Before You Use AI: What Every Business Owner Needs to Set Up First with Michelle and Pinjas Rajs | Ep. 61

From Burnt Out to Booked Out: Stop Running Your Business and Start Leading It with Bylie Salamon | Ep. 63

What happens when your business grows faster than you expected and suddenly the thing you built to create freedom starts feeling like a burden instead? In this episode, I sit down with wig salon owner Bylie Salamon to talk about the reality of rapid business growth, leadership, and building a company that supports your life instead of consuming it. When Bylie first came to me, she was juggling a growing salon, a young family, a small team, and a never-ending list of responsibilities. Like many business owners, she felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, and unsure whether continuing to grow was even sustainable. Together, we unpack her journey from feeling buried in the day-to-day operations of her salon to stepping confidently into her role as CEO. Bylie shares how creating systems, clarifying team responsibilities, establishing boundaries, and developing stronger leadership skills transformed not only her business but her quality of life as well. Her story is proof that growth does not have to come at the expense of your family, your wellbeing, or your freedom. This conversation is an honest look at what happens in the messy middle of business growth and what becomes possible when you are willing to do the work required to build something sustainable.   In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why rapid business growth can feel overwhelming when systems and processes are not in place ✨ The hidden cost of trying to carry every responsibility yourself ✨ How creating clear roles, SOPs, and team accountability transformed Bylie’s salon ✨ What it really means to step into the CEO role, even when it feels uncomfortable ✨ The leadership challenges that come with growing a team and making difficult decisions ✨ Why boundaries are essential if you want a business that supports your life ✨ How Bylie reduced her working hours while continuing to grow revenue ✨ The patience required to navigate the investment and growth phase of a business ✨ Why every business owner eventually faces a season of personal growth alongside business growth ✨ How building the right foundation creates more freedom, flexibility, and long-term sustainability   If you've ever felt trapped by the business you worked so hard to build, overwhelmed by growth, or unsure how to move from operator to leader, this episode will remind you that there is another way.  Tune in to hear how Bylie transformed her salon into a business that serves both her clients and her life, and discover what becomes possible when you stop trying to do it all yourself.    Learn more + join THE CONTENT STRATEGIST: http://rachel-lubchansky.com/content-strategist [http://rachel-lubchansky.com/content-strategist] This is the course for solopreneurs and small business owners to turn your AI into a strategic content system that thinks with you, writes like you, and supports your business and visibility goals. Join Rachel's newsletter and mailing list: http://rachel-lubchansky.com/newsletter [http://rachel-lubchansky.com/newsletter]   LET'S CONNECT! If you’re ready to take the next step in your business, attract your dream clients, or gain clarity on your strategy, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I’m here to support you in building a business that aligns with who you are at your core and the lifestyle you want to live. Simply connect with me through one of these channels: Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky] Book Your Free Discovery Call: https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult [https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult] You can explore my 1:1 strategy + mentorship here: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship] Get The Business Clarity Scorecard and uncover in just 3 minutes what your business needs to grow: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity] Free Upcoming Workshop: Build an AI Ghostwriter That Sounds Like You Tired of spending more time fixing AI than writing it yourself? Learn how to make AI sound like you, so it finally gives you back the time it promised. https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop]   About Bylie: Bylie Salamon is the owner of Bylie Salon, a wig salon serving Jewish women in Monroe, Monsey, upstate and the greater New York area. Known for her commitment to quality, personalized service, and beautiful, wearable wigs, Bylie has spent the past several years growing her business while navigating the challenges of leadership, team building, and entrepreneurship - as a new mom. Through intentional systems, strategic hiring, and a focus on creating an exceptional client experience, she has transformed her salon into a thriving business that supports both her clients and her family. Follow Bylie's work and connect with her: https://www.instagram.com/bylie_salon/ [https://www.instagram.com/bylie_salon/]   -------- EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Pod2Go Music from #Uppbeat by Infraction (Tropic of Life) License code: SAZGVKPQTBNJEMWC

Does Your Business Need an Email Newsletter? What Solopreneurs Need to Know | Ep. 62

