Next Level Influence
This is the show for coaches, consultants, course creators and service professionals who are ready to grow their business beyond 6-figures. It’s time to uncover the micro shifts required to elevate your income, influence and impact to the next level. Co-hosts Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss proven strategies and behind the scenes insights to scaling your online business. With their combined 50+ years of business experience, they integrate the practical, spiritual and energetic principles that rapidly move the needle for entrepreneurs.
052: Social Selling with Adam Urbanski
August 20, 2023 • 42 MIN
Have you observed an increase in people sending poorly crafted cold pitches via Direct Messages lately? This not only discourages potential clients but also casts a negative light on your business and branding. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Adam Urbanski and delve into the art of elevating your social selling strategies. Drawing on his proficiency in developing Strategic Marketing Plans and nurturing the expansion of service-based selling enterprises, Adam provides insights so you can enhance your approach. Adam shares his insights on how to effectively leverage social platforms to organically market your business. He steers clear of excessive self-promotion and instead concentrates on consistent enhancements in key areas: your profile, messaging, content creation, and the demonstration of your expertise. Join us for this valuable and high energy conversation where we explore ways to constantly provide value to clients and excel in the art of social selling.
051: Your 7-Figure Mindset
August 13, 2023 • 15 MIN
Achieving beyond your wildest dreams is an incredible accomplishment. It shows the strength of your determination and your refusal to accept limitations on your potential. Continuing the thread from our previous episode, “Is Playing Safe in Business Keeping You Small?”, we explore some ways you can pivot your thinking so you can accelerate your business results and show up at the next level. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson talk about the key pillars to achieve more impact and income. While business owners might think that growth is painful, reaching the next level can actually be an exciting adventure filled with valuable insights that you can use to move your business forward. If you want to have a greater impact and more revenue, you need to be willing to play outside your comfort zone and adopt strategies that can help you realise your unlimited potential and purpose. Discover how these pillars can lead you to expand your influence which will bring new opportunities and unprecedented growth.
050: Is Playing Safe in Business Keeping You Small?
August 6, 2023 • 28 MIN
Entrepreneurs are likely to face significant moments in their lives when they have to make crucial choices. These decisions can either lead them to greater success or keep them in their comfort zones. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley chat about the pitfalls of playing safe in business. It is said that in the world of business, fortune will always favour the brave and this entails breaking through things that hold us back and keeping a lid on our potential. Staying in what’s familiar may minimise risks but opting to always play safe can have far-reaching consequences that hinder an entrepreneur's visibility, thought leadership, and potential results. Discover the impact of playing it safe on your progress and learn how to avoid its traps, so you can embrace new opportunities and reach new heights. Don't miss this episode to learn more!
049: Removing vs. Adding for Growth
July 30, 2023 • 30 MIN
As a business owner, you know that new trends and ideas can bring growth opportunities. But it’s important to note that for long-term success, embrace the "less is more" mindset. Cut out the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson talk about why less is more, and the business advantage of removing vs adding so you can identify and streamline your needle movers. In the dynamic business arena, it’s easy to get caught thinking we need to add new products, services or tactics when we’re not getting the results we want. But rather than chasing every shiny new thing, what would happen in your business if you were more intentional about what to let go of, and prioritized what was going to move the needle? Throughout this episode, Samantha and Melanie explore their personal practices and practical strategies for self-mastery, uncover the power of simplicity in business, and the impact of letting go of unnecessary complexity.
048: AI Ethics and Thought Leadership: Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Digital Era with Heather Pearce Campbell
July 23, 2023 • 40 MIN
Picking up where we left off from last week’s episode 047: AI Solutions To Boost Business Success, we dive deeper into the AI rabbit hole and focus on the dark side of AI, what business owners can do to protect their assets, and how to use it responsibly. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss AI ethics and thought leadership: empowering entrepreneurs in the digital era with Heather Pearce Campbell. Heather is an Attorney and Legal Coach who provides legal education and support and brand protection to information-based businesses AI is labelled as the ultimate game changer since it enhances productivity and efficiency across all business areas. However, we’re also seeing counterarguments about how AI risks our information and a growing concern about data privacy and security. Heather provides valuable insights into the immense capabilities of AI and the responsibility of business owners to make informed decisions. This empowers entrepreneurs about the types of information that can be fed to AI platforms, help them navigate the complexities of the digital business landscape, and preserve their thought leadership.
