Soul Leaders Podcast with Mills Gray

Episode OverviewGrab your coffee and join me today as I dive into the crucial importance of lead generation for sustainable business growth! In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey with lead generation - from painful early mistakes to recent sold-out launches. If you're tired of the feast or famine cycle in your business, this episode will give you practical strategies to build a consistent lead generation engine that works even when you're not actively selling.Exciting Announcement 🎉I've recently launched the CEO Scale Sprint - a targeted 30-day intensive where we focus on filling a specific gap in your business that will drive immediate results. If you're looking for focused, transformative support, this could be perfect for you!Key Topics CoveredIn this value-packed episode, I explore:Why lead generation is a long-term strategy, not a last-minute effort before launchingHow I transformed from begging for clients to having sold-out launchesThe relationship between lead generation and consistent nurturingBreaking the feast-or-famine business cycle with strategic lead generationCreating a "superfan system" where people are ready to buy when you launchFeatured InsightsOn My Lead Generation Journey:The painful story of my first launch "Happy Me" that cost thousands but had zero leadsHow I shifted from focusing on creating offers to building relationshipsMy recent successful launches: the in-person SAW event and the CEO Scale SprintWhy two years of consistent lead generation created my "overnight success"On Building Your Lead Generation Engine:Why lead generation isn't just about collecting email addressesThe importance of attracting your "dreamy as fuck" clients through targeted messagingCreating multiple touchpoints for potential clients to experience your expertiseBuilding relationships with the right people who become superfansOn Nurturing Your Leads:The crucial relationship between lead generation and nurturingCreating slick nurture sequences that build relationships on autopilotWhy consistency matters - showing up with value even when not actively sellingUnderstanding that 90% of people who find you today won't buy todayAction Steps: Audit Your Lead Generation SystemAsk yourself these questions:Is my primary lead magnet specifically designed for my dreamy client, or is it generic?Do I have a consistent nurture system that builds relationships after someone joins my world?Am I showing up consistently with value even when I'm not actively selling?Do I have multiple touchpoints where potential clients can experience my expertise?Am I playing the long game or focused only on immediate conversions?If you answered "no" to any of these questions, start by creating one strategic lead magnet that's laser-focused on your dream client's specific challenges and desired outcomes.Let's Connect!DM me on Instagram to check my April availability if you'd like my help with your lead generation strategy @mills_gray on IG Share what piece of free content you've created that consistently attracts your dream clients and why you think it resonates with themResources MentionedSOAR in-person event in GuildfordCEO Scale Sprint program www.millsgray.comSuperfan system concept (credit to Sophie Griffiths)Remember, as I always say: Building a lead generation engine that creates mega fans takes time - it's a slow burner, but absolutely worth the investment!

Grab your coffee and join me today as I chat with Hazel Anderson-Turner, a business and coaching psychologist specializing in burnout prevention. Hazel shares her personal burnout story, how it led to writing her book "Coaching Through Burnout," and valuable insights about maintaining psychological flexibility. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by work or struggled with work-life boundaries, this episode offers genuine strategies to help you navigate these challenges more effectively.Exciting Announcement 🎉Hazel's book "Coaching Through Burnout" is now available at all major retailers including Waterstones, Foyles, and Amazon!Key Topics CoveredIn this value-packed interview, we explore:Hazel's personal burnout journey in corporate while juggling a new babyHow to recognise burnout warning signs before reaching crisis pointThe power of choice in preventing burnoutCreating non-negotiable self-care practices when facing intense work periodsHow leadership styles evolve through entrepreneurshipFinding your authentic definition of successFeatured Conversation BreakdownsOn Burnout Recognition:The physical warning signs (sleep disruption, frequent illness)Why we often manage symptoms rather than addressing underlying issuesHow parenthood can dramatically shift our capacity to "push through"On Post-Burnout Business Design:Setting functional boundaries around working hoursRecognising when you're slipping back into burnout-inducing patternsUnderstanding your natural energy cycles and seasonal productivityOn Leadership Evolution:Moving from saying "yes to everything" to becoming more discerningLearning to honor your body's signals and energy levelsThe importance of reconnecting with nature and seasonal rhythmsOn Success Redefinition:Shifting from external achievements to meaningful experiencesBalancing purpose with financial well-beingThe joy of creating experiences for loved ones through your business successResources MentionedHazel's book: "Coaching Through Burnout"Acceptance and Commitment Coaching approachSelf-publishing through The Unbound PressLet's Connect!Find Hazel's book on Amazon, Waterstones, or FoylesFollow Hazel for more burnout prevention strategies https://hazelandersonturner.co.uk/Take ActionIdentify your own burnout warning signsCreate non-negotiable self-care practices for busy periodsConsider your "power quarters" - when do you naturally have the most energy?Build a support network for your entrepreneurial journeyRemember, as Hazel reminds us: Your business should serve you too, not just your clients. Success isn't just about achievement but creating a meaningful life aligned with your values.

