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How do you know if your marketing is actually working or if you’re just guessing and hoping for the best? In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Betsy and I break down three practical ways to tell what’s really happening with your marketing without spiraling into overwhelm. We talk about why looking at analytics feels scary (and why it doesn’t have to be), how asking your customers a few simple questions can reveal more than any dashboard, and how to evaluate email and social media performance in a way that actually makes sense for small businesses. This episode is about replacing anxiety with information, guessing with clarity, and making marketing decisions that feel grounded instead of reactive. Links: Google Analytics (GA4)👉 https://analytics.google.comWebsite traffic, user behavior, pages, sources, conversions Google Search Console 👉 https://search.google.com/search-console Search queries, impressions, clicks, indexing, SEO health Links referenced in this episode: analytics.google.comscore.orgbemorebusiness.comyoutube.com/kimberlybeer Companies mentioned in this episode: CSI Saddle PadsWestern HorsemanGoogleGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Search ConsoleFacebookInstagramYouTubeRide the Sky Equine PhotographyBe More BusinessScore

Marketing isn’t a random act of posting when the mood strikes. In this episode, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird break down what it actually means to build a real marketing ecosystem. One that supports your business over time instead of draining it. They explore why social media is only a small piece of the puzzle, how to create repeatable marketing rhythms that your nervous system can tolerate, and how systems and automation can carry the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. This is a grounded, real-world conversation for business owners who want marketing that works with their life, not against it. Parts of a Marketing Plan (for reference): Executive SummaryMarket & Audience AnalysisCompetitive AnalysisValue Proposition & MessagingGoals & ObjectivesMarketing Channels & TacticsBudget & ResourcesTimeline & Campaign CalendarMetrics & MeasurementReview & Optimization Plan Metricool social scheduling tool affiliate link: https://f.mtr.cool/LUHXXL Links referenced in this episode: thebusinessanimal.comridetheskyequine.combemorebusiness.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Mona PlannerMacChatGPTMetricoolE. Myth RevisitedRide the Sky EquineBe More Business

In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird tackle a familiar frustration for entrepreneurs: why carefully planned work weeks fall apart the moment real life shows up. From migraines and puppies with a death wish to colicking ponies and recording gremlins, this conversation explores how to build a work week based on realistic energy, not wishful thinking. Kim and Betsy compare radically different temperaments, challenge productivity dogma like “eat the frog,” and share practical ways to audit your actual schedule without turning your life into a spreadsheet. You’ll hear why systems should support your nervous system, how boundaries protect your energy, and how AI tools can help you design a week that works with your temperament, your environment, and the chaos that comes with animal-centered businesses. If you’ve ever felt broken because traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for you, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical alternatives. https://thebusinessanimal.com Kim: https://bemorebusiness.com | https://liveinsynchronicity.com Betsy: https://ridetheskyequine.com

The Business Animal is officially back. And this time, it has two heads. After a yearlong hiatus, Kimberly Beer returns with a new co-host, Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine. Together, they’re ushering in a fresh evolution of the show that blends visionary thinking, grounded strategy, laughter, and real-world marketing wisdom for animal-based businesses. In this episode, Kim and Betsy introduce the new format, the return of the Big Three framework, and what listeners can expect moving forward. From sustainable marketing and realistic workweeks to AI as a practical business ally, this conversation sets the tone for what’s coming in 2026. If you run an animal-based business, or any small business built around creativity, service, and heart, this podcast is for you. Expect insight, honesty, humor, and the occasional rabbit hole… always tethered back to reality. New episodes drop every other Tuesday.

In this episode of The Business Animal Julie Cortes, the Freelance Rockstar, joins me to talk about the three Ts of becoming a badass in your own business. Julie is full of great, practical information and we share lots of good advice for both new and experienced business owners. About Julie: Copywriter by day. Freelance Rockstar by night. Julie Cortés lives, breathes, teaches, speaks, and coaches on all things creative self-employment. She’s run her own business for more than 25 years, is the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC, and created a much-needed college-level course, Freelancing 101, for the KC Art Institute, where she taught as an adjunct professor. Awarded dozens of times over for her work, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement, she’s regularly sought out for business coaching, media interviews, and speaking engagements. Julie is loving life, living out her passion for helping creative freelancers succeed. Reach out to Julie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelancerockstar/ https://www.instagram.com/freelancerockstar/ https://www.juliecortes.com/signup Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julie Cortez and Her Journey 07:58 The Importance of Mindset in Business 14:03 Training Yourself: Establishing Boundaries and Policies 21:05 Training Clients: Setting Expectations 27:10 Training Family and Friends: Creating Supportive Environments 35:18 Finding Freelancers: The Kansas City Freelance Exchange 38:54 Coaching Services: Supporting Self-Employed Individuals 40:57 The Role of Pets in Business and Life Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6SvNbQVXODE

