Road To Seven

“Coaching isn’t just signing up to work with someone and then not doing any of the work. Coaching is getting the insight into yourself that you need to be able to take courageous action.”- Shelagh CumminsWhy is it so hard to achieve the business goals you set in January?The answer is a little complicated, but it involves two parts mindset, two parts measurement, and one part momentum!So often, entrepreneurs start the year full of lofty goals… only to run out of steam halfway through with little to show for their efforts.  I don’t want you to give up on your 2022 goals. I absolutely believe that you can achieve them — you just have to be a little strategic! In this week’s episode of the Road to Seven, I share 5 crucial strategies and tactics that every entrepreneur needs to implement in order to successfully bring their goals to reality.Imagine the impact on your business and your life if you were to hit every single goal that you set for this new year, from revenue to lead gen to work/life balance…It’s all wi

“I don’t have to micro-niche. I just have to be able to explain what I do and who it serves…. It’s the way that I work with them that is my niche.”- Claudia AronowitzPersonal development and relationship coach Claudia Aronowitz never aspired to be an entrepreneur. She earned her coaching certification in order to help others, but soon found that she needed to learn how to become a business owner as well.The journey wasn’t easy — but Claudia learned many valuable lessons along the way!“People come out of coaching school and don’t understand that being an entrepreneur means that you have to start at the beginning with you doing all of it, and later on hopefully getting other people to do the parts that you really are not so good at,” Claudia says. “What made the biggest difference was starting to see the results that I gave.”In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How Claudia develops aligned programming that attracts her ideal customers and fits her niche — without limiting her s

“We come up with a million and one reasons of why things are impossible… all of these reasons that literally are not rooted in fact. They’re all story that you’re using and leveraging to keep yourself safe.”- Shelagh CumminsMany women entrepreneurs have difficulty articulating what it is they really want — and even struggle with questions such as “What is your goal for 2022?”And there are a multitude of reasons for this.Some of them feel that their goals aren’t possible. Some of them feel that they’re not worthy or deserving of reaching them. Some of them don’t think that anyone would pay for their services if they raised their pricing. Some of them feel that they’re not ready to reach that next stage in their business — even though it’s what they’ve been dreaming about. Even if these reasons aren’t rooted in fact, these stories still prevent many women from taking steps toward reaching their goals — or even saying them aloud!Why do we tell ourselves these stories? To keep ourselves safe.But when we internali

“It’s not about you. It’s about the impact and ripple effect of your work on the people whose problems you solve.”- Shelagh CumminsIf you’re planning on hitting it out of the ballpark in 2022 when it comes to reaching your revenue goals and scaling your business, then you’ll want to press play!Because in this episode, I dig into the nitty-gritty that no one else talks about — the five things that you absolutely must do in your business in order to blow 2022 out of the water (or any other year, for that matter)!This is the same tried-and-tested process that we use to help clients in each of our programs zero in on their goals and create strategic action plans.Creating an intentional, informed, and strategic path to achieving your goals will remove reactivity and uncertainty from the process, keep you from falling victim to shiny-object syndrome, and ensure that you remain aligned with your purpose and values.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How to clarify and solidify your

“Nothing is going to be perfect… You’re always going to be learning and adapting and growing. Just go for it and just do it!”- Kate PeplerKate Pepler turned her passions for ocean sustainability, environmental education, waste reduction, and community into one eco-friendly and thriving business venture!A Toronto native who moved to Halifax, Kate found it difficult to reduce the amount of waste in her life in her new city. This discovery combined with concern over the health of the planet inspired her to create The Tare Shop, a package-free bulk store and cafe.Kate is so community-focused that she began building hers before The Tare Shop’s first location even opened, using the brand’s Instagram to share the construction process and gather market research from its followers. Now, The Tare Shop’s customers determine its inventory, as Kate uses their feedback to plan her purchasing!In this conversation, we discuss Kate’s funding, first hires, biggest lessons, and how she handled the Covid shift.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episod

