GOAL SETTING FOR 2026

Goal Setting in 2026
Goal Setting for 2026

There’s something exciting about the start of the year. The calendar flips, the air smells like possibility, and you’re suddenly equipped with 365 fresh chances to grow, improve, and finally do that thing you’ve been dreaming about.


But here’s the kicker, if you don’t set goals, you’re not steering your life… you’re drifting through it like a confused GPS that needs more caffeine. .

So let’s talk about intentional goal setting across the areas of life that matter most: personal development, financial freedom, health, relationships, spirituality, education, and for entrepreneurs like you…business growth.


1. Personal Development: Become the Version of You You Envy

You are your greatest asset.

Look, if you don’t invest in you, nothing else has legs. Here are some of my personal development goals:


  • Reading 12 books this year (1 per month).

  • Practicing daily journaling.

  • Traveling more

  • Take more pictures

  • Go on 20 new hikes this year

  • Work on my book weekly

Personal development goals aren’t just soft goals. They lay the foundation for clarity, confidence, and courage. You’ll show up better in your business, relationships, and everything else.


2. Financial Goals: Plan Like You Mean It

Money goals are more than numbers on a bank statement. They’re a statement of intention.


Ask yourself:
Do you want stability? Growth? Freedom?

Set goals such as:


  • Saving a specific amount each month.

  • Paying off debt by Q3.

  • Increasing revenue by 25% this year.

Break these into quarterly milestones so you can celebrate wins before December rolls around.


3. Health Goals: Your First and Most Loyal Business Partner

I know, entrepreneurs don’t want to think about kale and sleep schedules. But your body fuels every goal.

Health goals don’t have to be extreme. Here are some of mine:


  • Lose 5lbs

  • Schedule all my annual check-ups like Mammograms and Colonoscopies that I have been putting off

  • Don’t eat after 9pm

Better health = more focus, more energy, better decision making = business win.


4. Relationships: Not Just a Nice-to-Have

As humans, we’re wired to connect. But growth often makes us busy not connected.  Our society makes it so we don’t ever have to leave our houses. 

Set goals like:


  • Spend more time with my kids that isn’t watching a television show together

  • Call a relative you love but haven’t spoken to in a while.

  • Join groups that align with your values.

Depth over scrolls, always. There is nothing that connects people more than face-to-face interactions.


5. Spiritual Goals: Fuel the Inner You

Whether your faith practice is rooted in religion, meditation, nature walks, or gratitude, spiritual goals keep you centered.


Here are some of mine:


  • Attend the temple monthly

  • Pray daily with my kids

  • Reading more spiritually material.

These create that sense of peace that makes stress less persuasive.


6. Educational Goals (Especially for Business Owners)

Here’s where it gets exciting for entrepreneurs and business owners: education isn’t a luxury,  it’s your competitive edge.


You can feel smart,  or you can be smart with a strategy.

As a business owner, learning new skills is the secret sauce that separates dreamers from doers. Growth in education translates directly into:


  • Better marketing strategies.

  • Sharper sales skills.

  • Smarter financial decisions.

  • A stronger, more sustainable business.

If you want to scale, evolve, or break past a plateau in your business,  you need to learn new things. And not just any things, strategic, actionable education that moves the needle.


That’s why continuing your learning this year matters more than another planner or another journal prompt.


And that leads perfectly into something I’m super pumped about…


Unlock Your Best Year Yet at the Fusion Collective Online Business Summit

If education is the rocket fuel to your business goals, consider this summit the launchpad.


I’m thrilled to be hosting the Fusion Collective Online Business Summit, a three-day, powerhouse, strategy-packed experience specifically designed to level up your business in 2026. 


This event runs February 3–5, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MST each day — and it’s jam-packed with more than 30 expert speakers covering every corner of business growth. 


Whether you’re a coach, creator, service provider, or entrepreneur of any kind — this summit meets you where you are and takes you further.


What You’ll Learn: Real Tools, Real Strategies

We’re talking practical training you can use now — not vague “hustle later” advice. Sessions include insights on:


  • Automations & systems every business needs.

  • Business law essentials so you keep your brand bulletproof.

  • Affiliate marketing strategies that actually convert.

  • Social media systems and chatbots that save time and drive engagement.

  • Podcasting, blogging, and SEO tactics that grow your audience.

  • Email marketing that people actually open and love.

And that’s just a sampling,  there’s YouTube strategy, digital products, personal branding, ads, AI integration, and more. 


Learn From Leaders Who’ve Been There 

You won’t be listening to endless monologues,  you’ll get tactical sessions from speakers who are actively doing what they teach:

  • Digital educators and brand strategists.

  • Email and marketing experts.

  • Automation and systems pros.

  • Coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs with real-world success stories.

This is more than a summit — it’s a learning ecosystem that equips you with tools, frameworks, and tactics you can implement immediately.


Why This Matters for Your Goals

If part of your 2026 plan includes:


  • Growing your business,

  • Increasing revenue,

  • Learning systems that give you time back,

  • Or leveling up your skill set…

Then this summit is directly aligned with those goals.

Because the biggest growth leaps don’t come from wishful thinking, they come from strategic education and action.


Make This Year Count — With Intention and Momentum

You’ve got big dreams.


You want growth, fulfillment, and real results in every area of your life. Setting goals across personal, financial, health, relational, spiritual, and educational dimensions ensures you’re building a life, not just a to-do list.


If education and business growth are part of your vision for 2026, the Fusion Collective Online Business Summit is where that vision starts getting tactical. www.brittnischroeder.com/fusionSet your goals. Learn new skills. Take action. And let’s make this your best year yet.

CARRIE BEARS WITH CARRIE PIKE

Carrie Bears with Carrie Pike
Carrie Bears with Carrie Pike

Some ideas come from strategy. Others come from spreadsheets, marketing plans, or late-night brainstorming sessions. And then there are ideas that are born from grief—quietly, painfully, and unexpectedly—and go on to change lives in ways no one could have planned.

 

That’s exactly how Carrie Bears came to be.

 

Several years ago, long before this conversation was recorded, Carrie and I connected through a mutual friend. At the time, I had this idea stirring in my heart to start a podcast centered around grief. We recorded one episode together, and even then, I knew her story was something special. Carrie had built something meaningful, deeply personal, and incredibly impactful. So when I later launched my business podcast, I knew I needed her back—this time to talk about the business born from loss, love, and a simple but powerful idea: helping people hold on when letting go feels impossible.

 

 

A Loss That Changed Everything

Carrie’s story begins with the loss of her father. At the time, her mother was only 63 years old when he passed—a realization that still feels surreal decades later, especially now that her mom is in her 90s and continues to live a full life.

 

In the days following her father’s death, Carrie watched her mother go through his closet, surrounded by clothes that still carried his scent, his presence, his memory. Anyone who has experienced deep loss understands that moment—the way everyday items suddenly become sacred.

