In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business growth strategist Maiko Sakai to dive into the key strategies expert-preneurs need to scale their businesses sustainably. Maiko shares her insights on finding the right balance with delegation—avoiding both hesitation and premature delegation—while emphasizing the crucial role that intellectual property (IP) plays in creating a leverageable business.

We explore how to develop unique frameworks, test and protect your IP, and transform your expertise into scalable assets. Maiko also breaks down how service-based business owners can structure their offerings to move beyond one-on-one work while still maintaining profitability. If you're looking to scale your business without burning out, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

• The Delegation Sweet Spot: Avoid being too hesitant or too aggressive in hiring; instead, build systems that allow for smart, sustainable delegation.
• IP as Your Growth Engine: Your intellectual property is your most valuable asset. Develop, test, and secure your frameworks before scaling them.
• Testing Before Scaling: Ensure your methodologies and frameworks are robust by stress-testing them before rolling them out widely.
• Creating Scalable Offers: Keep your 1:1 services as a stable revenue source while developing both a gateway product for new clients and a high-ticket offer for deeper transformation.
• Quizzes as a Lead Generation Tool: A well-structured quiz can help filter ideal clients and boost engagement.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Visit her website at MaikoSakai.com

📩 Free Quiz Blueprint: Download Maiko’s 10-Step Quiz Creation Blueprint on her website.

More About Our Guest:

Maiko Sakai is a quiz alchemist and business consultant who helps service providers attract ideal clients with psychology-driven quizzes—without the overwhelm. Using her Quiz Creation 10-Step Blueprint, Maiko transforms quiz-building into an inspiring, creative process that boosts email lists, builds trust, and delivers rave-worthy results. Her mission? To help small business owners turn their expertise into a scalable marketing tool that grows their visibility and revenue effortlessly. Originally from Japan and now a proud New Yorker, Maiko has an MBA from Cornell University, a love for ethnic cuisine, and a weakness for ultra-modern design and exotic houseplants.

Connect with Maiko Sakai:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into...

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I am joined by Anjel B. Hartwell, a seasoned business development strategist, to uncover the secrets of sustainable growth through authentic sales and relationship-building. Anjel shares her journey from corporate sales to helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships and personalized outreach.

We discuss how business development differs from traditional sales, the importance of cultivating genuine connections, and why a long-term mindset is key to success. Anjel also breaks down actionable steps for entrepreneurs and experts looking to expand their reach without feeling pushy or transactional.

If you're ready to rethink sales and build a business that thrives on meaningful connections, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• Business Development vs. Sales: Business development is about fostering long-term relationships, not just closing deals.
• The Power of Personalization: Generic outreach doesn’t work—craft messages that show you’ve done your research.
• Follow-Up is Key: Persistence and consistency build trust and increase conversion rates.
• Networking with Purpose: Focus on quality connections rather than mass outreach.
• Value-First Approach: Lead with value before asking for anything in return.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader's Guide To Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed – Get it on Amazon or download the free eBook.

🔗 Wealthy Life Readiness Quiz – Take the quiz here.

More About Our Guest:

Anjel B. Hartwell is an internationally known author, artist & evolutionary alchemist. A Be The Change “Movement To Watch” Award Winner and one of America’s Premier Experts, she’s appeared multiple times in major media. Creator, Executive Producer & Host of 14X Award Winning & Apple #1 Internationally ranked Wickedly Smart Women Podcast, 3X Award Winning Top 50 Internationally ranked Leading Visionaries Podcast, International Impact, Global Book & BookFest Award Winning author of Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny, she's hired to consult with high achieving visionary leaders who are called to be the Vanguard of the Creative Age.

Connect with Anjel Hartwell:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business coach and consultant Liz Wolfe to dive into the mindset and strategies essential for scaling a business. Liz shares powerful insights on overcoming business roadblocks, understanding value and profit, and optimizing resources for sustainable growth.

She also introduces her CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz, a tool designed to help business owners identify and leverage their unique leadership strengths. We explore the importance of aligning spending and investments with the right stage of business growth, making strategic outsourcing decisions, and navigating the challenges of marketing and customer acquisition.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or a business owner seeking clarity on your next steps, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset and Strategy: Why success requires both a clear vision and purposeful action.
• Smart Investments: How to balance costs and spending for long-term profitability.
• Outsourcing Wisely: When to delegate and when to do it yourself.
• Marketing with Intent: Why not every strategy works for everyone—and how to find what fits your business.
• Leadership Awareness: Understanding your unique leadership style to maximize business growth.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Liz Wolfe’s CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz – Take the Quiz Here

🔗 Liz Wolfe Consulting Website – lizwolfecoaching.com (Wolf with an "E"—as Liz says, "Wolfe’s the name, sheep’s the game!")