“I realized that I didn’t want to be the only person in my business. I recognized that I wanted my company to be bigger than me.”- Rachel DiMartinoSolopreneurship can only take you so far. So, how do you build out your unique talent into a successful and profitable agency?Rachel DiMartino is the founder of Geek Unicorn, a women-led company that helps other female entrepreneurs create more impact and show up more professionally online. In this episode, you’ll learn how Rachel grew her brand from a one-woman shop into a thriving agency that creates real, lasting transformations for their clients — from adopting an inclusive, equity-promoting hiring strategy to overcoming mindset issues!I absolutely loved talking to Rachel about the strategies she used to scale her business and earn the loyalty of her audience. Tune in now for her fabulously geeky insights! In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How Rachel leveraged online entrepreneurs’ groups and became their go-to web consultan

“You don’t always see the impact of those shifts right away. Sometimes it takes time for changes to start generating the results that you want them to.”- Shelagh CumminsReaching $1 million in revenue is about much more than just boosting your sales. If building a seven-figure business is part of your vision, you need to be prepared to spend some time, energy, and money — as well as work on some ego and mindset issues.This episode of The Road to Seven reveals the approach that I took to help one of my clients completely transform her company. This client was looking to increase her sales, but was already at capacity in terms of the number of customers she was able to serve.Using a very intentional and strategic process designed to help the company scale effectively, I helped her increase her yearly revenue... from $300,000 to over $1 million!In order to smooth your path to seven figures, you’ll need to examine three key areas of infrastructure in your business and identify potential bottlenecks and strategic i

“I’ve always been living an uncaged life. I just didn’t have the career part figured out.”- Rebecca TraceyRebecca Tracey, founder of The Uncaged Life, has built a career that allows her the freedom to live her own uncaged life. After sampling a number of short-term gigs, Rebecca trained as a nutritionist and life coach, but found that most of the work she did with her clients was around helping them create businesses and marketing strategies that were aligned with their values. So, she made the pivot to business coach.Now, she helps coaches and online business owners clarify their brand message and uplevel their offers, and has grown her Facebook group to over 14,000 entrepreneurs! (Yes, that is the correct number of zeros!).In this conversation, Rebecca reveals how The Uncaged Life (and its launching process) has evolved as the business has grown!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌How The Uncaged Life has evolved since its launch — and the business model that led it to thriv

“Those entrepreneurs that are killing it year-over-year are not doing it by flying by the seat of their pants.”- Shelagh CumminsI’d like to address a question that I hear far too often from entrepreneurs just getting started on their Road to Seven — and even a few who are well on their way:“Do I *really* need a business plan?”The answer, of course, is yes!An effective business plan will not only give you clarity around your company and what it is that you’re growing, but will also provide a critical path to help you reach your goals — and identify when you’re drifting off-course.But it does bring up another question: what sort of business plan should you have?In this episode, I walk you through the two different types of business plans that every single business owner, no matter your industry or stage of growth, needs to have in place in order to grow and scale with greater ease!Whether or not you already have a plan, you’ll want to check out this episode to learn more about your different plan options — and

“I thought not only is this a potential business — this could change lives.”- Connie StaceyHave you ever come up with a new product idea… but had no idea how to transform it into reality? You’ll want to listen to this episode!Connie Stacey is the founder and president of Growing Greener Innovations (GGI), an award-winning clean energy solutions company that designs smart batteries and energy storage solutions. She started GGI with a vision: a silent generator that created zero fumes or carbon emissions.Not only did Connie invent a new product — she invented something that may change the world.Through her research, Connie realized that a green battery solution could go a long way toward solving the world’s energy poverty crisis. “This could give an opportunity for people in other parts of the world to achieve better equity,” she says. “When you look at access to energy, it is perfectly correlated with economic growth.... If you want to end poverty, you must end energy poverty.”Listen now to hear Connie’s fasci