This week I have a great conversation with storytelling professional Christa M. Hines of The Business Storytelling Studio. Christa has an amazing superpower to make your business' story come alive for your target market and customers. You'll learn about the importance of story in business, the components you should consider when telling your business story, and how to work with a content writer to build the stories that will impact the quality and quantity of customers you reach. Plus we weave a great Star Wars metaphor into the show! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Business Storytelling 01:33 The Role of a Content Strategist 05:14 Journey into Business Storytelling 08:14 Understanding Business Stories 11:15 The Customer as the Hero 14:21 The Hero's Journey in Business 20:25 Components of Effective Business Storytelling 24:15 Creating Anchor Content 30:30 The Value of Professional Writing 33:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life 35:30 Lessons from Animals About Christa: I partner with health and wellness entrepreneurs, coaches and executives to position them as industry thought leaders by creating strategic content plans and compelling marketing collateral. I deliver a variety of writing services ranging from website content, executive bios, articles, newsletters, ebooks, and white papers. With more than 25 years of experience working in whole-person healthcare, non-profit, B2B SaaS and magazine writing, I understand the critical role communication and storytelling play in creating meaningful, engaging content that supports business goals. In addition to my client work, I’m an award-winning writer, author and speaker. My work has appeared in numerous publications, including KC Parent, Vibrant Life, Pregnancy & Newborn, Parents, and Woman’s Day. I’m passionate about sharing information that helps people of all backgrounds achieve greater personal well-being, which can have positive ripple effects creating healthier families and stronger communities. Described by clients as a word-whisperer, I geek out on storytelling techniques and transforming lifeless business word jumbles into irresistible, captivating content that’s easy to understand. For fun, I enjoy trying out Kansas City’s many restaurants with my family, exploring nature trails with my sweet rescue mutt, going on solo writing retreats and consuming storytelling in all of its forms. Links: Christa's website: https://christamhines.com Christa's Substack: https://wordenergybychristamhines.substack.com/ Christa's contact: https://christamhines.com/contact/

Do you perform at 100% or 60% when working on your business? In this all important episode, Angie Wiley of You Are Strong and I have an enlightening discussion around your performance in your business and how you can show up at a higher level to increase the results in your business. About Angie: Angie inspires others to stop sitting on the sidelines and become a game-changer!  Angie was an industry leader for 22 years for a top medical device corporation, in sales and sales management. She and her late husband, Chuck, also owned their own small business during this time. In 2013 Angie followed her true calling to help athletes with their mindset and launched YOU ARE STRONG, alongside her full time family and career.  In 2014 Chuck was diagnosed with cancer, and from his new perspective, posed the question to Angie, “What are you waiting for?” After his passing in 2020, the question grew louder and Angie courageously stepped out of the corporate world in 2021 and began living her message: YOU ARE STRONG.  Her program has since helped thousands of athletes, sales professionals and business leaders take action resulting in personal and professional success.  Angie holds a B.S. in Education and Coaching, with a minor in Psychology.  You can find Angie at https://youarestrong.com The Chuck Wiley Athletic Foundation can be found at: https://chuckwileyathleticfoundation.com/

This episode is full of a lot of wisdom, laughter, and inspiration that will help you understand why and how to create systems in your business that move you toward achieving your goals and vision. My guest this episode is Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography who offers her amazing insight into how to develop systems that support your business. Along the way we'll laugh, share stories, and impart some great ideas. You'll also enjoy some interesting metaphors and at least one odd cat fact. ;-) About Betsy Bird: Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with her canine friends. Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Betsy is one of three Tennessee photographers elected to serve on the council of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN). Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, marketing and brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?) Betsy's Website: https://ridetheskyequine.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridetheskyequine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridetheskyequine You can also listen to The Business Animal Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast outlets.

In this enlightening episode you'll learn about various ways of becoming an entrepreneur — and don't shy away from listening even if YOU ARE an ENTREPRENEUR! This episode has some great takeaways about franchising, business acquisition, and much, much more. My guest, Sara Roy of the Entrepreneur's Source, is delightful and I know you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did. About Sara: Sara Roy is a dynamic Career Ownership Coach and Business Owner with The Entrepreneur's Source, empowering individuals in career transition to explore entrepreneurship as a viable path to achieve their goals. She specializes in providing no-cost education and coaching on entrepreneurial opportunities, including building passive income streams and diversifying investment portfolios. Sara's unique coaching approach begins with helping clients articulate their goals, values, and lifestyle aspirations. She provides education on business fundamentals, funding options, and alternative career pathways while offering a supportive space to overcome emotional barriers and embrace the possibilities of entrepreneurship. In addition to running her business, Sara is deeply involved in organizations that advocate for small business ownership, women entrepreneurs, and women in leadership. As a sought-after speaker, she inspires audiences nationwide on topics related to business ownership and franchising. Before becoming a business owner, Sara built a 20+ year corporate career in consulting, process improvement, program and project management, product management, and strategic planning. She also completed numerous executive leadership development programs and earned her MBA from St. Mary’s University. Sara resides in the Kansas City Metropolitan area with her three children. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences with her kids, whether attending sporting events, musicals, or concerts, or enjoying outdoor adventures together. For more information, email Sara at [email protected] Website: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/ Schedule an introductory call: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-roy-026a5840/ Testimonials: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/testimonials/