047: AI Solutions To Boost Business Success
July 16, 2023 • 46 MIN
It’s only halfway through 2023 and yet we’ve seen tremendous growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI). And the AI market is expected to reach an astonishing $407 billion by 2027. There seems to be no stopping AI so how can business owners leverage this technology to be their strategic ally to unparalleled growth and success? In this episode of Next Level Influence Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Deborah Cole aka Coach Deb, Deirdre Tshien, and Alicia Lyttle. These three global leaders in their industries have been leveraging AI to create and deliver valuable content. They elaborate on how to effectively use AI to your advantage and although the possibilities with AI are endless, the crucial thing is to know how to use these tools well. It is important to note that despite the many benefits and business potential that can arise through using AI, embracing it fully should come with caution and thoughts about responsibilities. Using it in a good way and combining it with human components creates a winning formula for business success. AI strategies can be tailored specifically to business owners and being able to understand how to leverage them effectively can help you stay ahead of the competition, make a meaningful impact, expand influence, and drive business growth.
046: The Impact Of Ambition Fatigue On Business Performance
July 9, 2023 • 29 MIN
We often applaud business owners for their unyielding ambition that drives progress and takes their companies to great heights. But when you're constantly chasing after your goals without a break, something called "ambition fatigue" can sneak up on you. It's like a threat that not only affects your business performance but also takes a toll on your personal well-being. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley share their ideas on the impact of ambition fatigue on business performance. It’s typical to experience business turbulence regardless of the industry you’re in. These events lead to contemplating what you really want in business. This frustration can create a narrative that questions your ability to operate a business. Instead of constantly hitting your head against the wall and dwelling on diminished motivation, you can look for guidance that sets you on an aligned path and learning opportunities. It is crucial for business owners to recognise the importance of a well-balanced approach; where one can reset and plug back into the business. Uncover how you can reframe ambition fatigue and disappointments into something that can showcase business growth and performance when you tune into this episode.
045: Leveraging Social Proof To Establish Credibility
July 2, 2023 • 27 MIN
Establishing credibility is more crucial than ever before. Whether you're a business trying to attract customers or an individual seeking to gain influence, credibility is the foundation upon which trust is built. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson delve into the power of case studies and testimonials as effective marketing tools. They explore the differences between the two, discuss their advantages, and provide practical tips on how to use them to showcase your products or services. Case studies and testimonials are indispensable marketing assets that can significantly boost your business's credibility and attract new customers. By understanding the differences between the two and implementing effective strategies for structuring and presenting them, you can leverage their power to showcase your products or services, build trust, and drive growth. If you’re ready to leverage social proof and build credibility, this episode is for you.
044: Proven Strategies to Fill Your Courses and Programs
June 25, 2023 • 42 MIN
In the world of coaching and consulting, your success hinges on your ability to attract and engage clients. However, some coaches are finding it more and more difficult to fill their programs, and tactics that were once working are no longer bringing in clients. Despite the coaching industry being highly competitive and always changing, coaches need to embrace the challenge and develop strategies to attract more participants to their courses so they can increase their income and make a greater impact. In this episode of Next Level Influence Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak with Shay Wheat, Ryan Bowles and Cindy Schulson about the strategies they are currently using to fill their courses and programs. They share useful tips on what’s working in social media right now, understanding how your ideal clients are most likely to spend their time, and how conducting market research before launching a program can benefit you. The strategies shared in this conversation will help you generate more leads and increase the number of people enrolling in your programs.
