#128: Building a Business that Fits Your Life Goals, Not the Other Way Around

#134: You Don’t Owe the Internet Your Presence Everywhere

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with writer and writing coach Sam Pollack and unpack the pressure entrepreneurs feel to constantly create content, stay visible online, and “play the algorithm game.” They discuss why data matters more than internet trends, how to build a marketing strategy that actually aligns with your energy, and why creativity thrives when you remove unnecessary rigidity and pressure. The conversation also dives into boundaries, burnout, trust in business growth, networking, writing, and the importance of creating sustainable systems that support both your work and your life. This episode is a refreshing reminder that you do not owe the internet your presence everywhere, and that building a business in alignment with your values is always worth it. Key Takeaways  * You don’t have to market your business on every platform to be successful. * Data and analytics should guide marketing decisions more than pressure or trends. * Creativity suffers when content creation becomes overly rigid or formulaic. * Consistency matters, but flexibility and sustainability matter too. * Building systems to track leads and conversions should be a higher priority than posting constantly online. * Your audience can feel when your energy is disconnected from your content. * Boundaries are essential for both creative work and business growth. * Following up with leads in human-centered ways can improve connection and trust. * Entrepreneurship requires learning how to trust yourself through uncertainty and growth seasons. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#133: The Anti-Algorithm Strategy: SEO, Email, and Real Connection

In this candid and refreshingly honest conversation, we sit down with returning guest Samantha (Sam) Pollack to talk about what it really looks like to navigate a business pivot in today’s ever-changing marketing landscape. From walking away from social media to doubling down on SEO and AI search, Sam shares the behind-the-scenes decisions, experiments, and mindset shifts shaping her next chapter. We also dive into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship–from burnout and rebranding fatigue to the vulnerability of job searching–alongside the creative breakthroughs happening in her new one-on-one writing coaching work. If you’ve ever questioned whether social media is “worth it,” felt stuck in a pivot, or craved a more sustainable way to grow your business, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a permission slip to do things differently. Key Takeaways * You don’t have to play the algorithm game if it’s not working for you. Sam made a data-driven decision to step away from Instagram after realizing the return didn’t match the energy investment. * “Discoverability” isn’t always the golden ticket. Being visible everywhere doesn’t guarantee the right people will find you or convert into clients. * SEO and AI search are becoming powerful alternatives to social media. Instead of chasing attention, Sam is focusing on creating content that’s searchable, intentional, and built to last. * Small businesses shouldn’t copy big brand strategies. What works for large companies with big audiences and budgets doesn’t translate to solopreneurs or early-stage businesses. * Slower growth can actually be better growth. Prioritizing quality connections over mass visibility can lead to more aligned clients and sustainable business building. * Your business model can (and should) evolve with you. Sam’s shift into customizable, one-on-one writing coaching highlights the value of flexibility and listening to what’s working. * Creativity thrives when you remove pressure and rigidity. Writing doesn’t have to follow one process—finding your natural rhythm is key to consistency and confidence. * You don’t owe the internet your presence everywhere. It’s okay to opt out of platforms or trends that don’t align with your energy, values, or goals. Guest & Host Information: * Guest, Samantha Pollack, Owner of Indie Copy Studio * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing [https://ashbeanpdx.com/] * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies [https://imaginemarketingstrategies.com/] Connect with Sam: * Join Sam’s newsletter list: https://mixtape.indiecopystudio.com/ [https://mixtape.indiecopystudio.com/]  * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthapollack/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthapollack/]  Connect with us: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn:  * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn  * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#132: Business, Politics, and Community Impact