 

 

Carrie had learned to sew at the age of eight, something all the girls in her family were taught. While she didn’t love it at first, over time sewing became a creative outlet. Years earlier, she had even made small teddy bears from festive fabric to sell at a Christmas boutique. That experience lingered quietly in the background, waiting for the moment it would matter most.

 

 

Standing in that closet, overwhelmed by grief and memory, Carrie wondered: What if these clothes could become something tangible? Something comforting? Something that could help her family—and maybe others—through the pain?

She asked her mom if she could try making something out of her dad’s clothing. There was no grand plan, no business model—just grief, love, and a willingness to see what might help.

 

 

The First Bear—and a Moment That Changed Everything

Carrie created a teddy bear from her father’s shirt and gave it to her mother. The reaction was immediate and emotional. Her mom recognized the shirt right away—it was one she had given her husband herself.

 

Years later, Carrie discovered something she hadn’t known at the time: her mother slept with that bear every night. It became a source of comfort, a way to feel close to the man she loved, even after he was gone.

That moment planted a seed.

 

If this could help her family, maybe it could help others too.

 

From a Personal Gesture to a Purposeful Business

Not long after, while pregnant with her third son, Carrie found herself sharing the story during a pedicure appointment. In one of those seemingly ordinary conversations that turn out to be anything but, the technician mentioned someone connected to a grief counseling program at the University of Utah.

 

That connection led Carrie to Caring Connections, an eight-week grief program through the University of Utah’s College of Nursing. There, she met Beth Cole and Sherry Anderson—women who immediately understood the value of what Carrie was creating.

 

Their encouragement validated what Carrie felt in her heart: this wasn’t just a keepsake. It was a meaningful part of the grieving process.

From there, Carrie began attending events, hospice conferences, and community gatherings. She brought her bears—not to sell in the traditional sense, but to share an idea. Something that might help someone when they needed it most.

 

A Business Built on Trust, Care, and Word of Mouth

Today, Carrie Bears serves families across the country. More than 80% of her orders come from out of state, with people mailing their loved one’s clothing to her—an act that requires immense trust.

 

Each bear is made with intention, care, and communication. Carrie walks families through the process, keeps them informed, and treats every piece of clothing as if it were her own. Despite the emotional weight and responsibility, she has never lost a bear. Even in the rare instance when a package was stolen, it was returned after the thief realized it held no monetary value—only sentimental worth.

 

Carrie’s tagline says it best:


“Sometimes when it’s hard to let go, it helps to have something to hold on to.”

That philosophy guides everything she does.

 

The Role of Hospice and Community in Grief

Through this journey, Carrie has developed deep relationships with hospice organizations—places where grief is present every single day. She speaks with immense respect and gratitude for hospice workers, calling them angels for the way they care not only for patients, but for entire families.

 

Some hospices now offer Carrie Bears as gifts to grieving families, recognizing the comfort they provide during unimaginably difficult moments.

 

Carrie also participates in grief support groups, particularly for teens, offering space for honest conversation and connection. She is careful never to be pushy or sales-focused. Instead, she shows up, listens, and lets the work speak for itself.

 

Grief, Memory, and the Power of Being Present

During our conversation, we also reflected on the kindness people show in the aftermath of loss. From handmade jewelry to memory albums, from items crafted with handwriting or symbolic dimes, gestures like these leave lasting impressions.

One memory stood out deeply: a Sunday at church, where grief felt overwhelming. In the middle of quiet sobs, someone simply came and sat nearby—no words, no fixing, just presence. That act of sitting with someone in their pain remains one of the most powerful expressions of kindness there is.

 

It’s a reminder that grief doesn’t need to be solved. It needs to be witnessed.

 

 

Carrie Bears Today—and Where to Find Her

Carrie officially started Carrie Bears in 1999, and her work continues to evolve. While her business has grown, the heart of it remains the same: honoring love, memory, and connection.

 

You can find Carrie and her work here:

Carrie has also written books inspired by grief and remembrance. Her children’s book about 9/11 is available on Amazon, and her other book can be found on her website.

 

 

A Few Final Fun Notes

To close the episode, Carrie shared a couple of personal insights that offered a lighter glimpse into her life. Her pet peeve? Angry drivers—life is simply too short. Her simple pleasure? Hiking up a steep trail and sledding down afterward, proving that joy and grief can coexist beautifully.

 

 

Why This Story Matters

Grief is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Carrie’s story is a powerful reminder that businesses don’t always start with ambition—they often start with empathy. With seeing a need. With choosing to help.

 

Carrie Bears is more than a product. It’s a bridge between love and loss, between memory and comfort, between heartbreak and healing.

 

And sometimes, when the weight of grief feels too heavy, having something to hold on to makes all the difference.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources

Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

Smart Things To Do In Your Business for 2026

10 Smart Things Small Business Owners Should Do in 2026 to Grow Their Business

If you’re looking for proven small business growth strategies for 2026, you’re in the right place. This year is all about simplifying your systems, strengthening your online presence, and building momentum. I am going to offer you 10 smart things small business owners should do in 2026 to grow their business. 

 

1. Host a Quarterly Business Reset Retreat

A Quarterly Reset Retreat gives you dedicated time to review your goals, clean up your systems, and refresh your marketing strategy. Small business owners who check in often stay more organized and experience faster growth. Block the time, grab your favorite drink, and realign your business every 90 days.

 

2. Launch a Micro-Offer That Solves One Specific Problem

In 2026, niche offers are outperforming broad ones. A micro-offer, like a checklist, template, or mini-training. This helps you attract ideal customers quickly. Small, simple, and focused is the secret to high conversions.

 

3. Use AI Tools to Streamline Your Business Systems

AI isn’t just a trend, it’s a must. You can use AI for content creation, email automation, customer support, and workflow management. Think of it as hiring an intern who doesn’t need snacks or supervision.

 

4. Create a High-Value Lead Magnet That Actually Converts

Not all freebies are created equal. A powerful lead magnet will grow your email list and bring warm leads into your funnel. Focus on creating something actionable that solves an immediate problem for your audience.

 

5. Run a 30-Day Email List Growth Challenge

Challenges are one of the most effective online marketing strategies. A 30-day list-building challenge increases engagement, boosts visibility, and strengthens your community. It also positions you as the go-to guide in your niche.

 

6. Show Up Weekly on Video to Grow Your Visibility

Video marketing continues to dominate in 2026. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, weekly video content helps you build trust faster than almost any other medium.

 

7. Build a Strategic Partnership Pipeline

Collaboration is a powerful small business growth strategy. Build relationships with complementary businesses for podcast swaps, guest trainings, and referrals. Partnerships expand your reach without extra ad spend.