Breaking the Business Blueprint: Why Cookie-Cutter Strategies Don't WorkEpisode OverviewGrab your coffee and join me today as I share a vulnerable moment about dealing with online trolls and reveal why cookie-cutter business strategies don't work. If you've been feeling pressured to follow conventional business models that don't align with your natural strengths, this episode will show you how creating individualised strategies can lead to remarkable results – even for businesses in the same industry!Key Topics CoveredIn this value-packed episode, I explore:Why cookie-cutter business strategies often fail entrepreneursHow I create custom strategies for clients in the same industry with different needsThe importance of building a business around your natural strengths and energyReal success stories: How two yoga instructors with different businesses both achieved $8k in revenue with tailored approachesMy personal experience dealing with trolls and criticism on business adsFeatured Stories & BreakdownsOn Dealing with Business Trolls:My vulnerable moment dealing with critics who misunderstood my business approachWhy people who have time to write essays in comment sections aren't growing their own businessesThe criticism of being "cookie-cutter" that inspired this episode's topicOn Customised Business Strategy:Case Study #1: Yoga teacher with 30k+ engaged followers who needed monetisation pathwaysCase Study #2: Yoga instructor trainer who needed to reclaim time while maintaining incomeHow different price points and strategies led to similar £8k results for both businessesWhy individualism is at the core of my coaching philosophyOn Finding Your Aligned Business Model:The two-column exercise to identify what energises vs. drains you in your businessHow to build your business model around your natural strengths and operating styleIncorporating human design principles to enhance business alignment *want to get a report here you go https://millsgray.kartra.com/page/HDbusinessauditMoving away from "vanilla" content to what genuinely lights you upSpecial MentionI just hosted an amazing in-person SAW event! Stay tuned for next week's episode where I'll be discussing launching in-person events and the power of face-to-face connections.Resources MentionedHuman design as a tool for business alignmentThe two-column exercise for identifying energy-giving vs. energy-draining activitiesTake ActionComplete the two-column exercise: activities that energise you vs. drain youEvaluate how much of your current business model is built around your strengthsConsider if you're ready to build a business designed around how you naturally operateRate and review this podcast to help others discover it!Let's Connect!Drop into my DMs to share what you discovered from today's episodeShare your two-column exercise insights with me on Instagram @mills_graywww.millsgray.comRemember: The most successful business isn't the one following the industry blueprint – it's the one designed around YOUR strengths and operating style!

