🎙️ Episode 2 – Mistakes People Are Making Listening to Influencers for Business Advice

“Just because they have a mic and a following doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about.”

In this episode, co-hosts Nicole and Danielle break down how blindly following influencers could actually be hurting your business instead of helping it. From viral “hacks” to recycled branding blueprints, we’re calling out the red flags and giving you a smarter way to grow.

💡 What We Cover:

• The current influencer culture:Why everyone’s an “expert” these days
• How generic advice can be misleading—or even damaging

Big mistakes entrepreneurs are making:

• Swapping foundational strategy for trendy shortcuts
• Copy-pasting someone else’s content or offer model
• Investing based on hype rather than actual need

Red flags to avoid:

• “I made $100k in a week!” posts
• Buzzword-heavy advice with no real data
• No proof of client success or sustainable growth

What to do instead:

• Vet your sources—who are they really helping?
• Match advice to your actual stage of business
• Learn from people who’ve built solid businesses with real receipts

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:

• What’s the worst business advice you’ve seen go viral?
• How can you tell if an influencer’s advice is relevant to you?
• Have we ever regretted following popular online advice? (Yes!)
• What filters do we use when deciding what advice to follow?
• Why is hype so much more tempting than strategy?

Closing Thoughts:

Influence doesn’t equal expertise.

It’s easy to get sucked into flashy success stories—but sustainable business growth comes from strategy, not shortcuts.

📌 CTA:Before you implement someone’s “proven strategy,” ask yourself—do they even know what stage you’re in?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USACEOs know that time is your most valuable asset.

That’s why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and free you up to focus on growth.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287📚

Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #ceomindset #entrepreneur #sales #salestips #virtualassistant #delegation #onlinebusiness #foundationalstrategy

🎙️ Episode 1 – Stop Looking for a Virtual Assistant to Do These Things

“Not every task belongs on a virtual assistant’s plate—even if it's tempting to hand it off.”
In this debut episode, co-hosts Nicole and Danielle unpack the most common mistakes business owners make when delegating to a virtual assistant. Spoiler: if you’ve ever said “I just need someone to fix my business,” this one’s for you.

Setting the record straight:

• What a Virtual Assistant is—and what they’re not

• The difference between support and leadership roles

• Why your VA can’t be your fixer, executive, or business coach

Top tasks you should not delegate:

• Strategic planning and business model decisions

• Unsupervised hiring or firing

• Revenue-generating responsibilities without context or authority

• Team management or conflict resolution

• Developing your core offer, messaging, or sales funnel

Common misunderstandings we’ve seen:

• “I just need a VA to turn everything around.”

• The myth of the ‘super VA’ who can wear every hat

• Expecting results without providing leadership, systems, or training

Why this matters:

• Misalignment = wasted money, time, and high VA turnover

• VAs can be game-changers—when used properly

• Hiring the wrong role slows you down more than hiring no one at all

• What’s the most unrealistic task you’ve seen delegated to a VA?

• Why do business owners blur the lines between support and strategy?

• Have you ever delegated something that completely flopped?

• What should you do instead when you need strategic or executive help?

• What’s one key question to ask before hiring your next VA?

It’s all about alignment.
If you’ve been burned by VA support in the past, don’t write off delegation—just get clear on what should be on someone else’s plate.

📌 CTA:
“If you’ve been disappointed by a VA before, it might not have been their fault—get clear on your needs first.”

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio
👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:
https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#virtualassistant #delegation #businessoperations #ceomindset #businesspodcast #businesstips #entrepreneur #teamgrowth #virtualassistantservices #smartdelegation

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA🔗

To continue our VA Series - Join us as we dive into the world of Virtual Assistants a bit more! This episode, Virtual Assist USA chats with Amber L. Gray, Founder & CEO of Trusty Oak, about how to effectively integrate a VA into your existing team and foster a cohesive work environment. ✨ Discover: The importance of hiring based on core values How to treat your VA like a vital team member Tips for proactive collaboration that boosts productivity This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more. www.trustoak.com Connect with Nicole and Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/ Not Your Average CEO book: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt #businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, we're diving into a powerful discussion about the essential soft and hard skills that strong leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs need to thrive in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned CEO or just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, there's something in this conversation for you. We'll be asking key questions like: What’s the first piece of advice for entrepreneurs? How do the needs of veteran CEOs differ from those of new business owners? And as one of the top leaders in 2024, what qualities are essential for every leader to possess? Plus, we’ll leave you with actionable tips you can start implementing right away to improve yourself, your business, and your company culture. Tune in for insightful strategies and real-world advice that can help you lead your business to success.This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more.