 

8. Add at Least One Passive Income Stream

Digital products, like templates, mini-courses, guides, and automations, help you scale without trading more hours for dollars. A single strong passive product can bring in consistent monthly revenue.

 

9. Improve and Automate Your Customer Journey

A smooth customer journey keeps people coming back. Review your onboarding process, follow-up emails, and client experience. Add automations where possible to save time and deliver a seamless experience.

 

10. Schedule a Monthly CEO Day

One of the best things a small business owner can do in 2026 is schedule a monthly CEO Day. No admin, no client calls, just strategy, vision, financial review, and planning. This habit alone can transform your year.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

Redeeming Your Time With Lissa Figgins

If you are anything like me, you have likely uttered the phrase, “I just don’t have enough time,” at least once this week. Maybe even once this hour.


We treat time like this scarce commodity that is constantly slipping through our fingers. We buy the planners, we color-code the calendars, and we try to play “whack-a-mole” with our to-do lists. But what if I told you that time management is actually the problem, not the solution?


On this week’s episode of the Redefine Business Podcast, I sat down with the incredible Lissa Figgins. Lissa is a Time Scaling Strategist (I love that title!) who works with Christian women and business owners to help them unlock the results they want by changing their relationship with the clock.


As we look toward a new year, this conversation is absolute gold. We dig into why you need to stop “managing” time, how to get a better Return on Time Invested (ROTI), and the “Skittles vs. Oranges” analogy that will completely change how you pack your day.
Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s redefine how we view our 24 hours.


From “Time Management Ninja” to Scaling Strategist


Lissa didn’t start out as a guru with all the answers. In fact, she describes herself as the former “poster child” for toxic time management. She was the girl in school who wrote assignments in her planner after she did them just to get the dopamine hit of checking them off.


But as she became a wife, a mom of three, a teacher, and a leader in her community, the strategy of “hustling harder” stopped working. She was doing all the things, but she wasn’t present for any of them.


Lissa shared a powerful story on the podcast about a health scare that changed everything. She developed a sensation of a ball in her throat. After seeing specialists and fearing the worst, a doctor finally diagnosed her with Globus Hystericus. In plain English? She was so stressed and anxious from trying to control everything that her body was physically manifesting a lump in her throat.


The doctor told her she was “crazy” (in a medical sense!) with anxiety. That was her wake-up call. She realized her busyness wasn’t a “disordered calendar” problem; it was a “disordered heart” problem. She was chasing “enoughness” through doing, and it was costing her everything.


The Problem with “Managing” Time


Lissa dropped a truth bomb that resonated so hard: Time management implies we are just trying to contain the chaos.


Think about a manager at a fast-food restaurant during the lunch rush. They are running around, putting out fires, and just trying to keep the ship afloat. That is how most of us live our lives. We get our ducks in a row, and then life happens, the ducks scatter, and we spend the rest of the day chasing them.


Instead of management, Lissa teaches Time Stewardship.
We don’t own time. We didn’t create it, and we can’t bank it for tomorrow. We are given a gift of 24 hours every single day. A steward doesn’t just hide the money under the mattress (or waste the time scrolling social media); a steward invests it to get a return.


3 Shifts to Multiply Your Time in 2026


If you are ready to stop feeling behind and start feeling abundant with your time, Lissa outlined three specific mindset shifts you need to make.

 

Shift #1: Change Your Belief

You have to stop saying, “I don’t have time.” Lissa pointed out that we often say we don’t have time for our health, our Bible study, or our business growth, but we can easily tell someone about the latest Netflix series we binged or the hour we lost to Instagram.


We all have the same amount of time. It is the great equalizer. When you catch yourself saying “I don’t have time,” pause and remind yourself: I have time. It shifts you from scarcity to abundance.


Shift #2: Move from Management to Stewardship


As we mentioned above, stop trying to control every second and start trying to multiply your results. Lissa calls this ROTI: Return on Time Invested.


Just like money, you can waste time, spend time, or invest time.


Wasting it: mindless scrolling.
Spending it: doing necessary tasks that don’t move the needle (like buying a coffee—it’s gone once you drink it).
Investing it: doing things that expand your life, business, or relationships.


Unlike money, however, you can’t earn more time. Once today is gone, it’s gone. So, are you stewarding it well?


Shift #3: Change the Question


What is the number one question we ask ourselves every day? “What time is it?”


As soon as we ask that, our shoulders tense up. We look at the clock, realize we are “late,” and start rushing. Lissa suggests a tiny tweak that changes everything. Instead of asking “What time is it?”, ask: “What is it time for?”
This question grounds you in the present moment. It stops the multitasking (which, by the way, Lissa notes makes us make 40% more mistakes and takes 50% longer). When you know what it is time for, you can be fully present, whether that is writing an email, playing with your kids, or sleeping.


Capacity by Design: Skittles vs. Oranges


I love a good visual, and Lissa shared one that I am definitely going to use. It’s called Capacity by Design.


Imagine you have a jar.


The Skittles: These are the random notifications, the “got a minute?” interruptions, the scroll holes, and the busy work.

The Oranges: These are your faith, your family, your health, and your core business projects.


Most of us fill our jars with Skittles (the small stuff) all day long. Then, when we try to shove an Orange in (like a date night or a big project), there is no room. The jar is full of sugar-coated distractions.


But, if you put the Oranges in the jar first, and then pour the Skittles in, the Skittles will fall into the cracks and spaces around the Oranges.

Everything fits.


You have to identify your Oranges and anchor them into your day before you let the Skittles take over.


Establishing Time Zones


To make this practical, Lissa suggests viewing your day in “Time Zones.”


Refill Zones: These are usually morning and evening. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You need to refill your body, mind, and spirit. For Lissa, this looks like her morning pour-over coffee and Bible time.


Pour Out Zones: This is the time between the refill zones where you pour into your work, your family, and your household.


The mistake we make is trying to “pour out” (work) during a “refill” zone (late at night in bed). Keep your zones sacred, and you will find you actually get more done.


Final Thoughts


Time isn’t the enemy. It is the opportunity. Whether you are looking back at the past year with regret or looking forward to 2026 with anxiety, remember that you have enough time for what you are called to do.


Stop chasing the time you think you don’t have, and start stewarding the time right in front of you.
If you loved these nuggets, Lissa has a free private podcast series that breaks this down even further. Check out the links below!


Connect with Lissa Figgins


Freebie:
Scaling Secrets of the Top 1% (Private Podcast): Lissa breaks down how to multiply your hours in this 10-episode audio series.


Other Links:


Join the Community:

 

Join Lissa’s free Facebook community for business owners to network and grow.

 

Podcast: Check out the Redeem Her Time Podcast wherever you listen!

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

Finding Healing Through Service

Finding Healing Through Service

I’ve always believed in the power of service. It’s not glamorous, it’s not loud, but it has a way of grounding you, humbling you, and reminding you that even on your worst days, someone out there has it harder than you. Maybe it’s self-serving, but helping others has always made me feel connected to people, to purpose, and to something bigger than myself.

