These 7 habits predict success, start implementing them now, Episode 255

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Podcast

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Seven Habits Of High-Performing Store Owners

As I sit down to write this, I’m about to embark on an 8 week journey with a group of fellow ecommerce entrepreneurs on our annual Reliable Revenue course. It’s a unique journey compared to our ongoing Inner Circle membership (where the trainings are regularly updated to reflect the changing landscape of ecommerce) , because it will be two months of very focused and intensive work. Students implement the strategies weekly, and by the end of 8 weeks they’ve put in place a system that consistently drives revenue to their online stores so that they can focus less on selling, and more on what they need to grow their businesses.

And so this year I’ve really been pondering how to empower our members to maximize their success. What I’ve learned in the past 15 years of teaching is that there are a handful of habits that seem to really predict whether a store will thrive.  And these aren’t advanced tactics, they’re habits that every single one of us can build, regardless of our stage in business.

So I’m really excited to share these with you. The following insights are meant to help you, and especially our Reliable Revenue participants. Apply them strategically to your e-commerce endeavors and your ROI will continue to grow.

Habit 1: Attention to Detail 

The first difference I see between store owners who get a lot out of this training, and those who seem to be just treading water, is attention to detail. They intentionally set aside time to watch the lessons, and make sure that they implement the training that week. And they don’t multitask while doing it; they set themselves up for success by giving themselves the time and space to focus on one thing at a time, and get the work done. They finish that one thing, and make sure it’s done right, before they move onto the next.

Habit 2: Manage Expectations

Success is a marathon, not a sprint. The first time you try anything new, it’s never going to be your best outcome. And it’s probably the case that anything in life that you’ve achieved and felt very proud of didn’t happen overnight, and wasn’t handed to you on a silver platter. You put one foot in front of the other, persisted through challenges, and little by little achieved your goals.

When I say that a key habit to success is “managing expectations,” I mean both mentally and monetarily. Nobody likes to talk about it, but building a successful online business costs money. And it just isn’t realistic to think that you’re going to get a return on that investment in a matter of weeks. There will be times when you feel like you’re losing money – and you might be – but that’s part of the process. Running out of patience, or feeling like you’ve failed because your store isn’t further along after three years, is generally a symptom of poorly managed expectations. 

 

When you accept that the road to achieving your goals may be long and winding, you’re better able to enjoy the little wins along the way. It’s about trusting the process and knowing that every step, no matter how small, is a step forward in your journey.

 

Habit 3: Break It Down To Beat Overwhelm

Even the most overwhelming projects become manageable when divided into smaller, bite-sized pieces. The truth is, when we take on big projects in our businesses, we may not even be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But that shouldn’t stand in the way of getting started. When you find yourself spinning in circles are unable to move forward because the task seems so big – break it down into more manageable pieces.

For example, which seems more doable: building a welcome email series, or deciding how many emails should go in a welcome series? The latter, right? It’s just a decision. And once you’ve made a decision, the next step will become much clearer. So the next time you sit down to do something that’s big and scary, don’t try to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Habit 4: Define Success

This is a big one, and so many people don’t do this. When you don’t take the time to define what success looks like, it’s a little like getting in the car and driving without a destination. So your first question shouldn’t be “how do I do this?” it should be “what do I want this to look like when it’s done?”. 

By defining your end goal, you create a roadmap that guides your decisions and strategies, ensuring every effort is aligned with your ultimate objective. Like a beacon, a clear definition of success will keep you focused and driven even when you encounter obstacles.

Habit 5: Be a Problem Solver

Life is full of mysteries, but one thing you can count on is that you will run into obstacles. You are guaranteed to come across some challenge that you think is too hard for you.

But successful store owners don’t immediately seek help at the first sign of trouble. They do the heavy lifting themselves. For example, if you’re watching a Reliable Revenue training and you feel lost halfway through, pause for a moment, then keep watching until the end. Make notes, jot down your questions, take a deep breath, and then watch again. Stop and start the lesson if you need to and break it down into steps. Each time you’re able to solve some of your own problems, you build confidence and faith in yourself.

Search Google if you have to, even if it’s a technical thing that seems beyond you. Finding a YouTube How-To video and learning how to do something yourself that you never thought you could is empowering. Whereas getting outside help immediately can lead to feeling that you’re dependent on someone else to move you forward. Successful store owners take responsibility for their own success.

