http://www.samanthamackinnon.com/

Samantha MacKinnon, Hamilton, ON (2026)

02/21/2024

I used to pride myself on being a master multitasker, effortlessly juggling business projects and family life. But diving into parenthood while running a business? It’s a whole new ball game.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on it all—my struggles, my setbacks, and the routines I’m re-installing to regain control and productivity. Because, let’s face it, feeling like you’re constantly behind the eight-ball? Not fun.

Here’s the deal: I’m focusing on what truly matters, trimming the excess and honing in on the essentials.

And let me be real—this journey hasn’t been easy. Parenthood threw my routines for a loop, but I’m committed to re-routing and finding flexibility in the chaos.

So here’s to reclaiming focus, finding balance, and walking the walk together.

Signed,
Your friendly neighbourhood Ops Gal (who can project map in her sleep and still forget to put the weekly grocery order in) 💚

P.S. Don’t forget to swipe through to find out how you can get the juicy details on how I’m recalibrating (for email subscribers only, natch)!

08/24/2023

Here’s a little “take what you need” incase things are feeling like a load of s**t lately.

Swipe through for an unexpected mantra (aka doing business differently), and then let me know what you would add!

08/15/2023

How are you feeling about your annual goals as we speed toward Q4? If you're feeling like you're floundering, your strategy could use some tweaking; if I had to guess... 💁🏼‍♀️

Similar to SMART goals in your personal life, establishing concrete KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for your business goals will ensure that you know if you're making progress toward completion—or where you need to pivot in the event that you're not. 😱

Since 'KPI' is an acronym thrown around a lot without a ton of follow-through, here's a crash course in effective metric tracking to help you focus on making an impact for your clients and your business.

👉👉👉 Swipe through for 3 sample KPIs that I've massaged into something tangible (because fluff doesn't make for success).

Then, if you're feeling daring... leave a comment down below with a KPI that you want to workshop. We'll do it live in the comments so you can nail down your plan for Q4 and beyond!

Seriously, it's no-strings-attached, rapid strategy in your FAVE app. Don't you want it?

08/10/2023

Drumroll, please... 🥁🥁🥁 it's offish - my revamped website is out in the world. God, what a labour of love (and blood, sweat, and tears, TBH).

Things over at SM Co. headquarters have been evolving over the last several years, so it was time for a refresh... and since they say to put your best foot forward, I knew this puppy had to be killer. ⚡️

See, the thing is, this site isn't just a collection of pixels and words; its the culmination of hours of brainstorming and strategy and refining, all in the interest of bringing stellar (do I dare say 'best in class'💁🏼‍♀️) business operations to coaches, creatives and digital businesses, like YOU.

Celebrating four years in business is a milestone that I'm incredibly proud of, but the new site also represents growth and resilience and, maybe most importantly, the power of dreams realized.

So, enough of the pomp and circumstance (though is there really ever enough?), let's get down to business.

YOUR NEXT STEP: You can check out the new site at: www.samanthamackinnon.com to see exactly how you can work with me.

📣 Spoiler alert: I'm currently booking my Operations Intensive (a 4-6 week project designed to audit, refine, build, and implement) through to December. That's just FOUR chances for us to work together to get your business in tip-top shape before 2023 is wrapped.

(Don't worry, we can still partner in 2024, but isn't it better to start the year off with a killer strategy and solid systems?)

Not to be crass, but this actually CAN be the year you move out of "mickey mouse operation" territory and into the land of "real business" **insert copious amounts of confetti, bright lights, and billboards**

And as always, thanks for being here. It means so much, truly.

Oh, and in case you're curious - the site template was designed by none other than , and I love EVERYTHING about it. DM me if you want a promo code to get your own or hear more about why I'm capital-O Obsessed.

08/03/2023

👀 This will change everything... whether you're a team of one or a big outfit with a handful of departments.

I'm going to say it... you're doing too much. Your team is spread thin. And it’s not because EVERYTHING is important.

The truth is, if "everything is important" then nothing is REALLY important and the tasks and projects that truly matter aren't going to make it over the finish line. 🤯🤯🤯

Swipe through to get the full Traction Moment so you can implement this right meow.

