Welcome to another inspiring episode of My After Work Entrepreneur Podcast! Today, host Cathy E. Smith dives deep into the essentials of market research and messaging to help entrepreneurs and side hustlers stop “shooting in the dark.” Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing business, Cathy covers the pros and cons of market research—from validating your ideas and identifying your ideal customer to spotting market gaps and minimizing risk. She also shares her insights on how to match your messaging with your audience’s readiness level, ensuring every cold, warm, or hot lead gets the right communication at the right time. Plus, Cathy offers actionable strategies and thoughtful reflection questions to help you connect with your target market and turn your expertise into a thriving business. Tune in for practical advice, examples, and quick wins you can apply this week to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey!

market research, business idea validation, target audience, competition analysis, demand for product, ideal customer, pain points, customer desires, market gaps, competitive advantage, pricing strategies, business positioning, risk reduction, marketing strategies, sales funnel, content messaging, traffic segmentation, brand consistency, ad spend ROI, cold leads, warm leads, hot leads, audience awareness, conversion rates, lead nurturing, funnel optimization, brand trust, customer interviews, core messaging, visibility platform, the after work entrepreneur

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the After Work Entrepreneur Podcast! Today, host Cathy E. Smith dives into a topic that’s especially timely: why you shouldn’t wait until you’re in crisis to start your Plan B. Too often, people are pushed into entrepreneurship by unexpected layoffs or burnout, scrambling to build something from a place of fear. Cathy challenges this reactive approach, explaining the power of preparing an intentional, income-generating backup strategy long before you actually need it. In this episode, you’ll learn how to get started on your own exit plan with practical steps, simple mindset shifts, and Cathy’s signature reflection questions. Whether you’re hoping to create more freedom or future-proof your finances, Cathy’s advice will inspire you to take action today—before life forces your hand. Stick around for all the insights and find out how you can join Cathy’s upcoming Plan B workshop or connect with her for one-on-one business coaching.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Afterwork Entrepreneur Podcast! In today’s show, your host, Cathy E. Smith, dives deep into the crucial factors you need to consider when hiring a business coach—especially if you’re a service-based professional or an after-work entrepreneur getting ready to scale your business or transition out of corporate life. Cathy shares practical tips on clarifying your goals, finding a coach with real-world experience in your industry, and making sure there’s a strong values and vision alignment. You’ll also learn how to assess coaching styles, accountability tools, and program structures to ensure you invest in the right support for your business journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, one smart move at a time. Tune in and get ready to take the next step toward your business freedom!

after work entrepreneur, business coach, hiring a business coach, developing a business, growing your business, side hustle, transitioning to entrepreneurship, service based professional, scaling your business, corporate to entrepreneur,