Doing Business Gently: Business Clarity and Personal Branding for Women with Online Service Based Businesses
Business Clarity, Alignment & Personal Branding for Women. ** Do you ever wonder if there is a different way to do business? ** Have you ever felt like something was wrong with you because your business feels so hard? ** Or have you ever asked yourself, shouldn’t I know what I want to be when I grow up by now? Maybe you’re a massive introvert, shy, or considered an HSP, a highly sensitive person, or maybe you feel like you’ve never really fit into what and who the standard online business coaching says you need to be in your business. Does any of this sound familiar? I’m raising my hand as a founding member of that club. Welcome fellow misfit. Hey there. I’m Marta Goertzen, host of the Doing Business Gently podcast. If your business feels hard and nowhere near gentle, I’m glad you are here. This is a safe place where we will be talking about: ** Life business integration, and we approach that idea of integration through creating an aligned business that fits you, your values and priorities, your personality, and the current season of life you are currently in. ** We also do that by talking about finding business clarity so that you’re not constantly second guessing every decision that you make in your business. ** And maybe even more importantly, we are going to talk about working from a habit and a place of rest. ** From time to time, we’re also going to ask the question, where does our faith fit into our entrepreneurial journey as we are creating a gentle business? If you are ready for tips, ideas, resources, and engaging conversations on developing healthy business habits and routines to help you uncover, or maybe remember your entrepreneurial identity, build a strong personal brand that grows with you and how to build a business based on your values and priorities, you are in the right place. The goal of this podcast is to help women just like you develop online businesses that honors your need for rest, create a flexible and agile business that fits the current season of life you are in and the space to figure it all out. Welcome to Doing Business Gently. ＞＞Website: https://SelahStudios.co ＞＞ IG: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen ＞＞ FB: https://Facebook.com/selahstudiosco ＞＞ Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/selahstudiosco
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Episodes
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Why You Feel Stuck in Your Business (& Why It's Not Your Fault)
Are you waking up feeling like your business is wearing you instead of the other way around? In this episode, I share why many women entrepreneurs outgrow their businesses without realizing it. I explain the difference between temporary stuckness and when you need a full reset. Plus, I introduce my Rediscover, Redefine, Realign™ framework that can help you move forward again.
What you'll learn:
The two types of "stuckness" and how to tell them apart
Why feeling stuck is often a sign of growth, not failure
Common mistakes we make when trying to fix our misaligned businesses
How to recognize when you've outgrown your business model
Important Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction and my personal experience
00:02:19 "What got you here won't get you there"
00:02:40 Two types of stuckness explained
00:05:55 Common misdiagnoses of business problems
00:09:51 Understanding the alignment gap
00:12:20 Signs you've outgrown your business
00:15:40 Introduction to the Rediscover, Redefine, Realign framework
00:19:54 Invitation to connect
Links & Resources:
Connect with me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoerzen
Visit my website: https://SelahStudios.co/
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/92
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Self-Care is Not a To-Do List: A Gentle Approach for Women Entrepreneurs
Have you been doing self-care all wrong? Buckle up for a game-changing conversation about what truly caring for yourself looks like.
In this episode, I'm getting real about self-care—and why our Pinterest-perfect ideas might be totally missing the point. If you're a woman entrepreneur who's tired of feeling burnt out, this episode is your roadmap to a gentler way of taking care of yourself.
What You'll Learn:
Why self-care isn't another item on your to-do list
Simple ways to listen to what your body really needs
How paying attention can prevent entrepreneurial burnout
Practical, no-fuss strategies for nurturing yourself
Key Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:29 What self-care really means
00:05:13 Why self-care is a necessity, not a luxury
00:08:39 Redefining self-care in practical terms
00:14:38 Simple ways to practice self-care
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Sandra Dalton Smith's work on seven types of rest: Rest Quiz - https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/91
Connect with Marta:
Website: https://SelahStudios.co
Instagram: https://Instargram.com/martagoertzen
Ready to transform how you think about self-care? Listen now and give yourself permission to breathe.
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
4 Key Components of Building Personal Brand for a Gentle Business
Do you find personal branding overwhelming? In this episode, I share my approach to personal branding for gentle businesses. I explain why personal branding doesn't have to feel heavy or complicated. Instead, it can be an authentic way to connect with your audience.
