49 episodes

Business is a freakin’ roller coaster and Messy in the Middle is here to take you along for the ride. Join your host Haley Johnson from Propegy as she and her guests navigate the uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and sometimes unmanageable parts of running a growing online business. From hiring and team support to finances and accounting, to just wanting to cry sometimes – not enough people are talking about the messy middle of life and business (so that’s what we’re gonna do here).

Messy in the Middle Haley Johnson

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

Business is a freakin’ roller coaster and Messy in the Middle is here to take you along for the ride. Join your host Haley Johnson from Propegy as she and her guests navigate the uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and sometimes unmanageable parts of running a growing online business. From hiring and team support to finances and accounting, to just wanting to cry sometimes – not enough people are talking about the messy middle of life and business (so that’s what we’re gonna do here).

    407: Kissing Corporate Goodbye to Build a Brand she Loves with Morgan Specht

    407: Kissing Corporate Goodbye to Build a Brand she Loves with Morgan Specht

    Today I'm joined by Morgan Spect, founder of Spect & Co Design. Morgan shares her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, highlighting the instability of traditional jobs and her desire for self-reliance. She discusses her cautious approach to hiring and leadership, learning from past experiences. Morgan introduces her Six Figure Brand Society membership, a blend of design support and educational resources for entrepreneurs. She invites listeners to connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn and offers a free brand audit and training to help build a six-figure brand.

    • 41 min
    406: Catching up with Lauren Loreto is *always* a Brand Good Time

    406: Catching up with Lauren Loreto is *always* a Brand Good Time

    Let's hang out and catch up with Lauren from Brand Good Time! Since her last appearance, Lauren has transitioned from using contractors to hiring a full team, including a client strategy manager, content manager, and web developer. They delve into the challenges of the hiring process, the competitive job market, and the importance of internships and experience. Lauren also shares her agency's shift towards working with funded clients for greater impact and the nuances of marketing versus sales. The conversation highlights the complexities of client relationships, the importance of market research, and setting boundaries with clients to ensure active participation in their marketing efforts. Lauren emphasizes that her agency aims to make marketing enjoyable while managing the heavy logistics behind the scenes.

     

    • 53 min
    405: How to Win Awards and Boost Your Business' Recognition with Alison Meyer

    405: How to Win Awards and Boost Your Business' Recognition with Alison Meyer

    Join me as I chat with Alison Meyer from Indigo Communications about the intricacies of applying for and winning awards. Alison imparts her knowledge on the strategic importance of awards for personal branding and business growth. She demystifies the process, explaining that self-nomination is common and discussing how to discern credible awards from less reputable ones. They explore the significance of aligning award pursuits with business goals and the benefits of networking through award circles. Alison also touches on the tactical aspects of award applications, such as addressing specific criteria and showcasing measurable achievements. The conversation offers listeners a deep dive into leveraging awards as part of a comprehensive PR and marketing strategy.

     

    • 35 min
    404: Embracing the Unexpected with Tech Implementor Jessica Dornieden

    404: Embracing the Unexpected with Tech Implementor Jessica Dornieden

    Today I'm joined by Jessica Dornieden, a tech implementer and business consultant. Tune in to hear about Jess' unconventional path from childcare work to establishing her own online business. She discusses the initial challenges, such as pricing strategies and managing client expectations, while also touching on her personal experiences with ADHD and its effects on her work habits. Jess emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, valuing one's time, and being flexible in business. Additionally, she offers insights into hiring practices and promotes her services, including a free course on Notion and a paid service for quick business solutions. The episode explores the complexities of entrepreneurship and the significance of supporting team growth.

    • 49 min
    403: From Overwhelm to Efficiency with Jenny Jones

    403: From Overwhelm to Efficiency with Jenny Jones

    Join me this week as I chat with Jenny Jones, a business operations consultant and in-house COO. Jenny talks about her major career pivot from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and many challenges, emotions, and celebrations that came up along the way. 
    Listen in to learn why maintaining up-to-date systems and processes key for all business owners (especially when managing a growing team) and get insight on the signs that indicate your business is ready for operational back-up. You’ll also hear stories about learning from difficult client relationships and the value of trusting one's instincts when vetting potential clients. There’s a lesson here for everyone.
    You can connect with Jenny here.
     

    • 43 min
    The Case for Ethical Marketing

    The Case for Ethical Marketing

    I wrote a blog post!
    And then everyone told me it was too long...
    ...so I turned it into a podcast episode!
    If you want to read along you can check out the full post (and references) here. 
    Want to chat about it? So do I! Send me a DM on IG @haleyejohnson

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

laurenbrandgoodtime ,

Like the wittiest friend you’ve ever had

Haley’s one liners and wisdom are everything I didn’t know I needed. She provides a fresh and humorous perspective on all things — not just business. I love listening to her podcast in ALL MOODS.

Kristinamom ,

Haley’s talking about what so many don’t talk about!

I love Haley’s sense of humor and how she is so authentic! This podcast is such a breath of fresh air as she is talking about what so many of us entrepreneurs don’t talk about. There is a messy middle and while it is hard- it can also be super rewarding. Thank you Haley for providing your perspective and insights and for the awesome interviews! Can’t wait to hear more!

kiralaforgia ,

Real and Funny

Haley is so great at telling it like it is without taking life too seriously. Her guests are awesome and she asks such insightful questions. Love it and can’t wait to hear more!

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