12 | How to Find Your Online Biz Bestie Cheerleader: Stay Motivated and Grow Your Business

Marketing, Mindset, Podcast

Two girls one on a apple acbook pro laptop in a white sweater and the onther has a notebook with a pale pink sweater.

How to Find Your Online Business Bestie: The Key to Scaling Your Success

Building a business can feel isolating, especially when you’re working from home or navigating entrepreneurship alone. While team members and supportive partners play essential roles, having an online business bestie—a peer who truly understands your entrepreneurial journey—can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of a business bestie, how to find one, and why they’re a game-changer for your growth.

Why You Need an Online Business Bestie

1. Combatting Entrepreneurial Isolation
 As entrepreneurs, we often miss out on the camaraderie of coworkers. An online business bestie fills that gap, offering someone to share victories, challenges, and even day-to-day updates with. They understand the hustle and can relate to the struggles unique to running your own business.

2. Emotional Support and Accountability
 Unlike family members or friends who may not fully grasp the nuances of your work, a business bestie provides encouragement rooted in shared experiences. They hold you accountable—not like a coach pushing you to meet goals, but as a peer who reminds you of your potential.

3. Idea Sharing and Perspective
 When you’re deep in your business, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. A business bestie offers fresh perspectives and actionable ideas. Whether you’re planning a launch or refining your marketing strategy, they can point out blind spots and offer creative solutions.

Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Are you defining your target audience clearly? Is your branding consistent? Avoid spreading yourself too thin across platforms. Focus on a solid content strategy and regularly analyze your data. Learn to sidestep these common pitfalls at CMS25.

Claim your FREE ticket now!

Qualities to Look for in a Business Bestie

Not all relationships will turn into a thriving business bestie partnership. Here’s what to look for:

Shared Values and Ambitions:  Seek someone who takes their business as seriously as you do. Whether it’s marketing, content creation, or scaling, your priorities should align.

Complementary Strengths: Find someone whose skills and strengths balance yours. For example, if you excel at strategy but struggle with execution, a business bestie who thrives on implementation could be ideal.

Commitment and Energy: Look for a person who is reliable and excited to connect regularly. Consistency is key in building a relationship that fosters growth.

Where to Find Your Business Bestie

1. Online Communities and Coaching Programs
 Facebook groups, masterminds, and online coaching programs are rich with like-minded entrepreneurs. If someone’s comments or energy resonates with you during a live session, reach out to schedule a chat.

2. Networking Events and Conferences
 Both virtual and in-person events offer valuable opportunities to connect. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with someone who seems interesting or relatable.

3. Platforms for Networking
 Tools like Lunchclub make it easy to schedule one-on-one networking calls with other professionals. These platforms help you practice your pitch while discovering potential connections.

4. Social Media
 Instagram, LinkedIn, and even YouTube can be great platforms for finding people in your industry. Don’t shy away from sliding into someone’s DMs to start a genuine conversation.

Tips for Building a Strong Business Bestie Relationship

1. Start with a Casual Chat
 Don’t jump straight into asking someone to be your business bestie. Instead, schedule a casual 20-minute coffee chat to get to know them and their business.

2. Be Yourself
 Authenticity is essential. Let your personality shine so you attract someone who truly resonates with you.

3. Set Boundaries and Expectations
 Discuss how often you’ll connect and what the focus of your relationship will be. Whether it’s weekly brainstorming sessions or monthly check-ins, clarity avoids misalignment.

4. Diversify Your Network
 It’s okay to have multiple connections. Some people may serve as accountability partners, while others might be sources of inspiration or support.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Move On
 If a relationship becomes unproductive or draining, it’s okay to step back. Politely communicate changes in your schedule and shift your focus to other connections.

Real-Life Examples of Biz Bestie Dynamics

1. Peer-to-Peer Support

Jen and Cinthia, co-hosts of the Marketing Duo Podcast, built their business bestie relationship by connecting over shared values in marketing and content creation. They meet regularly to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and keep each other inspired.

2. Mentorship-Inspired Connections

You don’t need an official mentor to learn from someone. Many entrepreneurs connect with people they admire for informal lunches or occasional chats, gaining valuable insights without committing to a formal structure.

The Benefits of a Business Bestie

Having a business bestie transforms your entrepreneurial journey. They:

  • Help normalize challenges (e.g., unsuccessful launches happen to everyone!).
  • Offer fresh ideas and perspectives.
  • Provide accountability that feels empowering, not forced.
  • Inspire and energize you with their passion and work ethic.

Your Next Step

Now that you understand the importance of a business bestie, it’s time to find yours. Start by reaching out to someone in your network or scheduling a virtual chat with someone new. Remember, the goal isn’t just to find a peer—it’s to build a meaningful relationship that helps both of you grow.