Are you going to try it out? No joke, we implemented this with my client's team and accomplished more impactful work in the first quarter we used it than in the entire year prior.

And yes, it works for one-person shows too, I've been doing it for YEARS. 💁🏼‍♀️

Qs? Leave me a comment below and I'll hook you up.

07/04/2023

Gather 'round the fire, kids, and let me tell you how a quiet morning reflection on finding joy made me realize that wilderness magic doesn't need to be reserved for a trek to your local campground...

It was a few weeks ago, after being unofficially diagnosed with ennui (n. a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement), and I was on the hunt for anything that would pull me out of my slump.

I spent some time journalling and found myself writing a letter to the act (the art?) of camping. "That's where I feel rested," I wrote with certainty. Connected to myself and disconnected from the obligations and noise of to-do lists and worries. It was giving "bare necessities".

And while I quickly realized that frigging off into the wilderness isn't entirely feasible at the drop of a hat, what with client commitments and child rearing and my family wondering where I'd disappeared to, it did dawn on me that there are few quintessential camping moments that I could recreate on the regular to find that sense of calm.

Rise with the Sun ☀️: Starting my day just a bit earlier to savour a moment of tranquility, collect my thoughts, map out the tasks for the day and taking some time to be intentional about what kind of energy I bring into my work.

Unplug and Reconnect 🔌🌱: Being less "connected" and creating more connection, walks outside, coffee in the quiet wee hours, reading as the sun sets, handmade cards, journalling, dinner on the patio

Simplify and Declutter ✨🧹: Decluttering physical and digital spaces, streamlining processes, and focusing on what truly matters (it's probably not the things you won't remember next month or next year).

Embrace Spontaneity and Adventure 🌲⛺: Welcome spontaneity and take calculated risks, stepping outside my comfort zone, and finding the balance between plans and pressure.

Now it's your turn! How do you infuse moments of joy and the spirit of adventure in your life and work?! Leave a comment down below and save this post for inspiration.

P.s. I’m taking my new templates for a spin. What do you think??

06/20/2023

⚡️3 STEPS TO TAKE YOUR DIGITAL COURSE FROM IDEA TO LAUNCH⚡️

Let me first dissolve the myth that digital products = passive products. Nothing passive about it. BUT, doing some very intentional and focused prework can certainly have a HUGE payoff.

I’ve built countless courses and digital products for clients (and for my business), and here’s the process I’d use to do it successfully for the very first time…

⚡️ STEP 1: PLANNING
Identify your ideal client and the problem your course will solve.
Draft the course curriculum and determine how the course will be delivered (videos, audio, slide deck, workbooks and resources) and where it will live on the interweb.
Map out your tech (how you’ll enrol students, collect payment, distribute content).
Create a comprehensive filing structure to easily organize all course assets.

⚡️ STEP 2: PRODUCTION
Film videos, screen recordings, record audio, design and produce workbooks, resources and course materials to take your ideal client through to the point of transformation.
Set up the course backend, and payment/checkout portal, and test the whole experience.

⚡️ STEP 3: PROMOTION
Whip up a sales page including but not limited to: the problem your course solves or the transformation it offers, the main topics covered, modules, lessons, or any other relevant components, and the specific benefits and advantages participants will gain by enrolling in the course (AND SO MUCH MORE).
Build and launch a marketing strategy that leverages social media, email marketing, partnerships, and collaborations.

BONUS: Don’t forget to follow up with your students after they enroll. Periodic check-ins and surprise and delight bonuses go A LONG way.

You thinking about launching a course to inspire your community and equip them with your tools of the trade? Shoot me a DM or leave a comment down below - I’d love to workshop ideas with you!! For real!

06/01/2023

🐝 That stings, huh? What I know for sure is that you can always fail smarter next time, but opportunities don’t wait around until you’re ready.

So here’s your sign to:

⚡️Take a chance
⚡️Follow a lead you’re excited about
⚡️Build the product you’ve dreamed of
⚡️Make the critical hire
⚡️Make the hard fire
⚡️Go all in on something wild
⚡️Cut your losses on something that flopped
⚡️Lose yourself
⚡️Find yourself
⚡️Sit in the messy middle of it
⚡️Pivot, then pivot again

But, god, if there’s one piece of advice I could give you, do it to be better. The version of you that has zest, and impact and a little friggin’ pizzazz.

