The Role of Mindset in Business Operations with Nicole Smith

Marketing Espresso

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined once again by Nicole Smith, founder of The Artisan Solutions, fractional COO and business systems strategist. Nicole and I often work alongside each other with clients, and this conversation dives deep into one of her favourite topics: why outsourcing expertise doesn’t mean outsourcing your understanding.

It’s tempting as a business owner to just “handball” things off our plate, especially when we’re stretched thin and overwhelmed. But Nicole reminds us that you can’t afford to disengage from the key areas of your business – particularly your strategy, finances, systems and operations. While experts can and should be brought in, the business owner still needs to be connected to the vision, values, and outcomes.

We talk about the difference between outsourcing and abdicating responsibility, and why understanding even the basics of what’s being done is vital to sustainable growth. We also cover the importance of clarity – clarity on your vision, values, mission and the business you’re building. Without this, you risk creating a business you don’t actually want.

Nicole also shares her own mindset shifts, including the moment she realised she was “choosing her choices” and how that reframed her approach to business and leadership. We dig into why values-driven businesses attract the right clients and team members, why outsourcing is powerful when done well, and how authenticity plays a bigger role in operations and marketing than many people realise.

Key Takeaways:

• Outsourcing works best when you still understand what’s being done and why.
• Vision, mission and values are non-negotiable foundations – they guide decisions, hiring and even which clients you attract.
• Avoid creating a business you don’t want by regularly checking in with your goals and personal alignment.
• Mindset shifts are just as important as strategy shifts – your choices shape your business more than you realise.
• Authenticity isn’t just a marketing buzzword – it’s essential to creating a business that’s sustainable and fulfilling.

Action Steps:

1. Revisit your mission, vision and values. Are they still true for you and your business?
2. Audit your outsourcing – are there areas where you’ve handed over too much without understanding what’s being done?
3. Consider where your business is reactive rather than intentional and identify one change you can make this quarter.

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