Habit 6: Be Tenacious

Time and time again, I see store owners quit too soon. They say they’ve “tried everything” but in reality they’ve tried something for a few weeks, gotten discouraged, and abandoned that strategy for a new one. They swear it just didn’t work for them, when their only mistake was giving it too little time. 

But if they had just stuck with that first thing for three months instead of three weeks, they might have really gotten the hang of it and started to see results. When you quit too soon, you end up wasting a lot of time and learning nothing.

So give yourself some grace, and don’t give up so easily. Learning something new takes time, but when you’re tenacious, you keep adding tools to your toolbox. 

Habit 7: Master Before You Multiply

This one is hard for so many people. But remember – you’re not born with habits, you build them.

The last habit is to master one thing before you move on to the next. You’re so much better off making what you already have perform at 100% than leaving it at 70 and adding something else into the mix. When you allow yourself to pause and perfect, you build  a strong foundation that will support your business’s future growth and resilience.

This is why so many Reliable Revenue alumni come back and do the course every year. They’re refining their systems. They know it works, but they’re committed to making it better rather than leaving it on autopilot and moving on. There are a lot of ways to win the race, but I guarantee that if you don’t pause and perfect 1 or 2 things that are working for you, you’ll end up with a lot of underperforming strategies and the terrible feeling that you missed out on your golden egg.

To Recap:

The 7 Habits of Successful Store Owners

  1. Take the time to do the work, and focus on it 100%
  2. Learn to manage your expectations, and celebrate small wins along the way
  3. Break big projects down into smaller, more manageable pieces
  4. Define what success looks like before you start
  5. Build confidence by becoming a problem solver
  6. Don’t quit too soon
  7. Perfect one thing before you move on to the next

These seven habits are more than just practices; they’re the building blocks of a successful e-commerce business. Embrace these 7 winning habits and watch your business soar.

 

RELATED LINKS:

Want Better Results? Do This First.

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/want-better-results-do-this-first-episode-128/

How Long Will It Take You To Reach Your Goals?

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/how-long-will-it-take-to-reach-your-goals-episode-203/

Here’s What To Do Differently In 2024

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/heres-what-to-do-differently-next-year-episode-195/

How To Reach Your BIG Goals This Year

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/2024-how-to-reach-your-big-goals-this-year-episode-197/

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

Everything you want to know about Reliable Revenue, Episode 254

Everything you want to know about Reliable Revenue, Episode 254

by | Feb 11, 2025 | Podcast

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Questions and Answers About Reliable Revenue

Q: How is Reliable Revenue different from the Inner Circle?

A: The Inner Circle is focused on setting up email marketing, generating leads, and providing a repeatable monthly marketing framework for business growth. Reliable Revenue, on the other hand, is a once-a-year program that builds a comprehensive system for customer conversion. While the Inner Circle focuses on continuous support and maintenance, Reliable Revenue is a “build it once” framework that users fine-tune over time.

Q: Do I need Klaviyo and Shopify for the program?

A: In an ideal scenario, you would have Klaviyo and Shopify because the program’s demonstrations are based on these platforms. However, Klaviyo integrates with WooCommerce and other e-commerce platforms, though support for alternative setups is limited.

Q: What if I don’t have Klaviyo?

A: You can still use other platforms, but there may be limitations with specific features like trigger flows. Switching to Klaviyo is recommended for better results. Although Klaviyo is more expensive, it often pays for itself through features like browse abandonment flows.

Q: What is the content of Reliable Revenue?

A: Reliable Revenue focuses solely on conversion. It helps you create a system for acquiring customers and maximizing their lifetime value. The program does not cover traffic, ads, or SEO; no additional budget is required.

Q: When can I access the course curriculum?

A: Once the course is live for purchase, the full curriculum will be available on the purchase page.

Q: What is the focus of Reliable Revenue?

A: Reliable Revenue is designed to help you create a system that ensures consistent sales and sets them up to confidently invest in traffic for the best ROI.

Q: What are the important dates for accessing the course and bonuses?

A: The video guide is available from February 16 to March 2. If you join Reliable Revenue within the first week (by February 23), they will receive the SMS bonus.

Q: Can I ask questions in the video guide?

