In this episode, I explore the power of market research for business growth and connection. From a story about losing a magnetic eye lash on a Zoom call to a surprising call with the founder of the company, and a few eye-opening lessons in between, I show how understanding your audience on a deeper level can turn customers into raving fans.

Curious about how the smallest frustrations can lead to the biggest opportunities? You won’t want to miss the actionable insights packed into this episode!

Topics I Cover:

• Start with Understanding: Market research isn’t optional, it’s essential for any business, big or small. Knowing your audience forms the foundation of every successful strategy.

• Uncover Opportunities in Frustrations: Alison’s personal story with Moxie Lash shows how digging into customer frustrations can reveal opportunities to innovate and build loyalty.

• Action, Not Just Questions: The best market research happens when businesses actively listen, learn, and act on customer insights, just like Moxie Lash updated their education materials.

• Effective Strategies for Research: Use tools like ChatGPT for simulated feedback, engage in Facebook groups to listen and ask meaningful questions, or host direct one-on-one calls for deeper insights.

• Messaging That Resonates: If your audience doesn’t understand your message, they’ll tune you out. Tailoring your message to align with your audience’s language and needs is critical.

• Learn from Mistakes: Alison share’s a “big marketing mistake” that highlights the risks of skipping proper research, don’t gamble with your messaging or reputation.

• Build Relationships Through Feedback: Conversations with your customers strengthen loyalty and create superfans who amplify your brand’s reach.

If you’re feeling stuck in your business or wondering how to take it to the next level, this episode offers practical steps to get strategic with your market research.

This actionable advice will help you stop spinning your wheels, create a deeper connection with your audience, and build a business that thrives. Tune in, and let’s make those next steps count!

www.moxielash.com

Today, I'm introducing you to my new biz bestie - ChatGPT!!

Now, if you’re like most entrepreneurs, you might think of ChatGPT as just another content tool. But let me tell you, friend, it’s so much more than that!

In this episode, I share how I transformed ChatGPT from a little content-creation helper into a full-on business partner, making it my go-to for productivity, strategic planning, and even system building.

Stick around, because by the end, you’ll see how ChatGPT could be your next team member in scaling your business.

• Beyond Basic Content: ChatGPT isn’t just for writing. It’s a powerhouse for streamlining processes, brainstorming ideas, and strategizing solutions that work.
  
  
• A Moment of Clarity with Offers: By using ChatGPT to fast-track through a course, I developed a complete offer suite in a single day—something that typically takes weeks. This tool helped me think faster and get laser-focused on what matters.
  
  
• Custom Strategies with Ease: When a client needed help with her high churn rate, I leveraged ChatGPT to break down a complex Alex Hormozi case study and quickly adapted those strategies for her. The result? A custom plan that exceeded expectations and saved me hours.
  
  
• It's a Tool, Not a Replacement: ChatGPT doesn’t do the work for you—it amplifies your expertise. Like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. Just as I share in my Instant Pot “adventure,” the right tool in skilled hands makes all the difference.
  
  
• Avoiding Common Missteps: I see three common mistakes with ChatGPT—expecting it to read your mind, asking vague questions, and not seeking follow-up clarity. Nail these, and you’ll elevate your results.
  
  
• Productivity Hacks with ChatGPT: I’ve turned ChatGPT into a system builder, outlining high-level processes and even creating SOPs for my team. It’s like having an extra hand for the back-end of my business.
  
  
• Join the Workshop!: I’m hosting a “Be Your Own Boss Better” workshop to teach you exactly how to leverage ChatGPT in every stage of business. Let ChatGPT handle the details while you focus on the big picture.

This episode is packed with insights on making ChatGPT a strategic tool in your business. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with tasks or stuck on a big project, this episode will help you see how ChatGPT can reclaim your time and give you mental space to stay focused on growth.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Let’s chat about how ChatGPT can become your new productivity partner.

Join me on November 19th for my free workshop, where we’ll go step-by-step through ways to use ChatGPT to supercharge your business strategy.