🔗 Infusionsoft (Now Keap) – keap.com (CRM & marketing automation)

🔗 BNI (Business Networking International) – bni.com (For networking and referrals)

More About Our Guest:

Liz Wolfe is a business coach, author, and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs to get unstuck so that they can launch and grow an abundant business. She got her entrepreneurial start growing up on a sheep farm in Western Pennsylvania with her mother and two sisters. Later she moved to NYC, where she created a successful computer consulting business with her husband, Jon. Eventually she transitioned out of the technology business to coach business owners to develop an abundance mindset. She recently launched a quiz on her website that helps you figure out whether you’re wired for business success.

Liz says that one of her greatest accomplishments is staying married to her husband for 28 years while running a business with him. Once aspiring to be a rock star, she now runs multiple bluegrass jams in New York City.

Connect with Liz Wolfe:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable...

Scaling a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about maximizing profit, optimizing systems, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cheryl Texeira, founder of the S.O.O Advantage, to discuss the strategies she uses to help businesses break through plateaus and reach the next level.

Cheryl has a background in IT, project management, and marketing, and she specializes in helping businesses—from startups to multi-million-dollar companies—streamline operations, optimize their messaging, and create sustainable growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Power of a Market-Dominating Position

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is failing to differentiate themselves. Cheryl explains how crafting a bold promise and a strong market-dominating position helps businesses stand out, attract more customers, and increase conversions—sometimes even before implementing any marketing assets.

🔹 Scaling Isn’t About Size—It’s About Profitability

Scaling doesn’t just mean hiring more employees or expanding for the sake of growth. Cheryl breaks down how solopreneurs and small businesses can scale by maximizing efficiency, cutting unnecessary costs, and ensuring every part of the business is working toward higher profits.

🔹 Mindset and the Role of Coaching in Business Growth

Many business owners unknowingly hold themselves back due to mindset hurdles. Cheryl shares her own experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and explains why working with a coach—or even a hypnotherapist—can be a game-changer in unlocking new levels of success.

If you’re looking to scale your business strategically, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize operations, refine your messaging, and increase profitability.

Listen to the full episode now and start scaling your expertise! 🎧 🚀

Resources Mentioned:

Small Business Profit Acceleration Simulator App

More About Our Guest:

Cheryl Texeira is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs unlock untapped growth potential by building efficient, high-impact systems. With a focus on boosting revenue and increasing profitability, Cheryl empowers business owners to generate sustainable success without sacrificing more time.

With years of experience in sales, marketing, business processes analysis and organizational change, Cheryl leverages a unique approach that combines proven strategies with data-driven insights, guiding her clients to achieve measurable growth. Her methods help entrepreneurs overcome common business barriers and reach new levels of success through proven, actionable steps.

Cheryl’s programs offer a blend of coaching and done-for-you services, catering to business owners who want either guided support or the independence of self-implementation. Her mission is to make business growth attainable and rewarding, enabling entrepreneurs to create businesses that offer both financial success and personal fulfillment.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website
• LinkedIn

I had the pleasure of chatting with Melanie Herschorn, founder of Big Impact Books, about how professionals—especially attorneys—can use books to build their reputation, attract clients, and scale their businesses. Melanie has a background in journalism, PR, and entrepreneurship, and she now helps experts turn their knowledge into powerful, reputation-building books.

We talked about how writing a book can be a game-changer for thought leaders, the biggest mistakes people make when approaching the process, and why books are an essential marketing tool rather than just a passion project.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

🔹 Writing a book doesn’t have to take years – Melanie breaks the process down into manageable steps, helping busy professionals get their ideas out of their heads and onto the page in just two hours a week.

🔹 A book is a lead magnet that works 24/7 – Instead of spending time answering the same client questions repeatedly, a book establishes authority and attracts pre-sold clients who already trust you before they even reach out.

🔹 Scaling requires systems, not just effort – Whether it’s writing a book or running a business, success comes from creating repeatable processes and leveraging other people’s expertise instead of trying to do it all yourself.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book but felt overwhelmed, this episode is for you! Listen now and take the first step toward scaling your expertise. 🎧🚀

Resources Mentioned:

📖📘 Your Big Impact Book: Learn more about Melanie’s process and get started at yourbigimpactbook.com

📅 Book a Call with Melanie: meetmelanie.vip

More About Our Guest:

Known for helping attorneys and professionals become bestselling authors and get positioned as experts in their practice area, Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist, she’s on a mission to empower new authors to make an impact and grow their income with their signature book.

With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book.

She earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California where she graduated first in her class. Melanie grew up in Canada, has lived on both US coasts and now resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and son, her dog Marty and her cat Phoebe.

Her award-winning book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube...

Marketing strategist and author Veronica Romney joins me to discuss how entrepreneurs can scale their expertise while building a brand that truly connects with their audience. With 17 years in marketing—from corporate roles to consulting and speaking—Veronica has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to scaling a business.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The Power of Identity Marketing – Veronica’s book, Identity Marketing, shifts the focus from selling products to aligning with the identity your customers aspire to. When your audience sees themselves in your brand, conversions follow.

✅ Scaling Starts With Proven Frameworks – Before turning knowledge into courses or products, test it through one-on-one services. Many entrepreneurs jump to scalable offers before refining their process, leading to unhappy customers and damaged reputations.

✅ The Future of Small Business Marketing – Consumers are more skeptical than ever, and aggressive scarcity tactics aren’t the answer. The real opportunity? Building trust through genuine, personalized experiences—something small businesses can do better than big corporations.

🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode and gain insights on how to take your marketing from “Buy This” to “Be This”.

🔗 Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn and Instagram (@V.Romney).

Resources Mentioned:

📖Grab a copy of Identity Marketing and explore bonus resources at identitymarketingbook.com.

More About Our Guest:

Veronica Romney is a certified master marketer, international keynote speaker, podcast host, and author with over 17 years of experience helping elite brands transform their marketing strategies. A former Speaker and Trainer for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, Chief of Staff at BossBabe, and Director of Marketing Suite Products for a $2B software company, she’s seen the industry evolve from every Angle. Veronica’s mission is to empower marketing teams to achieve record-breaking results while reigniting their passion for their work. When she’s not “making it rain,” she’s hosting the Rainmaker Podcast or wrangling her two man cubs in North Carolina.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celi Arias, an entrepreneur, business strategist, and creator of the Grown Ass Business Method. Celi has spent her life building, running, and fixing businesses—from launching her first venture as a kid to working as a COO in the startup world and coaching business owners to scale with confidence. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes, condense time, and build businesses that truly work for them.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation

🔹 Growth vs. Scale—Know the Difference

• Many entrepreneurs confuse growth with scaling. Growth increases revenue but often increases costs at the same rate. Scaling, on the other hand, allows you to increase revenue without a proportional rise in expenses.
• Not all businesses are scalable—understanding your business model is key before trying to "scale."

🔹 Mindset Meets Strategy

• Mindset is crucial, but it doesn’t fix broken pricing models or business structures. True business success requires the right balance between strategy, tactics, and mindset.
• Celi’s journey as a mindset coach and business strategist led her to combine these elements into a holistic framework that empowers business owners.

🔹 The Power of Intellectual Property

• To truly scale, you need intellectual property—a framework, process, or tool that can exist beyond you.
• Business owners who document their methods and create repeatable systems can remove themselves from day-to-day operations and increase long-term value.

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Join Celi’s free monthly business roundtable discussions

More About Our Guest:

Celi Arias is the CEO and Founder of The Grown Ass Business, where she guides entrepreneurs through her proprietary methodology, Key Growth Systems, to build strong business foundations. Recognized as a top coach by The Upside in 2024, Celi helps clients break free from revenue plateaus and burnout by focusing on core business principles over quick fixes. Her approach emphasizes clarity and control, optimizing essential business departments to ensure solid foundations for scaling up to seven figures and beyond.

With an impressive educational background, including two bachelor's degrees, an MBA, a Master of Divinity, and two additional certificates, Celi brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Her diverse experiences, from professional tango dancing to working in the fashion industry, coupled with her immigrant background from Argentina, have shaped her into a dynamic and passionate coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and realize their full potential.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn:

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I’m sitting down with Suzanne Tulien, founder of Brand Ascension and a self-proclaimed "brand clarity expert." With a deep passion for helping professionals uncover and articulate their unique value, Suzanne shares how she empowers businesses and solopreneurs to harness the power of authentic branding to stand out and scale.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Branding vs. Marketing: Branding is about defining how others perceive you, while marketing is how you communicate that brand. Without a clear brand, what are you marketing?
• Personal vs. Business Brand: For small businesses, personal and business branding often overlap. Suzanne explains how to align your unique traits with your business values.
• The Power of Niching: Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on a niche. The more specific you are, the bigger your opportunities become.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out Suzanne’s Personal Brand Presence course at personalbrandpresence.com or learn more about her work at brandascension.com.

I loved this conversation and hope it inspires you to define your brand and scale with clarity!

More About Our Guest:

For 30 years, Suzanne has been inspiring and driving personal & organizational brand alignment through internal brand definition, stakeholder engagement, process & customer service alignment.

Suzanne is co-pioneer of the proven, step-by-step, Brand DNA methodology & transports her clients & audiences into a refreshingly brand-conscious, authentic and inspiring way of being.

As co-author of Brand DNA: Uncover Your Unique Genetic Code for Competitive Advantage, & author of Personal Brand Clarity, she is helping to pave the ‘alignment highway’ for business growth through conscious, internal brand definition and coherence. As a dynamic, high-energy speaker and certified trainer in accelerated learning methodologies, Suzanne is leading business growth with advocacy, intention, engagement & purpose.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Charity: Sue's Gift

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production