Breaking Through Podcast

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever hit burnout in their business and wondered: Can I take a break without blowing it all up?In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real story of how I stepped away from my agency for nearly two years—without burning the boats. From a full-blown identity shift to walking away from client work and rediscovering my intuition, this is the behind-the-scenes look at how I created a business that could sustain itself while I healed.We’re talking:Burnout signs you don’t see coming until it’s too lateThe non-glamorous reality of stepping back from a business you built from scratchWhy pricing and profitability matter before you can take a breakThe emotional responsibility of marketers (and why we have to do better)Building a values-aligned agency that honors both your clients and yourselfWhy “just do the work” isn’t a sustainable marketing strategy anymoreThis isn’t your average “business bounce back” story—it’s a call to rethink how we lead, scale, and feel in our businesses.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t keep going like this,” this episode is your sign to start doing business differently—with more heart, more honesty, and way more alignment.

Hello, friends – it’s been a minute! In this comeback episode, I’m giving you a raw, honest life and business update after stepping back from the MINA Company and this podcast. The last year and a half has been filled with growth, burnout, big decisions, and deep reflection. From navigating a partial business "retirement" to redefining what success looks like as a mom, wife, and business owner—I’m taking you behind the scenes.You'll hear about:Why I stepped away from my business (and podcast) and what I’ve learned.What it felt like to build a business that didn’t have a place for me in it.How stepping away brought clarity, boundaries, and a fresh perspective.Why I’m excited to work with clients again—and what’s different this time.Creating sustainable business models that actually support your life (not the other way around).If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in your own dream or wondered if you’ve outgrown your business, you are not alone—and this episode is for you. Let’s talk about redefining hustle, rewriting boundaries, and realigning your business with your real life.New episodes coming soon, and yes—I'm recording them right from the messy middle of life. Let’s do this together.

SummaryIn this return episode of Breaking Through, Erica Vander Sande reflects on her personal journey over the past two years, sharing the highs and lows of growing as a marketing agency owner and leader. From navigating burnout to building a sustainable and aligned business, Erica dives deep into the lessons that have shaped her mindset and strategy. This episode explores the power of emotional intelligence, financial clarity, and integrity in creating meaningful client relationships and achieving long-term success in the marketing industry.Key TakeawaysGrowth requires change: Shedding outdated habits and mindsets is necessary to evolve.Burnout is real: It impacts decision-making and clarity.Sustainability is key: A healthy business relies on intentional systems, processes, and team dynamics.Financial health matters: Staying on top of finances is essential for long-term stability.Teamwork drives success: Strong dynamics and communication are crucial.Marketing with heart: Emotional intelligence and intuition elevate client relationships.Integrity rules: It should guide all client and business decisions.Empathy wins: Listening to client needs fosters trust and effective marketing.Well-being is non-negotiable: Protecting your mental health is crucial for business owners.The marketer’s journey: Success is a constant learning process.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Personal Growth Journey02:58 - Navigating Burnout and Business Challenges05:50 - Building a Sustainable Business09:00 - Financial Strategies for Business Owners11:48 - The Importance of Team Dynamics15:06 - Intuitive Marketing and Client Relationships17:54 - Emotional Intelligence in Marketing21:13 - The Role of Integrity in Business23:53 - Conclusion and Future DirectionsConnect with EricaIf you're a marketing agency owner or freelancer looking to grow your business while keeping your life in balance, Erica offers 1:1 and group coaching programs designed to help you succeed.Learn more and get in touch at www.theminacompany.com.

Tune in to the latest episode of Breaking Through as we sit down with the incredible minds behind Oh Hello Design Co. 🔥 Get ready for a deep dive into the art of overcoming burnout, mastering the art of setting boundaries in business, and discovering true contentment in your work. 💪✨Join us for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to break through the barriers holding you back in your career or freelancing life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply seeking a healthier work-life balance, this episode is a must-listen!Ready to transform your approach to work and well-being? Click the link in our bio to listen now! 🎧✨ 

Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we delve into the captivating world of revenue strategies for agencies and freelance businesses. 🎙️💼🔍 Struggling with Revenue Consistency? If you find yourself riding the roller coaster of feast and famine in your business, this episode is a must-listen. We're breaking down the allure of chasing those exhilarating one-off projects versus the steady stream of recurring income.💰 More Than Money Matters: It's tempting to celebrate the thrill of landing a high-paying, one-time gig, but is that the sustainable path? We explore why not all money is created equal and how long-term, loyal clients can outweigh the fleeting glamour of big projects.⚡ Unlock the Power of Upselling: Discover the untapped potential within your client relationships. When a client signs up for a one-off service, seize the moment to shine by showcasing your additional offerings and building a lasting connection.📈 A New Perspective on Profitability: Challenge yourself to examine your client roster through a fresh lens. You'll be surprised to find that those consistent, smaller-scale clients might be the true heroes of your revenue story, surpassing the occasional big spender.💼 Balancing Act: While we're not advising against one-off projects, we advocate for a diversified revenue approach. Learn from our experience—nearly a third of our revenue stems from one-off projects, but the lion's share flows from reliable, recurring services that keep cash flowing steadily month after month.📦 The Power of Packages: Ready to unlock the secret to recurring revenue? It's all about crafting value-packed service packages. Tune in to uncover how this approach not only nurtures enduring client partnerships but also evens out your income landscape, liberating you from the perpetual hunt for the next major project.Don't miss out on this insightful episode that could revolutionize your revenue strategy. Tune in now and learn how to pave the way for financial stability and sustainable growth. 🌱💡Subscribe now to our podcast for more enlightening discussions like this!

We were honored to have Tiffany and Lauren of Online Restaurant Academy join us on today's pod! We chatted all things business ownership, how to make pivots based on changing circumstances, and navigating a male-dominated industry as a female business owner. Tune in to hear their stories and gain valuable insights from seasoned business owners who are crushing it and helping others do the same!