Mastering Business Skills
The Mastering Business Skills podcast is where we interview successful small business owners who share their own journey mastering the skills they needed to grow and be successful in their business. Learn the struggles, the wins and all the things they learned along the way, so you can cut down on your own learning curve!
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Erin Alli welcomes Kim Fredrich, a seasoned sales conversation specialist and co-creator of the Ultimate Lead Nurturing and Sales Conversion Guide. Kim shares her journey from reluctant marketer to passionate sales coach, offering practical wisdom for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to overcome sales challenges and grow their confidence.
Listeners will hear Kim’s candid insights on building a business that fits your life, the importance of practicing sales conversations, and why clarity about your ideal client and offer is crucial. Kim also discusses the pitfalls of trying to do everything yourself, the value of strategic delegation, and the necessity of building a support network. Plus, she shares stories from her early days in sales—including her first “cold calls” as a teenage babysitter and lessons learned upselling at McDonald’s.
Key Topics Covered
Kim’s path from marketing to sales and how a coaching conversation changed her career direction
The role of practice and process in building sales confidence
Why clarity on your target market and offer is essential for business success
The messy reality of early entrepreneurship and how to keep moving forward
The ongoing struggle with delegation and why building a “posse” of support is vital
Lessons learned from trying to do everything yourself—and why it’s sometimes better to pay for help
Kim’s perspective on being “unemployable” after entrepreneurship and how autonomy shapes her work
Common financial pitfalls for small business owners and the importance of better systems
The power of stepping away and seeking outside perspective for business breakthroughs
Memorable Quotes
“If you can have a conversation, then you can sell.”
“Practice in a safe space builds sales confidence so that when you’re having a real sales conversation, it’s not the first time you’ve done it.”
“Be real with where your strengths are and where your weaknesses are—and get help on the things you aren’t that good at.”
Connect with Kim Fredrich
LinkedIn
Episode Takeaways
Sales is about helping people solve problems, not just making money.
Practicing sales conversations and having a clear process are key to building confidence.
Delegation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for growth, and having the right support network makes all the difference.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or invest in systems that free you up to do your best work.
Tune in to hear Kim’s practical advice and inspiring stories, and learn how you can master your own business skills—one conversation at a time.
Please subscribe to hear more amazing insights from successful entrepreneurs that will help you on your own journey.

Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Welcome to the debut episode of the Mastering Business Skills Podcast, where your hosts Erin Alli and Sharon Savage pull back the curtain on their entrepreneurial journeys and the critical business skills that helped them thrive.
Erin, a Leadership and Operations Director, and Sharon, a seasoned Technical Virtual Assistant, share their experiences navigating motherhood, career changes, and building businesses that not only serve their clients but also fit their lives. This episode is an inspiring blend of origin stories, practical advice, and foundational insights into what it really takes to run a sustainable business from the inside out.
🎧 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How Erin and Sharon transitioned from traditional 9–5s to flexible, values-aligned business ownership.
Why systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for solopreneurs and growing teams alike.
Real-life stories of clients who survived health crises and business pivots thanks to solid operational foundations.
The top 3 tech mistakes small businesses make—and how to avoid them.
How to overcome team resistance when introducing new technology or systems.
Favorite tech tools for business efficiency, including MailerLite, Asana, Calendly, and Google Drive.
The importance of speaking “human,” not “tech,” when training team members or clients.
💡 Quote:
“You're not building your life around your work—you’re building your work around your life.” – Erin Alli
🧰 Erin & Sharon’s Favorite Tools Mentioned:
MailerLite – Affordable, user-friendly email marketing.
Asana – Simple, effective project management.
Calendly – Hassle-free appointment scheduling.
Google Drive – Easy document collaboration.
Dropbox – Secondary file storage option for clients.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Whether you're a solopreneur or growing a team, investing time in documenting systems and selecting the right tech tools pays off in freedom, scalability, and peace of mind.
🔗 Connect with Us:
Erin Alli – LinkedIn, Website
Sharon Savage – LinkedIn, Website
Virtual Skills Master - to grow your skills as you start your business
Subscribe to Mastering Business Skills for practical wisdom and real-world insights from business owners who’ve been there—and want to help you succeed faster.