Ever wonder what it really takes to build a successful product-based business? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Christine Manning—Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) founder, consultant, and mindset coach—who built a thriving food brand from scratch, scaled it into major retailers, and eventually sold the business. She shares the messy middle, mindset shifts, and what most makers get wrong when growing a product-based brand. This one is full of golden takeaways!

Key topics covered:

• Christine’s accidental start in entrepreneurship and how preserves turned into a full-blown CPG business
• The reality of low margins and why scaling is not optional in food-based businesses
• What most entrepreneurs get wrong about branding—and how to actually stand out on the shelf
• The mental shifts and mindset work Christine did to prepare for a business exit
• How burnout shaped her decision-making and why slowing down created more clarity
• Tips on building a sellable business (even if you’re not ready to sell yet)

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Christine:

• Instagram: @the.christinemanning

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of the Business Builder series on Small Business School! This week, I’m talking all about what happens when your business starts growing fast—and things start feeling a little... stretched. If you've ever worried about how to keep up with client demand without letting quality slip, this episode is for you. Whether you're selling products or services, I’m breaking down how to scale delivery in a way that still feels solid, thoughtful, and true to what makes your business great in the first place.

Key topics covered:

• What usually breaks first when a business scales too fast—and how to fix it before it becomes a bigger issue
• Why systemizing your delivery process is essential (and how to know when it’s time)
• Easy steps to standardize your workflows using checklists, SOPs, and tools you probably already have
  The magic of client communication touchpoints—and how they build trust and reduce back-and-forth
• How to delegate with ownership, not just tasks, and why that makes all the difference as you grow

Let’s grow without the chaos. You’ve got this!

Challenge

Choose one repeatable part of your delivery process, document it step-by-step, and find one way to simplify or improve it—whether that’s automation, delegation, or clearer communication.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

If Instagram has you overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering why your content isn’t converting, this episode is your breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Nadalie Bardo, aka Your Pin Coach, who’s here to show us why Pinterest is the most overlooked but high-potential platform for small business owners. We talk organic growth, content strategy, what works (and what to avoid), and how Pinterest can finally feel like a platform that works with you instead of against you. And no, you don’t need to learn trending dances to make it work.

Key topics covered:

• How Pinterest stacks up against platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Google
• Who should be using Pinterest (and how to know if your business is a good fit)
• The types of content that perform best—hint: it's easier than you think
• Keyword strategies, pin templates, and how to actually be found
• Common mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up in Pinterest jail
• Why it’s okay to walk away from platforms that don’t make you feel good—and what to do instead

Don’t forget to grab Nadalie’s FREE Pinterest Best Practices Cheat Sheet at https://yourpincoach.com/smallbusinesspodcast

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Nadalie:

• Website: https://yourpincoach.com
• Instagram: @nadaliebardo

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hey friend, welcome back to Business Builders! If talking about pricing gives you that “ugh, not again” feeling—this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m tackling the tricky topic of pricing, why so many of us avoid it, and how to finally do something about it. I’m not here to tell you to raise your rates just for the sake of it—but I am here to help you check in with yourself and your business and ask, “Is my pricing aligned with the value I’m delivering today?” You might be surprised by what you discover when you stop avoiding and start adjusting. Let’s dive in together (CEO hats on).

Key topics covered:

• Why pricing makes so many of us uncomfortable—and how to reframe it
• The real reasons you may need to raise your rates (hint: it’s not just about profit)
• How low pricing can attract the wrong clients and block your growth
• What to evaluate when reviewing your offers and value
• Simple mindset and math tricks to feel good about changing your prices

Challenge

Revisit your pricing with fresh eyes and reprice just one offer—internally or publicly. Set a timeline. Build your confidence. You’ve got this.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

We made it to 300 episodes! In this milestone solo episode, I’m reflecting on the unexpected journey of starting a podcast (shoutout to Kristina Bartold from The Social Snippet!), and all the little lessons that have shaped me along the way. From CEO mindset shifts to the value of real human connection, I’m sharing a mash-up of the thoughts I’ve been posting on social lately—because the response to those has been incredible. Whether you're a parent juggling it all, a business owner trying to stay present, or someone just needing a pep talk—you’ll feel seen in this one.