What happens when email marketing stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming one of the most effective ways to build trust, nurture relationships, and grow your business? In this solo episode, I’m breaking down one of the topics I’m asked about most often: email newsletters. From whether you should have one at all to how often you should send it and what you should actually write about, I’m sharing a practical, relationship-first approach to email marketing that feels sustainable, authentic, and effective. I explain why newsletters are so much more than a marketing tactic and how they fit into a broader email marketing strategy that helps turn casual followers into paying clients. I also share how I structure my own monthly newsletter, why consistency matters more than frequency, and what small business owners often get wrong when they think about email marketing. If you’ve ever wondered whether email marketing still works, struggled to stay consistent, or felt overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly create content, this episode will help you simplify the process and focus on what matters most: building genuine relationships with the people you serve.   In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why email newsletters are relationship-building tools, not sales pitches ✨ The difference between relationship emails and conversion emails—and why your business needs both ✨ How newsletters help service providers build trust without relying on social media ✨ What to include in your newsletter to keep your audience engaged and connected ✨ The pros and cons of weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly newsletter schedules ✨ Why consistency matters more than frequency when it comes to email marketing ✨ A behind-the-scenes look at how I structure my own monthly newsletter ✨ How to create a sustainable email strategy that supports long-term business growth   Whether you're starting a newsletter for the first time, trying to revive one you've abandoned, or simply looking for a more effective way to connect with your audience, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Tune in and discover how a simple, consistent newsletter can strengthen relationships, deepen trust, and become one of the most valuable assets in your business.   Learn more + join THE CONTENT STRATEGIST: http://rachel-lubchansky.com/content-strategist [http://rachel-lubchansky.com/content-strategist] This is the course for solopreneurs and small business owners to turn your AI into a strategic content system that thinks with you, writes like you, and supports your business and visibility goals. Join Rachel's newsletter and mailing list: http://rachel-lubchansky.com/newsletter [http://rachel-lubchansky.com/newsletter]   LET'S CONNECT! If you’re ready to take the next step in your business, attract your dream clients, or gain clarity on your strategy, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I’m here to support you in building a business that aligns with who you are at your core and the lifestyle you want to live. Simply connect with me through one of these channels: Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky] Book Your Free Discovery Call: https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult [https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult] You can explore my 1:1 strategy + mentorship here: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship] Get The Business Clarity Scorecard and uncover in just 3 minutes what your business needs to grow: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity] Free Upcoming Workshop: Build an AI Ghostwriter That Sounds Like You Tired of spending more time fixing AI than writing it yourself? Learn how to make AI sound like you, so it finally gives you back the time it promised. https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop]   --------   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Pod2Go Music from #Uppbeat by Infraction (Tropic of Life) License code: SAZGVKPQTBNJEMWC

Before You Use AI: What Every Business Owner Needs to Set Up First with Michelle and Pinjas Rajs | Ep. 61

What happens when AI stops being just another overwhelming tech trend and starts becoming a tool that actually gives you more freedom, clarity, and time back in your business?  In this episode, I sit down with Michelle and Pinchas Rajs, co-founders of Lerns.ai, to talk about the real, human side of AI implementation for small business owners. From Pinchas’ early fascination with AI and emerging technology to Michelle’s journey from total AI skeptic to building human-centered AI systems, this conversation dives deep into what business owners are getting wrong about AI and what it actually takes to use it effectively. We talk about the importance of preserving your voice, documenting your workflows, and creating systems that support your business without replacing the human relationships that matter most.  This episode is an honest, practical, and incredibly refreshing look at how AI can help you work smarter without losing the identity, creativity, and personal connection that make your business unique.   In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why documenting your workflows and processes is essential before implementing AI ✨ The biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to adopt AI too quickly ✨ How AI can amplify chaos if your systems and messaging aren’t clear first ✨ The difference between using AI as a tool versus building it into a true business system ✨ Why protecting your brand voice and human connection matters more than ever ✨ How AI “hallucinations” happen and why blind trust in AI-generated information is risky ✨ Practical ways to identify which tasks should stay human-led and which can be supported by AI ✨ Why the future of successful businesses will still depend on relationships, creativity, and authentic communication ✨ How creating an AI ghostwriter that actually sounds like you can save time without sacrificing personality    If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by AI, unsure where to start, or frustrated that AI-generated content feels generic and disconnected from who you really are, this episode will help you approach AI in a way that feels practical, strategic, and human-centered. Tune in to learn how to build systems that support your business growth while still sounding like you.    LET'S CONNECT! If you’re ready to take the next step in your business, attract your dream clients, or gain clarity on your strategy, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I’m here to support you in building a business that aligns with who you are at your core and the lifestyle you want to live. Simply connect with me through one of these channels: Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky] Book Your Free Discovery Call: https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult [https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult] You can explore my 1:1 strategy + mentorship here: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship] Get The Business Clarity Scorecard and uncover in just 3 minutes what your business needs to grow: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity] Free Upcoming Workshop: Build an AI Ghostwriter That Sounds Like You Tired of spending more time fixing AI than writing it yourself? Learn how to make AI sound like you, so it finally gives you back the time it promised. https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ai-workshop]   About Pinjas and Michelle: Hi! We're Pinjas and Michelle, husband and wife power duo, now Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of a company we are proud to call our own. The idea of Lerns.Ai was sparked one late night as we debated the new realty and progress of this era. Pinjas has followed AI since 2015 and once ChatGPT became accessible to the everyday user, he knew this was the future. Michelle on the other hand, had her doubts but eventually warmed up to the idea and fully embraced AI. We saw what many business owners were feeling. Too much hype, too many tools, and no clear path forward. Some were eager to use AI but did not know where to start. Others were cautious but curious. Our answer was simple. Give people a map. Be the partner that explains things in plain language, reduces the noise, and walks with them from idea to impact. What began as two people has grown into a focused team across AI consulting, IT management, education, business strategy, and workflow automation. Different skills, one mission. We guide you through change, implement solutions that fit your processes, and make sure AI works for your business, not against it. Website - Lerns.ai [http://lerns.ai] @lerns.ai https://www.linkedin.com/company/lernsai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lernsai/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinjasrajs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinjasrajs] https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerajsgarcia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerajsgarcia]   --------   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Pod2Go Music from #Uppbeat by Infraction (Tropic of Life) License code: SAZGVKPQTBNJEMWC

