You want to make sure you are evolving and using your innate gifts and natural skills so you can operate from a place of ease. For full show notes visit . Other Ways to Connect with Me: Brought to you by the
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226: The Four Layers of Operations
11/15/2023
226: The Four Layers of Operations
Do you have trouble defining how you will best function in an organization? One of the things in our recent Director of Operations (DOO) training that we were showcasing, was some of the ways we help our students get results. One of the results that students desire is to understand the systems, tools and processes that have worked for me, so that they can implement these in their companies and businesses right away and get their ROI. One of those tools is the “Levels of Operations”, which we previously discussed in . I am going to re-share this info again today because I believe this is helpful for you to understand if you are on track to becoming a DOO, and so you can answer the question if the Director of Operations certification program is right for you now. This tool is going to be helpful for you as you are looking for progression in your own career, but it's also helpful to use in building the teams that you are responsible for. For full show notes, check out . You still have a couple of days to join us for the upcoming 21st round of our Director of Operations certification program. Check it out and ! Other Ways to Connect: Brought to you by the
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225: Mastering the Art of Business Operations in the 4 Core Business Types
11/08/2023
225: Mastering the Art of Business Operations in the 4 Core Business Types
How much variety is really within the Director of Operations (DOO) skillset? Today we are going to tell you about what it looks like to be a DOO in a variety of different business models. If you are interested in what it looks like to be a DOO this is going to be a phenomenal episode for you. You will hear from four women who have come through our certification program, and they are all using their certifications in a different way. If you are ready to jump into our 21st cohort, we are ! Head on over for more information, and to get your application in! Other Ways to Connect: Brought to you by the
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224: The DOO Download: Your Questions Answered (#7)
11/01/2023
224: The DOO Download: Your Questions Answered (#7)
Do you want your burning DOO (Director of Operations) questions answered? Today we are back for another round of The DOO Download, where you get your most frequently asked questions, answered. These questions come straight from you via our Facebook community or inside our DOO certification program. In this series we address common questions that pop up in our community. If you have questions that you would like answered, make sure to submit them! If you are thinking of becoming a Director of Operations (DOO)? Sign up for our informational session, on Tuesday November 7th. For full show notes, visit . Other Ways to Connect: Brought to you by the
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223: How to Price Your Services as a Service Provider
10/25/2023
223: How to Price Your Services as a Service Provider
Does your pricing reflect the value that you bring to a business as a service provider? Today we are going to talk about how to price your services as an operator or a service provider. This question comes up often because we are always second guessing ourselves. I want to give you some guidance and help you ask the question, “Is what I’m doing today fulfilling to me?” For full show notes visit . Pricing is one of the key areas that we cover in the DOO certification program. If you are ready to increase your pricing and get support in your career growth, then I want to invite you to on Tuesday, November 7th. I will be sharing who is right for the DOO profession, what you do, what kind of businesses are leveraging a DOO, and what is included in the certification. Other Ways to Connect: Brought to you by the
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222: Should You Be a Generalist or a Specialist?
10/18/2023
222: Should You Be a Generalist or a Specialist?
How should you position yourself in the Director of Operations (DOO) market? Today we are asking the question, “Should I be a generalist or a specialist in my service area?” Even when you are an employee of a company, you may need to navigate this question. For full show notes visit . If you are on the path of becoming an upleveled operator, check out our 2-hour event entitled “.” We will be talking about what it looks like to be a DOO, who is right for the DOO role, and what the certification looks like. It will be interactive, and we will be taking your questions. Other Ways to Connect:
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221: How to Transition from a Contractor to an Employee
10/11/2023
221: How to Transition from a Contractor to an Employee
Have you been considering joining an organization as an employee rather than an independent contractor? Have you been thinking about approaching your current client about considering you as an employee? Today I want to talk about the trend of people who are working as independent contractors inside of companies, who have the opportunity to move into an employee role. This shift is probably a byproduct of what we are seeing in the market and the economy, and the fact that being in business is more challenging as a whole. For full show notes, visit . We have developed a new tool called the (Time, Investment, Energy, Stress) and are offering an information packet that will help you learn how to observe the value that you bring to an organization. This info will help you put together a report as a touchpoint and communication piece that will exhibit your value. Make sure to ! Other Ways to Connect with Me:
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220: Reflections from Make Your Mark Live
10/04/2023
220: Reflections from Make Your Mark Live
Are you wondering if a live event is worth the time and effort to attend? I have just returned from Jordan Gill’s annual event “Make Your Mark Live”, and I wanted to talk about the interactions and conversations I had. At the end of each year, I do an episode with some of my peers entitled “State of the Union for Service Providers,” and this episode is going to be similar with insights about how the year is summing up for service providers. For full show notes visit .
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219: The DOO Download: Your Ops Questions Answered
09/27/2023
219: The DOO Download: Your Ops Questions Answered
Do you want your burning DOO (Director of Operations) questions answered? Today we are back for another round of The DOO Download, where you get your most frequently asked questions, answered. These questions come straight from our Facebook community and/or inside our DOO certification program. In this series we address common questions that pop up in our community. If you have questions that you would like answered, make sure to ! For full show notes visit .
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218: How to Add Strategy to Your Clients Business
09/20/2023
218: How to Add Strategy to Your Clients Business
How do you move into a leadership and strategy role in the businesses you serve? Often, we get questions about how to become a strategic advisor or a strategic partner. I have mentored and coached hundreds of women to become Directors of Operations (DOOs), who uplevel to the next best version of themselves. We take your hard skills and amplify them, but we also focus on the leadership component. We as DOOs have this leadership skill set, but often we don't tap into it because we don't have it laid out for us. Today I’m going to share four steps that will help you to show up and lead strategically. This episode is a replay, so for full show notes, check out .
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