How to Pivot Your Business Without Losing Everything as a 9 to 5 Founder | Ep 160

How to Pivot Your Business Without Losing Everything as a 9 to 5 Founder | Ep 160

Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5? 👉 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] I'm breaking down why your ability to pivot your business is actually your biggest competitive advantage as a 9-to-5 founder. I'm sharing the story behind completely rebranding this podcast, the difference between a strategic pivot and simply running away from hard things, and the three-question Pivot Test I use before changing anything in my business. If you've been questioning your offer, wondering whether it's time to pivot, or feeling behind because you haven't quit your corporate job yet—this episode is for you. In this episode, we'll talk about: *  Why your paycheck gives you an unfair advantage as a founder  *  The difference between a strategic business pivot and chasing the next shiny object  *  Why quitting corporate too early can actually limit your ability to grow  *  How to know when your market is giving you feedback versus when you're simply burned out  *  The 3-question Pivot Test every female entrepreneur should use before changing direction  *  Why "boring" work is what actually builds successful businesses  *  How to pivot your business without starting completely over  *  Why your 9-to-5 is funding your future—not preventing it  If you've ever felt guilty for still having a corporate job while building your business, I hope this episode completely changes the way you see it. Because your salary isn't slowing you down. It's funding your freedom. If this episode helped you rethink your next business move: *  Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.  *  Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  *  Share this episode with another woman building a business while working a 9-to-5—we don't gatekeep around here. Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5?  Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Free 5-Minute Training Every woman I know who successfully built a business while working a 9-to-5 followed the same four steps — and almost all of them tried to skip step one. So I created a free 5-minute training specifically for the woman who is still clocking into work every day while trying to build something bigger on the side. ➡️ Watch the free training here [https://start.clockedout.media/] 👀 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] ClockedOUT is a business and productivity podcast for the high-achieving female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5. Each week we deliver business building tips, work-life balance and self-care strategies, and real talk on hustle culture so you can grow your business, hit new revenue milestones, and beat burnout while still on payroll. Follow us on Instagram: @clockedout.media [https://www.instagram.com/clockedout.media/?hl=en]

The Mindset Shifts Every 9 to 5 Founder Needs to Become a Business Owner | Ep 159

Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5? 👉 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] I think one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves as women building businesses is this: "I'll go all in once I quit my job." Or... "I'm just being realistic." But what if "being realistic" is actually just fear wearing a really convincing outfit? In this episode, I'm sitting down with mindset coach Olivia Smith to unpack the stories running in the background of your business—the ones quietly making your decisions before you even realize it. Because here's the truth: if you're trying to start a business while still working a 9-to-5, you're not just building a side hustle. You're building an entirely new identity. We talk about imposter syndrome, confidence, money mindset, corporate conditioning, and why so many women think they'll magically become CEOs the day they finally quit their job. (Spoiler alert: it doesn't work like that.) If you're a female entrepreneur who's been feeling stuck, overthinking every move, or waiting until you feel "ready," this conversation is for you. In this episode we talk about: * Why waiting until you quit your job is keeping you stuck * The mindset shift from employee to CEO * Why imposter syndrome feels different when you're still working a 9-to-5 * The corporate conditioning that's quietly affecting your confidence * Why every woman needs another stream of income (whether that's a business or not) * The difference between being realistic and letting fear make your decisions * How to actually reframe your mindset (instead of just thinking positive) * Why self-trust matters more than confidence * The money mindset blocks keeping entrepreneurs playing small * The simple exercise Olivia uses to uncover the stories that are really running your business Connect with Olivia If you loved Olivia's perspective on mindset and identity, be sure to connect with her on Instagram: Follow her HERE  [https://www.instagram.com/o.liv.ia_yourbestlife/?hl=en] Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5?  Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Free 5-Minute Training Every woman I know who successfully built a business while working a 9-to-5 followed the same four steps — and almost all of them tried to skip step one. So I created a free 5-minute training specifically for the woman who is still clocking into work every day while trying to build something bigger on the side. ➡️ Watch the free training here [https://start.clockedout.media/] 👀 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] ClockedOUT is a business and productivity podcast for the high-achieving female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5. Each week we deliver business building tips, work-life balance and self-care strategies, and real talk on hustle culture so you can grow your business, hit new revenue milestones, and beat burnout while still on payroll. Follow us on Instagram: @clockedout.media [https://www.instagram.com/clockedout.media/?hl=en]