043: Learning From Our Mistakes
June 18, 2023 • 27 MIN
Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. From the simplest errors to the most significant blunders, we all make them at some point. While the immediate aftermath of a mistake can be disheartening and discouraging, it is crucial to recognize that mistakes are not the end of the world. They offer us valuable opportunities for growth and learning. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive deep into why it’s not only okay to make mistakes, but it’s an essential part of being an entrepreneur. As Albert Einstein once famously said, "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." Being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with risks, challenges, and, inevitably, mistakes. The path to success is often paved with failures and setbacks. While making mistakes may be daunting, embracing them as valuable learning opportunities rather than sources of discouragement is important. In this era of constant change and complexity, embracing learning from mistakes is crucial. Doing so unlocks our potential for growth, resilience, and success.
042: Step Into The Spotlight And Stand Out From The Crowd
June 11, 2023 • 24 MIN
In today’s business landscape, standing out is crucial for success. However, there is a major difference between being known and being known for what you do. So as a business owner, what are the strategies that can help leverage your uniqueness and expertise? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson deep dive into helping your step into the spotlight and stand out from the crowd. There’s so much impact on your brand and business when you become known as someone with expertise in your market. However, expertise will not always guarantee you getting clients, hence the importance of standing out so you can share the value you offer. When people recognise your brand, it’s easier for them to send you business opportunities. If you’re ready to stand out, be remembered, and be referred, then this episode is for you.
041: Flipping the Impact of Scarcity Thinking To Discover Abundance
June 4, 2023 • 29 MIN
The scarcity mindset is often a product of deeply ingrained limiting beliefs that have developed into a habit, and usually operate unconsciously holding back business owners from their next level of success. So how can you shatter these restrictions and transform into a better thought leader? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss flipping the impact of scarcity thinking and discovering abundance. Scarcity thinking developed from situations that make entrepreneurs think they have limitations in energy, finances, and time. Flipping the scarcity thinking into an abundance mindset begins with being aware of the thought that may be restraining your ability to grow, reach more people, and achieve wealth. This episode will serve as your guiding light on how you can flip frequently limiting thoughts into abundant thinking and unlock better opportunities in business.
040: Behind the Scenes: Insights from Co-Founders and Business Partners
May 28, 2023 • 37 MIN
Having co-founders and business partners can be a strategic way to leverage other’s resources, capabilities and create unique solutions for mutual benefit. However, forming successful partnerships require careful consideration of each partner’s vision and what can possibly make a business venture fail. Although partnerships are a powerful tool for businesses to expand reach, increase profit and gain new markets, recent studies show that 70% of business partnerships are bound to fail. The major underlying cause of this is the friction between business partners. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat with Tanis Jorge and Anne Lackey about what happens behind the scenes to sustain successful business partnerships. Whether you’re starting a business with a colleague, significant other or a friend, it’s important to set the intentionality of your partnership and commit to making sure there is a healthy business relationship.
039: How To Coach At 7 Figures & Beyond
May 21, 2023 • 30 MIN
There are many challenges in taking your coaching business to 7 figures and beyond. These challenges can affect all areas of your business - not having enough time to build your authority, marketing your brand, and hitting an income ceiling. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive into a topic that they’re both passionate about - how to coach at 7- figures and beyond. Many coaches feel like they're stuck or not making progress, and that makes them really want to make their business even more successful. As coaches focus on their primary growth catalyst, they tend to pivot towards strategies that allow them to grow revenue, and not so much on scaling the delivery of their coaching. However, there also needs to be a focus on the transition from having one-on-one clients to group coaching, so the business is scalable. Join Samantha and Melanie and discover how you can make a smooth and effective transition in your coaching business, so you can achieve your 7-figure income goal.
038: The Importance Of Taking Time Away From Your Business
May 14, 2023 • 28 MIN
Running a business can easily become overwhelming and all-consuming, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Entrepreneurs may find themselves feeling uninspired and stuck in moments where everything in business feels draining. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley tackle one of the topics that they are both very passionate about - the importance of taking time away from your business. Most business owners, especially those who are new in business, often feel guilty of taking time off. Hustling too much is identified with unbreakable commitment, purpose and drive. However, if this continues, your physical, emotional and mental state will demand a break and you’ll see the consequences bleed through your business. Taking a step back from the business provides an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It relieves you from the stress and pressure, allows you to think outside the box and look at things with a different perspective.