Episode OverviewGrab your coffee and join me today as I answer your most-asked questions from my Instagram DMs! From authentic marketing to offer strategies and content creation, I'm diving deep into the real questions you've been sending me. If you've been wondering about being yourself in business while attracting the right clients, this episode is exactly what you need.Key Topics CoveredIn this value-packed Q&A episode, I explore:How to be bold enough to repel the wrong fit clientsWhy authenticity in marketing matters (and how to actually do it)My transition from the "Five Ones" approach to a stacked offer strategyUsing my Spider Web content strategy for efficient content creationReal stories about trusting your gut in business relationshipsFeatured Question BreakdownsOn Authentic Marketing:Why being "vanilla" doesn't serve you or your clientsThe power of using your authentic voice (yes, even if you swear!)How showing up as yourself attracts the right clientsMy real example: How using "driven as fuck" in my content attracted the perfect clientOn My Offer Strategy:Why I moved away from the "Five Ones" approachMy current offer structure:Digital products (£9 - £197)New 4-week sprint program4-month and 8-month coaching optionsThe importance of creating clear pathways between offersOn Content Strategy:My Spider Web content strategy explained link - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/12-days-of-ceo-magic-one-podcast-seven-pieces/id1551636077?i=1000679625994How I turn one piece of content into multiple formatsExample: Converting a 20-minute podcast into various content piecesMy tips for efficient content repurposingResources MentionedMy CEO Day Spider Web Content Strategy (check show notes for access) https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/12-days-of-ceo-magic-one-podcast-seven-pieces/id1551636077?i=1000679625994Workshop details for Guildford eventExamples of successful "Five Ones" implementation (Taki Moore, Maria Went)Let's Connect!Come say hi on Instagram - I love sending voice note responses to your questions! IG @mills_gray Share this episode to your stories and tag me for a happy dance!my website www.millsgray.comTake ActionReview your content strategy using my Spider Web methodEvaluate your offer stack - are there gaps to fill?Check your marketing messages - are you being authentically you?Remember, as I always say: Your gut always knows - trust it in business and beyond!

Meet Gemma Ann Barnes, a speaking and performance expert helping female visionaries master their stage presence, pitch confidently, and create massive impact through live speaking. From her roots in performing arts to becoming the go-to coach for stage-ready entrepreneurs, Gemma shares invaluable insights on commanding attention and converting from stage.Topics covered in this episode:Transitioning from performing arts to business ownership - why resilience mattersHandling public visibility and criticism while staying true to your visionThe power of authentic content creation versus following market trendsWhy speaking engagements trump online presence for authority buildingSpecial Guest Insights: Currently accepting speaking clients at two levels:Speaker Intensive: 4-hour foundation program for aspiring speakers (0-10 speaking gigs)1:1 Coaching: Personalized support for upcoming speaking events and stage presence masteryLet's connect:Find Gemma: @GemmaAnnBarnes on InstagramWebsite: gemmaannbarnes.comBook a Speaker Intensive session https://www.gemmaannebarnes.com/the-speaker-intensiveKey quote: "Online space is saturated... But as soon as you step onto a stage, that audience in the room, they are eating at the palm of your hand."Resources mentioned:Speaker Intensive Program1:1 Speaking Coach servicesPerformance preparation techniquesVoice coaching expertiseNext episode: Mills will share another inspiring female entrepreneur success story next month - stay tuned!

Email Nurture Sequence: Why your lead magnet isn't converting Sit back with me today as we dive into something super important - the nurture sequence. It's all about building that essential trust before any sale happens. And if you're finding yourself with amazing lead magnets but hearing crickets afterward, or rushing straight to the sale without building connection, this episode is exactly what you need.I want to break down why your nurture sequence might be holding you back (and yes, if you're jumping straight from a free PDF to selling your £2,000 course, we need to talk!). Think of it like dating - you wouldn't go straight from "hello" to "let's get married," right? Let's explore how to create that perfect journey for your clients.Special Blueprint Alert! 🎉 Stay until the end for my proven content strategy blueprint, including exactly how to structure your value-first emails, story-based content, and authority-building messages. Plus, I'm sharing a golden nugget I usually save just for my 1:1 clients!Topics covered on The Art of the Nurture Sequence:Common nurture sequence problems and why they're costing you salesHow to build the perfect bridge between your lead magnet and your offerCreating trust-building content that showcases your expertise without overwhelming your audienceThe proven framework for compelling nurture content (including my secret authority-building tips!)Let's work together:Two 1:1 spots available for complete business overhaulDM me on Instagram @mills_gray to discuss working togetherReady to transform your lead generation and nurture sequence?Remember - the goal isn't just to maintain contact, it's to create an environment where buying from you feels like the next logical step.Resources mentioned:Free lead magnet: Irresistible Hooks & Captions Guide A free lead magnet about creating irresistible hooks and captions for content https://millsgray.kartra.com/page/IGcpationshooksRecent podcast feature (link in bio!)Nurture sequence blueprintCurrent non-negotiable: Every Wednesday, gym session with Faye followed by 90 minutes in the spa - because even CEOs need their reset time! Come share your non-negotiables with me in the DMs - I'd love to hear them!my recent guest appearance on another podcast discussing lead generation.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lead-generation-selling-and-scaling-as-a/id1728025722?i=1000686196298