 

That love of serving started long before life handed me some of its hardest moments. When my kids were really little, I volunteered with Meals on Wheels for six years. I’d strap them into the stroller, load meals into the basket underneath, and walk door-to-door delivering food to elderly individuals. Sometimes I felt like a circus act balancing babies, bags, and hot meals, but the experience became a quiet teacher. Every visit taught the same lesson: life can always be harder, so choose compassion where you can.

 

Over the years, those experiences let me into countless nonprofit projects. One of the most meaningful was serving on the board of Haitian Roots, an organization focused on providing education for kids in Haiti. I traveled to Haiti every year, my camera in hand, heart wide open, and helped raise funds for children to go to school. Those trips shifted something in me. When you see a child’s entire future hinge on whether they can attend school, you don’t come home the same. You come home more grateful, more aware, and more determined to keep showing up for others.

 

But nothing prepared me for 2017.

 

That year, my 14-year-old son, Gage, passed away. There are no tidy words for that kind of loss. There’s no way to package it neatly or make it feel any less devastating. But what happened in the days after his passing were equally sad and beautiful.

 

We started getting knocks at our door. Then more knocks. One by one, his friends showed up. They were lost, confused, grieving, searching for comfort in the only place that felt connected to him. I watched these kids try to make sense of emotions too big for their age. And something inside me knew immediately: We have to help them. We have to give them something to hold onto.

 

One of my favorite Tony Robbins quotes says, “We only suffer when we think of ourselves.” Those words took root in my heart, especially during those dark early days. If these kids were overwhelmed with pain, the best thing we could do was teach them how to channel it into purpose rather than letting it consume them.

 

That seed of an idea became the Gage Schroeder Compassion Foundation.

 

Over the next year, with a lot of tears, a lot of brainstorming, and a whole lot of heart, we created a compassion-based curriculum designed specifically for teens and elementary aged kids. The curriculum includes lessons, quotes, and hands-on activities that build character, encourage service, and give young people an outlet to connect, contribute, and heal. It became the blueprint for starting Compassion Clubs in schools. It was meant to be a safe place for kids to serve, grow, and support one another.

 

Over the last eight years, we’ve helped start Compassion Clubs across the United States and have awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships. Every club, every project, every scholarship carries Gage’s legacy forward. And every young person who participates becomes part of a ripple effect he never got to see but absolutely helped create.

 

Then, a couple of years ago, life shifted again. I went through a divorce and moved back to Utah, where I grew up. As much as I love Utah, it took a minute for me to find my footing again. Starting over isn’t glamorous, no matter how many inspirational quotes you pin on your wall. I wanted to start clubs in my new community like I always had, but I was rebuilding, and everything felt a little heavier than before.

 

And then one of my daughter’s friends decided he was done waiting on me.

 

He kept nudging, gently at first, then with the persistence of a teenager who had clearly made up his mind, that it was time to start a Compassion Club at the high school. Eventually, I said yes.

 

Since then, we’ve completed several service projects: homeless kits, first-aid kits for a women’s shelter, gratitude journals, and more. With every activity, I’m reminded just how much I love serving alongside kids. Teenagers get a bad reputation sometimes, but when they serve? They are powerful. They are thoughtful. They are full of heart. They carry a kind of raw honesty that adults often lose along the way.

 

What they probably don’t realize is how much they help me. Being around them reminds me of Gage. It reminds me of what mattered to him and what continues to matter to me: compassion, contribution, and connection. Serving with these kids doesn’t just strengthen them … it helps me heal.

 

This time of year naturally brings gratitude to the forefront. Everywhere you look, you’re reminded to be thankful, to give back, to slow down, to help others. It’s beautiful, but I often wish we carried this energy with us all year long. The world changes when compassion isn’t seasonal.

 

As we close out the year and step into a new one, my hope is simple: don’t get so swept up in the hustle of business and life that you forget the power of small acts of service. Look for opportunities, big or small, to lighten someone’s load. Smile at the person who looks overwhelmed. Donate if you can. Volunteer when possible. Teach your kids by example. And most importantly, let your personal values spill over into your work, your business, and your everyday routines.

 

The Gage Schroeder Compassion Foundation was born out of heartbreak, but it has grown into something beautiful, something healing, something hopeful, something that continues to change lives one act of service at a time.

 

And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: compassion doesn’t cure everything, but it makes everything more bearable.

 

Here’s to carrying it with us, not just during the holidays, but every single day.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

SEO and AI with Cinthia Pacheco

When you’re building an online business, it can feel like the rules keep changing. One minute everyone is talking about Instagram growth, the next minute it’s TikTok, and now suddenly the conversation has shifted to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. If you’ve felt a little overwhelmed keeping up — you’re in good company.

 

In this week’s episode, Brittni sits down with SEO expert and founder of Digital Bloom IQ, Cinthia Pacheco, to demystify all things SEO, AI search, keyword strategy, and content creation — and to help you understand how to actually make SEO work for you without burning yourself out.

 

As Brittni shares in the episode, many business owners are saying loud and clear: “I don’t want to be on social media all the time.” They’re tired, overwhelmed, and craving a more sustainable way to drive traffic and reach people. And that’s exactly why SEO — though never gone — is having a major resurgence.

 

 

Why SEO Is More Relevant Than Ever

Cinthia explains that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has always been about meeting people at the exact moment they’re searching for what you offer. That timing is meaningful: while social media requires you to push content and hope the algorithm shows it, SEO brings people in when they’re actively looking for solutions.

 

Whether someone is searching for:

  • “How do I grow my business?”
  • “Best courses for new entrepreneurs”
  • “How to build funnels”
  • “Best tools for online coaches”

…SEO helps position your website as the answer.

 

But SEO no longer exists in a bubble. Today, tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are becoming search engines of their own. Cinthia explains that these platforms are learning from website content the same way Google does — which is why strong content matters more than ever.

 

Blogging Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Evolved

One myth Cinthia was eager to bust? That blogging is dead.

 

Blogging isn’t about being a “blogger” anymore — it’s about publishing high-quality, helpful, searchable content on your website in any format you want:

 

  • Tutorials
  • Case studies
  • Resource pages
  • Guides
  • FAQ pages
  • Articles
  • Notes
  • Journals

Call it whatever you’d like — what matters is that your site contains content that answers people’s questions. Cinthia encourages business owners to think of their website as a resource hub for both warm leads and brand-new visitors who are still figuring out what solutions they need.

 

Brittni emphasizes this too: she encourages new business owners to commit to creating at least 50 pieces of high-quality, optimized content. SEO is a long game. But unlike social media, which disappears in 24 hours, SEO content continues to work for you for years.