You'll learn my four-part framework for creating a personal brand that aligns with who you are and the gentle business you want to build. I also reveal the biggest mistake most entrepreneurs and graphic designers make when it comes to branding (hint: it's about where they start the process).
In this episode you'll learn:
Why understanding your core identity is the first step to authentic branding
How to connect with your audience by understanding their journey
Ways to communicate that feel natural to you
Why visuals should support, not lead, your brand strategy
Episode Timestamps:
00:00:00 What personal branding truly means for gentle businesses
00:02:51 The four key components of a personal brand
00:03:47 Step 1: Core Identity - Understanding who you are
00:06:22 Step 2: Audience Identity - Understanding who you serve
00:08:58 Step 3: Connection Identity - How you naturally communicate
00:12:44 Step 4: Visual Identity - Supporting your brand story
00:15:53 Recap of the four steps
00:16:42 Business personality quiz offer
Links and Resources:
Business Personality Quiz: https://SelahStudios.co/quiz
Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" book: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447
Blog & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/90
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Ever feel like your business is too noisy? Learn how to "hush" it just like you would a cluttered room.
In this episode, we explore the concept of "business hushing" - a simple but powerful way to deal with recurring overwhelm in your business. Just like decluttering a room can bring peace to your home, quieting different aspects of your business can help you regain clarity and calm. I'll walk you through practical steps you can take today to start reducing the noise in your business life.
What You'll Learn:
How to identify and reduce sources of "noise" in your business
Simple steps to evaluate what's really necessary in your business
Ways to prevent overwhelm from coming back
How to create a more peaceful work environment
Resources Mentioned:
Weekly Reset Routine Mini Workshop: https://SelahStudios.co/weeklyreset
Myquillin Smith's - "House Hushing And Why You Need It"
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/89
Connect With Me:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/martagoertzen
- Website: https://SelahStudios.co
Key Timestamps:
00:00:21 Introduction to business hushing concept
00:07:30 Why occasional overwhelm isn't the real problem
00:09:11 Step 1: Reducing digital noise through unsubscribe mission
00:11:43 Step 2: Evaluating your business finances and subscriptions
00:13:47 Step 3: Reviewing your client list
00:16:46 Optional steps for dealing with chronic overwhelm
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed in your business? You're not alone.
In this episode, we tackle the common problem of feeling overwhelmed as a business owner. Many entrepreneurs struggle with too many tasks, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to keep all the plates spinning. I’m sharing four simple, practical ways to handle overwhelm when it hits - AND... these techniques take just minutes to use.
**What You'll Learn:**
- How to spot the early warning signs of overwhelm before it takes over
- A simple breathing technique that can calm your mind in seconds
- Why pen-and-paper brain dumps work better than digital lists
- How to break free from overwhelm using small, manageable steps
**Links & Resources Mentioned:**
- Weekly Reset Routine Mini Workshop: https://SelahStudios.co/weeklyreset
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
- Blog Post: https://SelahStudios.co/88
**Key Timestamps:**
00:00:00 Introduction and common signs of overwhelm
00:06:04 Step 1: Taking care of yourself through breathing and breaks
00:09:58 Step 2: How to do an effective brain dump
00:12:48 Step 3: Starting with small, manageable tasks
00:13:36 Step 4: Celebrating progress and evaluating triggers
00:16:58 Information about the Weekly Reset Routine Workshop
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
When you hear the words “gentle business” what immediately comes to mind? Let's bust some common myths about what it really means to do business gently.
In this episode, we tackle four common misconceptions about gentle business. I share why being gentle doesn't mean being weak, and how you can build a strong, successful business while staying true to your values. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reshape your existing business, you'll learn how to embrace growth without burning out.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why gentle doesn't mean weak or boring
When hustle can actually fit into a gentle business model
How to grow your business while staying aligned with your values
Ways to recognize if your business needs more gentleness
Key Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction to gentle business myths
00:03:02 True definition of gentleness in business
00:04:53 Myth #1: Gentle means weak
00:06:26 Myth #2: Gentle means no growth
00:07:48 Myth #3: The truth about hustle
00:09:45 Myth #4: Gentle means boring
00:11:20 What to do when feeling overwhelmed
Resources Mentioned:
Weekly Reset Routine Mini Workshop: https://SelahStudios.co/weeklyreset
Psychology Today article by Ryan Niemiec: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-matters-most/202005/gentleness-is-a-strength-go-softly-slowly-and-sweetly
Connect with me: https://SelahStudios.Co
Follow on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
A Gentle Business Is Built on Healthy Habits & Routines
Is your business running you, or are you running your business? Your daily habits shape your business success more than you might think.