Is Your Business Running You? The Real Talk About Boundaries and Business TransformationSit back, relax, and let's dive deep today. We're talking about something that comes up over and over again with my clients - it's all about transforming burnout into a business model that actually energizes you and has you loving your work again.I want to share a story that might sound familiar. A client came to me absolutely exhausted (I could see why!). She had a thriving membership program, was super passionate about her work in weight loss coaching, clients were getting amazing results... but she was answering WhatsApp messages late into the night and checking her phone first thing in the morning. Sound familiar? Let's dive into how we transformed this.Special Announcement for February! 🎉 I'm launching something exciting for those of you who want support but aren't ready for a longer commitment - The CEO Scale Sprint! This focused 30-day intensive is where we'll transform one key area of your business together. Beta price of £495 (increasing to £695 in March) with just 3 spaces available.Let's work together:Topics covered on Breaking Free From Business Burnout:Why giving everyone the same level of access means you're actually underserving your best clientsHow to reimagine your offer suite to serve both your clients and yourself betterSetting real boundaries that stick (and why your business needs them to scale)Creating value alignment at each tier - making your services more accessible AND more profitableDM me 'CEO Sprint' on Instagram @mills_grayJoin the community: facebook group mind your mindsetwebsite www.millsgray.comRemember - you can't serve your clients by burning yourself out. It's time to make sure your business model serves everyone, including you.Resources mentioned:Voxer for business boundariesWhatsApp business strategiesCEO Scale Sprint programGrab those opportunities, and if you're a parent - yes, it's half term this month! Make this shorter month count. Come say hello in the DMs if this resonated with you!click the link below to see more about CEO SCAL SPRINThttps://docs.google.com/document/d/18MZPLuUKdOE3tcH6CmTcr7z-9qvDwSOrChAKuzi0GhU/copyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Soul Leaders podcast, host Mills Gray discusses the common challenges business owners face, particularly the feeling of being a bottleneck in their own business. She shares insights on how to identify and overcome these bottlenecks through strategic planning, automation, and effective team management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the client journey and implementing systems that allow for smoother operations and scaling. Mills also highlights the success stories of her clients who have managed to automate their sales processes and achieve significant growth without being overwhelmed.TakeawaysMany business owners feel like they are the bottleneck in their growth.It's common to feel overwhelmed by constant client demands and decision-making.Small tweaks in processes can lead to significant improvements.Identifying tasks that require your unique input is crucial for efficiency.Automation can help streamline client onboarding and communication.Planning and strategizing are essential for effective scaling.Having a clear team structure and guidelines can alleviate pressure.Tracking your daily tasks can reveal inefficiencies and bottlenecks.Understanding the client journey is key to improving sales processes.Realizing where the bottleneck is allows for targeted solutions.Quotes From Mills"Why is this not happening for me?""Does this actually need me?""Realise where the bottleneck is."Connect with Mills www.millsgray.cominstagram.com/mills_gray

Welcome to Soul Leaders, the go-to podcast for service based business, coaches, creators and business owners that wants to get more confident in their digital marketing and selling.I'm your host Mills Gray, a Business Coach & Mentor with over 16 years experience growing and scaling 6 figure businesses. I have been in the trenches and help others to succeed without cookie cutter tactics, and staying aligned to your business. I will help you fall in love with your business again.Each Thursday, I will talk about stacking your offers, lead generation and client attraction, and stepping into that CEO era with bitesize episodes and easy to implement trainings/suggestions. Helping you to move past the 'not quite there story"You can connect with me on Instagram @mills_gray and if you want to learn more about me or work with me, head over to www.millsgray.com. Ready to Level The F*k up? Let's go!