Leaving Corporate to Build a Business That Fits Your Life | Ep. 60

What happens when you stop waiting until you feel fully ready and start building before you have all the answers?  In this episode, I sit down with Keziah Wonstolen, founder and CEO of Vanan Chief of Staff, to talk about the messy, uncertain, and deeply transformative reality of entrepreneurship. Through powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, identity, and redefining success, Keziah shares what it really looked like to leave a successful corporate career at Accenture and build one of the leading chief of staff talent firms in the country. From pivotal personal experiences to the mindset shifts and hard-earned lessons that shaped her journey over the last six years, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow both a business and yourself along the way. What makes this conversation so powerful is how honest it is. Keziah opens up about the pivotal life moment that changed her perspective on work and success, the uncomfortable early days of entrepreneurship where nothing felt clear, and the process of learning to trust herself before she felt fully confident. We also talk about balancing ambition with family life, the hidden emotional load of building a business, and why getting comfortable with discomfort is often the key to growth.  This episode is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not about having everything figured out from the start. It’s about taking the next step, staying open to learning, and continuing to evolve along the way.   In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ The life-changing experience that pushed Keziah to finally pursue entrepreneurship ✨ Why clarity often comes after you start, not before ✨ How niching down helped her grow faster and build momentum early on ✨ The importance of having real conversations instead of hiding behind branding, websites, and planning ✨ Why confidence is built through action and repetition, not waiting to “feel ready” ✨ How Keziah redefined success, balance, and boundaries as both a CEO and a mother ✨ The role discomfort, vulnerability, and human connection play in growing a sustainable business ✨ Why investing in the right people and building a strong team changed everything ✨ How AI is changing business and why human relationships still matter most ✨ Practical advice for anyone who knows they’re capable of more but feels scared to start    If you’ve been sitting on a business idea, questioning whether you’re ready, or feeling stuck trying to perfect everything before you begin, this episode will give you the permission to start before you feel certain. Keziah’s story is proof that growth comes through action, clarity develops over time, and sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re willing to lean into discomfort and trust yourself anyway. Tune in and discover what can happen when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building one conversation, one decision, and one step at a time.   LET'S CONNECT! If you’re ready to take the next step in your business, attract your dream clients, or gain clarity on your strategy, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I’m here to support you in building a business that aligns with who you are at your core and the lifestyle you want to live. Simply connect with me through one of these channels: Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky] Book Your Free Discovery Call: https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult [https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult] You can explore my 1:1 strategy + mentorship here: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship] Get The Business Clarity Scorecard and uncover in just 3 minutes what your business needs to grow: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity]   About Keziah: Keziah Wonstolen helps visionary leaders unlock their time, scale with intention, and build enduring companies—with the right Chief of Staff by their side. As Founder & CEO of Vannin Chief of Staff, she leads the only firm solely dedicated to the Chief of Staff role. The firm places transformational talent, builds operating models around the CEO, and equips Chiefs of Staff to drive clarity, alignment, and results from day one. Her work sits at the intersection of executive search, operational strategy, and leadership development—trusted by growth-stage CEOs, family offices, and private equity firms across the country. Recognition and Awards: 🥇 Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40, Class of 2023 🥇 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Class of 2025 🥇 Colorado Companies to Watch, Class of 2025 🥇 WBENC Certified Woman-Owned Business Before founding Vannin Chief of Staff, she led large-scale transformation initiatives at Accenture. Today, she brings that same systems thinking and strategic rigor to complex leadership teams—helping them scale with purpose. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keziah-wonstolen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keziah-wonstolen/] Website - https://www.vanninchiefofstaff.com/ [https://www.vanninchiefofstaff.com/]   --------   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Pod2Go Music from #Uppbeat by Infraction (Tropic of Life) License code: SAZGVKPQTBNJEMWC