Have tips or success stories about finding your business bestie? Share them in the comments below or connect with us on Instagram. Let’s inspire each other to thrive!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Why You Need an Online Business Bestie- The Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with words: How to Find Your Biz Bestie - The Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez
Pinterest pin with two women looking at a cell phone and words: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Biz Besties- The Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez
two women sitting in pink chairs talking to eachother and words: The Secret to Scaling Your Business- The Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez
two women one with apple macbook pro and the other a notepad with words: Why You Need an Online Business Bestie- The Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez

11 | Planning, Visioning, and Goals – Oh My! Setting Your Business Up for Success in 2025

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest pin with text: Year in Review 2024 + 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

As 2025 begins, entrepreneurs everywhere are setting intentions, reflecting on the past year, and strategizing for a successful year ahead. In our latest podcast episode, we explored the importance of planning, visioning, and goal-setting to build a sustainable and thriving business.

Here are the highlights from our conversation and practical tips to help you create a roadmap for success in 2025.

Lessons from 2024: Challenges and Wins

The past year presented unique challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. From economic uncertainty to increased scrutiny over expenses, business owners tightened their budgets and refined their priorities. While it was a tougher year to win new business, many entrepreneurs found that consistency and intentionality led to unexpected growth.

One key takeaway: hard work pays off over time. The snowball effect of years of effort often becomes apparent during challenging times. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent blog, repurposing content, or refining workflows, staying committed to your strategy builds momentum.

What Worked in 2024: Consistency and Focus

1. Content Creation

Consistently publishing weekly blogs, videos, and emails was a game-changer. Regular content not only nurtures your audience but also builds authority and trust over time. Many business owners found success by revisiting old content, repurposing it, and giving it new life.

2. Email Marketing

Email continues to deliver strong results. By nurturing your audience with consistent emails and valuable content, you can drive more engagement and conversions. Cleaning up email lists and maintaining a clear, intentional strategy made a noticeable difference.

3. Simplified Workflows

Breaking down processes and focusing on efficiency saved time and energy. By streamlining content creation workflows, business owners reclaimed hours that could be reinvested into growth-oriented activities.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Goals for 2025

1. Embrace Planning and Flexibility

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid. Instead of locking in an annual plan, consider setting high-level monthly themes and goals. This approach allows flexibility while providing a clear focus for each month. Use tools like Asana or Trello to centralize your plans and stay organized.

2. Prioritize Intentionality Over Hustle

2025 is about working smarter, not harder. Block out time for deep work, creative thinking, and rest. Schedule intentional breaks, family time, and even personal self-care activities like hair or lash appointments to create balance and clarity.

3. Commit to Selling

One of the most significant insights from last year was the realization that consistent selling drives revenue growth. Whether you’re launching a new service, offering an evergreen course, or promoting products, plan regular campaigns to keep your business top of mind.

Practical Steps for Planning in 2025

Start with Your Calendar

Begin by marking personal priorities, like vacations and family commitments. Then, add key business events such as product launches, campaigns, or live events. Use a large visual calendar for brainstorming, then translate it into your preferred digital tool.

Batch Content Creation

Dedicate two days each month to content planning and creation. Whether it’s blogs, videos, or social media posts, batching ensures you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Refine Your Offerings

Look at your services and products. Is there something new you’d like to launch? Could you refine an existing offering to make it more appealing or accessible? Focus on creating value and aligning your offerings with your audience’s needs.

Simplify Workflows

Evaluate your tools and processes. Are there areas where you can improve efficiency? For example, using project management tools like Asana can keep your team aligned and reduce the chaos of juggling multiple priorities.

2025: A Year for Intentional Growth

2025 is the year to lean into clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Whether you’re building on momentum from 2024 or starting fresh with new goals, the key is to create a system that works for you. Stay consistent, embrace flexibility, and don’t be afraid to refine your strategies along the way.

How are you planning for success in 2025? Share your goals and strategies with us on Instagram at the Marketing Duo Podcast, and let’s build a thriving community of business owners who support and inspire each other.

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: 2025 Marketing Trends for Entrepreneurs on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Balancing Creativity and Business Growth on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: How to Simplify Your Workflow in 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Creative Marketing Tips for Small Businesses on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Top Content Creation Tips for Small Businesses in 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

Here is more information that may be helpful!

How to Transform Influencer Marketing into a Customer Acquisition Powerhouse with Yuliya Gorenko

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest pin with text: How to Transform Influencer Marketing into a Customer Acquisition Powerhouse with Yuliya Gorenko on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez

In today’s fast-paced digital world, influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and drive tangible results. But how can businesses, including those with less glamorous products, thrive with influencer marketing?

Let’s dive into the insights shared by Yuliya Gorenko of Mishka Agency Agency on how to craft a successful influencer program that goes beyond awareness and becomes a powerful customer acquisition channel.