Key topics covered:

• Why podcasting isn’t just about downloads—it’s about building relationships and finding your voice
• The importance of stepping out of your physical space to get a 50,000-foot view of your business
• Traveling for business as a parent—why it’s never a perfect balance, and that’s okay
• How real community (like High Vibe Women) fuels you in business and life
• The power of tiny moments of connection—with your clients, your team, your family
• Why you should smile at strangers, trust your gut more than tactics, and just keep going

Thanks for being here for 300 episodes. I’m so grateful. 💛

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

If you’ve ever dreamed of luxury vacations without the luxury price tag, this episode is for you. I sat down with travel points expert Megan Lanford—founder of Points Too Paradise—who once struggled to afford one trip a year and now saves over $20K annually while traveling often and in style. She breaks down exactly how families and business owners can start using travel points to unlock amazing experiences—without complicated spreadsheets or overspending.

Key topics covered:

• How Megan turned her personal points hobby into a business (and now travels 6+ times a year)
• The simple mindset shift: ditching debit cards to maximize everyday spending with the right credit cards
• How to start earning serious points with welcome bonuses—without overthinking it
• Why flexible points (like Amex or Chase) give you more bang for your buck
• Tips for staying organized and deciding which cards to keep, cancel, or apply for next
• How to use points for everything—flights, hotels, cruises, Disney, Airbnbs, and even pretzels on Main Street

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Megan:

• Website: Download Megan’s free Travel Points 101 guide https://pointstooparadise.kit.com/b04dc62874
• Instagram: @pointstooparadise

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode of business builders, I’m diving into something that every business owner needs to check in on from time to time—whether your current clients still align with the business you're trying to build. It’s normal for your vision, capacity, and values to evolve as your business grows. So let’s talk about how to make sure your messaging, offers, and boundaries are working for you—and not attracting clients that drain your energy. It's time to reconnect with the people you actually love serving.

Key topics covered:

• How to know when your current clients or customers are no longer the right fit
• Why evolving as a business means your ideal client might change too
• A four-step process to realign your business with the clients you want to serve
• How to update your messaging and offers without pushing the wrong people away harshly

Challenge

1. List your top 3 favorite clients or customers.
   Write down what they have in common—what made working with them enjoyable, energizing, or aligned?
   
   
2. Audit your current marketing.
   Look at your website, social media, or email copy and ask:
   ➤ Is it speaking directly to the type of client you want more of?
   ➤ Are you unintentionally attracting the wrong people?
   
   
3. Make one change this week.
   Choose one small but intentional change in your messaging or offer that better aligns with your ideal client going forward.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of Small Business School, I’m welcoming back my friend and messaging expert, Helen Thacker! We’re chatting all about what’s really been happening behind the scenes in both of our businesses over the past two years — and digging deep into why messaging is way more than just finding the "perfect words." Helen shares how powerful it can be when you stop chasing trends and numbers online, and start showing up with audacious authenticity.

Key topics covered:

• Why fear of “being too much” is keeping you from truly connecting in your messaging
• How to simplify your messaging by focusing on connection, certainty, and authority
• Why messaging isn’t just about you — it’s the bridge between you and the people you serve
• The power of refining your messaging as you grow (and why it’s a skill you’ll keep building)
• What’s on the other side of finally showing up confidently as yourself in your business

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to “say the right thing,” this one’s for you.

Helen invites you to check out the exclusive Messaging Vault where you’ll learn exactly what to say to magnetise premium clients and convert them faster, all happening weekly inside a private Telegram channel - and it’s completely FREE!

https://www.helenthacker.com/the-messaging-vault

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Helen:

• Website: https://www.helenthackercoaching.com/
• Instagram: @helenthacker

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!