Connect with Nicole and Danielle:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/

Not Your Average CEO book:https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

More about Amanda: Website: https://www.skintegritymedspa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-lemmage-4a388683/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alemmage/Featured as a top 5 leader on USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2024/04/12/top-leaders-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/73305701007/Fox21: https://www.fox21news.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/720486355/congratulations-to-skingevity-med-spa-owner-on-being-named-one-of-8-visionary-women-setting-new-standards-of-success/

#businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation

Obsessed with success!” This week on the Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, we’re sitting down with Steven Blue, a CEO with 26 years of experience, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. He shares how keeping a close eye on key metrics is the secret to staying ahead. No, you can’t run a company with your eyes closed—being obsessive about the details is what keeps things moving smoothly! Tune in to hear his take on margins, cost structures, and why staying on top of the numbers makes all the difference! Steven feels, being Not Your Average CEO means being the CEO your employees need, not the traditional CEO history has taught us. I'll give you an example - Most leaders think conflict is a bad thing. They avoid it at all costs. They are uncomfortable with it. When they hear it with their employees, they either cut it off or say “take it off line.” But conflict is not only not a bad thing, it is essential to all progress in an organization—and destructive if the organization ignores it. I encourage it. This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more. Connect with Nicole and Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/ Not Your Average CEO book: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt Connect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenblue More about Steven: Steven L. Blue, CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote speaker and has addressed audiences at Harvard Business School, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, The Safe America Foundation, Industry Week, The World Safe Summit, CEO Clubs International, and Medtronic Corporation. Steve is the CEO in residence at Winona State University and author of 5 books. He works with executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn how to maximize their company’s growth through fostering company culture and innovation. #businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation

Effective communication is the foundation of any successful working relationship, especially between a client and a virtual assistant! In this episode of the Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast (part of our VA Series), we discuss the importance of defining who leads communication. Michelle Dale, founder of Virtual Miss Friday and creator of 1nSourcing™, shares her expert insights on navigating tasks and projects while highlighting the power of clarity and proactive follow-ups. 🌟 Whether you're delegating or collaborating, understanding who takes the lead can make all the difference! Tune in this Friday for valuable advice that could transform your work dynamic. This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more. Connect with Nicole and Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/ Not Your Average CEO book: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt More from Michelle Dale: www.virtualmissfriday.com #businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation#NotYourAverageCEO #VirtualAssistant #Communication #Podcast #VAseries #MichelleDale #Leadership #ProjectManagement #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship

This week on Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, we sit down with Katie Smith from Wild Path Consulting to talk about the true role of marketing beyond just customers! Marketing isn't just a tool for your clients. It's a vital force that connects every department in your company. Katie dives deep into how marketing serves as the glue, making sure you’re not stuck in a silo, but instead actively listening and engaging with all teams to drive success across the board. Find out how marketing can make everything easier, more efficient, and help your company grow, starting from the inside out! Katie breaks down the secret to aligning marketing with the C-suite. How working directly with your CEO and CFO can turn your marketing strategy into a business powerhouse! No more following trends aimlessly! Learn how to tie your marketing plan directly to business goals and financial insight, and watch your company thrive! This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more. Connect with Nicole and Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/ Not Your Average CEO book: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesmithwildpath/ https://followthewildpath.com/ #businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation

For this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, we are joined by Chris Lautenslager to explore what it really means to create a healthier organization. Many businesses prioritize profit as the ultimate measure of success, but Chris shares why this model can actually be more unstable than it appears. We dive into what defines a truly healthy organization beyond just financial gain. Chris also discusses holistic practices that leaders can implement to foster better organizational well-being, and how companies can extend their positive impact on society. If you're looking to transform your business into a thriving, balanced, and socially responsible entity, this episode is for you! Key takeaways: The importance of intentional communication 🤝 Tips for fostering connections in remote teams 🌐 Insights on creating a supportive work environment 💡 This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Virtual Assist USA. CEOs know that time is our most valuable asset. That's why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on what matters most - growing your business. You can visit www.VirtualAssistUSA.com to learn more. Connect with Nicole and Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djc287/ Not Your Average CEO book: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt Connect with Chris: https://get-looped.com Get Looped Book: https://get-looped.com/our-products/prosperity-loop-book/ #businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #business #ceomindset #ceo #entrepreneur #revenge #sales #salestraining #salestips #virtualassistant #virtualassistanttips #virtualassistantservices #delegation