A: Yes. There are four live Zoom sessions where you can ask questions, discuss strategies, and determine whether Reliable Revenue is right for you. Additionally, there is a chat bubble on the purchase page where users can leave written, audio, or video questions.

Q: How can alumni engage with the program?

A: Alumni can attend the live Zoom sessions and ask strategy-related questions.

Q: Where can I find more information about the program?

A: Full program details and curriculum are available on the Reliable Revenue purchase page. You can also register for the mini-course via show notes to learn more.

 

RELATED LINKS

Sign up for the Reliable Revenue Prep Course:

https://learn.thesocialsalesgirls.com/2025-rr-prep-course-organic/

Join the Waitlist for Reliable Revenue:

https://classroom.thesocialsalesgirls.com/reliable-revenue

 

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

Use These 3 Steps To Get Featured In Gift Guides, Episode 252

Use These 3 Steps To Get Featured In Gift Guides, Episode 252

by | Jan 28, 2025 | Podcast

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How to Get Your Products Featured in the Media with PR Expert Gloria Chou

If you’ve ever thought PR was only for big brands with massive marketing budgets, think again. Public relations (PR) is one of the most powerful ways to build brand credibility, drive traffic, and boost sales—without spending a dime on ads.

In this episode, I sat down with Gloria Chou, a PR expert and host of the Small Business PR podcast,  who has helped thousands of small e-commerce product sellers land features in top publications like Forbes, Buzzfeed, and The New York Times. Her CPR pitching method makes PR accessible, even if you have no experience and no media connections.

If you’re ready to get your products in front of millions of potential customers, keep reading.

 

From Cold Calls to PR Success: Gloria’s Story

Gloria didn’t start in PR—she was a U.S. diplomat before making the switch to entrepreneurship. Her transition wasn’t easy. “I applied to over a thousand jobs in communications and got rejected every single time,” she shared. Since no one would hire her, she decided to figure it out herself.

She started taking on small PR clients who only paid her if she successfully got them featured in the media. Without a network or traditional PR experience, she had to get creative. “I literally Googled ‘New York Times newsroom’ and cold-called my way to the deciding producer,” she recalled.

After thousands of rejections, she cracked the code to what makes a pitch stand out, developing a repeatable system that doesn’t require expensive PR firms or insider connections. Today, she teaches small business owners how to be their own publicist and land major media features.

 

PR Isn’t Just for Big Brands—It’s for You, Too

Many small business owners assume they’re “not newsworthy enough” to get media coverage, but Gloria says that’s simply not true. In fact, journalists, and editors don’t even care if you have a big Instagram following, they are much more concerned with how your products will be interesting or meaningful to their readers.

 

“There’s no such thing as being ‘newsworthy’ or ‘not newsworthy,’ it’s all about how you position your product.”

 

Instead of waiting to be discovered, she encourages brands to craft a compelling angle that makes it easy for journalists to say yes.

For example, if you sell handmade candles, don’t just pitch “handmade candles.” Instead, tie it into a trend or seasonal event:

“The 3 Best Non-Toxic Candles for Cozy Winter Nights”
“Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Holidays: The Hand-Poured Candle That Gives Back”

The key is to make your product part of a larger conversation.

 

“These opportunities are all around, but you just have to know how to pitch for what story they’re writing that season. And it doesn’t mean you need a billion products. We’ve had people who just make one product, they will get featured all year round by just adapting their story for that month or for that season.”

 

 

The CPR Pitching Method: A Foolproof Framework

Gloria created The CPR Method™ to simplify PR and help business owners craft pitches that actually get responses.

Here’s how it works:

✅ C – Credibility: “What makes your brand stand out? Are you using a unique material? Did you start your company for a specific mission? Give journalists a reason to care.”

✅ P – Point of View: “A pitch needs an angle. Why is your product relevant right now? Is it part of a larger trend?”

✅ R – Relevance: “Make it easy for journalists to say yes—include high-quality product photos, a clear price point, and a direct link to purchase.”

By following this method, business owners have landed press features in just days—without spending a single dollar on ads.

 

How to Find the Right Journalists for Your Brand

Instead of pitching to the Editor-in-Chief at Vogue, Gloria recommends focusing on journalists who already cover products like yours.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Search Google for “[Your Product] gift guides.” Look at who wrote the articles—they’re the ones you should pitch to.
  2. Use Google Alerts. Set up alerts for key terms related to your industry, and track journalists who cover them.
  3. Follow freelance writers. Many journalists write for multiple publications—connect with them on LinkedIn and Twitter.
  4. Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out). This service connects journalists with expert sources—sign up and respond to relevant opportunities.