The Missing Brand Strategy That Helps You Go From Side Hustle to CEO | Ep 158

Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5? 👉 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] If you've ever wondered why your business isn't growing even though your offer is solid, your clients get results, and you're doing all the "right" things... this episode might be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Because here's the truth: being good at what you do and looking credible to the people you're trying to serve are two very different things. In this episode of Clocked Out, I'm joined by one of the smartest brand strategists I know, Miranda , founder of Vuka Brands and the woman responsible for helping shape both my skincare brand, Silkenn [https://silkenn.com/], and the rebrand of this podcast. And let me tell you—she doesn't believe in slapping a logo on your business and calling it a brand. We're talking about the real reason people aren't buying, why your audience may be perceiving your business completely differently than you intended, and how to build a brand that creates trust before you ever make a sales pitch. If you're a female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5 and trying to figure out how to quit your job without gambling your future, this conversation is required listening. In This Episode We Cover: * Why having a good product or service isn't enough to grow your business * The biggest disconnect between how business owners see their brands and how customers actually experience them * Why "branding" is so much more than colors, fonts, and a logo * The dangerous cost of building your business in isolation * How brand strategy acts as the roadmap for every business decision you make * Why understanding your ideal customer is the foundation of effective positioning * The role perception plays in purchasing decisions * How to create credibility even when you're a bootstrapped founder * Why social media isn't the only way to build a successful brand * The shift from traditional branding to ecosystem and world-building * How community can help you avoid expensive mistakes in business * What consistency really means beyond matching your Instagram feed and website Key Takeaways Your brand is not what you say it is—it's what your audience experiences. Without a clear brand strategy, everyone involved in your business starts creating their own version of your brand, resulting in mixed messaging and missed opportunities. The strongest brands aren't built around what the founder likes. They're built around what the audience needs, values, and responds to. And perhaps most importantly: if you're trying to build a business that will eventually allow you to quit your job, you can't afford to build in the wrong direction. Ready to Build Your Exit Strategy? If you're building a side hustle while working full-time and you're serious about creating a business that can replace your paycheck, come join us inside the Clocked Out Collective. The Collective was built specifically for ambitious women who want to stop guessing, start scaling, and build a business that makes quitting their job a realistic next step—not a someday dream. Learn more at start.clockedout.media [https://start.clockedout.media/] Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5?  Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Free 5-Minute Training Every woman I know who successfully built a business while working a 9-to-5 followed the same four steps — and almost all of them tried to skip step one. So I created a free 5-minute training specifically for the woman who is still clocking into work every day while trying to build something bigger on the side. ➡️ Watch the free training here [https://start.clockedout.media/] 👀 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] ClockedOUT is a business and productivity podcast for the high-achieving female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5. Each week we deliver business building tips, work-life balance and self-care strategies, and real talk on hustle culture so you can grow your business, hit new revenue milestones, and beat burnout while still on payroll. Follow us on Instagram: @clockedout.media [https://www.instagram.com/clockedout.media/?hl=en]

157: Why These Business Owners are Running Back to Their 9 to 5's...

Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5? 👉 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] Thinking about quitting your 9-to-5 to go all in on your business? Before you hand in that resignation letter, you need to hear this. After falling down a YouTube rabbit hole of creators and influencers announcing their return to corporate jobs, I noticed a pattern that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to understand. The problem wasn't that they failed. The problem was that they exited too soon. In today's episode, we're talking about the difference between a desperate exit and a strategic one, why burnout happens when you build a business without infrastructure, and the three things every female entrepreneur needs before leaving her 9-to-5 behind. If you're currently building a side hustle while working full-time, this episode might save you from making a very expensive mistake. A growing number of creators and influencers are quietly returning to their 9-to-5 jobs—and their stories reveal an important lesson for every entrepreneur building a business on the side. In this episode of Boss Babe Reset, Ericka Nicole breaks down what these "back to corporate" announcements are really teaching us about entrepreneurship, burnout, business infrastructure, and sustainable growth. If you've ever felt impatient to leave your job, wondered how much revenue you really need before quitting, or questioned whether you're moving fast enough, this conversation is for you. You'll learn why visibility is not the same thing as a business model, how your paycheck may actually be your greatest business asset right now, and the three non-negotiables you need before making your exit. Because the goal isn't to escape your 9-to-5. The goal is to build a business strong enough to hold you once you're gone. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: • Why so many creators are returning to traditional jobs • The hidden risks of relying on brand deals and social media income • The difference between business revenue and attention-based income • How burnout impacts creators and business owners • Why your 9-to-5 may be your greatest advantage right now • The "desperation threshold" and how to avoid crossing it • The three pillars of a successful exit strategy • Why proven revenue matters more than projected revenue • The importance of business systems and infrastructure • How much financial runway you really need before quitting • The identity trap that keeps entrepreneurs stuck • Building a business that doesn't depend on your daily presence • How to create sustainable income while working a full-time job KEY TAKEAWAYS ✔️ Your job is not the obstacle—it's funding your future. ✔️ A platform is not a business. An offer is a business. ✔️ Burnout often happens when your income depends entirely on your visibility. ✔️ A successful exit requires proven revenue, infrastructure, and runway. ✔️ Building a business with a 9-to-5 gives you more flexibility and better decision-making power. ✔️ The best exits feel like decisions, not relief. If this episode helped you rethink your exit strategy, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share it with another ambitious woman building her business alongside her career. Because we don't gatekeep over here. Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5?  Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Free 5-Minute Training Every woman I know who successfully built a business while working a 9-to-5 followed the same four steps — and almost all of them tried to skip step one. So I created a free 5-minute training specifically for the woman who is still clocking into work every day while trying to build something bigger on the side. ➡️ Watch the free training here [https://start.clockedout.media/] 👀 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] ClockedOUT is a business and productivity podcast for the high-achieving female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5. Each week we deliver business building tips, work-life balance and self-care strategies, and real talk on hustle culture so you can grow your business, hit new revenue milestones, and beat burnout while still on payroll. Follow us on Instagram: @clockedout.media [https://www.instagram.com/clockedout.media/?hl=en]

