Avoid the January Burnout: Start Your 2026 Plan Before the New Year

January doesn’t fail you—your timing does. When most entrepreneurs try to plan and execute at the same time, the daily grind eats their goals by week two. We take a different path: build a 90-day plan before the year turns so you start with clarity, momentum, and a short list of actions that actually move numbers.We walk through a focused framework: reflect on last year’s metrics, choose just two goals for the first quarter, and translate each into precise projects and tasks you can schedule and measure. Using a real example—adding 1,000 qualified email subscribers—we map the projects (podcast guesting, list swaps, and creating a relevant opt-in) and outline the task lists that make them work: researching aligned shows, crafting targeted pitches, aligning the opt-in to episode topics, setting dates, and tracking conversions with simple attribution. You’ll hear how weekly check-ins on leading and lagging indicators help you pivot fast, protect your energy, and compound wins.We also share two client stories that underscore the payoff of early planning. One entered Q1 with tasks queued and saw a 25% revenue lift in the first 90 days. The other waited until January to plan, spent two weeks catching up, and never found traction. The takeaway is clear: planning is a multiplier when done before the calendar flips. If you want a calmer January and a stronger February, build your quarter now—set two goals, define your projects, break them into tasks, and measure what matters.Want the template and prompts we use? Grab the Strategic Growth Plan Guide in the description and get the 90-Day Plan program while it’s discounted. Subscribe, share this with a founder who’s stuck in resolution mode, and tell us: what are your two Q1 goals?Read more HERE.Support the show

You can do a lot right in your business and still plant legal landmines without realizing it. We brought attorney-turned-founder Bobby Clink on to walk through the simple, practical steps that keep online businesses out of trouble—so you can grow without fear of rebrands, takedowns, or messy disputes. From naming a podcast or course to handling email consent across borders, we break down the exact checks ambitious creators should run before momentum builds.We start by separating copyright (your content) from trademarks (your brand) with real examples: why a five-minute trademark search saves a five-figure rebrand, what’s worth registering with the Copyright Office, and how AI-generated content changes what you actually own. Then we move into email: GDPR consent done right with unchecked boxes, why CAN-SPAM is not a hall pass, and how to keep your list-building clean without tanking deliverability. We also tackle the overlooked risk of memes and GIFs in newsletters, the right way to license images, and the safe lane with Canva’s terms.Contracts get the spotlight too. Bobby explains why written agreements protect relationships, not just revenue, and how to structure terms that match the reality of your offers—scope, IP ownership, refunds, termination, and more. To make this easier, we explore Bobby’s Plainly Legal platform: a free Legal Manager that audits your business and prioritizes tasks, a powerful agreement generator with e‑signature, and Chat Legal for quick, vetted answers. The goal isn’t to turn you into a lawyer—it’s to give you the confidence to build, market, and sell without second-guessing every step.If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a founder who needs a legal tune‑up, and leave a quick review so more builders can find it. Your support helps us bring on experts who save you time, money, and stress.Read more HERESupport the show

Are you trapped in the cycle of busy work that feels productive but doesn't actually grow your business? You're not alone. A shocking 80% of entrepreneurs focus their energy on tasks that never move the needle on revenue.This episode cuts through the noise to help you identify which activities truly matter in your business. The key question every business owner needs to ask: "Does this task directly impact revenue?" If you can't draw a clear line between your daily work and actual sales, you might be spinning your wheels. Social media posts, networking events, and even content creation need to be evaluated through the lens of real results, not just visibility or vanity metrics.Success leaves clues, so we explore how to analyze what's already working in your business and double down on those proven strategies. Rather than constantly chasing new trends or tactics, learn how to "tighten the cork" on existing revenue streams. This might mean improving your sales page copy, focusing on email list growth that converts, or transforming successful launches into evergreen offers.The path to sustainable growth isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter. Discover how to create an effective 90-day plan with just 1-2 focused goals, delegate tasks that don't require your unique expertise, and build systems that free you from busy work. By concentrating your energy on the 20% of activities that generate 80% of your results, you'll finally escape the overwhelm that plagues most entrepreneurs.Ready to transform how you prioritize your time and efforts? Grab our 90-day planning framework and start focusing on what truly matters—growing your business and hitting your income goals without the burnout.Support the show