If you just do this consistently for a few weeks, you’ll have a solid list of people to pitch.

 

The Best PR Opportunities for Product-Based Businesses

PR isn’t just about getting featured in The New York Times—there are dozens of ways to use media exposure to grow your business.

  • Gift Guides – Perfect for seasonal and holiday promotions.
  • Expert Roundups – Journalists love including brand founders in industry insights.
  • Trending Topics – Tie your product to pop culture or current events for easy media coverage.

 

“You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—most of these opportunities come up every year. If you missed the holiday gift guide this year, set yourself up for next year.”

 

Why PR Beats Paid Ads Every Time

If you’re tired of spending money on ads that don’t convert, PR can be a game-changer.

PR = Built-in Trust. “When someone reads about you in a trusted publication, it builds instant credibility,” Gloria explained.

SEO Boost. Features in high-ranking websites improve your Google rankings and drive organic traffic.

Free Exposure. Unlike ads, PR doesn’t cost anything—and the benefits last long after the article is published.

 

How to Fit PR Into Your Schedule (Even If You’re Busy)

Most business owners think PR takes too much time, but Gloria says that’s not the case.

 

“If you can dedicate just one hour a week, you can see real results.”

 

Here’s how to make PR work even with a packed schedule:

✅ Spend 30 minutes finding journalists who cover your industry.

✅ Use the CPR Method™ to craft one solid pitch.

✅ Send out two pitches per week.

✅ Follow up with any responses and track your outreach.

“If you do this consistently, within a few weeks, you’ll have traction,” Gloria advised.

 

Your Next Steps: Start Pitching Today

Ready to get your brand featured in major publications? Here’s what to do next:

📌 Step 1: Set up Google Alerts for your industry keywords.

📌 Step 2: Build a list of journalists who cover products like yours.

📌 Step 3: Use the CPR Method™ to craft your first pitch and hit “send”

 

With the right pitch, the right contacts, and a little persistence, you can get featured in major media outlets and transform your business.

Ready to start pitching? Your next big media feature is waiting!

 

RELATED LINKS:

Check out Gloria’s website: https://www.gloriachoupr.com/

Gloria’s Masterclass: http://www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass

You should focus on this one thing for long term growth:

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/you-should-focus-on-this-one-thing-for-long-term-growth-episode-178/

How to get 1M eyeballs on your products every month:

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/how-to-get-1m-eyeballs-on-your-products-every-month-episode-244/

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

10x’ing Jane’s Sales, Episode 251

10x’ing Jane’s Sales, Episode 251

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Podcast

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How to Increase Sales and Build a Stronger Business: Jane Harbison’s Journey

Jane Harbison, a talented fashion designer specializing in digital sewing patterns, has a big goal for this year: to 10x her sales. With a clear vision for her business, Jane is determined to grow her revenue in a way that’s both achievable and profitable.

In this coaching session, we dive into Jane’s current situation to assess what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. We cover everything from understanding the costs of reaching big sales goals to optimizing her conversion path and focusing on profit over sheer revenue.

If you’re looking to grow your business but don’t know where to start, Jane’s story is full of actionable insights to help you create a roadmap for sustainable success. Let’s explore her journey, her challenges, and the strategies that are setting her up for exponential growth.

 

From Struggling to Find Gifts to Inspiring a Movement

Jane’s business started with a simple yet powerful idea: creating thoughtful, handmade gifts for boys and men. “I couldn’t find anything out there that felt meaningful,” she explained. Drawing from her childhood experiences of sewing with her mother, Jane decided to design her own patterns, transforming a personal challenge into a business opportunity.

Her products don’t just fill a gap in the market—they inspire her customers to create memorable, handmade gifts that leave a lasting impact.

A Business on the Rise: The Numbers That Matter

Jane’s business is growing steadily, with her sales up 50% from last year. “Year-to-date, I’ve made $6,000,” she shared, highlighting her progress. A big part of her success comes from leveraging SEO to drive traffic. By targeting keywords like “men’s shirt sewing patterns,” Jane has increased her visibility and attracted a steady stream of visitors to her site.

 

But, like many small business owners, Jane faces challenges. Her conversion rates are low, and the majority of her customers (82%) are first-time buyers.

 

The result? It’s difficult to scale sustainably without more returning customers.

Breaking the Cycle of One-Time Buyers

One of Jane’s biggest hurdles is turning one-time buyers into repeat customers. With a low average order value and a high percentage of new customers, she’s focused on strategies that will encourage loyalty and increase revenue.

“My lead generation is okay, but I need to test new ideas to grow my list faster,” she explained during her strategy call. Jane also recognizes the need to optimize her email campaigns, saying, “My flows work, but my campaigns need more attention to really convert.”

What’s Next? Creating a Path to Sustainable Growth

Jane is taking actionable steps to tackle her challenges:

  1. Optimizing Email Marketing: Jane’s email flows are already effective, but she’s looking to improve her campaigns. One focus is testing messaging and pricing for her newest product, the “Fabric Formula,” which helps customers select colors and patterns.
  2. Boosting Lead Generation: To grow her email list, Jane plans to switch her opt-in offer to a free sewing pattern, a move designed to attract her ideal audience. She’s also doubling down on high-value content, like tutorials for popular searches such as “How to sew a pocket square.”
  3. Expanding Her Product Line: To appeal to a broader audience, Jane is adding versatile home decor sewing patterns. She’s also exploring giftable, quick-sew projects that align with her customer’s needs.

Lessons From Jane’s Journey

Jane’s story is full of actionable takeaways for any business owner:

  • Track Your Metrics: Knowing your numbers is crucial for identifying what’s working and where to improve.
  • Test and Adjust: Whether it’s opt-ins, pricing, or product ideas, experimenting and adapting quickly is key to growth.
  • Expand Strategically: Don’t be afraid to think beyond your niche and offer products that solve more of your customer’s problems.
  • Focus on Progress: Small, consistent changes add up to big results over time.

Your Next Steps Toward Growth

Jane’s journey proves that building a successful business is all about staying focused on what matters most. Whether you’re looking to grow your email list, boost your sales, or expand your product line, her strategies are a great place to start.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check out our Reliable Revenue program to master email marketing and lead generation. Let Jane’s story inspire you to build a business that’s not only profitable but also aligned with your passion.

 

RELATED LINKS:

Check out Jane’s website here: https://janeharbison.com.au/

Learn more about the Reliable Revenue Course:
https://classroom.thesocialsalesgirls.com/reliable-revenue

Coaching Call: Planning Laurie-Anne’s Launch

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/coaching-call-planning-laurie-annes-launch-episode-239/

Coaching Call: what to do when you’re struggling with sales

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/coaching-call-what-to-do-when-youre-struggling-with-sales-episode-228/

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

The strategy that will generate the sales you want, Episode 250

The strategy that will generate the sales you want, Episode 250

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Podcast

No time to listen now? We'll send it to your inbox.

No time to listen now? We'll send it to your inbox.

or scroll down to get the highlights

How to Build a Profitable, Authentic Business: Birgit’s Story

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a passion project into a thriving business, Birgit Tolman’s story is exactly what you need to hear. As the owner of The Wishing Thorn, a cross-stitch pattern store, Birgit has built a multi-six-figure business by staying authentic, connecting with her audience, and mastering the art of email marketing.

Let’s dive into her journey—from starting with a small audience to creating a business that drives consistent revenue and gives her the freedom to plan for the future.

Finding Your People: The Secret to Reaching the Right Customers

Every successful business starts with knowing your audience. For Birgit, that meant authentically engaging with her community on social media and discovering their shared interests beyond cross-stitch patterns.

“I did a post on Instagram about watching reruns of a mystery show, and the comments poured in—‘I love that show too!’” Birgit shared. That post sparked an “aha” moment: her audience loved mysteries, antiques, gardening, and quilting, not just stitching​​.

By leaning into those passions, she built a stronger connection with her followers. Birgit began sharing more about these themes through her content and products, incorporating Victorian designs and farmhouse styles that resonated deeply. This genuine engagement turned casual followers into a loyal community excited to support her work.

The Vault That Filled the Funnel: Growing an Email List

Birgit knew that growing her email list was crucial to building a successful business, so she created a gated sales page to make it happen. This was a dedicated page on her website where visitors could access a selection of free cross-stitch patterns—but only after signing up for her email list.

“I have a pop-up on my site, and if they want access to the free pattern vault, they have to get onto the list,” Birgit explained​. This simple yet powerful approach attracted engaged subscribers who valued her designs and were excited to stay connected.

The gated page wasn’t just about adding names to her list—it helped her build a community of people genuinely interested in her work. By nurturing these leads with regular email campaigns, Birgit turned her list into a consistent driver of revenue.

Turn On the Tap: How Email Drives 70% of Sales

Birgit’s email marketing strategy is the cornerstone of her business. With a mix of weekly campaigns and automated flows, her emails now drive up to 70% of her sales​.

 

“When I email consistently, sales go up. When I don’t, they slow down.”

 

Her strategy includes:

  • Weekly campaigns: Day one to announce new products, day four to follow up with a hot segment.
  • Automated flows: Welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups.

 

Why You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone

One of Birgit’s smartest moves was recognizing that she didn’t need to figure everything out on her own. Early on, she invested in private coaching calls with Inner Circle coaches to fast-track her learning and make confident decisions for her business.

 

“These coaching calls were game-changers,” Birgit shared. “Instead of spending hours second-guessing or trying to piece together a strategy, I got clear, actionable advice tailored to my business.”

 

The coaches helped her refine key strategies like email marketing, audience engagement, and setting up effective sales funnels. For instance, during one session, a coach suggested small tweaks to her automated email flows that immediately improved her open and click-through rates. Another session helped her optimize her gated sales page to drive even more subscribers.

Beyond the advice, these calls gave Birgit accountability and confidence. “Having someone to check in with and guide me through challenges kept me focused and on track,” she explained.

By leveraging coaching, Birgit freed up her time and mental energy to focus on what she loves—creating and connecting with her audience—while growing her business faster than she could have on her own. It’s proof that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that leads to results.

The Ad That Keeps on Giving: Let What Works Run

During Traffic Bootcamp, Birgit created an ad that performed exceptionally well—and instead of constantly tweaking it, she let it run.

“Don’t mess with something that’s working—just let it run,” she explained​. This approach consistently drove traffic and sales without unnecessary complications.

Show Up Authentically: Build a Community Around Your Brand

Birgit connects with her audience by showcasing completed projects and engaging with them on topics they love.

 

“I encourage my customers to send me pictures of what they finished, and then I post them on social media,” she shared. “They love that. Suddenly, there’s 200 people who love what they did, and they feel proud”​.

 

Beyond celebrating her customers, Birgit’s authenticity extends to how she shares her own story—the wins, challenges, and lessons learned. This transparency builds trust and loyalty, making her customers feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Your Business, Your Way: Build a Life You Love

Birgit’s journey shows that building a profitable, authentic business is possible with the right strategies and mindset. Here are her top takeaways:

  • Know your audience: Lean into what they love.
  • Grow your email list: It’s your most powerful tool.
  • Invest in help: Fast-track your growth with the right support.
  • Stay authentic: Build connections that go beyond transactions.

Ready to take the next step? Check out our Reliable Revenue program launching this February—it’s packed with strategies to help you build consistent, predictable income, just like Birgit.

Let Birgit’s story inspire you to create a business that’s not just profitable, but also brings you joy.

RELATED LINKS:

See Birgit’s Website here: https://thewishingthorn.com/

Learn more about the Reliable Revenue Course:

https://classroom.thesocialsalesgirls.com/reliable-revenue

Stabbing in the dark is gone. I know how to create income

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/stabbing-in-the-dark-is-gone-i-know-how-to-create-income-episode-249/

We’re Getting Consistent Revenue Now

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/were-getting-consistent-revenue-now-episode-202/

 

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New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

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Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
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Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

Stabbing in the dark is gone. I know how to create income, Episode 249

Stabbing in the dark is gone. I know how to create income, Episode 249

by | Jan 7, 2025 | GROWTH, Podcast

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When Sarah Hardy traded her sculptor’s tools for chocolate molds, she didn’t just create a business—she created a whole new world. Imagine chocolate human hearts, toads, and fossils so lifelike you’d swear they belonged in a museum. That’s the magic behind The Edible Museum, Sarah’s unique brand that has turned heads, filled shopping carts, and inspired thousands.