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Michael Jonas and dive deeper into collaboration, community-building, networking, and the scarcity mindset that often shows up in entrepreneurship. They explore why values-aligned business relationships matter, how collaborative communities like Narwhal Pod are changing the way entrepreneurs connect, and why “bro marketing” tactics continue to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. The conversation also touches on politics in business, local community involvement, burnout, networking balance, and building a business that actually feels aligned with who you are. This episode is a thoughtful and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, relationships, trust, and what it means to create businesses rooted in humanity instead of competition. Key Takeaways * Collaboration is often far more powerful than competition in entrepreneurship. * Values-aligned communities help business owners find trusted referral partners and collaborators. * Scarcity mindset can prevent entrepreneurs from building meaningful relationships. * Pushy sales tactics damage trust and create long-term negative impressions. * Not every client or customer is the right fit — and that’s okay. * Business owners can choose how political they want to be, but every business decision carries social impact. * Local government and community involvement can create meaningful change. * Networking is valuable, but balance is necessary to avoid burnout and overcommitment. * Building sustainable relationships and systems matters just as much as business growth. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#131: Stop Waiting for Better Systems and Start Building Them Instead

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, we welcome back Michael Jonas for a candid update on his work, from launching innovative community-building tools like the Narwhal Pod to diving into big, uncomfortable questions through his new podcast, All American Why. What starts as a conversation about entrepreneurship and resource-sharing quickly expands into a deeper discussion about systems, leadership, and what it really means to show up for your community right now. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by broken systems, burned out by “the way things have always been,” or unsure how to take meaningful action in your work or life–this episode will challenge your thinking and remind you why community, creativity, and courage matter more than ever. Key Takeaways * Community is the real infrastructure and we need to build it intentionally. The Narwhal Pod is more than a directory. It’s a reimagined way to connect values-aligned service providers and organizations in a way that actually reflects people as whole humans, not just job titles. * If the system doesn’t exist, build it. Instead of waiting for better tools or solutions, Michael created one. Reminding us that innovation often comes from frustration paired with action. * You can’t solve big problems with surface-level thinking. Whether in business, nonprofits, or government, real change requires digging into root causes and not just reacting or applying quick fixes. * The scarcity mindset is killing collaboration. When organizations duplicate efforts instead of sharing resources, everyone loses. True impact requires coordination, not competition. * Being “non-political” is still a choice, with heavy consequences. Decisions are being made every day that affect our lives, whether we engage or not. Opting out doesn’t mean you’re unaffected—it just means you’re not in the room. Guest & Host Information: * Guest, Michael Jonas, Owner and Attorney at Narwhal Law and Business Strategy  * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing [https://ashbeanpdx.com/] * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies [https://imaginemarketingstrategies.com/] Connect with Michael: * Visit Michael’s website: https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com [https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com/] * Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narwhal-Law-and-Business-Strategy/100092248707115 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Narwhal-Law-and-Business-Strategy/100092248707115/] * Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narwhallawandbizstrategy [https://www.instagram.com/narwhallawandbizstrategy/] * Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narwhal-law-and-business-strategy [https://www.linkedin.com/company/narwhal-law-and-business-strategy/?viewAsMember=true] * Explore the Narwhal Pod: https://www.narwhalpod.com/ [https://www.narwhalpod.com/]  Connect with us: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn:  * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn  * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#130: Building Better Workplace Transitions

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Victoria reflect on their powerful conversation with Naomi Hattaway about leaving well, workplace culture, sabbaticals, succession planning, and the reality that no one stays in a role forever. They unpack why so many organizations struggle with transitions, why healthy exits are still surprisingly rare, and how businesses can create better systems for both the people leaving and the people staying behind. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, burnout, rest, and the importance of building sustainable systems both at work and at home. If you’ve ever left a job awkwardly, struggled with boundaries around time off, or wondered why workplace transitions feel so emotionally loaded, this episode will absolutely resonate. Key Takeaways * Most workplaces are not prepared for healthy transitions, even though employee turnover is inevitable. * Two weeks’ notice is often not enough for meaningful knowledge transfer or relationship closure. * Organizations should normalize conversations about departures, succession planning, and sabbaticals. * Asking about offboarding processes during interviews can reveal a lot about workplace culture. * Knowledge transfer is more about communication and support than creating the “perfect binder.” * Time off should not require burnout-level preparation just to step away for a few days. * Entrepreneurs and organizations alike need systems that support rest and recovery. * Community and relationships require intentional maintenance, especially during busy seasons. This episode references our conversation with Naomi Hattaway, episode #129 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. And listen to our first conversation with Naomi episode #35. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]