156: How to Start a Podcast That Actually Makes Money (Even If You're Still Working a 9-to-5)

Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5? 👉 Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Think you need a fancy studio, expensive equipment, or thousands of followers before you can start a podcast? Think again. In this episode, I'm joined by podcast strategist and producer Marie Walker, founder of Your Girl Media [https://yourgirlmedia.com/], to break down exactly how female entrepreneurs can use podcasting as a lead-generating machine while they're still working a 9-to-5. If you've been putting podcasting in the "someday" pile because you're short on time, worried no one will listen, or overwhelmed by all the moving pieces, this conversation is for you. Marie shares the same strategies she's used to help founders build six and seven-figure businesses through podcasting, including how to create a show that converts listeners into paying clients, where a podcast fits inside your marketing funnel, and why you don't need YouTube to get started. Whether you're looking for a side hustle, building a business after work hours, or ready to establish yourself as an authority in your industry, this episode will show you how to start a podcast without burning yourself out. In This Episode, We Talk About: * Why podcasting keeps getting pushed to the "later" list for busy entrepreneurs * The biggest mistake people make when launching a podcast * How to niche down and attract buyers, not just listeners * Why podcasting is one of the most powerful lead generation tools available * Where a podcast fits inside your marketing funnel * Audio-only podcasts vs. YouTube: what actually matters * How to grow your audience without relying solely on social media * Podcast SEO tips that help people discover your show * Guesting on podcasts to accelerate growth * How to batch record episodes when you're short on time * Why shorter episodes often outperform longer ones * The truth about podcast downloads and what actually matters * The 90-day roadmap to launch and monetize your podcast Key Takeaways ✨ A podcast doesn't need to go viral to make you money. ✨ Your podcast should move listeners from curious followers to warm leads. ✨ The more niche your show, the more likely listeners are to become buyers. ✨ Consistency beats perfection every single time. ✨ You don't need a professional studio to start a podcast—you just need a strategy. ✨ Podcasting is a long game, but the payoff compounds over time. Connect with my podcast producer, Marie:  Follow Marie on Instagram: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Want to book a podcast strategy call? DM Marie on Instagram @yourgirlmedia  [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Listen to Marie's podcast to scale your business: Your Girl  [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uuSGJIC2xUiYO10OiwPxs?si=d907acca514f4e68] Loved This Episode? If this episode helped you rethink what's possible with podcasting, please take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don't forget to share this episode with a fellow female entrepreneur who has been talking about starting a podcast but hasn't hit record yet. Because around here, we don't gatekeep success. Until next time, keep building the business that gives you options. Ready to build the business that replaces your 9-to-5?  Join us inside the Clocked Out Collective at start.clockedout.media. [https://start.clockedout.media./] Free 5-Minute Training Every woman I know who successfully built a business while working a 9-to-5 followed the same four steps — and almost all of them tried to skip step one. So I created a free 5-minute training specifically for the woman who is still clocking into work every day while trying to build something bigger on the side. ➡️ Watch the free training here [https://start.clockedout.media/] 👀 Join the Clocked Out Collective  [https://start.clockedout.media/] ClockedOUT is a business and productivity podcast for the high-achieving female entrepreneur building a side hustle while working a 9-to-5. Each week we deliver business building tips, work-life balance and self-care strategies, and real talk on hustle culture so you can grow your business, hit new revenue milestones, and beat burnout while still on payroll. Follow us on Instagram: @clockedout.media [https://www.instagram.com/clockedout.media/?hl=en]