Register at alisonleighsimmons.com/workshop, and let’s take the next step together!

In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I chat with my business coach, Michelle Vroom, who opens up about her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship and what it truly takes to build a sustainable business. Michelle shares her experiences navigating financial pressures, balancing family dynamics, and achieving long-term stability without compromising her values. Her transparency in discussing her business model shifts, the importance of sustainable offers, and the lessons she learned about stability will resonate deeply with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the relentless hustle. Listen in as Michelle offers a refreshing perspective on creating success that’s not only scalable but also sustainable.

Topics We Cover:

• Starting with Purpose: Michelle began her entrepreneurial journey driven by a desire for flexibility and financial security, but her commitment to family and stability has always grounded her goals.

• The Power of Sustainable Offers: Michelle stresses that choosing the right type of offer, especially recurring or long-term ones, can make or break your stability as a business owner. She dives into why high-volume, low-ticket products might not be the best fit for everyone.

• Overcoming Client Losses and Building Community: Facing a significant revenue loss while pregnant was a pivotal moment for Michelle. Rather than giving up, she started focusing on audience-building to create a steady pool of clients, ensuring she’d never face that situation again.

• Finding the Right Business Pace: Michelle acknowledges the allure of rapid growth but emphasizes that not every season is meant for scaling. Sometimes, sustaining is the key to longevity, especially if long-term impact is the goal.

• Work-Life Harmony Over Balance: Open communication with her husband has been essential for managing family responsibilities. The couple regularly recalibrates, recognizing that balance looks different in every season.

• Strategic Decisions as an Experienced Business Owner: Michelle shares that it’s okay—and necessary—to reassess your direction. Shifting to more one-to-one coaching allows her to deepen client relationships, aligning with her desire for a more personal impact.

• Following Your True Vision: While tempted by trends in the coaching industry, Michelle stays true to her values. She builds her business around sustainable, high-impact work rather than just financial gain, knowing that integrity drives long-term success.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to make choices today that will benefit your business tomorrow. Michelle’s insights remind us that a steady, purposeful approach can often be the most impactful “next step” in scaling to lasting success.

Michelle Vroom's Website

Vroom Communications

Market Like a Boss Podcast

Be Your Own Boss Better Workshop

Resources Page

In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I’m reflecting on my recent conversation with Kris and Rebecca from C&D Tools. If you remember, in Ep 32: Beyond the Bottom Line: Unexpected Benefits of Hiring a Business Manager, they shared how hiring me as their business manager brought unexpected benefits.

Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why those results were so surprising, yet incredibly impactful.

What I Cover:

• Faster-than-expected ROI: By tightening up their operations and tying off loose ends, Kris and Rebecca saw an immediate impact on their bottom line.

• Clarity through focused action: Having a business manager ensured that every move was aligned with their vision, no more spinning their wheels on things that don’t matter.

• Decision fatigue, be gone! With me taking on key decisions, they freed up the mental space they needed to focus on high-value tasks.

• Reviving faith in the business: Rebecca shared how working with me restored their belief in the potential of their business, which had started to fade.

• Support that goes beyond the to-do list: It’s more than just getting tasks done, having someone in their corner who believes in the vision made all the difference.

• Inspiration through progress: Progress itself became the motivation to keep moving forward, sparking excitement for the future again.

This episode is all about showing you what’s possible when you bring the right support to your business.

But remember, it’s not just about hiring any business manager. It’s about finding one that truly understands your vision, fits your vibe, and pushes you in all the right ways to take your business to the next level while making the process enjoyable.

What sets me apart isn’t just the services I offer, but the personality I bring to the table. I don’t just push buttons and check off to-do lists; I keep things efficient, fun, and motivating because if we’re not laughing while getting things done, we’re missing out on one of the best parts of working together!

If you’re feeling stuck or your passion has started to dwindle, listen in and discover how strategic help can reignite your faith in your vision. Let’s chat and take that next step toward building the business you’ve been dreaming of!