 

Keywords, AI, and the Shift Toward Topic Clusters

The heart of SEO has always involved keyword research — but keyword strategy is evolving rapidly.

 

Cinthia shared that in an AI-heavy world, search tools no longer rely solely on short, mechanical keyword phrases like “business coaching” or “marketing tips.” AI tools are interpreting longer, more conversational user queries and pulling from websites that offer deep, thematic content rather than isolated keywords.

 

This is where topic clusters come in.

 

A topic cluster is a group of related articles that all support one major topic. For example, if Brittni is targeting “business growth,” her cluster might include posts like:

  • How to grow your business without burnout
  • How to choose the right funnels for your business
  • What to automate first when scaling
  • Best tools for solopreneurs
  • How to build an email nurture sequence

AI tools love topic clusters because they show depth, authority, and clarity. Cinthia explains that AI is more likely to pull answers from websites that show true expertise — not surface-level content or repeated keyword stuffing.

 

SEO + AI: How They Work Together

Even though AI search feels new, the foundation of SEO still matters — it just has an additional layer now.

 

Traditional SEO still includes:

 

  • Fast-loading pages
  • Clean site structure
  • No broken links
  • Quality outbound and inbound links
  • Page titles and headers optimized for clarity
  • Helpful, original content

The AI layer adds elements like:

 

  • Schema markup (helps AI tools interpret your site)
  • Topical depth
  • Unique case studies, experiences, and stories
  • Authority building on other platforms
  • Content repurposed into formats AI prefers

This is why AI hasn’t replaced SEO — it has expanded it.

 

Cinthia reminds listeners that if everyone is using AI to generate content, the bar for quality and uniqueness has risen. Adding your unique stories, client wins, personal experiences, and your own frameworks gives Google and AI tools something no one else can offer.

 

Authority Building: Beyond Traditional Backlinks

Backlinks used to be the gold standard of SEO — and they still matter. But authority today is built in more ways than one.

 

Cinthia points out that platforms with high authority — like LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit, and even podcast directories — help strengthen your credibility. This doesn’t mean copying and pasting your full blog posts onto LinkedIn (which creates duplicate content), but rather:

 

  • Writing original articles for those platforms
  • Repurposing content into shorter posts
  • Answering questions on Reddit
  • Appearing on other podcasts
  • Using YouTube as a search engine

These platforms reinforce your authority in ways AI and Google recognize.

 

The Biggest SEO Tip? Ask Your Audience.

When it comes to keyword research, Cinthia offered a surprisingly simple tip:

 

Just ask your audience what they search for.

 

Send a survey.
Ask on Instagram Stories.
Include a question in your onboarding form.
Or ask clients during calls.

 

You’ll be shocked at how simple people’s actual search phrases are — and how different they often are from what business owners assume.

 

Brittni adds that asking your audience regularly is also a great way to develop future content, courses, and offers. Sometimes the most basic questions your audience asks are the exact topics your SEO strategy needs.

 

Creating Content That Works for People and Search Engines

Cinthia encourages business owners to stop reinventing the wheel. Use what you already have:

 

  • Turn a video into a blog.
  • Turn a podcast episode into five articles.
  • Turn social media questions into tutorials.
  • Turn email replies into content pillars.
  • Transcribe a Reel and expand it into a blog.

AI can help refine your ideas — not replace your voice.

 

SEO becomes much more manageable when it feels like repurposing instead of starting from scratch every time.

 

How to Connect with Cinthia

Cinthia Pacheco is the founder of Digital Bloom IQ, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, paid ads, and AI-informed marketing strategy. She also offers educational programs for entrepreneurs who want to learn SEO or understand AI search.

 

Freebie:
https://courses.digitalbloomiq.com/module-0

 

You can find Cinthia at:
Website: digitalbloomiq.com
Instagram: @digitalbloomiq
 Email: Cinthia@digitalbloomiq.com

 

Final Thoughts

If social media feels overwhelming, exhausting, or unpredictable — SEO might be the sustainable solution your business needs. SEO allows you to build long-term visibility, attract ready-to-buy clients, and share your expertise in ways that continue working for you long after you hit “publish.”

 

Cinthia’s biggest message?
SEO is not dead.
Blogging is not dead.
Long-form content is not dead.
Bad content is what’s dead.

 

If you create thoughtful, unique, useful content — and you stay consistent — your website becomes an asset that grows in value year after year. And in the world of business, that’s one of the smartest investments you can make.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

The $1,000 Sink That Taught Me a Lesson About Business

The $1,000 Sink That Taught Me a Lesson About Business

There’s something about home repairs that has a special way of humbling you. You start out optimistic—“How hard can it be?”—and within minutes you’re ankle-deep in stinky water. 

 

That was me a few months ago. 

 

When I moved into my house a couple years ago, my daughter accidently dropped glass soap dispenser on the pedestal sink in my half bathroom. It cracked the sink. They just don’t make them like they used to. Over the next year every time I used that bathroom and I was reminded that I needed to fix the sink. I priced new sinks and was pleasantly surprised a pedestal sink was around $100-200. After about a year passed I decided to call a plumber. After a quick inspection, he hit me with the quote: over $1,000 to fix it.

 

One. Thousand. Dollars.

 

Now, listen, I believe in paying professionals what they’re worth. But something inside me said, “Hold up… this can’t be that complicated.” I mean, I teach business systems for a living. Surely I can handle a plumbing system, right?

 

So instead of crying over my leaky sink (okay, maybe just a little), I decided to shift my mindset.

 

Step 1: I Talked Myself Into Believing I Could Do It

When that quote came in, my first instinct was panic. “I can’t do this. I don’t know anything about plumbing.” But then I caught myself.

 

That voice—the one that tells us we can’t—is sneaky. It’s the same voice that shows up in business when we think, “I can’t build a funnel,” or “I’ll never figure out automation,” or “I’m not techy enough for that.”

 

But I’ve spent years coaching entrepreneurs on mindset. I know how powerful it is to shift from fear to confidence.

 

So, I reminded myself: I’m smart. I’m resourceful. I can learn.

 

Just because I’ve never fixed a sink doesn’t mean I can’t learn how. And just because something looks complicated doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

 

Once I decided to believe that I could do it, everything changed. My energy shifted from “Oh no” to “Let’s go.”

 

Step 2: I Got Curious Instead of Scared

I started watching YouTube videos. I learned the difference between a P-trap and a tailpiece (and honestly, I feel like that deserves a merit badge).

 

At one point, I even found myself narrating like a YouTuber, “Okay guys, so this little thing right here is what’s causing the leak…”

 

Was it intimidating? Absolutely. Did I know what I was doing at first? Not even close.

 

But here’s the thing: curiosity destroys fear. When you switch from “I can’t” to “I wonder how,” you open the door for creativity and learning.

 

And that’s true in business too.