The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

Many believe influencer marketing is a modern phenomenon, but the concept has existed for centuries. Influencers have always shaped opinions, from local leaders to global celebrities. With the rise of social media, influencers now have a platform to reach millions worldwide. This shift has made influencer marketing a cornerstone for businesses looking to scale.

Why Businesses Should Leverage Influencer Marketing

At its core, influencer marketing capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers trust people they relate to more than ads. Collaborating with influencers—whether they’re niche micro-influencers or global powerhouses—can give your brand credibility, visibility, and, most importantly, sales.

Key Steps to Build a Winning Influencer Program

  1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve—whether it’s awareness, lead generation, or direct sales.
  2. Select the Right Influencers: Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Assess metrics like engagement rates, audience demographics, and previous brand collaborations.
  3. Provide Clear Guidelines: Outline the messaging and objectives while giving influencers creative freedom to connect authentically with their followers.
  4. Track Performance: Use custom URLs, coupon codes, or affiliate links to measure the success of your campaigns.

Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with a few influencers, analyze what works, and gradually expand your program based on data-driven insights.

Overcoming Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring Audience Insights: Ensure influencers’ followers match your target market in terms of location, age, and interests.
  • Lack of Tracking: Always track campaign performance through measurable KPIs.

Overpaying Influencers: Develop a fair compensation structure based on metrics like engagement rates and ROI.

TikTok Influencer Partnerships: Challenges & Opportunities

TikTok offers unique opportunities for brands to reach highly engaged audiences. However, challenges like fluctuating video views and platform-specific algorithms require brands to approach TikTok influencer campaigns strategically. Focus on storytelling, allow creative freedom, and consider performance-based compensation models to maximize ROI.

When to Hire an Agency

If you’re just starting out, you can manage influencer marketing in-house. But if you’re scaling or need expert guidance, an agency like Mishka can streamline processes, manage relationships, and help maximize your ROI.

Free Gift

Get your 1-hour free consultation.

Where to Find Yuliya:  

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: Avoid These Influencer Marketing Mistakes on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with text: Beginner’s Guide to Influencer Marketing on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with text: Maximize Your ROI with Influencer Marketing on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with text: TikTok Influencer Marketing Tips on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with text: Transform Your Influencer Marketing Strategy on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Pinterest Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest, Podcast

Pinterest Pin with text: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Pinterest Affiliate Marketing by Jen Vazquez Media

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest is a goldmine of opportunities for service providers, but only if you play your cards right. While it’s easy to get started, there are common mistakes that can sabotage your efforts before you see results. Let’s dive into the top 10 mistakes to avoid and actionable tips to help you succeed in Pinterest affiliate marketing.

1. Skipping Pinterest’s Rules

The Mistake: Jumping in without reviewing Pinterest’s policies on affiliate links can lead to account suspension.

The Fix: Read Pinterest’s Affiliate Guidelines to understand what’s allowed. Always disclose affiliate links in your pin descriptions with phrases like “This pin contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.” Transparency builds trust and keeps you compliant.

2. Using Low-Quality Images

The Mistake: Posting blurry or poorly designed pins that don’t catch anyone’s attention.

The Fix: Invest time in creating high-quality, vertical pins with eye-catching visuals and readable text. Use free tools like Canva to design professional-looking pins that stand out in the feed.

3. Ignoring Keyword Research

The Mistake: Not optimizing your pin descriptions, titles, or boards for search.

The Fix: Treat Pinterest like a search engine. Research keywords using Pinterest’s search bar, and incorporate them naturally into your pin titles, descriptions, and board names. This helps your content get discovered by the right audience.

4. Overloading Pins with Affiliate Links

The Mistake: Flooding Pinterest with affiliate links can look spammy and turn off your audience.

The Fix: Balance your affiliate pins with helpful, non-affiliate content. Share tips, ideas, or solutions that naturally lead to your affiliate links. Aim for a mix of value-driven and promotional content.

5. Not Creating Multiple Pin Designs

The Mistake: Relying on a single pin design for each affiliate link limits your reach.

The Fix: Create 3-5 pin variations for each affiliate product using different designs, headlines, and imagery. This keeps your content fresh and increases the chances of your pins being seen by different users.

Join the Pinterest Trends Challenge

Ready to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level? The Pinterest Trends Challenge is designed to help you discover and leverage the hottest trends on Pinterest to drive traffic and generate leads. Over the course of this challenge, you’ll learn how to identify seasonal and evergreen trends, create optimized content, and strategically pin to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re new to Pinterest or looking to refine your strategy, this challenge will give you the tools and insights you need to turn Pinterest into your lead-generating powerhouse. Don’t miss out—join today and start transforming your Pinterest game!

Sign Up Here

6. Neglecting Analytics

The Mistake: Failing to check which pins and strategies are working means you’re flying blind.

