Welcome to another episode of the Afterwork Entrepreneur Podcast! This week, Cathy E. Smith dives into the essentials of turning your business idea into a thriving venture. In Episode 60, you'll discover the power of the "three S's"—strategy, systems, and sales. Whether you're juggling a side hustle or dreaming of full-time entrepreneurship, Cathy E. Smith shares practical tips on building a solid foundation, automating processes to save time, and mastering your sales routine. Plus, get inspired to take action with step-by-step advice for mapping out your strategy, improving your systems, and boosting sales. If you're ready to create more options, freedom, and legacy in your business journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights directly from Cathy E. Smith to help you make it happen. Tune in for expert guidance and a special preview of exciting things to come!

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!

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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!

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Welcome to another episode of the Afterwork Entrepreneur Podcast! In this week’s show, host Cathy E. Smith dives into the essential topic of building an audience versus creating a community for your business. She breaks down the crucial differences between these two groups, sharing how audiences are about visibility and influence, while communities thrive on connection and transformation. Cathy walks you through practical steps to grow both audiences and communities from scratch—covering everything from choosing the right platforms, creating magnetic content, and authentic engagement, to running live events and accountability challenges. Whether you’re aiming to attract more eyes to your content or foster loyalty and true belonging among your followers, this episode offers actionable advice to help you find—and serve—your people. Tune in to discover which approach is the best fit for your business journey and how to get started today!

Welcome to another episode of the After Work Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Cathy E. Smith. In today’s episode, Cathy dives into how you can start and grow a profitable online business in the digital age—a topic that’s especially timely given the recent wave of early retirements, job losses, and the ongoing impact of the deferred resignation program in places like Washington, D.C. Cathy draws on conversations with professionals who have made successful career pivots, and she breaks down the essential first steps: identifying your niche, building a strong brand, creating reliable revenue streams, leveraging today’s powerful technology, and mapping out a clear business plan. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship out of necessity or passion, this episode is packed with thought-provoking questions and practical tips to help guide your journey. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to make your mark online!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the After Work Entrepreneur Podcast! Today, host Cathy E. Smith dives deep into the powerful—and sometimes uncomfortable—seasons of change that so many of us navigate. Whether you’re a new graduate anxious about entering the job market, someone re-entering the workforce after an unexpected job loss, or ready to pivot your career and rebrand yourself, Cathy shares practical insights and real-life examples to help you not just survive, but thrive. In this episode, you’ll discover how change, even when it’s unwelcome, can open doors to incredible growth and new opportunities. Cathy guides you through actionable steps—like clarifying your value, identifying transferable skills, and boldly updating your professional presence—to help you confidently build your next chapter. Tune in for encouragement, practical strategies, and the tools you need to start fresh, no matter where you are on your journey.

Welcome back to the After Work Entrepreneur Podcast, where corporate professionals learn to transform their side hustles into full-time freedom and fulfillment. I’m your host, Cathy E. Smith—Cathy with a C—and in today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the real reason people buy: emotion. Ever made a purchase you “just had to have”? That’s your emotions running the show! Today, we’ll explore how tapping into your clients’ deepest needs and desires—not just listing features—can make you a more effective, authentic seller. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to help you connect emotionally with your audience, use storytelling that sells transformation, and make sales feel less like selling and more like serving. If you’re ready to understand the true power of emotions in the buying process and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, this episode is for you.