037: The Million Dollar Journey
May 7, 2023 • 21 MIN
Achieving 7-figure success in business is no easy task and entrepreneurs consider this a major turning point. It’s often an indication that the right decisions were made at every level of business dilemma and success. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson share their reflections from episode 36, a panel interview with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis. During the discussion, it became clear that a common thread in everyone's experiences was the need to make decisions that aligned with their desired identity and values in order to achieve a seven-figure business. In the long run, these decisions led to unapologetically owning who they are and becoming aware of present and potential opportunities and challenges that could affect how they run their business. Join Samantha and Melanie as they share valuable insights that can help you continuously create forward momentum and make the decisions that drive you toward achieving your business goals.
036: Unlocking Seven-Figure Success
April 30, 2023 • 39 MIN
In the world of entrepreneurship, there's no doubt that achieving 7-figure success is a significant milestone. It's a sign that your business has reached a level of profitability that many aspiring entrepreneurs only dream of. But how do you make the transition from 6 to 7 figures? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley speak with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis about how to unlock your seven-figure success. They discuss the key strategies and insights entrepreneurs can apply to take their businesses to the next level. Taking your business to 7-figures requires strategic planning, smart decision-making, and a willingness to take calculated risks. It's important to build a solid foundation for your business, including establishing your brand identity, defining your target audience, and developing a solid marketing strategy. Ultimately, achieving 7-figure success is about making more money and creating a business that aligns with your values so you can impact the world positively. By following the tips and strategies these successful entrepreneurs share, you can take your businesses to the next level and achieve long-term success.
035: The Do's and Don'ts of Pitching: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pitching to Be a Podcast Guest
April 23, 2023 • 25 MIN
As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, more and more entrepreneurs are seeking guest spots on their favorite shows. However, many are pitching in a way that is unlikely to get them booked. While having a good story or expertise in a particular subject is important, there are other qualities that podcast hosts look for in their guests. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss the traits of a great podcast guest, and how you can increase your chances of being invited to appear on a podcast. They also delve into the importance of respecting the podcast host and their audience and building strong relationships. Becoming a podcast guest can be a great opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your story, and reach a new audience. However, it can also be a competitive field, with many people vying for a limited number of guest spots. By preparing and building relationships with podcast hosts, you can position yourself as a valuable guest and increase your exposure to new audiences. So if you're interested in becoming a podcast guest, don't miss this episode!
034: Perfectionism vs Progress: How to Let Go and Move Forward
April 16, 2023 • 23 MIN
Letting go and surrendering to the unknown can be scary. We can get so accustomed to staying within our comfort zones that the thought of venturing beyond them can feel intimidating and resistance can show up in a big way. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak about perfectionism vs progress: How to let go and move forward. Hitting the next level of business growth is usually masked in fear and confusion which cripples many entrepreneurs to move forward. Although surrendering to the unknown is terrifying, it can also be incredibly exciting. It can potentially be far more rewarding; it teaches us to push boundaries, experience new opportunities, and see the business from different perspectives. Letting go of what you know and embracing the unknown transforms your life and business. It creates the space to ponder what needs to happen next, how to do things differently and explore the best way to reach your next level of success.
033: Why Messy Success Is Better Than Delayed Perfection
April 9, 2023 • 29 MIN
When it comes to getting things done, the conventional wisdom is that perfection should be the goal. We’ve been taught to take the time to plan and then slowly execute to get the best results.. But while this kind of delayed perfection may seem like a no-brainer move, there's something to be said for messy success as well. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about messy success and why it can be a great place to start. They explore why taking an imperfect approach—with plenty of trial and error along the way—isn't such a bad thing after all. We’ve all been there – we let perfection get in the way of our success. We obsess over small details and wait until every last angle is polished before expecting to see results from our efforts. But when it comes down to it, is delaying progress for perfect outcomes really worth it? While a well-planned approach offers an attractive idea of what’s possible in the long run, aiming for messiness rather than perfection can kick start a much faster path towards your desired destination.