The Fix: Regularly review Pinterest Analytics to see which pins are driving the most traffic and clicks. Double down on what works and tweak what doesn’t to optimize your strategy.

7. Not Having a Clear Niche

The Mistake: Pinning about everything and anything confuses your audience and dilutes your impact.

The Fix: Focus on a specific niche that aligns with your expertise and interests. Niching down helps you attract a more targeted audience who are more likely to trust your recommendations.

8. Forgetting to Add Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

The Mistake: Not guiding your audience on what to do next results in fewer clicks on your affiliate links.

The Fix: Add clear CTAs like “Click to learn more” or “Shop now” in your pin designs and descriptions. A little nudge goes a long way in encouraging engagement.

9. Ignoring Seasonal Trends

The Mistake: Posting irrelevant content during peak seasonal searches can hurt your visibility.

The Fix: Plan your content calendar around seasonal trends and holidays. For example, if you’re promoting fitness gear, create pins for “New Year’s fitness goals” in December.

10. Not Building Trust with Your Audience

The Mistake: Coming across as overly salesy or pushing services that don’t align with your audience’s needs.

The Fix: Only promote services or products you genuinely believe in and that align with your niche. Share personal experiences or reviews to build credibility and trust with your audience.

Final Thoughts

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest can be a game-changer for your business if done right. Avoid these common pitfalls, and focus on creating value-packed content that resonates with your audience.

Ready to up your Pinterest game? Check out my Pinterest Challenge to learn how to create a strategic and successful Pinterest plan that drives results. Let’s turn those pins into profits!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: Avoid These 10 Affiliate Marketing Mistakes on Pinterest Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin Text: Common Pinterest Mistakes That Kill Affiliate Marketing Success by Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin Text: Pinterest Affiliate Marketing Do’s and Don’ts_ The Top 10 Mistakes Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin text: The Biggest Pinterest Affiliate Marketing Mistakes to Avoid by Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin text: Top 10 Pinterest Mistakes That Hurt Your Affiliate Marketing Efforts by Jen Vazquez Media

Here is more information that may be helpful!

9 | Filling Your Creative Cup – A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest Pin with words: Filling Your Creative Cup – A Guide for Entrepreneurs by Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media on Marketing Duo Podcast with co host Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ

As entrepreneurs and creatives, we often pour ourselves into our businesses, but how often do we refill our own cups? In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco discuss the importance of self-care and creating space to spark creativity and prevent burnout. From personal stories to actionable advice, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your well-being while growing your business.

Why Filling Your Creative Cup is Essential

Creativity doesn’t happen on demand. Both science and personal experience show that giving your brain time to rest and recharge leads to better ideas and greater productivity. Jen shares how activities like walking, reading, and even taking baths have helped her overcome creative blocks, while Cinthia highlights how intentional breaks and mindfulness practices keep her motivated.

The Danger of Overworking

The “hustle culture” glorifies overworking, but the long-term costs—burnout, exhaustion, and even health issues—are not worth it. Cinthia recounts a story of a businesswoman who worked through a launch despite being hospitalized, showcasing how unsustainable practices are often normalized. Jen emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking weekends off, and integrating downtime into her schedule.

🎉 Ready to Elevate Your Marketing Game?

Discover actionable strategies and expert insights to take your business to the next level at the Creative Marketing Summit! Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflows, attract more leads, or boost your online presence, this summit is packed with tools to help you succeed.

👉 Don’t wait—reserve your spot now and join a community of ambitious entrepreneurs committed to growth.

Sign Up FREE!

Tips to Refill Your Creative Cup

1. Incorporate Self-Care Rituals

  • Jen finds joy in getting her eyelashes done, calling it her “lash nap.” It’s a small but meaningful way to feel confident and refreshed.
  • Cinthia prioritizes exercise, attending classes that help her disconnect from stress and recharge her energy.

2. Embrace Mindful Activities

  • Reading fiction allows Jen to step away from work and come back inspired.
  • Cinthia recommends yoga as a way to combine movement with mindfulness.

3. Create Space for Reflection

  • Quiet car rides or walks provide opportunities for ideas to flow.
  • Jen uses silence during her weekly drives to let her thoughts settle and spark new ideas.
    •  

4. Set Boundaries Around Work

  • Define non-negotiable rest days to focus on personal time or hobbies.
  • Recognize that long-term success depends on sustainable work habits.

The Importance of Saying No

Both hosts agree that being selective about commitments is key. By focusing on what truly matters, you can maintain a balanced life while still achieving your goals.

Bottom Line

Refilling your creative cup is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply creating quiet moments, prioritizing yourself is the key to staying inspired and motivated in your business. Share your favorite ways to recharge with us on Instagram at Marketing Duo Podcast—we’d love to hear from you!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Here is more information that may be helpful!