Topic: Linkedin

A challenge was initiated to determine if a business could function by performing only essential tasks like client work and weekly emails. This experiment aimed to break the pattern of constant striving and refining to see the impact of "being with what is" for a short period.

The experiment in minimalist productivity revealed that while doing the bare minimum is difficult, cultivating awareness of commitments is highly effective. Choosing when to "take the foot off the gas" allows for a lighter energy even when business demands eventually increase.

A planned summer slowdown involves pausing new podcast episodes in favor of republishing favorites and limiting social media activity to when it feels inspired. This conscious decision to step off the "hamster wheel" aims to prevent the illness and exhaustion associated with constant chasing of new goals.

A practical approach to productivity involves removing procrastination tools from the immediate environment, such as putting phones in flight mode or using website blockers. Creating physical barriers, like closing doors or adding extra steps to reach distractions, helps provide a moment of pause to reconsider unproductive behaviors.

A personal account reveals that a podcast guesting strategy used successfully four years ago has ceased to be effective in the current market. After six months of unsuccessful attempts, an evaluation process is necessary to adjust tactics and find new ways to see results. This period of trial and adjustment is framed as a form of progress that brings a business closer to finding functional solutions.

Making a public declaration on platforms like LinkedIn or to a business audience creates external pressure to perform. Business owners can harness this by creating waiting lists or selling products before they are fully developed, which validates market appetite while ensuring the creator follows through on delivery.

The "big stones in the jar" analogy serves as a reminder to prioritize high-impact activities that move the needle in a business. If a schedule is filled with sand and gravel—representing minor reactive tasks—there will be no room for the significant strategic work required for growth.

A survey of LinkedIn users reveals that busy work is often driven by perfectionism, guilt, or the avoidance of challenging tasks. Common examples cited include hunting for PowerPoint images, formatting website pages instead of writing copy, and scrolling through social media. These activities often fill gaps in the schedule when business owners feel they lack the time for constructive focus.

Distinguishing between outcome-based goals and action-based goals allows for better control over business progress. While outcomes like specific income levels or membership numbers are not entirely controllable, action-based targets such as LinkedIn posting frequency or networking attendance remain within an individual's direct influence.

Louise Miller concludes the 100th episode by thanking her listeners for their support and feedback. She encourages those struggling with productivity to experiment with self-awareness and "quiet calm" to find ease in their lives. Miller provides links for Janine Coombes' LinkedIn, the Make It Happen Club, and a "Buy Me a Coffee" support page before looking forward to episode 101.

The fifth mistake is failing to protect scheduled time for high-impact work, allowing distractions or client requests to steal focus. Without blocking specific slots in a diary for important tasks like blogging, the time is often lost to social media scrolling or unplanned meetings.

A case study involving a LinkedIn trainer illustrates the danger of pursuing growth opportunities that conflict with personal vision. The client considered an agency model but realized it would add unwanted complexity, proving that true productivity requires alignment with long-term goals.

Effective diary management requires allocating specific time for the administrative tasks that follow professional networking events. Experience with the Only Networking community demonstrates that a 90-minute meeting often requires an additional hour for note organization and LinkedIn outreach. Creating a protective bubble of time before and after events prevents stress and ensures that relationship-building efforts are not wasted.

Establishing a mindful relationship with technology involves setting strict boundaries, such as deleting social media apps like LinkedIn or Instagram during periods of high stress. Removing work emails from mobile devices and leaving hardware in separate rooms can help business owners regain creative flow and reduce anxiety caused by constant notifications.

Many business owners fail to protect the time necessary for high-impact work, allowing their schedules to be hijacked by clients or social media. Without blocking out specific periods in a diary for tasks like writing blogs, empty mornings are often lost to reactive activities or scrolling on LinkedIn. Proactive time protection is essential to prevent external demands from stealing focus from important projects.

Specific rituals for creative work include moving from a desk to a sofa and using a notebook and pen instead of a laptop. For social media engagement on LinkedIn, setting a 30-minute timer and playing energizing music helps transform a chore into a focused, playful activity.

Claire Sophia provides her contact information for listeners interested in somatic coaching and holistic business practices. She directs users to her website, claire-sophia.com, and mentions her presence on LinkedIn and Instagram under the handle "iamclairesophia." Louise Miller encourages the audience to reach out to Sophia for further discussion on embodiment in business.

Dorothy Watt provides her contact details for listeners interested in her homeopathic services, directing them to her website and social media handles. She notes her presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube, where she originally shared her golf ball analogy video. Louise Miller confirms that all relevant links will be included in the podcast show notes for easy access.

Louise Miller introduces guest Janine Coombes as part of a special "takeover" week featuring members of the Make It Happen Club. Coombes specializes in helping business owners refine their offers to increase sales, and Miller highlights her engaging presence on LinkedIn. The conversation begins with a lighthearted icebreaker where Coombes definitively chooses crisps over chocolate based on the ability to consume them in higher volumes.

Janine Coombes discusses her transition from a restrictive corporate persona to an authentic, "silly" online presence that incorporates color and humor. She reflects on being an early adopter of original video content on LinkedIn, specifically through "The Secret Marketing Show." While she acknowledges that the influx of funny videos during the pandemic made her more selective about her output, she maintains that showing up as one's true self is vital for business growth.