032: When to Introduce a High Ticket Offer
April 2, 2023 • 15 MIN
Are you wanting to increase your revenue, but finding it difficult due to your current price point? Many coaches and experts find themselves struggling to decide when it's the right time to introduce their high ticket offering. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about when is the right time to introduce a high-ticket offer. They share the benefits of high ticket offers and delve into the factors that will help you make an informed decision about introducing one. High-ticket offers can be one of the most effective techniques for increasing revenue and growing bottom lines. However, it's not easy to go from selling low-cost products or services to offering higher-priced options.
031: Building Community Around Your Brand with Maruxa Murphy
March 26, 2023 • 41 MIN
Building a community is vital for sustaining long-term business growth and success. However, it's important to recognize the difference between a community with a strong sense of purpose and deep connections, versus just a group of people gathering together. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson welcome Maruxa Murphy, a culture and community expert, to talk about building communities to make a bigger impact in the world. As the founder of Revolutionary Communities, Maruxa understands the value of having people with deepened relationships in elevating a business brand. It helps in many ways - from generating leads to turning your audience into raving fans. Given the current state of the world, when you explore methods for your customers to experience your brand rather than simply viewing it, you will be a giant step ahead. Discover how establishing a solid community can generate engaging experiences that improve both profit and impact.
030: The Winning Mindset: How to Level Up Your Business and Achieve Next-Level Success
March 19, 2023 • 27 MIN
At any new level of success, it’s common to experience retraction and self-sabotage that can hinder consistent growth. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about how to bust doubts and limiting beliefs so you can level up your business and achieve next-level success. Entering uncharted territories often brings about feelings of fear and doubt. As the saying goes, "new level, new devil," which means you must choose whether to remain confined within your limiting beliefs or break through to a new level of growth and success. No one’s ever immune to the intense process of growth. What’s important is having the tools available to help you move forward and navigate this evolution.
029: The Role Of Events To Grow Influence
March 12, 2023 • 17 MIN
Hosting events is a great way to take your influence lever up a notch. However, there is a lot of effort to host or attend events, so is it worth the time investment? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive deeper into the role of events to grow influence. Many people think twice before hosting an event because of the amount of work it requires, but tapping into this powerful tool is a proven way to boost brand awareness and build trust and rapport with your desired audience.
028: How To Clone Yourself For Next Level Growth
March 5, 2023 • 20 MIN
Scaling a business demands a considerable investment of time and effort, and it’s not uncommon to wish for additional resources to aid the process. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley explore the potential avenues for achieving growth through the concept of "cloning" yourself for next level growth. Entrepreneurs are constantly in search of ways to grow their businesses without adding more hours to their schedules. One great resource to help with this is automation. By automating processes, you can achieve more in less time, freeing up space and energy for your next big idea. With the right tech and automation, you can boost impact, output, and connections - certainly the path toward your next level of success.
027: How To Leverage Speaking to Attract Better Clients
February 27, 2023 • 18 MIN
Speaking is one of the best resources to gain leads and amplify your influence. But when your schedule gets hectic, you need to evaluate what speaking events are worth taking on. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat about how to leverage speaking to attract better clients. Although speaking in stages only has you on stage for around an hour, the actual preparation takes days or weeks and it demands a lot of your time, energy, and money. Making the effort to undergo this thorough process can yield significant returns by enhancing the visibility of your business and opening up a world of endless opportunities. When executed correctly, it can help you to draw in your ideal clients who share a genuine connection with your brand.