If you've heard of Feng Shui, you know it can be a powerful practice in drawing in the energy you'd like and moving away from the energy you don't want in your space and life. If you haven't heard of Feng Shui, and either of the above statements appeals to you, you're in for a treat in this episode of The Business Animal. Robyn Stevens join Kim for a discussion about Feng Shui practices and principles that you can apply in your business space that will reduce stress and set you up to attract what you've been seeking in your business. About Robyn Stevens: Certified Feng Shui expert Robyn Stevens transforms home and work spaces to help anyone wishing to attract more prosperity, joy, love and creativity into their life. Robyn is an entertaining and highly sought after speaker, TV guest and consultant who makes Feng Shui accessible and fun. Learn more at https://www.robynstevensfengshui.com. https://www.instagram.com/robynstevensfengshui/ https://www.facebook.com/robynstevensfengshui/

As this crazy year draws to a close, I believe we are all seeking to reduce the stress in our lives. Today, I interview Joanie Nicholas of All Things Organized who shares some great tips on how to reduce the stress in your life through organization that works for you! In her role as a Space Organization Expert Joanie Nicholas helps people live life with enthusiasm and clarity by decluttering, reimagining, and organizing their space. She approaches decluttering and organizing from a soulful place ~ recognizing the impact clutter has on every aspect of our lives. For over 25 years, Joanie has led people across the metro area in creating positive changes to their space, in ways that fit their lifestyle and personality. Joanie brings professional guidance, enthusiasm, empathy and humor to her hands-on work with each client. She loves sharing tips and tricks in group settings, where she can infect large numbers of people with her organizing energy! Visit Joanie's website: https://allthingsorganizedkc.com

You're a born problem solver! Yes! ... now let me as you this: Are you putting energy, time, money, and stress into solving problems you don't have? Is this helping you or holding you back?

Join me as I explore the topic of Stress Relief for Entrepreneurs and get ready for this month's Business Animal interviews!

In this weeks Three Thoughts for Thursday I share my thoughts around the importance of vision work for entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the Business Animal Podcast, I interviews Tiffany Sedorus of Valor Through Gestalt. Tiffany, a Veteran, has faced many challenges on her entrepreneurial journey. She openly shares about her experience in manifesting her dream property on which to build her business and an inspirational story of how we sometimes get exactly what we want and then find out it no longer fits the future vision. Tiffany's story is one that will show you dreams not only come true, but they change, morph, and continue to build as long as you're willing to follow the flow of energy and do your part to keep moving forward. Visit https://valorthroughgestalt.com/ for more information on Tiffany and Valor Through Gestalt Tiffany's story shared from her website: After more than 10 years in therapy, numerous anti-depressants, serious bouts of contemplating suicide thinking I would never fit back into life outside of that uniform, something had to give. I made up my mind that these demons needed to be laid to rest once and for all. I had met a woman who told me about the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method and how it didn’t involve riding or obstacles to work with the horse. I knew there had to be some merit to it because every time I showed up to the barn in tears, my horses carried me through the pain and I left a little bit better even if I was simply sitting in their stalls while they were eating. In January of 2019, I started on my own journey to my Equine Gestalt Coaching Certification. For the first time in my life, I have clarity. Not only am I sleeping better more often, my anxiety and fear, and depression are gradually finding their way out of my body and laying to rest in the sand in the arena with the help of my equine partners. I have, once again, become part of something so much bigger than me. The difference is that this time, it’s working for the good of humanity without the use of force and bullets. A little bit at a time, I have healed and am continuing to heal in a way I never thought possible. Now, my ultimate life mission has become clear: Walk with my fellow veterans on their own healing path and encourage my horses to help provide them with the clarity they need in their own lives. I'm determined to leave no soldier or their family behind. I will partner with my horses and encourage them to do what they do best and show each person the strength and support they need. I'll never experience what happened at home during the 14 months I was gone; I will never be able to look back without the memories of my deployment; I will never know what life would be like without the military being part of my story. Relaizing that I am now OK with these things. I know that I can move forward despite my history. I know that deep down, I did what I needed to when I needed to and my life is better for those decisions.