Thoughtful Thursdays: How To Conquer Your Business with Erin Marcus

Founder & CEO of Conquer Your Business I help entrepreneurs and small business owners get the financial and emotional freedom they need to build a business and a life they’re proud of by learning how to Be In Charge, Take Action, and Get Results! I have been mentoring, training, teaching, and coaching for more than twenty years. I love helping people take action they didn’t think possible, do things they didn’t think they could do, and succeed beyond what they dared to dream.   https://conqueryourbusiness.com/media-kithttps://www.facebook.com/ErinMarcusConquerYourBusiness, https://www.instagram.com/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFD-aM6LmA10FQrFC_QchQ Business Operations Transition Discussion Erin and Michael discussed their approach to business operations, with Erin emphasizing her role in helping business operators transition to business owners. Erin stressed that this shift isn't about more work, but different work, and she helps her clients understand this. Michael added that it's important to remember the initial goals of the business, and not to wait too long to transition from doing all tasks to owning a business. Business vs. Nonprofit Operations Erin and Michael discussed the importance of treating a business as a business, not just a task to be completed. Erin emphasized that business owners should hire for expertise rather than just task completion, and then allow the hired experts to create processes without micromanaging. She also highlighted the need for businesses to have a vision caster who sets the parameters, but doesn't manage the day-to-day operations. Michael agreed, noting that he had to learn to not micromanage his employees after coming from a corporate background. He also pointed out that nonprofits often 'dumb things down', treating their operations less like a business. Delegation, Strategy, and Expert Help in Business Michael and Erin discussed the importance of delegation and strategy in business. Michael emphasized the need to pay others what they're worth to free up time for more important tasks. Erin stressed the danger of trying to solve business problems with marketing tactics, arguing that a strategy problem requires a strategic solution. Both agreed on the value of recognizing what you don't know and seeking help from experts. They also highlighted the common issue of entrepreneurs assuming they know how to grow a business, despite having no formal training in it. Authenticity and AI in Online Presence Erin and Michael discussed the challenges of projecting perfection online, with Erin emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. They touched on the use of AI tools to help with tasks such as graphic design, with Erin noting that while AI can make the marketplace noisier, it also provides opportunities to stand out by being oneself. They also discussed the potential of AI in generating ideas and preventing writer's block, but agreed that authenticity and personal input are still crucial. Erin offered help to Michael for their next discussion and mentioned her work, which can be found at conqueryourbusiness.com.