That mediocre comfort zone will do just that, keep you comfortable, but the fine line between failure and your wildest dreams? That’s where the magic happens.

And I have a feeling you were made for magic (in case no one’s told you lately).

05/03/2023

The hottest of takes… TL;DR: None of the tried and tested business advice matters if your systems are s**t.

And I’ll die on that hill.

04/20/2023

Maybe it’s time we pick new business heroes?

04/04/2023

👀 This will change everything... whether you're a team of one or a big outfit with a handful of departments.

I'm going to say it... you're doing too much. Your team is spread thin. And not because EVERYTHING is important.

The truth is, if "everything is important" then nothing is really important and the tasks and projects that truly matter aren't going to make it over the finish line.

Here's the fix in the form of a Traction Moment...

📌 THE ISSUE: You're bogged down by busy work and the tasks you do manage to complete aren't actually moving key initiatives forward

📌 THE SOLVE: Implement a 'Big 3' post in your team communication cadence.

📌 THE HOW: Start a channel in Slack or Teams (or wherever you communicate) and create a new thread each day for the Big 3, where each member of the team shares:
⚡️ The 3 things they did the day before that made the most impact on your monthly or quarterly initiatives
⚡️ The 3 things they plan to do today to make the most impact on your monthly or quarterly initiatives
⚡️ Any stuck points they need support with or essential updates for the rest of the team

📌 THE SM TIPS:
✅ Anyone (and everyone) on the team can start the daily thread
✅ Message team members personally to provide coaching and guidance on Big 3 posts that miss the mark
✅ Pay attention to trends... a task that keeps showing up without being completed needs to be addressed and a plan put in place to knock it out.

Are you going to try it out? No joke, we implemented this with my client's team and accomplished more impactful work in the last quarter than in the year prior.

And yes, it works for one-person shows too, I've been doing it for YEARS. 💁🏼‍♀️

Qs? Leave me a comment below and I'll hook you up.

03/29/2023

Coming at you from the THICK of it... alternate headline: I didn't see this coming.

I'll cut to the chase, business as usual has a whole new meaning. Back in February, I was offered an opportunity to take my role with a long-time client up a notch, or a few.

We've been collaborating together for over 3 years (she was one of my first clients when I ditched the golden shackles and became a corporate dropout). I started working in a content position, moved into programs and tech, took on the role of Operations Manager, did a quick mat leave stint and now smile BIG TIME when I introduce myself as General Manager.

My roles have evolved, my business has changed, and life as I know it has been up in the air—the pieces slowly and ever so magically falling into place.

It's why I've been MIA. 🤦🏼‍♀️

The thought I've pondered for too many hours: How do I show up here, in this space, with this community when I'm still in flux?

The reality is this...

I don't totally have a pulse on what the future of SM Co. entails. 😮

In my perfect world, SM Co. in the digital space would become:
⚡️ A hub for the intersection of business and parenthood
⚡️ A library of inspiration on being an incredible leader, personally and professionally
⚡️ A catalogue of courses, templates and resources to support you in managing business and life
⚡️ A community designed for us to gather, find inspiration, foster connection and
⚡️ A diary of sorts, as I write the manuscript for my memoir (yea, that's happening too 😵‍💫)

And you may wonder, what's the deal with us working together...

Here's the short answer... I'm not currently accepting new clients for ongoing retainers BUT I am still booking:
✅ Short-term projects in a Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) capacity
✅ Strategic planning and implementation sessions
✅ Quarterly planning intensives/retreats

(If any of that ☝🏼 sounds like something you need, reach out now as I'm booking into June and Q3).

And while I've got you. Thank you, for being in it with me. I am grateful.

I didn't see this coming. But I'm glad it did.

P.S. There is no single right way, no linear path and no cookie-cutter solution. What's yours will find you.

Samantha MacKinnon

02/21/2024

08/24/2023

08/15/2023

08/10/2023

08/03/2023

07/04/2023

06/20/2023

06/01/2023

05/03/2023

04/20/2023

04/04/2023

03/29/2023

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