Giving Generously as a Business Growth Strategy with Nicki Perchik | Ep. 59

What happens when you realize that generosity is not just a personal value, but one of the most powerful ways to grow your business, deepen your impact, and create meaningful connections? In this episode, I sit down with Nicki Perchik, entrepreneur, executive recruiter, author, and founder of the NLP Group. For years, Nicki has helped companies hire exceptional talent while guiding professionals through some of the biggest career decisions of their lives. But beyond the business success, what truly stands out about Nicki is the way she leads with generosity, purpose, and service in everything she builds. From launching her recruiting firm during the 2008 recession to writing her book A Recruiter’s Truly Simple Guide to Stop F*cking Up When Job Searching and Interviewing, and now stepping into the world of children’s literature with The Adventures of Nana Z, Nicki shares how following her passions and staying rooted in giving back has shaped both her business and her life. This conversation is an honest and inspiring reminder that success and service do not have to compete with one another. In fact, the most meaningful businesses are often built when the two work together.   In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ How Nicki built a successful recruiting business during one of the toughest economic seasons ✨ Why quieting self-doubt is essential when pursuing a new vision or business idea ✨ The mindset shifts that helped Nicki move from “newbie” to trusted expert and published author ✨ How generosity and giving back became a foundational part of her business model ✨ Why leading with service creates stronger relationships, trust, and long-term growth ✨ The inspiration behind The Adventures of Nana Z and Nicki’s mission to combat screen addiction and declining literacy in children ✨ How parents and entrepreneurs can think differently about impact, purpose, and legacy ✨ Why pursuing meaningful work often happens in seasons and doesn’t have to happen all at once ✨ The importance of using your unique gifts and voice to make a difference in the world   If you’ve ever struggled with balancing business growth and purpose, questioned whether your work can truly make an impact, or wondered how to build a business that reflects your values, this episode will encourage you to think bigger about what’s possible. Tune in and discover how generosity, purpose, and courage can shape not only your business success but the kind of impact you leave behind.   LET'S CONNECT! If you’re ready to take the next step in your business, attract your dream clients, or gain clarity on your strategy, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I’m here to support you in building a business that aligns with who you are at your core and the lifestyle you want to live. Simply connect with me through one of these channels:   Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/ [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lubchansky] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubchansky] Book Your Free Discovery Call: https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult [https://rachellubchansky.as.me/consult] You can explore my 1:1 strategy + mentorship here: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/1-1-mentorship] Get The Business Clarity Scorecard and uncover in just 3 minutes what your business needs to grow: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity [https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/resources#get-clarity]   About Nicki: Nicki Perchik is an entrepreneur, author, and founder/CEO of The NLP Group, a boutique executive search firm she launched in 2008. She has helped hundreds of companies hire exceptional leaders and guided thousands of professionals through pivotal career moments. After years of seeing talented professionals make avoidable mistakes in the hiring process, she wrote A Recruiter’s Truly Simple Guide to Stop Fcking Up When Job Searching & Interviewing*—a candid, practical guide to navigating job search and interviews. Her firm also provides coaching to support professionals at every stage of their careers. More recently, Nicki stepped away from full-time recruiting to focus on a new mission: addressing declining literacy and rising screen addiction among kids through her tween adventure series, The Adventures of Nana Z. Across both her business and creative work, Nicki is deeply committed to giving back—donating a portion of book proceeds to animal shelters and creating opportunities for kids to engage in meaningful acts of service. For her, generosity isn’t just a value—it’s central to how she creates impact. The NLP Group - www.thenlpgroup.net [http://www.thenlpgroup.net] www.nickiperchikauthor.com [http://www.nickiperchikauthor.com] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleperchik/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleperchik/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickiperchikauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/nickiperchikauthor/]  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicole.zelkinperchik [https://www.facebook.com/nicole.zelkinperchik]   --------   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Pod2Go Music from #Uppbeat by Infraction (Tropic of Life) License code: SAZGVKPQTBNJEMWC