026: How To Generate Leads From Your Facebook Group
February 19, 2023 • 18 MIN
Your Facebook Group can be an infinite reservoir of quality leads for your business. However, this is only possible if you leverage your group in the right way. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss how to generate leads from your Facebook Group. There might come a time in your business when you question whether having a Facebook Group is giving you the results you want. If you’re in this situation, you may need to restructure and upgrade your group. Join Melanie and Samantha as they share how they utilize Facebook Groups as a gold mine of relationships and the best client attraction strategy for business.
025: The Importance Of Your Inner Circle
February 12, 2023 • 24 MIN
The success of your business relies on a number of things, and one of them is having the right people who will support, challenge and propel you forward. We affectionately refer to these super supporters as our Inner Circle. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson have a conversation about the importance of your inner circle. Having a large network of people may be beneficial, but it's the individuals within your inner circle that significantly impact the choices and plans you make towards personal growth and advancement. Your inner circle radiates a special relationship that goes beyond transactions. Samantha and Melanie discuss how they leverage the unique bond within their inner circle to elevate their business to new heights, and how their relationships go beyond just business transactions.
024: Speaking To Grow Next Level Influence
February 5, 2023 • 52 MIN
Whether you’re speaking about something you’re genuinely passionate about or you’re doing it because you’re getting paid, speaking is one of the best tools to attract your target audience and leverage your impact and influence. True power that comes from speaking can be seen in several factors, it opens a new world filled with opportunities and connections you never thought to be possible. In this episode of the Next Level Influence, co-hosts Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson are joined by known authorities in speaking - Bri Seeley, Corey Poirier and Jacqueline Nagle. Their years of experience in the speaking industry have taught them how to use it to scale their business, common mistakes that speakers make, and revolutionary strategies that helped them acquire great results from speaking.
023: Leverage Your Influence to Create a Steady Stream of Leads
January 29, 2023 • 21 MIN
The truth is not all lead generation activities will yield better quality leads. You need to look for better lead sources that can potentially boost your revenue. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson delve into how to leverage your influence to create a steady stream of leads. Two of the most common dilemmas that business owners have is getting more leads, and attracting unaligned leads that will hamper your confidence as an established authority. You need to be aware that not all leads are created equal. Tune in to discover ways to attract great leads and how you can better nurture this connection.
022: Get More Of The Right Things Done
January 22, 2023 • 20 MIN
Do you find yourself working long hours, yet at the end of the day wonder what you actually achieved? Do you often get frustrated with not being able to get big projects completed, because you can’t find the time to get them done? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss how to stop wasting time on activities that don’t move the needle toward your goals so you can get more of the right things done without feeling overwhelmed. Kick off the new year right by understanding where you want the business to be and what you need to do to get there. Don’t get trapped in confusion or being blinded by bright shiny things that aren’t relevant to you right now. Instead, learn how to know what opportunities to say yes to, so you can achieve your big, hairy, audacious goals in 2023 and beyond.
021: Why Having A 7-Figure Business Can Be Easier Than A 6-Figure Business
January 15, 2023 • 21 MIN
So many entrepreneurs don’t reach their next level of growth and self-sabotage by holding themselves back, all because of a belief that shifting from one level to another requires a lot of hustle and grind. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley engage in a mindset-shifting episode about why having a 7-figure business can be easier than having a 6-figure business. Take your influence and business to the next level by increasing your momentum and learning how you can remove the business bottlenecks that are currently preventing you from scaling further.
020: Establish Marketing KPIs to Grow Your Business
January 8, 2023 • 22 MIN
To grow your business and brand influence you’ll need to evaluate your marketing performance. It’s important to know what works and what doesn’t, so you know where to improve. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson discuss how to establish marketing key performance indicators (KPIs) to grow your business. Tracking and understanding your KPIs means you’ll be aware of where to focus your time and attention for the best return on investment for your time. You’ll also learn what attracts people to you, and what drives them to continue to work with you.