 

When something feels hard, like setting up a CRM or writing your first email sequence, curiosity can turn a mountain into a molehill. Instead of “I can’t,” try asking, “What if I could?”

 

Step 3: I Reached Out for Help

Here’s where the magic really happened.

 

I realized that while I could figure this out alone, I didn’t have to. I remembered that I had a friend who’d done a lot of home renovation projects. I called her and said, “Okay, don’t laugh, but I think I can fix my sink. Can you help me?”

 

She laughed (of course), but then she offered to come over. She showed up with a some random tools, and a calm confidence that said, “We’ve got this, it will be fun.”

 

Together, we took walked the aisles of Home Depot acting like we were professionals, we took apart the pipes, cleaned them out, replaced a few pieces, and tightened everything back up.

 

And just like that—my sink was fixed. No crack. No leaks. No $1,000 bill.

 

Step 4: The Lesson (It Was Never About the Sink)

Sure, I fixed a sink. But what really got repaired that day was my belief in what’s possible when you mix mindset with resourcefulness.

 

The truth is, the same principles apply to entrepreneurship.

 

How many times have we looked at something in our business and thought, “I can’t do that”?


 Maybe it’s launching a course.
Or learning a new tech platform.
Or figuring out how to automate your client onboarding.

 

But just like that sink, every “impossible” problem has a solution—you just have to believe you’re capable of finding it.

 

Step 5: You Don’t Have to Know Everything—You Just Have to Know Who (or What) to Ask

One of the biggest mindset traps in business is thinking you have to do everything on your own.

 

You don’t.

 

When I called my friend, it didn’t make me less capable, it made me smarter. She had experience I didn’t, and by leaning on her, I saved myself time, frustration, and probably another trip to the hardware store.

 

In business, this looks like reaching out to a coach, joining a community, or asking someone who’s already done what you’re trying to do.

 

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to be willing to ask who built it.

 

Step 6: Confidence Comes From Doing

When I turned on that faucet and saw the water flow perfectly, I swear I felt like I had just won an episode of Fixer Upper. I became a self-proclaimed plumber. I mean I bragged to everyone I knew that I installed my sink. 

 

That moment built confidence. And confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build by taking action.

 

In business, we often wait to feel confident before we act. But it doesn’t work that way. Confidence doesn’t show up at the beginning, it’s the result of doing.

 

So whether it’s fixing a sink, starting a business, or building your first funnel, the more you do, the more confident you become.

 

Step 7: What This Means for You

If there’s something in your business (or life) that feels too big or too expensive or too complicated, pause and ask yourself:

  • What if I could do it?
  • Who could I ask for help?
  • What resources could I find to guide me?

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need the belief that you can find them.

 

I fixed a sink because I refused to believe I couldn’t. And in that messy, wet, hilarious process, I was reminded that the same mindset that unclogs a drain can also unclog your business growth.

 

Step 8: The Takeaway

Sometimes the lesson shows up disguised as a broken sink.

 

Sometimes it’s a failed launch, a tech issue, or a sales page that just won’t convert.

 

But every challenge is really an invitation—to grow, to learn, and to believe a little deeper in yourself.

 

Because the truth is:
💧 You can fix the leak.
💻 You can build the funnel.
🚀 You can create the business (and life) you want.

 

You just have to decide you’re capable, and take the first step.

 

The next time something breaks, whether it’s a sink or a strategy, remember this:


You are smart enough to figure it out.
You are resourceful enough to find help.
And you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.

 

After all, if I can fix a sink… imagine what you can do.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

Maddie Brush and Taeda Farms

Building Dreams from the Ground Up: How Maddie Brush and Her Family Are Creating Taeda Farms

Starting something from scratch always takes courage, patience, and a whole lot of heart—and that’s exactly what today’s guest, Maddie Brush, brings to the table. On this episode of Redefine Business, host Brittni Schroeder sits down with Maddie to talk about the story behind Taeda Farms, a new flower farm and brand she’s building in North Carolina alongside her husband, Caleb, and her mom, Janelle Brown—known from the TLC show Sister Wives.

 

It’s a story of growth (both literally and figuratively). From navigating unexpected red tape and delays to discovering creative ways to keep their dream alive, Maddie’s journey is a beautiful example of perseverance, learning, and staying true to your vision.

 

The Story Behind Taeda Farms

The dream of Taeda Farms began a few years ago when Maddie and her family decided to create a space where people could connect with nature, slow down, and enjoy simple beauty. The idea was simple: a flower farm where guests could visit, walk through the blooms, take photos, and experience a little piece of peace.

 

But, as Maddie quickly learned, building a farm is a long game. What she thought would be a straightforward process—clearing some trees, planting flowers, and welcoming guests—turned into a lesson in environmental regulations, soil management, and patience.

 

“You can’t just buy a piece of land and start planting,” Maddie explains. Because the property is in a coastal county, the family had to work through multiple layers of permits and environmental checks. Officials examined the land to ensure it wasn’t part of protected wetlands or waterways. At one point, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers even came out to inspect the property for what’s called a “blue line ditch,” a federally recognized natural waterway that can’t be disturbed.

 

While the process was long and complicated, Maddie took it in stride. Her curiosity and determination helped her navigate everything from zoning requirements to soil erosion rules. As Brittni points out, Maddie has a knack for learning about just about everything—whether it’s gardening, oils, or now, environmental engineering!

 

Why “Taeda”?

If you’ve ever wondered where the name Taeda Farms comes from, it’s rooted (pun intended) in nature. The word “Taeda” comes from Pinus taeda, the Latin name for a type of pine tree that grows tall with long, elegant needles. It’s also Latin for “torch” or “wedding torch,” which Maddie felt perfectly symbolized their mission to create light, warmth, and community through their farm.

 

Of course, the name has caused a little confusion. Some fans pronounce it “Tada,” which Maddie laughs about. “It’s Taeda, not Tada,” she says. “But honestly, we should probably use that in our marketing!”

 

Turning Delays into Opportunity

When the permitting process slowed down their plans, Maddie and her family didn’t just sit back and wait. Instead, they got creative.

 

To keep the brand alive and the community engaged, they launched a Taeda Farms merchandise line, starting with T-shirts, aprons, and small bundles that helped raise funds for the next phase of development. What started as a temporary solution quickly became a way to build brand awareness and connect with their incredibly supportive audience.

 

“We have such a loyal following,” Maddie says. “People kept asking how they could help, and we wanted to offer them something meaningful.”

 

This early pivot allowed them to generate income while continuing to clear land, handle environmental requirements, and fund the infrastructure needed for future visitors.

 

What’s Next for Taeda Farms

Fast forward to today, and progress is happening… finally! The team has begun clearing the land for flower beds and parking areas, and they’re taking careful steps to preserve the soil and prevent erosion. The first phase will feature a “You-Pick” flower experience, inviting visitors to stroll through the fields, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the property.