“There’s a very fine line for me between work and not-work… I literally just went downhill and slipped into burnout.”- Shelagh CumminsYou’ve heard of writer’s block. But have you ever experienced a block when trying to achieve a goal in your business?If you’ve ever tried to work toward a goal in your business, big or small, but just couldn’t seem to make it happen.... then you’ll want to listen to this episode of The Road to Seven!If you’re experiencing a block, you may find yourself unable to move forward in your business for days, weeks, or even months. You can think of it as losing your mojo.Blocks can pop up during times of burnout or near-burnout, when you’ve been pushing yourself too hard or not taking enough time to relax and reflect. I experienced my own burnout shortly after the pandemic hit, when I doubled my services in order to hold onto my clients and provide them with much-needed support. But even after slowing back down, closing some programs, and making space, I found that I was still unable t

“When it comes to your business, your cash flow is Queen.”- Shelagh CumminsI have a question for you: do you know how to price your goods and services so that you’re in a position to scale your company effectively?If you said no, don’t worry. You aren’t alone! Many entrepreneurs struggle when it comes to figuring out how to best price their offers — especially during the start-up stage. But ensuring that you have adequate cash flow is absolutely crucial to being able to grow and scale your business!A company that lacks cash flow is going to find themselves in big trouble, sooner rather than later!If you’re seeking the recipe for entrepreneurial success, you’re going to need three major ingredients: time, energy, and money.This episode of The Road to Seven is all about ensuring that you have plenty of that final ingredient!Tune in to learn about variable v. fixed costs, contribution margins, sunk costs, and leverage points — what they are and what they mean for your business!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to

“I’m kind of a go-set-ready kind of person, like let’s just do this thing and see what happens!”- Abbey AshleyWhat would happen if you let go of your self-doubt and built your business fearlessly?We can look to Abbey Ashley as a perfect example!Abbey started her own virtual assistant hustle in 2015 with zero business training, and doubled the salary she’d been earning from her full-time corporate job within just 30 days ...while working only 20 hours per week!She launched The Virtual Savvy, a business that helps aspiring VAs launch and grow their own at-home business from scratch. The Virtual Savvy now earns Abbey multiple-7-figures a year, allowing her to support her family while doing work that she loves!Abbey is brilliant when it comes to outside-the-box networking. Listen now to learn her unique strategies for building a fulfilling and successful online business! She helps aspiring small business owners launch and grow their VA businesses and experience new freedom and flexibility.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of t

“At the root of all these issues, in my view… it’s really just a lack of capital.”-Nathalie Molina NiñoWomen start the majority of small businesses in the United States. But they don’t have the easiest time receiving funding from investors.Nathalie Molina Niño is a building capital investor and former tech entrepreneur who wants to bridge that gap!“There truly are a lot of other ways that you can go when it comes to financing your company. VC is one, and it’s a viable one, but it’s a niche and it’s inappropriate for most companies,” Nathalie says. “It’s a difficult way to finance a company because you’re ultimately giving away control of your company, and you’re giving away control to a group of people who have short-term goals.”In this conversation, we discuss the gender bias in venture capital, the alternative funding sources available, and the Road to Seven Capital Access Program, which helps microbusinesses access the funds they need to grow!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll disco

“I truly believe that the engine of our economy is business owners.”- Colleen O'Connell-CampbellColleen O'Connell-Campbell is used to being the only woman in the room, she understands the challenges that women entrepreneurs often face. She’s also on a mission to double the numbers of self-made millionaires in Canada, so you’ll definitely want to hear her advice for entrepreneurs on the road to seven and give her a follow!Despite being a success in her field, Colleen still regularly experiences microaggressions. “Only about 15-16% of wealth advisors (in Canada at least) in a role like mine are women, so what does that say?” Colleen says.This interview is full of valuable lessons on building confidence in male-dominated fields, creating an authentic presence online, and developing an effective exit strategy for your business.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How Colleen builds her confidence as the only woman at the tableThe biggest mistakes business owners make wh

