Episode Summary

Boundaries are an essential part of any client relationship, as a business owner. But many of us struggle to put these into practice! If you’ve ever bent over backwards for a client and still felt like it wasn’t enough, you know how this can play out.

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the importance of establishing client boundaries to maintain sanity in your business. She goes behind the scenes and shares personal experiences about when boundaries were too loose with clients in her business. Melissa also discusses the essential types of boundaries every business needs and how to enforce these boundaries without damaging client relationships. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the significance of clear communication, defined scopes of work, and mutual respect in fostering healthy client interactions!

Key Highlights:

• Client boundaries are essential for business sanity as well as a balance between your work and personal life.
• It’s important to recognize when client demands exceed your capacity.
• Loose boundaries can lead to stress and burnout.
• Clear communication methods are one example of boundaries.
• Scope creep can indicate the need for tighter boundaries.
• Exceptions to the rules can create more work and confusion.
• Setting expectations early in client relationships is important.
• Feedback and revision processes should be clearly defined.
• Reinforcing boundaries can be done without damaging relationships.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Episode Summary

Do you ever feel like you’re just spinning your wheels in your business? Perhaps you’re constantly “maxed out,” but you’re just not growing like you feel like you should.

In today’s episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the concept of the invisible workload that many business owners face. She explores how the mental load you’re carrying, including all the little details that are constantly running through your head, can hinder your daily productivity and long-term growth, and offers practical strategies to alleviate it.

By understanding the signs of an invisible workload and implementing effective delegation, automation, and communication boundaries, you CAN create a more balanced and fulfilling work life!

Key Highlights:

• Your invisible workload can impact your energy and clarity.
• Keeping track of details in your head adds to your mental load.
• Being the primary problem solver on your team can limit your growth potential.
• As the CEO, you need to step into your strategic leadership role.
• Project management tools can help you empty your brain and delegate.
• Establishing processes and workflows can also help lighten your load.
• Use automations intentionally to relieve manual work from your plate.
• Delegate tasks effectively so you can establish true ownership over them, to others.
• Set communication boundaries to avoid distractions when you’re working.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink shares her personal journey with AI and how it is transforming her business practices. Tune in to learn about her perspective on the uncertainty surrounding AI, her experimentation with various tools, and the ways she is integrating AI into her personal life and business operations. Melissa emphasizes the importance of using AI intentionally to streamline processes, enhance client support, and ultimately drive business growth. She also shares insights on developing tools to help clients leverage AI for their own success.

Key Highlights:

• It’s important to embrace AI with a positive mindset
• AI can be a powerful tool for streamlining operations and communication
• Strategic implementation of AI can enhance both personal productivity and client service
• AI is most effective when used as a starting point, followed by human refinement
• Intentional AI integration creates more time for strategic business growth

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

If your business isn’t growing, and it feels harder than it should, the problem might not be your strategy, your target market, or your team. The problem might be you!

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses five self-imposed growth roadblocks that entrepreneurs often face. These include doing everything yourself, perfectionism, resisting systems and structure, not re-evaluating pricing strategies, and lacking clarity and vision. In addition to pointing out these roadblocks and describing them in detail, Melissa will help you reflect on your sticking points and consider how you can break free from them.

Key Highlights:

• Self-imposed limitations often block business growth more than external factors
• Perfectionism and reluctance to delegate are major barriers to scaling
• Implementing systems creates freedom, not restriction
• Strategic pricing and regular price evaluation are crucial for growth
• Clear vision and purpose drive sustainable business expansion

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

Are you running your business, or is it running you? In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the importance of designing a CEO schedule that aligns with your personal and professional priorities!

Tune in to learn strategies for creating an ideal work week, including batching tasks for efficiency and blocking time for focused work. You’ll learn how to set up your calendar in a way that supports both business growth and personal well-being.

Key Highlights:

• You can design your ideal workweek by:
• Prioritizing personal and family time first
• Batching similar tasks for efficiency
• Blocking dedicated time for focused work
• Limiting meeting commitments
• Build a business that can operate without your constant presence
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your schedule to support sustainable growth.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

Tune into this week’s podcast for a can’t-miss workshop with Alex Brzozowski and Melissa Swink! You’ll get into the nuts and bolts of digital organization and its role in team collaboration and productivity.

Alex and Melissa discuss the common hurdles leaders face when they first start working with teams, especially when it comes to digital organization myths. They also provide actionable strategies for laying a solid foundation for success. Tune in to learn the need for effective systems, clear communication, and the understanding that organization is an ongoing practice rather than a one-time fix.

If you’re looking for tips around digital organization, effective file management, password management systems, and the strategic use of bookmarks, this episode is for you! You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of digital filing, including the use of cloud storage and password managers, and the significance of naming conventions that resonate with users.

Key Highlights:

• The average worker spends two hours daily searching for documents, but implementing proper systems can dramatically reduce this waste.
• Digital organization is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution
• Effective file management relies on:
• Clear naming conventions (alphabetical, numerical, or chronological)
• Strategic use of cloud storage
• Simplified folder structures
• Secure password management and clear team communication are fundamental to successful collaboration.
• Organization is a learnable skill that should be tailored to your team's specific needs.

About Our Guest:

Alex Brzozowski is a digital organizer, productivity specialist, and founder of Be Organizing. She's been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and many more. Her team of Digital Professional Organizers and Productivity Specialists have reduced stress, saved time, and given hundreds of businesses and individuals across the country the peace of mind knowing exactly where their files, photos, emails, notes, tasks, projects, contacts, schedules, calendars, and passwords are (and how to quickly access them!). Visit the Be Organizing website to download your free Digital Declutter Calendar today!

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to...

Episode Summary

Does growth feel harder than it should? The problem might not be your strategy, your team, or your target market. The problem might be you!

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink shares her personal journey from being a solopreneur to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of creating a business model that allows for freedom and flexibility. Melissa also shares the five common roadblocks that business owners experience on their path to growing their businesses. This episode is filled with practical advice and insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses in a way that is authentic and sustainable.

Key Highlights:

• If your business can't function without you, it's not a business, it’s a job.
• It’s important to design your freedom as your business grows.
• There are five common roadblocks to growing a business:
• Doing everything yourself
• Perfectionism
• Avoiding systems and structure
• Undercharging for your products or services
• Having a lack of vision or clarity

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

If you enjoy learning how to optimize your schedule, today’s podcast is for you! In this episode of Make Space for More, Melissa Swink discusses the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, which theorizes that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts.

You’ll learn about the importance of auditing your business to identify the most impactful clients, services, and marketing strategies. Tune in to discover how to focus on what drives results, eliminate unproductive tasks, and automate processes to enhance your efficiency. You’ll also hear tips from Melissa’s firsthand experience for prioritizing your time effectively, so you can achieve more with less effort.

Key Highlights:

• The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts.
• Identifying your top clients can have a significant impact on your revenue.
• Auditing your business helps you to focus on what is actually working.
• Eliminating unproductive tasks can free up valuable time.
• Automation can streamline processes and reduce manual work.
• Time blocking is essential for prioritizing important tasks.
• Learning to say “no” is crucial for maintaining focus.
• Marketing channels should be evaluated for effectiveness.
• Understanding your best-performing products can guide business decisions.
• Regular audits can help you adapt to changing business needs.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.