Episodios

  • remind them of no one: the book + the backstory [165]
    Aug 28 2025

    After 20+ years of carrying the dream of writing a book, I finally did it. But here’s the thing: Remind Them of No One is not what you might expect. In this episode, I’m sharing why I wrote it, what it’s really not about, and three lessons from the writing process that apply to any big dream you’re chasing.


    Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, launching a new project, or finally saying yes to the thing you’ve been sitting on—this episode is for you.


    What You’ll Hear in This Episode:


    Why I finally sat down to write the book (after decades of waiting).


    The moment my editor caught a big miss (yes, I forgot one of my kids 😳).


    Why resistance is actually a good sign when you’re chasing a dream.


    How clarity shows up once you start moving—never before.


    A cheat code you can apply right now to take one imperfect step forward.


    Links + Resources:


    Grab Remind Them of No One on Amazon (available August 20). https://a.co/d/23D1Sht


    Come celebrate at the launch party on September 11 — RSVP here. https://tenapettis.myflodesk.com/booklaunch

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    26 m
  • going to the chapel, and we're, gonna start a business. with Sarah Ball [164]
    Feb 9 2025

    In this episode of Tena Talks, we introduce Sarah Ball, a dynamic entrepreneur, owner of Snø Hill Chapel in Ellsworth, WI and co-founder of the ORIGIN Marriage Ministry (with me!). Sarah shares her inspiring journey, from her background as an ER nurse and health coach to her passion for event planning, community building and simply loving people well. She reveals how her dream of owning a little white chapel became a reality with Snø Hill Chapel, a historic Norwegian church transformed into a vibrant event center.


    Sarah and Tena discuss their shared passion for supporting marriages through ORIGIN Marriage Ministry, which hosts regular date nights to foster connection and intimacy among couples. They also touch on the serendipitous way they met through their mutual therapist, highlighting the power of unexpected friendships.


    This episode is the first in a series featuring Sarah, where she will delve deeper into her vision for Snø Hill Chapel and our shared mission with ORIGIN . Tune in for an uplifting conversation about turning dreams into reality and the importance of community and friendship.


    Sarah (Englund) Ball • www.instagram.com/sball1180

    Snø Hill Chapel • www.snohillchapel.com + www.instagram.com/snohillchapel

    Tena Pettis • www.tenapettis.com + www.instagram.com/tenapettis

    Origin Marriage Ministry • www.instagram.com/originmarriage

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    49 m
  • can coffee build your biz? [163]
    Jan 25 2025

    Tena Pettis is back! After a long break, Tena returns to the podcast, sharing how amazing it feels to hit the record button again. This episode dives into the magic of networking—specifically the unintentional yet impactful connections that happen in coffee shops. Tena shares personal anecdotes, lessons from her dad’s networking skills, and why face-to-face interactions can’t be replaced.

    Discover how your favorite local spots can become community hubs, fostering authentic relationships that support both personal and professional growth. Plus, hear how Tena uses these interactions to create meaningful connections for her business while reminiscing about her journey from small-town Minnesota to vibrant coffee shop communities.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. The Return of the Podcast: Why Tena decided to restart and how her listeners motivated her comeback.
    2. The Essence of Networking: Moving beyond traditional networking events and business cards to create authentic, organic connections.
    3. Coffee Shop Magic: Why coffee shops are the perfect spaces for building community and fostering relationships.
    4. Lessons from Tena’s Dad: How her father’s approach to networking—whether at the grocery store or local watering holes—inspired her to embrace face-to-face connections.
    5. Practical Tips for Networking: How to turn everyday interactions into opportunities for growth.
    6. The Value of Local Spaces: The role of familiarity, intentionality, and community in creating strong networks.

    Notable Quotes:

    • “There’s nothing that replaces in-person connections—seeing someone’s face, their expressions, and being able to give them a hug.”
    • “Coffee shops are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re hubs of community and connection.”

    Connect with Tena:

    • Instagram: @tenapettis
    • Website: www.tenapettis.com

    Join the Conversation:
    Are you excited about Tena’s return? Have you experienced the magic of organic networking? Share your thoughts and coffee shop stories on Instagram or leave a comment on the podcast page.

    Episode Challenge:
    Find a local coffee shop, strike up a conversation, or reconnect with an old friend. See how the power of small, intentional interactions can create big impacts in your life and business.

    Start brewing your favorite coffee, grab your notebook, and tune in to this heartwarming and actionable episode!

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    17 m
  • the entrepreneur's dilemma: working on vs. in your business. [162]
    Oct 19 2023
    hi, my friends! Welcome back to another episode of "tena talks" I'm Tena Pettis, and today, we're diving deep into a topic that's close to every entrepreneur's heart – finding that delicate balance between working in your business and working on your business. We'll define these terms, uncover their significance, and explore how you can shift your focus for long-term success.

    So, let's get right to it. What do I mean by "working in" and "working on" your business? Working in your business involves the daily grind – those tasks like fulfilling orders or providing services. In contrast, working on your business entails activities like creating new programs, updating your website, and crafting marketing content that drive future growth.

    Now, let's tackle the big question – why is this dilemma so important? Working in your business often means immediate cash flow – it's the essential lifeblood of your operation. However, working on your business is an investment in your future, where you'll see cash flow later. The work you're doing today might not yield results for 3-6 months, but this typically applies to the work done when you're working on your business.