Ready to stop trading hours for dollars and start building assets that work while you sleep? We sit down with Kathy, a veteran blogger of nearly two decades, to unpack how she moved beyond volatile ad revenue and turned her highest-value posts into profitable digital products—starting with simple printables and growing into the Safe Harbor Emergency Binder System. This isn’t about shiny tools or complicated funnels; it’s about solving real problems your audience already has and delivering a clear path to results.Kathy shares the early days of blogging for a frugal homesteading audience, why ads once made sense, and what changed as search engines answered queries directly and social algorithms got noisier. We dig into her first wins on Etsy by packaging top goat-care posts into affordable PDFs, then explore how a single high-traffic article evolved into a complete emergency binder that families can grab in a crisis. From tornado prep and wildfire evacuations to everyday needs like policy numbers, titles, passwords, and DMV checklists, the binder’s value is peace of mind and time saved—benefits that resonate far beyond her original niche.We also get tactical: how to choose your first product by mining analytics, structure it around a job-to-be-done, and use email marketing—not social—to educate, nurture, and sell without feeling pushy. You’ll learn why a simple “Life Happens” opt-in accelerates trust, how to design a customer journey with natural next steps, and the mindset shift from “I shouldn’t ask for money” to “I prescribe solutions that help.” If you’re a creator or blogger feeling squeezed by RPMs and algorithms, this conversation shows a practical, values-aligned path to sustainable revenue.Subscribe for more creator business strategies, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to launch their first product, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep bringing you actionable stories.Read more HERE.Support the show

Ever feel like your creative business has you constantly putting out fires instead of making meaningful progress? You're not alone. The freedom we crave as content creators often leads to business chaos when we "wing it" without structure.In this episode, I unpack why scattered approaches fail entrepreneurs and how implementing a strategic 90-day plan transforms both your business results and your quality of life. The problem isn't your creativity or work ethic—it's the lack of focused direction. When you jump from tactic to tactic without measuring impact, you burn valuable energy without gaining traction.A 90-day plan works because it provides the perfect balance between focus and flexibility. This timeline naturally aligns with business quarters while allowing you to adapt to your audience's seasonal needs. You'll experience quick wins that build momentum instead of chasing every shiny object or trend that comes along. The structure helps you prioritize what truly matters by focusing on just 1-3 core goals, creating measurable checkpoints that keep you accountable, and giving you the ability to adjust strategies without abandoning your vision.Through practical examples like growing your email list through podcast appearances and summit participation, I demonstrate how to break big goals into manageable projects and specific tasks. The result? Predictable revenue, sustainable content creation, and a positive mindset where you run your business instead of letting it run you.Ready to transform your business approach? Join my 90-Day Plan Program to get the exact system we implement at our annual Insiders Retreat. Stop the overwhelm and start seeing the progress your hard work deserves. Your future self will thank you for the clarity and momentum you're about to create.Support the show

Ever wonder what makes business retreats so transformative compared to conferences or online courses? In this compelling conversation with Jodi Halstead, owner of Ireland Family Vacations and host of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, we uncover the magical elements that turn business retreats into catalysts for growth and renewal.Jodi shares her experience at the Insiders Retreat, describing how these intimate gatherings create what she calls "hallway conversations all the time" – those valuable, unscripted moments of connection that entrepreneurs crave. "The power of a retreat comes from being around other people who are in a similar situation," she explains. "Being around smart women who are looking to do things similar to you, who you can bounce ideas off and help with – it revives you."We explore the phenomenon of breakthrough moments that happen during retreats, which Jodi compares to witnessing an eclipse: "It's just like these lightbulbs turn on, but they're so powerful and you can see the adrenaline and the thoughts... it's like this stone rolling down a hill, it starts off slow and then all of a sudden it picks up speed and bam, it's right there." These transformational shifts happen when entrepreneurs find clarity and excitement for their business again, especially after experiencing periods of uncertainty or burnout.Perhaps most importantly, we address the hesitation many women entrepreneurs feel about attending retreats. As Jodi points out, "We're not afraid to step away from our business. We're afraid to step away from everything else because we are the plate spinner and if we're not there spinning the plates, they're going to fall." Yet with proper planning, taking this time for focused business growth isn't just possible – it's essential for breaking through to new levels of success.Ready to experience your own business breakthrough? Join us at the Insiders Retreat this November in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where we'll create life-changing strategies for 2026. Visit JennyMelrose.com/retreat to apply for one of our remaining spots!Support the show

Are you frustrated by creating endless content across multiple platforms with little to show for it in actual sales? You might be suffering from what I call "spaghetti marketing" – throwing content at every wall and hoping something sticks. This approach rarely works, and understanding why can transform your business results.In this episode, I break down the three critical reasons why marketing messages fail to convert. Many entrepreneurs spread themselves too thin across platforms where their audience isn't making purchasing decisions, chase trends that don't connect to their products, or confuse potential customers by trying to solve too many problems simultaneously. The result? A confused audience, wasted time, and inevitable burnout.The solution lies in creating clarity. I walk you through how to define your core message, establish content pillars that directly connect to your offerings, and focus your efforts on platforms that actually convert for your specific audience. You'll learn why anchor content (whether YouTube videos, podcast episodes, or blog posts) combined with strategic email marketing often delivers better results than frantically posting across every social platform.Smart content repurposing is another key strategy I cover – how to maximize your reach without multiplying your workload. By analyzing your data to identify which platforms drive actual sales, not just engagement, you can create a simplified marketing approach that communicates more effectively with potential customers and guides them toward your paid offerings.Ready to transform your visibility into actual sales? Join Turning Visibility Into Sales Challenge, October challenge where we'll focus on exactly that. This four-day experience will help you take your existing visibility to the next level by converting it into income – which, let's be honest, is why we're all in business in the first place. Stop the spaghetti marketing approach and start seeing real results!Read more HERE.Support the show

Boundaries aren't just good practice—they're essential for sustainable entrepreneurship and your mental wellbeing. Productivity specialist Amber De La Garza joins us for an eye-opening conversation about why so many business owners struggle with boundaries and how this impacts everything from client relationships to family dynamics.Ever find yourself frustrated when clients text at 9 PM? Or when team members ask questions they should know the answers to? These moments of tension often signal boundary issues that, left unaddressed, lead to burnout, resentment, and diminished joy in your entrepreneurial journey. Amber walks us through the three crucial steps of boundary setting: getting clear about what you need, communicating your expectations, and—most challenging—consistently maintaining those boundaries even when tested.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Amber's insight into why women entrepreneurs often struggle more with boundaries than their male counterparts. From people-pleasing tendencies to confidence issues and societal conditioning, we explore the psychological underpinnings of boundary difficulties and provide practical frameworks for overcoming them. She shares powerful examples from her own experience, including how teaching boundaries to her teenage son mirrored the challenges business owners face with clients and team members.The practical tools discussed, from using your calendar more effectively to leveraging systems as boundary enforcement mechanisms, offer immediate paths to reclaiming your time and energy. As Amber explains, "Boundaries are like mindset—they're not something you can check off as done in business." They require ongoing attention and refinement as your business evolves.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by 24/7 availability expectations or simply want to create more intentional work patterns, this episode provides the guidance you need to establish healthy boundaries that serve both you and your business. Ready to take back your time and rediscover the joy of entrepreneurship? This conversation is your starting point.Support the show

Are you caught in the visibility trap? You're showing up online, creating content consistently, but those efforts aren't translating into sales. This frustrating cycle happens to countless entrepreneurs who believe they need to be everywhere at once, spreading themselves thin across multiple platforms without strategic direction.The visibility trap is deceptively simple: we know we need an online presence, but instead of being intentional with our content, we try to do everything everywhere. The result? Burnout instead of bank deposits. In this episode, I break down the three critical reasons you might be stuck in this cycle: having no clear buyer journey, creating content that doesn't align with your offers, and undermining trust through inconsistency.When your audience can't see how your content connects to your products or services, they won't make the leap to purchase. Take the example of a meal planning expert who only shares viral recipes without showing how they fit into a comprehensive system. That content might get views, but it won't sell your meal planning program. Instead, create content that highlights the problems your audience faces and positions your offer as the solution.Breaking free from the visibility trap requires a strategic shift: choose just one or two social platforms where your ideal clients actively engage, create consistent "anchor content" (blog, podcast, or YouTube) that lives on your website, and ensure everything you publish connects directly to your offers. Most importantly, commit to consistency—establish a realistic content schedule and stick to it through batching and planning.Ready to transform your visibility into actual sales? Join our upcoming Visibility to Sales Challenge this October. You'll learn exactly how to create content that converts, so you can finally see the return on your content creation efforts. Stop spinning your wheels with content that goes nowhere—it's time to make your visibility count!Read more HERESupport the show

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels in business, trying everything but seeing little return? The culprit might not be your strategy—it could be a lack of consistency. Contrary to popular belief, business success rarely comes from dramatic leaps or occasional bursts of activity. The real magic happens through small, consistent actions that gradually compound into significant results. In this episode, I break down why consistency creates confidence and how this powerful connection can transform your business outcomes.I share my personal journey with consistent email marketing—how what once took hours now takes just 10 minutes weekly, while delivering stronger audience relationships and steady sales. This illustrates a crucial truth: confidence isn't something you're born with or that magically appears before taking action. Rather, it's earned through the evidence you build by consistently showing up. Every time you follow through on a commitment to your audience or yourself, you strengthen your self-trust and business foundation.Think about fitness: would you rather exercise for 20 minutes three times weekly or endure a grueling three-hour workout every two months? The same principle applies to your business. Regular, manageable actions create sustainable momentum without the burnout cycle of intense pushes followed by inaction. Plus, these consistent efforts compound over time, multiplying their impact—but only if you're tracking the right metrics to see what's actually driving sales.Ready to build consistency into your business? Join our Insiders membership where "Consistency is Queen" is our focus this month. As a podcast listener, you'll receive $20 off monthly, gaining access to three training topics monthly plus group coaching calls to provide the accountability and support you need to turn small, consistent actions into remarkable business results.Support the show