019: Growth Opportunities In 2023
January 1, 2023 • 25 MIN
There’s been a major shift in the coaching industry - you may have noticed that some coaches are leaving the industry and changing direction. This “dying-off” of a fantasy of being a coach presents great opportunities for those resilient enough to stay at the top of their field. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley prepare for the new year by discussing their predictions for the growth opportunities in 2023. To do well in business in 2023 and seize these opportunities demands an understanding of your unique superpower, and helping others acknowledge you as an authority.
018: 2022 In Reflection
December 25, 2022 • 32 MIN
We’re coming to the end of 2022 and for some of us, it’s been an incredibly powerful year. We’ve experienced transformations through painful lessons and discovered new growth opportunities. Exploring these lessons will give you a better understanding of where to pivot, invest, and how to manage challenges moving forward. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat about the lessons learned from this year. It’s much harder to move forward and make the changes needed for your next level of growth if you don't look back, reflect and learn from the lessons. These learnings will help you better plan and make the changes needed for the coming year.
017: Empower Your Team To Achieve Your Goals
December 18, 2022 • 27 MIN
Hiring and training teams involve investing a good amount of money and time. But some entrepreneurs feel like it’s wasting their resources because good results aren’t being achieved. Delegation is a crucial factor in the success of your business growth, but not getting the results you want may lead you to wonder if the time, effort, and money are worth it. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley speak about how you can empower your team to achieve your goals. Not having a team limits your business growth, so you need to learn how to expand their impact by empowering them.
016: Do This Instead of Goal Setting
December 11, 2022 • 26 MIN
Many entrepreneurs set goals at the beginning of the year but a whopping 80% of these goals are never achieved. The idea of setting goals may seem exciting, but actually committing to achieve them is a whole different story. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat about what you need to do instead of goal setting so you can achieve powerful outcomes for your life and business next year.
015: How To Get Booked On High Profile Podcasts
December 4, 2022 • 29 MIN
Podcasting is growing exponentially, yet some people don’t recognise its value in brand visibility. It’s challenging to stand out with platforms such as social media, blogs, or YouTube. But podcasting generates an intimate opportunity that can easily capture the listener’s attention. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about how to get booked on high-profile podcasts. With its evergreen shelf life, podcasting is a coveted visibility strategy you should leverage to grow your business.
014: Remove The Bottlenecks That Prevent Business Growth
November 27, 2022 • 25 MIN
Do you regularly spend more time doing tasks that you could have easily assigned to someone else? And instead of showing up as the face of your business, you regularly get caught in the weeds? This symptom is a strong indication that you’re a bottleneck in your business. In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley exchange insights about how you can remove the bottlenecks that prevent business growth. If you want to succeed in business, there are many areas you need to focus on. However, not dealing with the bottlenecks steers you away from achieving your goals.
013: How To Earn More and Command Authority in Your Niche
November 21, 2022 • 23 MIN
Does the idea of increasing your revenue sound exciting, but you’re worried that it will mean a lot of extra work? What if you could earn more next year without working harder? In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat about how to earn more and command authority in your niche. Implementing a strategy to 10X your revenue may be easier than you think but it does require the confidence to try new things - “What got you here won’t get you there”.
012: Recession Proof Your Business
November 13, 2022 • 36 MIN
You may have noticed the word recession is coming up more frequently lately. Whilst you can’t stop a recession, there are definitely things you can do to recession proof your business. Although a recession can trigger damaging effects in your business, it also offers opportunities if you are prepared. In this episode of the Next Level Influence Show, co-hosts Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley are joined by well-known experts in their respective fields - Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, Jackson Millan, and Nikki Rausch. They share insights and wise advice about how to recession-proof your biz.
011: Collaboration Currency
November 6, 2022 • 26 MIN
Have you ever been frustrated by not knowing how to attract a steady stream of ideal clients and opportunities? Or maybe you’ve reached a point where you question whether entrepreneurship is really for you? These dilemmas are typical for business owners who get stuck in their own minds. They only see things based on their own beliefs and paradigms and they fail to access the level of creativity their business needs. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about how your competition can be your top source of unlimited opportunities. And to do this, you need to do one thing - strengthen your collaboration currency.