“When somebody approaches [your] website, will they see themselves as a customer?”- Dee Boswell-BuckWe’re doing something a little bit different today — this episode of The Road to Seven is co-hosted by Dee Boswell-Buck, digital marketing expert and host of the Strategize Your Business Online podcast! Dee helps her clients become more visible online and connect with their ideal clients strategically and confidently.This episode is all about the benefits of creating diverse marketing within everything your business does — and shares the most effective strategies for connecting with your audience inclusively.The visuals on your website are a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to diverse marketing. It’s important to be intentional when choosing your photos. “When somebody gets to your website and they need you, they see women who are in their twenties and thirties, and they’re very slim and they are all one race,” Dee explains. “I probably would have reached out to you a lot more quickly if I saw myself on yo

“This is your business, and you can have your business do whatever the heck it is that you want.”- Shelagh CumminsDuring this episode of The Road to Seven, I want you to think about a very important question — one that applies to nearly every single entrepreneur and business owner out there.The question is this: what are you currently tolerating in your business that you aren’t willing to put up with any longer?There is a lot to be frustrated about when it comes to running a business. But that doesn’t mean that you have to tolerate it. As women, we often don’t receive the message that we don’t have to tolerate the things that frustrate us.  We’re often given the message that we just need to put up with things. But that definitely isn’t the case, especially when it comes to our businesses! You started your business because you wanted control over your life and destiny, so why should you settle for anything less?Say it with me: you do not have to tolerate something that just doesn’t work for you!So, let’s figur

“I think there’s something to be said for doing one thing… and doing it really well.”- Nathalie ButterfieldIf you’re looking for a way to skyrocket your sales past 7 figures in your product-based business, then this is the episode for you!My guest is Nathalie Butterfield, co-founder of the ‘feel good,’ eco-friendly, Toronto-based bag company Fluf. A former lawyer, Nathalie traded in court cases for pillowcases in 2005, when she co-founded a high-end pillow boutique, eventually shifting the focus of the business to reusable lunch bags and backpacks.Fluf was born in a retail store, but found its footing in wholesale and e-commerce. Since its humble beginnings, Fluf has grown to become a multiple-7-figure company!In this conversation, Nathalie shares the challenges that she faced in growing her start-up, how she finds and vets warehouses and factories, and how she perseveres when things get hard.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌How Nathalie and her partner used strong PR to ge

“The top line is absolutely important. But even more important is the bottom line in your business.”- Shelagh CumminsIs one of your goals this quarter or year to reach a new revenue goal? Then you’ll definitely want to press play! In this episode, I debunk some of the myths surrounding the importance of hitting that magic million in sales.One myth is that crossing that seven-figure sales milestone is a sign that you’re running a strong, successful business. But that impressive top line doesn’t necessarily indicate a healthy bottom line!While this podcast may be called The Road to Seven, not every business owner needs — or even wants — to hit the seven figure revenue mark. A six-figure business can absolutely be more profitable than a seven-figure business, once all costs and expenses have been calculated. In the most extreme cases, chasing the goal of seven figures can actually harm your business!I’ll be busting this myth and more in this episode, so if you’ve got money on your mind this year, you’ll want to

“What we’re balancing here is the value of your time versus the value of being on stage.”- Shelagh CumminsThis episode is going to answer the following question once and for all: should you charge a fee for speaking?As an entrepreneur, learning how to weigh the value of your time against the value of being on stage is one of the most impactful things you can do.Your goal as a business owner is to get new eyes on you and your business, establish your thought leadership, and attract new leads. And one of the quickest ways to do that is standing on a stage and delivering incredible value!Even if you’re NOT getting paid for your time.When you share great content with an audience at an event that makes sense for your business, this provides an opportunity to see a positive impact on your business — one that may very well outweigh what that event can pay you to be on that stage.Many events may not have the ability to pay large sums. By bringing tremendous value to their audience and inviting them into your communit