 

Eventually, Maddie and her family plan to expand Taeda Farms into something truly special:

  • A flower subscription program, shipping seasonal blooms nationwide
  • Cabins and a coffee shop, offering guests a peaceful rural escape
  • A large lodge, perfect for retreats, weddings, and special events

 

If all goes according to plan, Taeda Farms is expected to open to the public in spring 2026 just in time for the first major blooms.

 

The Slow Living Philosophy

In addition to her work on Taeda Farms, Maddie is also building her own personal brand centered on slow living and homesteading.

 

She shares recipes, garden updates, and tips for embracing a more intentional pace of life, something that feels especially meaningful in today’s fast-moving world. “I like going slow,” she says. “Our world is so fast-paced, and I love helping people find ways to enjoy their homes, their families, and the everyday moments.”

 

Her Instagram is full of cozy glimpses of family life, cooking from scratch, and behind-the-scenes farm updates. It’s a refreshing reminder that success doesn’t have to come from rushing—it can come from nurturing, growing, and savoring the process.

 

Balancing Business and Motherhood

Maddie’s plate is full! She’s a mom of three young kids, a business owner, and now a farm founder. She laughs about the chaos of motherhood, especially since she and Brittni both have energetic kids. “I don’t think either of us got mellow children,” she jokes.

 

Still, even in the midst of diapers, dirt, and deadlines, Maddie finds joy in the small things. Her simple pleasure? “Hot coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up.” It’s those quiet moments of calm that fuel her creativity and determination to keep building something beautiful.

 

Follow and Support Taeda Farms

The best way to follow along with Maddie’s journey is through the Taeda Farms website and Instagram, where she shares progress updates, recipes, and sneak peeks of what’s blooming next.

 

🌿 Follow Maddie & Taeda Farms:

 

Whether you’re a flower lover, a slow-living enthusiast, or just someone cheering on a family chasing their dream, Taeda Farms is a story worth following.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

How to Prepare for the Holidays as a Small Business Owner

How to Prepare for the Holidays as a Small Business Owner 

Ah, the holiday season, that magical time when sales spike, inboxes overflow, and every entrepreneur swears this is the year they’ll plan ahead. Spoiler alert: it’s not too late to make that true.

 

As a small business owner, the holidays can feel like a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s the best time of year for connection, creativity, and sales growth. On the other, it can be total chaos if you’re not prepared. But with a little prepping, the right systems, and some serious strategy, you can cruise through December like a pro.

 

Let’s talk about how to prepare for the holidays without the burnout,.  and maybe even enjoy the holiday season while you’re at it.

 

Review Last Year’s Data — Your Future Self Will Thank You

Before you make a single plan, look back at what happened last year. Pull your reports:

 

  • What products or services sold best?
  • When did your sales spike?
  • What campaigns performed well (or flopped)?
  • Did you run out of inventory or time?

Data tells a story and that story will guide your next move. If you know what worked, you can double down. If something flopped, tweak it or toss it.

 

If you didn’t track much last year, that’s okay. This is your sign to start. Your goal is to make next year’s prep even smoother.

 

Set Clear Goals for the Season

Don’t just say “I want more sales.” Be specific.

 

Ask yourself:

  • How much revenue do I want to generate this holiday season?
  • What percentage of that will come from existing customers versus new ones?
  • How can I improve customer experience to encourage repeat business in the new year?

Once you set goals, break them down into small, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to increase sales by 25%, identify how you’ll get there,  through new offers, email campaigns, bundles, or a special promotion calendar.

 

You can’t hit a target you can’t see. So define what success looks like now, not when you’re knee-deep in wrapping paper.

 

Get Your Systems in Order (Automation is Your Holiday BFF)

This is where the magic happens. Whether you’re a product-based business or a service provider, you need systems that support your sanity.

 

Here’s what to review:

  • Email Automations: Set up holiday campaigns, abandoned cart reminders, and thank-you sequences ahead of time.
  • Social Media Scheduling: Batch and schedule your content now. You do not want to be posting from your phone at a family dinner.
  • Client Onboarding & Invoicing: If you offer services, automate contracts, invoices, and follow-up emails.
  • Inventory Tracking: Make sure you can fulfill orders smoothly and track stock levels automatically.

If your systems are a mess, this is the time to streamline. Your future self (and your stress levels) will be eternally grateful.

 

Create Your Holiday Offers

Your audience is already in a buying mindset,  make it easy for them to say “yes.”

 

Consider these holiday offer ideas:

  • Gift Bundles: Combine your best-selling products or services into irresistible packages.
  • Limited Edition Items: Nothing sparks urgency like a “holiday exclusive.”
  • Early Bird Deals: Reward your most loyal customers with early access or special bonuses.
  • Service Gift Certificates: Great for coaches, consultants, and creatives.
  • 12 Days of Deals: A fun and engaging way to keep your audience checking back daily.

Don’t discount too heavily out of panic. Your offers should add value, not devalue your brand. Focus on perceived value, experience, and convenience.

 

Plan Your Marketing Calendar

You can’t wing holiday marketing  at least, not without losing a little hair.

 

Sit down and map it out:

  • What promotions are you running, and when?
  • What content supports each promotion? (Emails, reels, blog posts, ads, etc.)
  • What’s your Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday plan?

Pro tip: Design all your graphics, write your captions, and schedule your campaigns early. If you can, use tools like Canva, Later, or Meta Business Suite to pre-load everything.

 

By the time December hits, you should be sipping peppermint mochas while your campaigns run on autopilot.

 

Prep Your Email List for the Rush

Your email list is your most powerful holiday tool,  but only if you nurture it before the big promos drop.

 

Start with a warm-up sequence:

  • Send a “holiday sneak peek” or “exclusive preview” email.
  • Offer early access to your most loyal subscribers.
  • Reintroduce your brand’s story and remind them why they love you.

Then, segment your audience. Send different messages to new leads, loyal customers, and inactive subscribers. Tailored messaging converts better (and feels more personal).

 

Stock Up, Staff Up, and Set Boundaries

The holidays are not the time to run out of inventory, energy, or patience.

 

If you sell products, double-check your inventory and order early. If you provide services, plan your availability and communicate your holiday schedule to clients in advance.

 

And for the love of gingerbread, set boundaries.
You don’t need to answer DMs at midnight. You don’t need to work every weekend.

 

Schedule downtime,  and stick to it. A burnt-out business owner isn’t a festive one.

 

Prioritize Customer Experience

During the holidays, people remember how you made them feel.

 

A few small touches can go a long way:

  • Add personalized thank-you notes or small freebies to orders.
  • Offer fast, friendly customer service.
  • Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
  • Communicate shipping deadlines clearly.

Happy customers turn into repeat customers — and word-of-mouth referrals are the gift that keeps on giving.