Be Your Own Boss Better Workshop

C&D Tools USA

In today’s special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain to give you an inside look at what it’s like to work with a business manager — from the perspective of my amazing clients, Kris and Rebecca of C&D Tools.

You’ll get to hear their unfiltered take on how working with me has impacted their business, from navigating chaotic beginnings to achieving record-breaking growth. They’re sharing the good, the better, and the surprising benefits that made all the difference.

One key moment? When Kris casually referred to me as their "boss," sparking a transformation in how they approached their business!

• The Power of Purpose-Driven Action: C&D Tools started from a small inconvenience—an unsatisfactory cocktail shaker—and turned it into a full-fledged business by recognizing a gap in the market for quality, American-made shakers.

• The Importance of Team Chemistry: Building a business is as much about relationships as it is about strategy. Kris and Rebecca first connected with Alison during a challenging Kickstarter campaign and stayed loyal despite early setbacks because they valued trust and aligned vision.

• Turning Messy Action into Structured Growth: Kris and Rebecca candidly shared how, early on, the business was disorganized, but implementing structured systems like Trello (despite resistance) transformed the chaos into streamlined efficiency.

• The Value of a Strategic Partner: Rebecca mentioned that having Alison on their team took the weight off their shoulders, helping them focus on growth without being bogged down by daily operational stress. Every weekly meeting turned into a reminder of their "why" and brought renewed energy to the business.

• Immediate ROI from Hiring Help: Their revenue increased by 90% month-over-month after bringing Alison on board, and for the first time ever, they had more money in their bank account than the total of their business loan.

• Unexpected Benefits: Beyond the financial gains, Alison provided the structure and encouragement that reinvigorated Kris and Rebecca’s passion for their business, turning C&D Tools from a stressful endeavor into an exciting journey again.

• Delegation and Scaling: One of the most surprising benefits for the couple was Alison’s ability to build a team around herself, which allowed them to focus on big-picture strategy while she managed day-to-day execution.

This episode is a great reminder that growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it just requires the right support. Whether you’re thinking about hiring your first team member or ready to bring in a full-fledged business manager, Kris and Rebecca’s story shows that the right partnership can transform not just your bottom line, but also your experience as a business owner. Ready to get out of the weeds and take your business to the next level? Let’s chat and see how we can create a sustainable and scalable strategy that aligns with your vision!

Hey guys! In this episode, I’m walking you through the four phases that are absolutely essential to building not just a successful business, but a healthy successful business that you can sustain long-term.

I’m sharing insights from a personal story about a family road trip and how hiking the Grand Canyon revealed some truths about the entrepreneurial journey. If you’re finding that the excitement of growth has turned into exhaustion, this episode is a must-listen.

Let’s talk about where you might be getting stuck and what needs to happen next!

Topics I Cover:

• The 4 Phases of Business Growth: I introduce the four essential phases every business goes through—Strategy, Scale, Optimize, and Sustain—and explain why each is necessary for long-term success.

• Scaling Isn’t Always Fun: It’s exciting to see your business grow, but scaling can also feel overwhelming. I share the importance of staying consistent and avoiding the temptation to change direction too soon.

• Optimization Before the Next Big Leap: Many business owners jump from one growth phase to the next without fine-tuning what they’ve already built. This can lead to burnout and inefficiency.

• Sustainability is Key: Without solid systems in place, your business can feel like a ticking time bomb. I emphasize that true success comes from creating a business that can run without burning you out.

• Create a Business that Lasts: Businesses that thrive don’t rush through phases. They take the time to optimize and sustain, building a foundation that allows them to scale again without crumbling.

The journey of building a healthy, successful business can feel a lot like hiking the Grand Canyon. There are highs and lows, steep climbs, and times when you need to stop and reassess.

But with the right plan and a clear understanding of each phase, you can create a business that not only grows but also sustains long-term.