In this episode, we dive into how the small things we do every day can make or break our business success. I share my personal wake-up call about social media habits and how changing them transformed me and my business. You'll learn practical ways to build better business habits that won't burn you out.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why tracking your time for just one week can transform your business
How to create a 15-minute weekly reset routine that reduces stress
Simple ways to build rest into your business schedule
How to spot and change unhealthy business habits
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Word association game: How do you think about your business?
[00:02:46] Why your business is a habit
[00:04:28] My Instagram wake-up call story
[00:07:45] The power of tracking your time
[00:09:31] Essential healthy business habits to consider
[00:13:22] Making rest a non-negotiable part of your schedule
Resources Mentioned:
Weekly Reset Routine Mini Workshop: https://SelahStudios.co/weeklyreset
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/86
Let’s Connect:
Website: https://SelahStudios.co
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
The Power of Clear Values & Priorities in Your Gentle Business
Ready to stop second-guessing your business decisions? Let's explore how understanding your core values and current priorities can transform your business into a more aligned and gentle operation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What core values and priorities really mean in business
How to identify and apply your values
Why boundaries are essential for a gentle business
How to align your calendar with your stated priorities
Key Timestamps:
[00:01:17] Life-business integration explanation
[00:02:24] Core pillars of a gentle business
[00:04:03] Definition of core values
[00:04:47] How values affect business decisions
[00:13:12] Setting realistic priorities
Resources Mentioned:
Gentle Business Life Mini Mind (launching February 2025): https://SelahStudios.co/minimind
Book: "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137404/
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/85
Let’s Connect:
Website: https://SelahStudios.co* Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Is your business personality buried under everyone else's advice? It's time to uncover your true entrepreneurial identity.
In this episode, we dive into why knowing your business personality is crucial for creating a gentle, aligned business. Many entrepreneurs struggle because they're trying to follow conflicting advice instead of embracing their authentic business identity.
What you'll learn:
Why understanding your current entrepreneurial identity is different from who you were when you started
How to build a personal brand that truly reflects who you are
The connection between identity, clarity, and doing business gently
Why taking time to plan ("planuary") is better than rushing into the new year
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] - What is your business personality?
[00:02:00] - The three core components of gentle business
[00:04:00] - My journey from VA to coach
[00:09:35] - Taking time to plan ("planuary")
[00:10:28] - Real personal branding explained
Resources Mentioned:
Business Personality Quiz: https://SelahStudios.co/quiz
Episode #82-What Does it Mean to Do Business Gently? https://SelahStudios.co/82
Episode #83-How to Build a Gentle Business https://SelahStudios.co/83
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/84
Let’s Connect:
• Website: https://SelahStudios.co* Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Building Your Dream Business: A Journey to Gentle Success
Today we're exploring how to build a business that fits you perfectly - just like choosing the right vehicle for a journey. I share my framework for creating a gently business simply and sustainably that doesn't burn you out.
What you'll learn:
How to identify what type of business journey you're on
The three key components of a gentle business: clarity, alignment, and rest
How to match your business style to your personality
Ways to build sustainable habits that keep your business running smoothly
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:32] Welcome and episode introduction
[00:01:07] Gentle Business Life Mini Mind announcement
[00:02:27] Understanding the business clarity journey
[00:03:03] Three types of business journeys explained
[00:06:16] The three components of a gentle business
[00:09:21] Business identity and choosing your "vehicle"
[00:11:33] Building healthy habits and routines
Resources Mentioned:
Gentle Business Life Mini Mind Program
Launch Date: First week of February 2025
Early bird pricing available through January 30th, 2025
Website: https://SelahStudios.co/minimind
Blog Post & Transcript: https://SelahStudios.co/83
Previous Episode: "What Does It Mean to Do Business Gently?"
Episode 82 in the series: https://SelahStudios.co/82
Let's Connect:
Website: https://SelahStudios.co
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
Join the February 2025 Mini Mind cohort for group coaching and community support: https://SelahStudios.co/minimind