 

Don’t Forget About January

Most business owners focus so much on December that they forget about what happens after the holiday rush.

 

Plan your post-holiday strategy now:

  • Launch a “New Year, New You” offer or refresh campaign.
  • Send a “thank you” email to holiday buyers and invite them to stay connected.
  • Schedule a business audit or reflection week to review what worked and what didn’t.

Momentum is a beautiful thing. Keep it rolling into the new year.

 

Remember Why You Started

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget the heart behind your business.

 

The holidays are a chance to reconnect — with your customers, your purpose, and your passion. Whether you’re baking, coaching, designing, or shipping, every sale represents a real person choosing you.

 

That’s something worth celebrating.

 

So light a candle, take a deep breath, and remind yourself: you’ve built something amazing. With the right preparation, systems, and mindset, this holiday season can be your most joyful (and profitable) one yet.

 

Preparing for the holidays as a small business owner isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things — intentionally, efficiently, and with a dash of festive flair.

 

This is your season to shine, sell, and still have time to enjoy the twinkle lights. You’ve got this. 

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

Follow me on the Gram – @brittni.schroeder
Join my Facebook Group 
Visit my website
Subscribe to my Youtube

Body Awareness Coach Sarah Godfrey

When you think about confidence, you might picture someone walking boldly into a room, commanding attention without saying a word. But what if that kind of confidence isn’t something you’re born with — what if it’s something you can embody?

 

That’s the exact message that movement expert and coach Sarah Godfrey shares in this week’s episode of The Redefine Business Podcast with Brittni Schroeder. Sarah helps coaches and entrepreneurs use transformational body language skills to step into their full leadership potential both on stage and online.

 

But as she says, what she really loves is how these skills change how her clients see themselves.

 

From Dance to Business Coaching: Sarah’s Journey

Sarah’s story begins years ago at Brigham Young University, where she studied dance. During that time, she had a life-changing realization: her movement reflected how she felt inside. When she was going through one of the darkest times in her life, her professors kept giving her the same corrections — “Take up more space. Lift your eyes. Use your long legs.”

 

Those small notes sparked a huge awareness: how she felt internally was showing up in her body language.

 

Instead of simply adjusting her technique, Sarah decided to change her relationship with herself. “Maybe if I change how I move,” she thought, “it will change how I feel about me.” It did, and it set her on a path that would shape the rest of her career.

 

She went on to work in the mental health field, helping people heal from trauma and reconnect with their bodies. But over time, she felt a pull to do more — to help people who were ready to grow, not just recover.

 

That’s when her business coach encouraged her to pivot. “You should work with entrepreneurs,” the coach suggested. “They’re action-takers. They’re ready for more.”

 

That advice changed everything.

 

Today, Sarah helps coaches and leaders build presence, regulate their nervous systems, and embody confidence so they can lead with clarity and connection.

 

The Power of Presence in Business

In the conversation, Brittni and Sarah talk about a truth that every business owner needs to hear: your nonverbal communication speaks louder than your words ever could.

 

As Sarah explains, “Nonverbal communication is wild — it’s so much louder than anything you’re saying.”

 

Whether you’re leading a coaching call, hosting an event, or creating social media content, your presence is constantly telling your audience something about you. Are you confident and grounded — or unsure and guarded?

 

The good news: you have control over that message.

 

When you learn to align your inner state with your outer expression, people naturally trust you more. “People will accept what you project,” Sarah says, referencing the book The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane. When you embody confidence, certainty, and warmth, you don’t have to convince anyone that you’re capable — they’ll feel it.

 

And that’s exactly what builds trust and connection — two things every entrepreneur needs to succeed.

 

How Body Language Affects How You Feel

Many of us think of body language as something that affects how others perceive us. But Sarah reminds us that it also affects how we perceive ourselves.

 

“Our brains are wired to read body language,” she says. “But your body is reading your own cues, too.”

 

When you carry yourself with confidence — when you stand tall, make eye contact, or take up space — you’re sending a message to yourself: This is who I am. This is what I’m capable of.

 

It’s not about faking confidence; it’s about embodying the version of you that already believes in herself.

 

Brittni connected deeply with this idea, sharing her own fascination with confidence. “I’ve always loved fashion,” she said, “and I realized at a young age that how you carry yourself changes how people respond to you.”

 

People are drawn to confidence, especially in business. Whether you’re speaking on stage or showing up on Instagram, when you move and speak with assurance, people assume you know what you’re doing.

 

Nervous System Imprinting: A New Way to Build Confidence

Sarah introduces a powerful concept she calls nervous system imprinting, which is about training your body to feel safe and comfortable while expanding into new levels of visibility, income, and leadership.

 

So often, entrepreneurs sabotage themselves when they hit a new level of success because their bodies aren’t used to holding it. Nervous system imprinting helps you build the capacity to handle more — more clients, more opportunities, more abundance — without fear or burnout.

 

When you’re grounded internally, you naturally project calm authority externally. That combination of presence and poise not only helps you lead better — it helps you attract the right clients and opportunities.

 

How to Build Confidence in Your Daily Life

Sarah’s advice for anyone wanting to feel more confident and magnetic? Start with your roots.

 

Instead of focusing on surface-level fixes — like how to move your hands or what to do with your posture — she encourages people to look deeper:

 

Ask yourself: When do I feel the most powerful, the most alive, the most capable? Build on that.

 

Then, she suggests using visualization to tap into that feeling before you go live, walk into a meeting, or take the stage.

 

“If I already felt confident,” she says, “how would I show up right now? What would I be doing with my body? What kind of look would I have in my eyes?”

 

Confidence starts from within, but once you connect with it, your body becomes the vehicle that communicates it to the world.

 

Why Confidence Builds Trust

Brittni and Sarah also discussed one of the biggest lessons in business: people don’t just buy your product or service — they buy you.

 

To build that “know, like, and trust” factor, you first have to trust yourself.

 

That’s why embodiment work is so powerful:  It teaches you how to show up with the confidence and self-trust that inspires others to follow your lead.

 

Connect with Sarah Godfrey

If you want to learn how to feel more confident on stage, online, or in your everyday business, Sarah is the coach to follow.

 

You can find her on Instagram at @iamsarahgodfrey, where she shares resources, insights, and challenges designed to help you step into your power as a coach and leader.

 

She also regularly hosts her Coach with Confidence Challenge, a powerful starting point for anyone ready to strengthen their presence and embody true leadership.

Join the Conversation

Let’s not stop the party here. Head on over to my Instagram or Facebook group, Redefine Your Business, and share your thoughts about today’s show. See you again, same time, same place next week!

Resources:

The Meeting Place Membership
Rock The Reels
1:1 Coaching
Free Client Welcome Guide
Additional Trainings and Resources


Connect with Brittni:

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