    So, how do we make that shift in focus? Here's a three-step plan:

    1. Choose one pivotal aspect of your business to work on right now – something that will bring you a concrete win.
    2. Dedicate specific time in your schedule to these critical tasks. Making working on your business a priority is essential.
    3. Paint a vivid picture of what these efforts will achieve when they're completed. Visualize the impact and benefits they'll bring to your business.

    To bring this dilemma to life, let me share a few real-life examples of times I've successfully shifted my focus from working in to working on my business:

    • Productivity Retreats: These retreats allowed me to step away from the daily grind and focus on strategic planning and growth.
    • "Fall in Love with Twitter" Online Course: Taking 3 days to write, design and launch a new online course.
    • "Contagiously Confident" Program: Creating this program not only generated income but also expanded my brand's reach and reputation.
    • "FLOW" Group Membership: One week to pull together an idea and create an entire community. Here is more information on this current membership: www.tenapettis.com/flow

    So there you have it, my friends – the entrepreneur's dilemma, working on versus in your business. It's a challenge we all face, and by understanding the distinction and taking deliberate steps to shift your focus, you can pave the way for long-term success and sustainability. Thanks for joining me today on "tena talks". Be sure to subscribe for more insightful discussions on the journey of entrepreneurship.

    - tena pettis
    www.tenapettis.com
    www.instagram.com/tenapettis
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    16 m
  • do you have a parent coach? [161]
    Sep 7 2023

    I interrupt this somewhat mostly biz podcast to shed some bright lights on parenting. If you are a mama or dad to littles (meaning, anyone that lives in your house rent free) -- this episode will surely be a breathe of fresh air for you. I have had a coach in nearly every area of my life, but a parent coach was not one of them. When I met Pam (my guest today) I just knew I had to learn more about her practice and message.

    Pam Thompson is a Certified Parent Coach with Connected Families who specializes in grace, truth and hope. She has 4 messages she wants every parent to be able to learn and implement for themselves and their kids:

    1. You are safe with me.
    2. You are loved no matter what.
    3. You are called and capable.
    4. You are responsible for your actions.

    The details she goes into on this episode about these 4 messages are ones you will want to write down!

    I cried. It doesn't happen often, but when it does -- you know it. This topic of parenting is a tough one for me. We have had our fair share of 'I knew that happened... but not to me or my kids'. Thankfully I've never been the parent to say 'my kids will never...' phew, cause that was most certainly a close one. We have walked thru much of it really messy with a lot of sorry's and I love you's. These messages from Pam have been so helpful to truly bring grace, truth and hope to our home.

    You can contact Pam on her website www.cordsofhopecoaching.com or email cordsofhopecoaching@gmail.com

    - tena pettis
    www.tenapettis.com
    www.instagram.com/tenapettis

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    38 m
  • getting some hate? here's 4 tips to grow from it. [160]
    Aug 31 2023
    So, let me dive into how I handle all that negativity and hate that can sometimes creeps into the biz journey. It's a real game-changer when you can pinpoint whether it's coming from within you or those external sources. Just recently a client came to me and asked how to handle some real negative vibes from her own family, believe it or not. Can you imagine? I made sure to drive home the point that understanding their perspective doesn't mean you sacrifice your own uniqueness.

    It's not always easy, but I attempt to keep my focus on personal growth and development, reminding myself not to take things personally. AND »» Speaking of growth, I can't stress enough how vital it is to surround yourself with the right people for advice. You know, those go-to folks who've got your back and won't lead you astray. Ahem... I am that person for many and happy to be yours!

    I've def had my fair share of 'haters gonna hate' situation and this podcast episode I share stories (yes, the hate ones) and how I grew from them!

    So, if you're on this journey and want to ride the wave of negativity to growth, I'm all ears. And hey, let's keep this convo going – catch me on social media, and we'll dive even deeper.

    - tena pettis
    Business + Marketing Coach
    www.tenapettis.com
    www.instagram.com/tenapettis
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    13 m
  • 3 ways to effectively use AI in your business today. [159]
    Jul 25 2023

    A quick run-thru of what is AI and HOW can you effectively use it in your business right now!

    Step One: Sign up for https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

    Step Two: Soak up all the awesomeness in this episode where I walk thru how to write or edit your bio for anywhere online, create social prompts and long form marketing using AI.

    Ready - Go!

    - tena pettis

    Would love if you joined F L O W » Reveal Your Brand, Create Your Systems + Attract Your Ideal Clients www.tenapettis.com/flow

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    17 m
  • are you doing your life's work? with Ivan Amssan [158]
    Jul 18 2023

    Ohhhh how I love interviewing incredible humans! I knew from the moment I met Ivan Amssen, I was going to really like him. He wooooed an entire wedding invite list and truly captivated the room -- I mean, second to the bride of course.

    But seriously, Ivan is a good time and is extremely passionate about his life's work, photography. It's real hard to sum him up as JUST a photographer though, take a listen and I think you will understand!

    The question is, are you doing your life's work?

    Let's dive in.

    You can find Ivan here: https://ivanamssanphoto.com/
    and my fav place, here: https://www.instagram.com/ivanamssan

    - tena pettis
    www.tenapettis.com

    P.S. let's continue the convo on the gram: www.instagram.com/tenapettis

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    37 m