010: Strategic Partners -- What to Look for to Avoid the Sharks and Swim with Dolphins
October 30, 2022 • 27 MIN
Strategic partners are indeed a powerful tool for growing your business. However, partnering with the wrong people puts you at a greater risk of having challenges that you may or may not overcome. Choosing strategic partners is often compared to playing with dolphins or swimming with sharks. And you and your business must determine who you’re spending time with. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson shed light on strategic partnerships – what to look for to avoid the sharks and swim with dolphins. As a business owner, you have to make the decision of choosing the right people to work with and be aware of warning signs that tell if a shark is lurking nearby.
009: Perseverance - Power of Not Giving Up (and When to Know it's Time to Let Go)
October 23, 2022 • 34 MIN
As a business owner, you may desire to constantly change offers and programs if they don’t give the outcome you want immediately. Although it’s important to recognise the superpower of having perseverance, it’s equally valuable to know when to give up when things are no longer working in your alignment. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley will discuss perseverance - power of not giving up and when to know it’s time to let go. You don’t want to be the person who gives up when you're inches away from achieving your goals, but you also don’t want to hold onto something that’s no longer serving you. So how do you strike a balance? Tune in to the episode.
008: How to Niche to Grow your Brand
October 16, 2022 • 14 MIN
To niche or not to niche? This is a crucial question every business owner must know the answer to as they grow their brand. If you find yourself struggling to amplify your brand’s influence, chances are, you don’t understand your niche or haven’t identified the right clients who are in your particular niche. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson will help you discover the right niche so your marketing can perform better. There are different ways to hone your niche and leverage its power, tune in to find out how you use this to scale your brand and business.
007: Delegate Like A Boss
October 9, 2022 • 17 MIN
Are you acting like the boss or the bottleneck in your business growth? The answer to this is linked to whether or not you’re delegating tasks to your team. As a business owner, you have to accept that you can’t do it all on your own. In fact, believing that you’re capable of doing everything only hinders your business growth. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss their ways on how they delegate like a boss. They share how you can take your business to the next level with the simple task of delegation.
006: Using Your Human Design to Create Aligned Content
October 2, 2022 • 27 MIN
Have you ever felt frustrated that your content is not getting the traction it deserves after spending lots of time and effort? To make matters worse, it seems that everybody else’s contents are getting attention except yours. In this episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about one of their favourite business tools - human design, its five different types, and how you can use it to create aligned content.
005: How to Be The CEO In Your Business
September 25, 2022 • 21 MIN
Has your business hit a growth plateau or are you struggling to break through your current financial ceiling? The midpoint of a year is a great time to shift gears and unleash your Inner CEO to take inventory of your progress and recalibrate your approach to hit your goals. In today’s episode of The Next Level Influence Show, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley will share how to shift into the “Chief Entrepreneurial Officer” for mid-year planning.
004: How Influence Positions You As The Expert
September 18, 2022 • 26 MIN
What’s the secret to dissolving “best-kept secret” mode and standing out as a credible authority? Influence. But not the kind of influence that Online Influencers have made popular by growing their followers. We are talking about the kind of influence that inspires people to create positive change in their lives and business.
003: How to Own Your Unique Decision Making Approach
September 11, 2022 • 20 MIN
Do you ever make a decision only to regret it later? Or feel paralyzed because you don’t really trust yourself to make a good decision? Making decisions is such a critical part of having a successful biz owner, but we’re not all wired to make decisions in the same way.
002: Why Entrepreneurs Should Play Bigger in Their Business
September 11, 2022 • 19 MIN
If your business growth has hit a plateau, you may not be playing big enough. Do you know your business growth is trapped by your comfort zone? Today on the The Next Level Influence Podcast, let’s talk about what influence is and why it is a valuable positioner for your business.
001: What Is Influence?
August 30, 2022 • 20 MIN
Whether you want to be an influencer or not, we all have influence over the people around us, and we should put this to good use. To kick off the first episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie and Samantha talk about what is influence and why business leaders need to have one.