If you’re ready to map out your next steps or need someone to walk through the hike with you, head over to my resources page for free tools and book a complimentary strategy call today. Let’s build a business that lasts together!

Turn Profit Into a Habit: Why You Need the Profit First System with Shannon Simmons

In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, host Alison Leigh Simmons sits down with Shannon Simmons, a certified Profit First professional, to discuss a game-changing approach to managing business finances.

Shannon shares her own journey with money mindset and dives into the practical steps of implementing the Profit First system. This interview offers a fresh perspective on paying yourself first as a business owner and setting up your business for long-term profitability.

You won’t want to miss Alison’s reaction when she realizes the subtle yet powerful shift that Profit First can create!

Topics We Cover:

• Mindset Shift on Profit: Shannon emphasizes the importance of paying yourself first and treating profit as a bonus, not just “leftover money.” Shifting your mindset around this can immediately change how you view your business finances.

• Separate Bank Accounts for Clarity: The Profit First system uses multiple bank accounts to allocate funds for specific purposes, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for. This structure can reduce stress and increase financial clarity.

• Owner’s Pay vs. Profit: There’s a difference between the money you take as salary (Owner’s Pay) and your profit distribution. Profit is a reward for business success, while Owner’s Pay covers your personal living expenses.

• Addressing Money Mindset Issues: Shannon opens up about how negative money conversations from her childhood impacted her mindset. This personal story highlights how early money experiences can shape our financial habits.

• Small Steps First: Start by opening just one new account and allocate a small percentage of every deposit—1%—to begin building the habit of setting aside profit.

• Dealing with Debt: For business owners with debt, Shannon advises splitting profit distributions to include debt payments, savings, and a small personal reward, so you balance debt reduction with maintaining a safety net.

• Accountability and Support: Having a certified Profit First professional can provide the support needed to stay on track, troubleshoot challenges, and help navigate unexpected financial setbacks.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help business owners create a strategic, sustainable plan for their finances using the Profit First system. Implementing even one small step can transform how you view and manage your business funds. Tune in to learn how taking control of your money today can help you build a thriving, profitable business for the future.

Ready to start paying yourself first? Listen to the full episode now and take your first steps toward a more profitable business strategy!

Connect With Shannon:

https://fitforprofit.com/

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Next Step Podcast! This week, I'm sharing an intimate and inspiring live interview I did with my business coach, Michelle Vroom, inside her Facebook group, Market Like a Boss. In this conversation, you'll hear how I went from making $2,500 per month to hitting $10,000 months, all while running my business on the road with my family. If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated, listen in to hear how I worked through those challenges and learned to create a sustainable, thriving business. Trust me, there's a pivotal moment where everything clicked for me—and it can for you too!

Topics We Cover:

• The Power of Mindset: Alison discusses how shifting her mindset and documenting her "evidence" of success helped her move past mental blocks and gain the confidence needed to scale her business.

• Embracing Strategic Action: Consistency was key! Taking strategic action—even when results didn’t show up immediately—was what eventually led to growth and clarity.

• Clearing the Clutter: Alison talks about learning to say "no" to non-essential tasks and how simplifying her calendar helped her regain focus and energy in her business.

• The Role of Coaching: Alison’s journey highlights the importance of accountability and how her willingness to accept coaching led to significant breakthroughs. If you think you can do it alone, Alison’s story will remind you that no one reaches their full potential in isolation.

• Community Support: Alison credits much of her success to the encouragement and support she received from her coaching community, emphasizing the importance of having a tribe that understands the entrepreneurial journey.

This episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action in your own business. If you’ve been stuck on that plateau, unsure of how to hit your next big milestone, listen in to discover how you can apply these lessons to your own journey. You’ll walk away with practical steps on how to simplify your business, shift your mindset, and start making strategic moves to hit your next income goal.

Don’t forget to visit alisonleighsimmons.com/resources to access the Business Management Toolkit and download resources tailored to the stage of your business! Let’s do this, guys—together, we’ll take your business to the next level!