A Radiating Heart: The Power of Love and Kindness

This week’s episode highlight:
Unlocking New Opportunities:

Building Trust, Value, and a Personal Brand

Sophie Milliken is a remarkable entrepreneur and leader with contributions that extend far beyond business. She co-founded City Ladies Networking, chairs the UK Charity Smart Works Newcastle, and serves as a Founding Ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor. 

Her dedication was recognized in 2023 when she was awarded an MBE by the Order of the British Empire for her services to Business and Education.

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Showcase Your Value by Letting Clients Observe

   A powerful way to build trust and demonstrate your expertise is by inviting prospective clients to observe your services in action. Sophie believes transparency is key—letting people see your process firsthand can make a lasting impression and help secure future business.

2. Invest in Your Personal Brand to Build Credibility

   Establishing yourself as an expert goes beyond just doing great work. Sophie emphasizes writing a book, entering reputable awards, and building a dedicated professional speaking website as critical ways to build credibility and strengthen your personal brand.

3. Explore New Business Opportunities 
   Sophie encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box. Consider filling untapped market gaps, like introducing a mock assessment center in the U.S. This type of innovation can set you apart and create a game-changing opportunity in your industry.

Strategy Spotlight:
Building Credibility Through Professional Leadership

Identify a specific area of expertise that aligns with your passion and business goals. Consider answering reporter inquiries on Qwoted to get featured in the media which will provide insights for readers with the added benefit of linking back to your business’ website. These actions not only enhance your visibility but also position you as a trusted authority in your field. Begin with one small step—like creating a free profile on Qwoted and writing one response —and watch these efforts elevate your reputation.

Positivity Corner: Surround Yourself with Energizers

One of Sophie’s key insights is the importance of spending time with people who uplift and inspire you. Think about the "radiators" in your life—the ones who warm you with their energy and positivity. Make a point to connect with these people more often and, in turn, distance yourself from those who drain your energy.

This week, schedule time with someone who inspires you—whether it's for a coffee, a chat, or even a virtual meeting. Notice how you feel afterward and let that positive energy propel you forward.

Thank you for being a part of Time To Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond! As always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

Podcasting: An exercise in opening my heart.

Every time I have an interview on the horizon, I catch myself envisioning how the conversation might unfold. It’s not something I plan—it just happens naturally.

When the time comes, about fifteen minutes before the interview, I create a comfortable space. My dining room chair needs a little extra support, so I add a pillow and wrap myself in a fluffy blanket. I pour a glass of water, maybe make a cup of coffee, and sit down to calm my heart rate.

As the clock ticks closer, I take several long, deep breaths to relax fully. I put on my headphones, log into the recording studio, and make it a priority to be fully present with my guest right from the start.

Then, I prepare to listen—with my heart. Throughout the conversation, I focus on deep breathing to calm any nerves and really zero in on my guest, offering them a platform to tell their stories.

After every interview, there’s a moment of pure gratitude and connection. It leaves me with the feeling that I want to do it all over again.

Want to connect? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you.

Last Week’s Episode Highlight:

Harshal Chokhawala from ZymoChem
Inventing the world’s first biodegradable diaper that can SCALE.

Ever have a conversation and think, Wow, this person is way smarter than me? That’s exactly how I felt when I interviewed Harshal Chokhawala, as he broke down the science and ‘how’ behind his world-changing innovations.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

Let’s Connect!