Work-Life Balance

Ashlie Marshall

Balancing Business Growth and Self-Care: Strategies for Success with Ashlie Marshall

Welcome back to the Talk Commerce blog! In today’s post, we’re diving into a fascinating conversation I had with Ashlie Marshall, the CFO of Tier Level Digital Marketing, on a recent episode of the podcast. Ashlie’s insights on defining success, finding work-life balance, and prioritizing self-care are not only thought-provoking but also incredibly practical for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Get ready to be inspired!

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Beyond the Bottom Line

Ashlie shared a powerful perspective on success that resonated deeply with me. She emphasized that true success goes beyond financial achievements. For Ashlie, it’s about creating a secure and thriving environment for her family, both personally and professionally. This resonated with my own evolving view of success, especially as my family has grown and my priorities have shifted.

Knowing Your “Why”

Ashlie made a crucial point about the importance of understanding your “why.” She highlighted that defining success requires knowing what truly matters to you in life. Is it material possessions, personal growth, or the impact you have on others? Once you identify your core values, you can align your goals and actions accordingly.

Navigating the Challenges of Growth

Scaling a Service-Based Business

Ashlie, with her extensive experience in the marketing world, shed light on the unique challenges of scaling a service-based business. She emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach when aiming for significant growth. It’s not just about acquiring more clients; it’s about having the team, infrastructure, and processes in place to deliver exceptional service at scale. As someone who’s worked with numerous service-based businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial this holistic approach is to sustainable growth.

The Power of Honest Conversations

I particularly appreciated Ashlie’s emphasis on the importance of having honest and sometimes difficult conversations with clients. She shared how Tier Level Digital Marketing actively engages with their clients to help them define realistic goals, assess their capacity for growth, and make informed decisions. These conversations, while potentially challenging, are essential for building trust and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Prioritizing Self-Care in the Entrepreneurial Hustle

The Importance of “Quiet Time”

Ashlie’s insights on self-care were a much-needed reminder for all of us in the entrepreneurial world. She stressed the importance of carving out dedicated “quiet time” for reflection and rejuvenation. Whether it’s a morning workout, a walk in nature, or simply 10 minutes of solitude, these moments of self-care are vital for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Setting Boundaries

Ashlie also shared her strategies for setting boundaries between work and personal life. She emphasized the importance of disconnecting from work during designated times, especially in today’s always-connected world. This resonated with my own practice of shutting down my computer at a certain time each evening to create space for family and personal time.

My conversation with Ashlie was a powerful reminder that success is a multi-faceted concept that should be defined on our own terms. It’s about finding balance between professional aspirations and personal well-being. By prioritizing self-care, having honest conversations, and staying true to our core values, we can navigate the entrepreneurial journey with greater clarity and fulfillment.

To hear the full conversation and gain even more valuable insights from Ashlie, be sure to listen to the Talk Commerce podcast episode!

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Talk-Commerce-Sharon Koifman

Embracing Remote Work: A Conversation with Sharon Koifman

As the host of Talk Commerce, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Sharon Koifman, the Chairman of Think Remote. In our enlightening conversation, we delved into the world of remote work, its benefits, and how to keep employees motivated in a remote work environment.

Meet Sharon Koifman, The Remote Work Advocate

Sharon Koifman is not just the Chairman of Think Remote, the largest online publication for remote work and remote management, but also a bestselling author of “Surviving Remote Work,” available on Audible. Think Remote, funded by Distant Job, the world’s first remote recruitment agency, is a testament to Sharon’s passion for remote work. Distant Job specializes in finding talented individuals globally for remote jobs, taking care of the HR component to ensure employee satisfaction and well-being.

The Journey to Remote Work

Sharon’s journey into the world of remote work began with her experience running an outsourcing company. She quickly realized the drawbacks of outsourcing to save money and decided to focus on a company that prioritizes people and remote work.

The Benefits of Remote Work

According to Sharon, remote work offers numerous benefits, including increased productivity and equal opportunities for individuals with special needs or introverts. It also promotes a better work-life balance, environmental sustainability, and stronger family connections. I couldn’t agree more, especially since studies have shown that remote workers are indeed more productive.

Building Connections in a Remote Work Environment

One of the key aspects Sharon and I discussed was the importance of getting to know employees and creating connections in a remote work environment. Sharon shared her experience conducting 15-minute calls with every employee in her previous role every quarter. She emphasized the significance of understanding personal details about employees, such as their children and pets, as it helps build a stronger connection and shows empathy.

Sharon also highlighted the importance of recognizing individual interests and experiences. She shared a touching story about an employee who didn’t have children but had a strong attachment to her pets. When one of her cats passed away, the entire team treated it like her child had died, creating a deep connection and support system.

The Shift in Mindset for Remote Work

Sharon believes that a great remote manager is a great manager in general. However, in an office environment, managers can get away with certain things without anyone noticing. In remote work, managers must create connections and better teamwork between employees and the company. Sharon defines company culture as being defined by connection and loyalty.

The Right Attitude Towards Remote Work

Sharon emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude regarding remote work. She advises against approaching remote work with a sense of obligation or resentment, especially if it was forced upon someone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharon cites research from MIT Sloan that shows people are happier, more independent, and more productive when working remotely. However, she acknowledges that remote work may not be suitable for everyone and suggests that those who are not committed or focused should consider returning to the office.

Hiring for Remote Positions

Sharon believes in finding committed and invested individuals when hiring for remote positions. She encourages employers to focus on hiring people who are dedicated and invested in their work rather than simply looking for freelancers or contractors.

Wrapping Up

As our podcast came to a close, Sharon took the opportunity to promote Distant Job, a company that helps businesses find the best remote talent from around the world. She highlighted their ability to deliver talented individuals quickly and at a great value, with impressive customer service.

Our conversation with Sharon Koifman was a deep dive into the world of remote work, its benefits, and the strategies to keep employees engaged. It was a testament to the fact that remote work can be a game-changer for businesses and employees with the right mindset and approach.

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