What would you tell yourself in your first year of business? In this episode, I’m sharing the conversation I wish someone had with me in year one. Lately my DMs have been full of questions from women just starting out: How do I get my first clients? I’m too scared to post! Do I need a personal brand?
So I’m taking you back to June 2019, when Matt and I bought what is now Benchmark Fitness and I was literally Googling how to run a business.

Back then I was so green. I thought everyone was watching me, I posted everything in black and white for our brand, and it took me quite a few years to invest in mentorship. Now, seven and a half years into owning Benchmark and supporting female entrepreneurs through 1:1 coaching, I’m sharing the six lessons I learned the hard way, so hopefully you don’t have to.

Listen to the episode for more on:
• Why nobody is watching you as closely as you think, and what a mastermind taught me about how I used to post social media
• Why your first offer doesn’t have to be perfect, plus a challenge to pick a date and take “messy imperfect action”
• Why confusion is expensive, and how noticing what people ask you for most can help you find your niche
• Why the money is in the DMs, and how one voice note turned into a new six month membership at Benchmark
• Why “your network is your net worth,” and the networking friendships we still have today
• Why rest belongs on the ingredient list for high achievers, even in “grind seasons”

I’m still navigating some of these myself (hello, rest!), but I don’t like to gatekeep what’s working. Pick the lesson that hit hardest and act on it this week! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know, and if you’re picking a launch date for that offer, tell me so I can hold you accountable!

Want to get right to it and work together? I only have a few spots left! Click Here and let’s uplevel your life!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Private Coaching
• BENCHMARK FITNESS
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

What do you do when a one star Google review hits your small business? I'm sharing the story of our first ever one star rating at Benchmark Fitness, from the moment the alert came in, to the conversation that turned it into five stars! Whether you're brick and mortar like Matt and I, or a solopreneur with a service or product, your testimonials, reviews and client feedback matter, and this one felt like a teachable moment.

For context, when we bought the gym in 2019 we inherited a really lousy Google rating, and I was toald by Google that those past reviews couldn't be removed. So I worked really hard for seven plus years to bring our rating up. Then one single rating, with no written review, knocked us down from a 4.9. I was so crushed! So tune in while I get into the situation and hear more about:

• Why giving yourself distance before you respond to a negative review helps you show up in the best possible way
• How having the conversation in person, instead of in writing, lets someone read your energy and your body language
• What it looks like to be direct and ask with clarity for exactly what you're looking for
• Why sharing openly, honestly and vulnerably before the ask can disarm a conversation that might feel slightly confrontational
• How leading with kindness and respect keeps it a "human to human interaction”

Business is always teaching us something, and this one reminded me how much more confident I've become at "asking for what you want." I only asked for the review to be taken down, and I got an even better outcome.

I'd love to hear what stood out to you, or how you handle customer feedback in your own business! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know!

Looking for some quality 1:1 coaching, with me? I only have a few spots left! Click Here and let's uplevel your life!

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• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Private Coaching
• BENCHMARK FITNESS
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

Is work-life balance really achievable, or is it a myth we've all been sold? In this episode, Matt and I get into why we've stopped chasing balance altogether and started embracing what we call “work-life harmony” instead. We talk about the seasons of running a business, choosing your stress instead of resenting it, and why giving yourself permission to define your own "enough" might be the most important mindset shift you can make as an entrepreneur.

We also share a few of our own behind-the-scenes moments (including one particularly memorable soap dispenser repair at Benchmark), why recognizing your own growth is so much harder than celebrating someone else's, and the sneaky way we all move our own goalposts without even noticing.

Tune in to hear more about:

• Why "work-life balance" is a myth, and what work-life harmony looks like instead
• The different seasons of running a business: grind mode, maintenance mode, and everything in between
• Why giving yourself permission to choose your stress changes everything
• How to define your own "enough," whether that's a dollar amount or a feeling
• Why we all unintentionally move our own goalposts, and how to notice your own growth
• Why having people in your corner to celebrate your wins matters so much

If you're a high-achieving entrepreneur craving real support and someone in your corner, it might be time to stop wearing every hat alone. High-achieving male entrepreneur? Matt's your guy @Matt_Arruda! High-achieving female entrepreneur? I'm your girl @AlliArruda Send us a DM on Instagram and let's see if 1:1 coaching is the right fit for you.

Want to get right to it and work together? I only have a few spots left! Click Here and let's uplevel your life!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Private Coaching
• BENCHMARK FITNESS
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok