Feel like you're playing small, even when you know you’re capable of more?

This episode is your reminder (and your permission slip) to stop second-guessing your big ideas and start showing up with the boldness your business deserves.

Whether you’re afraid to raise your prices, hesitant to launch that new offer, or stuck in the weeds of client work, wondering, “Is this all there is?” I’ve been there. And I’m walking you through the mindset shifts and marketing moves that helped me break through that negative Nancy noise.

Inspired by a powerful retreat I attended in May, a big leap I’m taking in 2026, and a conversation that made me say “Watch me,” this episode will challenge you to ditch the doubts and reclaim your confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• The question every entrepreneur should be asking to avoid staying stuck

• Why some of your self-doubt isn’t even yours to carry, and how to let it go

• What to do when a client outgrows you (and why that’s a win)

• The truth about launching new offers and pricing your worth

Resources

• Get on the waitlist (or join!) the Social Media & Marketing Masterclass!

• Ready to map out your own big goals? Book a 90-minute strategy session to get unstuck and clear on your marketing

• Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date!
  
  
  

Love this episode?
Make sure you’re subscribed to Stop the Scroll so you never miss a mindset or marketing breakthrough. And if today’s episode spoke to you, take a minute to leave a 5-star rating or review—it helps more entrepreneurs find the clarity and confidence they need to grow.

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

What do you do when you’re fully booked and burned out, but still want to grow your business?

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m joined by strategist and Kajabi expert Jen Howat to talk about what it really looks like to scale your business with purpose. Whether you’re building a course, considering a membership, or testing out a group program, Jen breaks down the real strategy behind turning your 1:1 expertise into a scalable, sustainable offer that fits your life and your goals.

From her background in ministry to building thriving digital programs for service-based entrepreneurs, Jen shares practical guidance on how to expand your income and impact, without losing yourself in the process.

Episode Highlights

• The signs it’s time to create a digital offer (and what type might be best)

• The difference between a course, a membership, and group consulting offer

• Why “launching and crickets” is normal, and what to do next

• The #1 cause of overwhelm in online programs (and how to avoid it)

• Why defining your ideal customer and the transformation is key to success

• How to repurpose your framework into scalable content

• Why done is better than perfect

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Stop the Scroll and leave a review! Your support helps more entrepreneurs simplify their marketing and show up with purpose.

Resources Mentioned

• Jen’s website

• Jen’s podcast: My Entrepreneurial Life

• Follow Jen on Instagram

• Free resource: [Top Mistakes Course Creators Make]

• Get on the waitlist for Heidi’s upcoming Masterclass

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, how would you connect with your audience? 😬

It’s a question more business owners need to ask themselves — because relying solely on rented platforms like social media is risky. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m diving into the one platform you actually own — and the one that consistently delivers the highest ROI in marketing: your email list.

I’m breaking down why email is not dead (spoiler: it’s thriving), how to create personalized newsletters that get results, and how to start building or rebooting your email strategy today — without burning out your list or yourself.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been ghosting your email list (no judgment here), this episode will give you actionable steps to create emails your audience wants to open.

Episode Highlights

• Why email marketing still delivers the best ROI

• What rented platforms (like Instagram) can’t offer you—and what email can

• How to write a newsletter that builds real relationships

• The simple structure I use for writing emails that get replies and conversions

• Why consistency beats frequency (and what Jay Schwedelson says about it)

• Tips for writing skimmable, actionable content your audience will actually read
  
  
  

If this episode helped shift your thinking about email marketing, share it with a friend and leave a review! It helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you — and keeps this show growing.

Resources Mentioned

• Join the Waitlist for the Social Media & Marketing Masterclass

• Watch the Free Social Media Strategy Simplified Workshop

• Get on My Email List (And See the Strategy in Action!)

• Let’s Plan Your Newsletter Strategy in a 1:1 Session

• ConvertKit (my preferred email platform)

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Let’s be real: for many small business owners, bookkeeping feels like a necessary evil - a box to check for taxes, a task to avoid until it's urgent. But what if your financials could actually become your secret weapon to business growth?

This week, I’m joined by Gala McCray, founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial services firm that supports creative and service-based entrepreneurs. We’re diving deep into why financial clarity isn’t just about taxes or compliance, and how it’s a core leadership tool that helps you make bold, strategic decisions with confidence.

From recognizing the true cost of servicing a client to knowing when (and how much) to invest in marketing, Gala shares actionable tips to help you shift from “doing” to leading. Whether you're just getting a handle on your numbers or ready to scale, this episode will empower you to own your role as CEO.

Episode Highlights:

• Why shifting from “doer” to decision-maker changes everything

• The core financial reports every entrepreneur should review monthly

• How to stop being “gun-shy” with money and start making empowered decisions

• What marketing KPIs you should track and how to actually evaluate ROI

• How a CEO mindset and diversified income transform your ability to grow

• The truth about how much you should be spending on marketing

If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review. It helps Stop the Scroll reach more entrepreneurs like you — and keeps the insights coming your way each week.

About Gala

Gala McCray is the founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial services firm helping service-based entrepreneurs elevate their financial operations with strategic bookkeeping, cashflow clarity, and executive-level advisory. With nearly two decades of experience in operations and financial management across corporate, nonprofit, and creative sectors, Gala blends precision with care to deliver peace of mind—because luxury, to her, means knowing your numbers are working as hard as you are.

As a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor and financial thought partner to agencies, consultants, and creatives, Gala empowers business owners to make bold, confident decisions rooted in clarity and control. Her signature framework—Consistency, Comfort, and Confidence—has become a trusted roadmap for clients ready to scale sustainably and lead like CEOs.

When she’s not transforming spreadsheets into strategy, Gala can be found championing financial empowerment through masterclasses, podcast appearances, and her blog series The Art of Bookkeeping.

______________________________________________________________________

Connect With Gala

• Gala's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/galamccray/
• Follow Gala on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/twoar

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Feeling overwhelmed with content creation? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly where AI can step in (without making your brand sound like a robot).

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I actually use AI tools like ChatGPT, CastMagic, and Descript to save hours in my weekly workflow, without losing the authentic voice that connects with my audience. From batching posts and writing emails to refreshing stale captions and repurposing podcast content, I’m sharing real prompts, practical tips, and a few cautionary tales.

Whether you’ve dabbled with AI or you’ve been too intimidated to start, this episode will help you use it with more strategy, more creativity, and way less stress.

Episode Highlights:

• How to prompt AI tools to sound like you (and not like a robot)

• The exact prompts I use for repurposing, optimizing, and batching content

• How I use ChatGPT, CastMagic, Descript, and more

• A behind-the-scenes look at how I use AI for my podcast, emails, and content strategy

• Tips for protecting your voice, editing AI-generated copy, and staying authentic

• What AI can do—and what it can’t (and shouldn’t) replace

If you found this episode helpful, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Stop the Scroll on your favorite podcast app. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a quick review—those stars and kind words help more entrepreneurs discover the show, and it keeps this podcast going strong!

Resources

• CastMagic – Podcast automation tool - https://get.castmagic.io/oacvbm1jghvp

• Descript – Video editing + transcription - https://www.descript.com/

• AI Content Quickstart Workshop hosted by Chrissy Rey - https://websitesuccessacademy.com/event/ai-content-quickstart-june-2-2025/

• How to Create Your Own Action Figure Trend - Your Social Club - https://yoursocial.team/blog/how-to-create-your-own-ai-action-figure-doll-trend

P.S. I’m opening up space for new done-for-you and consulting clients starting in May. If you're ready to take your marketing to the next level without burning out, book a call with me!

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Tired of pouring hours into Instagram with minimal return? Wondering why your social posts aren’t turning into paying clients? Here’s the truth most digital marketers won’t tell you: social media can’t be your only strategy.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve actually grown my business. Hint: it’s through in-person connections, referrals, and showing up offline just as much as I do online.

If you’re a service-based business owner looking for real, sustainable growth (and not just chasing the algorithm), this episode will show you how to bring the human connection back into your marketing, and why that’s the key to long-term success.

You’ll walk away with practical, low-pressure ways to network (even if you’re introverted), how to turn coffee chats into clients, and how to use offline moments to strengthen your online presence.

Episode Highlights:

• Why word-of-mouth and referrals still outperform ads for many service providers

• How to reframe networking as relationship-building, not sales

• Easy networking tips for introverts (spoiler: bring a wing person!)

• How to follow up after an event (and why that matters more than your first impression)

• Creative ways to incorporate offline networking into your online marketing strategy

Resources

• Leading Lady Facebook Group
• Episode 29 featuring Lauren Najar and Authentic Lead Gen Strategies
• Taste of Pasadena – May 15, 2025 – Hosted by the Pasadena Business Association
• Coffee News Maryland
• Want help with your own marketing strategy? Schedule a discovery call
  
  
  

My Challenge to You…
Make it a goal in Q2 to attend one local networking event. Not sure where to go? Start with your local Chamber of Commerce, small business groups, or ask me! I’ll go with you if you’re local and need a networking buddy.

Enjoyed this episode?
Be sure to subscribe to Stop the Scroll on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new episode. And if today’s conversation gave you something to think about, consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover the show, and helps me continue creating episodes that truly support your growth.

P.S. I’m opening up space for a few new done-for-you and consulting clients starting in May. If you're ready to take your marketing to the next level without burning out,

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

What if you could skip the most common mistakes new business owners make—and fast-track your growth with real, hard-earned lessons?

In this episode, I’m sharing what five years of running Heidi Schmidt Creative has taught me about pricing, systems, scaling, marketing, and mindset. Whether you're in year one or year ten, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you run your business like a confident, clear-headed CEO and not just someone stuck in survival mode.

If you're tired of flying by the seat of your pants and ready to take control of your growth, this episode is your roadmap.

Episode Highlights:

• Why pricing yourself correctly can make or break your business—and how to stop undercharging

• What your marketing funnel really needs to convert leads into paying clients

• The role of multiple revenue streams in creating stability and freedom

• How burnout shows up and what it’s telling you about when to outsource or grow your team

• The mindset shifts that helped me stop playing small and start leading my business with intention

If you found this episode helpful, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Stop the Scroll on your favorite podcast app. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a quick review—those stars and kind words help more entrepreneurs discover the show, and it keeps this podcast going strong!

Resources

• Schedule a Strategy Session - https://heidischmidtcreative.hbportal.co/schedule/62e348c67a8c031e4271ea5f
• Join my Email List to learn when our Marketing Masterclass/Membership is kicking off
• Notion (a business Must!) - http://notion.so
• Two Arrows Bookkeeping - https://twoarrows.co/
• Leading Ladies - https://leadinglady-coaching.com/

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

One year. 53 episodes. Countless lessons.

This episode is a raw and honest reflection on what I’ve learned after a full year of showing up consistently to record Stop the Scroll. It’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s exactly what I wish someone had told me before I started.

If you’ve ever thought about launching a podcast (or blog, YouTube channel, newsletter…whatever your version of showing up is), this one’s for you. I’m talking through the lessons, the systems that saved me, and how messy action is the only way forward.

And YES, I’m getting vulnerable and a little bit in my feels because this podcast has been a game changer for me AND my business.

If you’ve been here since episode 1 or you’re brand new, THANK YOU. I’m so grateful you're along for this ride.

Episode Highlights:

• Why I launched a podcast and the accountability that made it possible

• The marketing muscle of consistency—and why it's not just a mindset

• The importance of not letting perfect be the enemy of good

• How batching, planning, and Airtable keep this show running and the tools I use to make it easy

• The wild (and amazing) growth I’ve seen on my website and email list since launching

• What I'd do differently (spoiler: not much—because messy action wins)
  
  
  

Go ahead and subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a single episode. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love if you left a review, shared it with a friend, or sent me a DM with your favorite takeaway. Here’s to year 2 of Stop the Scroll—and doing it messy.

Resources

• Learn about my upcoming Social Media & Marketing Masterclass (it’s a beta group so schedule a call to learn more and if its right for you!) https://www.heidijschmidt.com/contact-us-1
• Descript - https://web.descript.com/home
• My Podcast Manager - https://lizchapmanco.com/
  
  

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com