Episode 575: What actually works in your small business?

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In this episode, Fiona talks about life's cycles and transitions, inspired by her son's primary school graduation, and how the constant need to start over as a beginner applies directly to running a small business. She explores why embracing these cycles of growth and change is essential for sustainable business success.You'll Learn:• Why becoming a beginner again and again in business is not a setback but a sign of growth and expansion• How to reframe feelings of uncertainty and discomfort when learning new skills as opportunities for innovation and capability building• Practical examples of common business cycles where you'll need to start fresh, from hiring your first employee to adopting new marketing platforms or AI tools Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusiness Sign the Not a Date to Celebrate petition hereConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️What if creating a list of what you WON'T do could be more powerful than your goals for 2026? In this coaching episode, I'm diving deep into the concept of your "No List" - a boundary document that could save you time, energy, and money while helping you focus on what actually matters.We often identify who we are by understanding who we are not, and your No List works the same way. From saying no to coffee meetings during work hours to declining "pick your brain" requests unless people pay for your expertise, this episode will help you create clear boundaries that free you up for bigger opportunities.You'll discover:• Why boundaries don't limit you - they free you• Real examples of what might go on your No List (no more courses, no traveling for speaking gigs, no pretending to be someone you're not)• How to make your No List specific and actionable• Why saying no to the wrong things means saying yes to the right ones• The difference between successful people and really successful people (hint: it's about what they say no to)Perfect timing as we head into 2026. This isn't about being negative - it's about being intentional with your most precious resources: your time, energy, and attention. Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessSign the Not a Date to Celebrate petition hereConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In this quick tip episode, Fiona explores a simple but powerful end-of-year practice: looking at what actually stuck. Instead of rushing into 2026 goals, Fiona reflects on the habits, ideas and conversations that genuinely supported her during a year of unexpected change. From leaving her phone downstairs to returning to meditation and following the joy all the way to the Subject Object Market, this episode is an invitation to notice what worked and why it mattered.What You’ll Learn• Why looking back is just as important as looking forward• How small habits can shift your wellbeing and mindset• The power of honest conversations and strong friendships• What “following the joy” can create in your business and life• How to carry helpful habits into the new year without pressure Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessSign the Not a Date to Celebrate petition hereConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

Join me for an important conversation with Laura Thompson and Sarah Sheridan from Clothing the Gaps about their "Not a Date to Celebrate" campaign. This episode explores how small businesses can create meaningful social change, the power of authentic advocacy, and practical ways you can get involved - whether you're in Australia or listening internationally.This conversation covers the history behind why January 26th is problematic, how Clothing the Gaps successfully campaigned to "Free the Flag," and their current petition that's gained over 73,000 signatures. You'll learn about building effective campaigns, using your business platform for good, and why this 87-year-old conversation is more relevant than ever.If you are First Nations and need some help right now in the lead up to 26 January, check out: 13 YARNBeyond BlueSign the Not a Date to Celebrate petition hereConnect with Clothing The GapsNot a Date to Celebrate Education HubInstagram: @clothingthegapsTikTok: @clothing_the_gapsWebsite: Clothing The GapsSign Up as Brand Partner: (Scroll to bottom and fill in form)Connect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In this quick tip episode, Fiona digs into a behaviour she sees all the time in small business — self-sabotage. From saying you want more media exposure to turning opportunities down because you “don’t feel ready,” this episode is a reality check wrapped in encouragement. Fiona shares real examples, practical questions to ask yourself and why fear might be stopping you from the growth you’re craving.What You’ll LearnWhy so many small business owners unknowingly block their own opportunitiesThe difference between saying no because something isn’t aligned and saying no because you’re scaredHow to accept PR, podcast and media opportunities before you feel “ready”Simple questions to ask yourself to stop self-sabotageWhy feeling nervous is normal (even for experienced people) and how to act anywayHow small, brave yeses create visibility, connections and growthFollow IG @subject__object for more market information  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️The Subject Object Market will run 10am - 2pm AEDT Saturday 6th December at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, Cnr Yarra St and Mitchell Av, Warrandyte. In this episode, Fiona shares why she is returning to more human, real world connection in her business and how creating a small local market has reminded her of the value of community, creativity and presence alongside AI. She talks through the stallholders, the process, the stretch, and why doing something in person can shift so much in both work and life.Listeners will learn:• Why in-person connection still matters in an AI-driven business• How community and place can shape business decisions• What Fiona discovered while organising her first collaborative market• Why stretching yourself publicly can build confidence and creativity• The value of experimenting, embracing imperfection and doing things offlineFollow IG @subject__object for more market information  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️What if one simple question could transform your entire business in 2026? In this episode, Fiona is sharing the exact question she asks every potential client that reveals the three things you should focus on to create real, meaningful change.Instead of trying to fix everything at once (we've all been there!), this episode will help you identify the THREE specific things that would make the biggest impact on your business over the next 12 months. We're talking real, actionable focus - not just growth for growth's sake.You'll discover:• The magic wand question that cuts through the noise• Why focusing on just 3 things beats a 47-item to-do list• Real examples of game-changing answers from other business owners• The three-perspective framework for choosing your priorities• How to turn your answers into your 2026 business planWhether it's confidence in marketing, launching that new category, or finally systemizing your processes - this episode will help you get crystal clear on what actually matters.Perfect timing as we head into the new year. Grab a pen and get ready to focus.  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIOrygenHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In this somewhat personal episode, Fiona chats with her brother, Professor Eóin Killackey - a clinical psychologist and researcher at Orygen who specialises in youth mental health and employment outcomes. While Eóin isn't a small business owner, his insights on managing uncertainty, the relationship between work and mental wellbeing, and learning to switch off are invaluable for entrepreneurs. They discuss the science behind why purposeful work matters for mental health, practical strategies for dealing with constant stress and uncertainty, and how to recognise when you need professional help. Eóin also shares his approach to maintaining boundaries in meaningful work and offers coping mechanisms for those feeling overwhelmed by responsibility. A conversation filled with practical wisdom for anyone juggling business pressures with mental wellbeing.Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with Professor Eóin Killackey:LinkedInOrygenConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIOrygenHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️Who do you really admire in business — and what does that reveal about the way you want to work and live?In today’s quick tip episode, Fiona shares a simple but powerful exercise to help small business owners stop comparing themselves to the wrong people, get clear on their real values, and design a business that genuinely supports their life.You’ll learn how to identify the 10 people you truly admire, uncover the patterns behind why they inspire you, and use those insights to make clearer decisions, set better boundaries, and create a more intentional, sustainable business.Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck in comparison, or unsure about their direction.Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

Get your 2026 sorted with 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. You'll Learn How To:• Recognise transformational moments when they happen in your business journey• Create genuine human connections with your customers and audience• Stop hiding your enthusiasm and show up with authentic passion• Build a business that supports a life full of meaning and purpose• Turn ordinary interactions into opportunities for real impact• Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your business communications• Find clarity and perspective during challenging times as an entrepreneur• Use everyday experiences to fuel your business growth and personal developmentConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:How to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.