But Sarah’s journey wasn’t all sweet. From struggling to balance wholesale and retail to learning the ropes of email marketing, she’s faced her fair share of challenges. Let’s dive into how Sarah built her business, overcame obstacles, and turned her vision into a thriving reality.

How a Sculptor Became a Chocolate Artist

Sarah’s story starts with her talent as a sculptor. After graduating from art school, she worked in high-pressure roles for corporate clients, crafting detailed props and sculptures. But something was missing.

 

“I wanted my art to reach everyday people—not just companies,” Sarah shared. That desire led her to experiment in her kitchen, transforming chocolate into edible works of art. Her creations quickly became a hit, and The Edible Museum was born.

 

From Kitchen Table to Crowdfunding Success

Every business starts somewhere, and for Sarah, that “somewhere” was her kitchen table. Literally. She began experimenting with ideas and selling her creations, but as demand grew, so did the need for space.

In 2016, Sarah launched a crowdfunding campaign to build a dedicated studio—and it worked. With her new space, she could scale production and take on bigger projects. “It was a game-changer,” she said.

Navigating Wholesale and Retail: Lessons from Fortnum & Mason

As her business grew, Sarah landed major wholesale clients like Fortnum & Mason. While wholesale orders brought in steady revenue, they quickly took over her time and resources, leaving little room to focus on her retail customers.

“I realized I needed to strike a balance,” Sarah explained. Wholesale was great, but retail sales offered higher margins and more creative freedom. Finding that balance became a turning point in her business.

How Reliable Revenue Changed Everything

One of Sarah’s biggest breakthroughs came when she joined the Reliable Revenue program. Before that, she felt reactive—constantly putting out fires and chasing orders. The program taught her how to measure key business metrics like average order value (AOV) and conversion rates.

“Reliable Revenue gave me the tools to be proactive instead of reactive,” Sarah said. With a clear understanding of her numbers, she could make smarter decisions and focus on what truly moved the needle.

From Zero Emails to Consistent Campaigns

When Sarah started, email marketing wasn’t even on her radar. “I didn’t send a single email in my first year,” she admitted. That all changed when she implemented a welcome flow and started sending weekly campaigns.

The results? In just a year, her email list grew from 270 to over 2,700 subscribers. “Email became one of my most powerful tools,” Sarah said. Weekly campaigns not only kept her audience engaged but also drove consistent traffic and sales.

How Gated Sales Pages Built Buzz and Boosted Sales

One of Sarah’s most successful strategies was using gated sales pages to build excitement and grow her email list. For example, her August event drove record-breaking sales despite a challenging year.

“Creating exclusivity and anticipation worked wonders,” she shared. By giving her audience a reason to engage, she turned casual followers into loyal customers.

Maximizing Profit: Shifting from Wholesale to Retail

Recently, Sarah made a bold decision: to reduce her wholesale commitments and focus on retail sales. “Retail gives me more control and higher margins,” she explained. By prioritizing profitability over volume, she’s setting herself up for sustainable growth—and less production stress.

Key Lessons from Sarah’s Journey

Sarah’s journey is packed with lessons for business owners at every stage:

  • Seek coaching: “Having experts guide me through big decisions was invaluable.”
  • Focus on email marketing: Growing her list and sending consistent campaigns transformed her business.
  • Be patient: “Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about building momentum step by step.”

Your Next Step: Create Reliable Revenue for Your Business

Sarah’s story is proof that with creativity, strategy, and persistence, you can transform a unique idea into a thriving business. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, her journey offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.

Want to take the next step toward consistent, predictable income? Our Reliable Revenue program is launching this February, designed to help you implement proven strategies and build a sustainable income stream for your business. Tap HERE to learn more and join a community of business owners who are building businesses that pay them WELL!

RELATED LINKS:
Check out Sarah’s website: https://ediblemuseum.com
and
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theediblemuseum/

Learn more about Reliable Revenue here: https://classroom.thesocialsalesgirls.com/reliable-revenue

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.

New FREE Course

GROW YOUR SALES

(without breaking the bank)

Conversion School is a step by step process to grow your sales,
without spending a fortune on risky ad strategies, or discounting your products.

Works for Ecommerce stores at all stages.

Start getting consistent sales, and see significant sales growth every month.