The hottest Substack posts of The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly

And their main takeaways
2 implied HN points 02 Jul 25
  1. Using Notion can help organize and streamline your business processes, making it easier to track and share important information.
  2. Solopreneurs often complicate things too early, so it's important to simplify and focus on what truly matters for your business.
  3. Hiring help comes with hidden costs, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits before making a decision.
2 implied HN points 25 Jun 25
  1. You don't need to create a lot of content to attract clients. Focus on quality and building trust instead.
  2. Big businesses in the B2B space are looking for creators with authority and a clear message, not just huge audiences.
  3. Creating content strategically can open up partnerships and opportunities for revenue while still serving your clients well.
10 implied HN points 11 Jun 25
  1. Calling yourself a 'coach' or 'consultant' is too vague and might turn potential clients away. It's important to find a specific label that reflects your unique skills.
  2. Identifying what makes you different can help you attract the right clients. Think about your past experiences and what you're passionate about to define your niche.
  3. Your business position can change over time as you grow and learn. It's okay to adjust your label and services to better match what you offer today.
10 implied HN points 04 Jun 25
  1. Building authority online takes time and effort. It’s important to focus on a clear, strong idea that showcases your unique perspective.
  2. Consistency is key in marketing. You don’t need to be on every platform, but having one place for potential clients to find you is essential.
  3. Even great writers can struggle with newsletters. It's vital to understand the marketing side to make sure your newsletter is profitable.
2 implied HN points 18 Jun 25
  1. Generalists can successfully find contract work and build freelance careers. It's all about believing in your skills and pushing past doubts.
  2. Having clear structure and storytelling in your business helps avoid burnout and leads to greater opportunities. It’s okay to start without a perfect plan.
  3. You can create multiple income streams from just a couple of strong skills. Focus on what you do best and find ways to package that for different clients.
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25 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Many coaching programs focus on pure coaching techniques, but real clients often want specific advice and solutions to their problems. Coaches need to understand this difference to succeed.
  2. Combining coaching with mentoring can be valuable. Clients appreciate a mix of self-reflection and practical guidance to achieve their goals.
  3. Success in coaching comes from really knowing your clients’ needs and being flexible in your approach. Building relationships and offering direct help can lead to better outcomes.
10 implied HN points 19 Feb 25
  1. When starting with a new client, I prioritize getting to know them through a discovery session. This helps both of us see if we’re a good fit for working together.
  2. During the discovery session, I listen to the client’s vision and goals. It’s a helpful chat that aims to clarify their direction and identify any action steps.
  3. After the discovery call, I send a recap email and a coaching agreement. I also ask clients to reflect on some questions before our first session to get the most out of our time together.
15 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. More professionals will work part-time or freelance while running their businesses, allowing for more flexibility and varied income streams. This change is reshaping what commitment looks like in the workplace.
  2. In 2025, service providers will focus on creating one standout offer instead of many products, making it easier for both them and their customers. This means simplifying what they sell helps avoid overwhelming buyers.
  3. Successful deals will often happen quietly behind the scenes, showing that the best service providers may not always be the loudest on social media. It's becoming more common to have valuable exchanges out of the public eye.
15 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. First, be clear about your ideas. Take time to visualize what you really want to achieve. Use your imagination to paint a detailed picture of your goals and dreams for your business.
  2. Next, don’t aim for perfection. Expect challenges and be flexible with your plans. Accept that things might not go as perfectly as you hoped, and that's okay; it can lead to new opportunities.
  3. Lastly, stay committed to your vision. Keep pushing through obstacles, reflect on your progress regularly, and seek support from others. Remember, it's important to adapt and keep moving forward, even if it's just a little bit at a time.
10 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Show your expertise in action. Document your thought processes and how you solve problems to help potential clients see your value.
  2. Position yourself as an authority by clearly sharing your unique mission and message. This attracts clients who resonate with your vision.
  3. Build relationships instead of just relying on cold leads. Most clients come from referrals and connections within your network.
23 implied HN points 13 Nov 24
  1. Martha Stewart shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself after a big setback. Her journey teaches us that you can bounce back and create something new, no matter the challenges.
  2. It's important to be true to yourself and let your passions guide you. Martha followed her curiosity and constantly sought new opportunities, which helped her build a successful brand.
  3. Being bold and ignoring criticism is key to achieving your goals. Martha had a strong vision for her life and career, and she didn't let negative opinions stop her from pursuing her dreams.
12 implied HN points 22 Jan 25
  1. Focusing on one specific area of your business can lead to greater success. By concentrating on Emceeing, it's possible to streamline efforts and see better results.
  2. Accepting discomfort is part of the growth process in business. It takes time to adjust to changes and trust your own instincts.
  3. Saying no to some income opportunities can actually open doors for better financial stability and free time for other important aspects of life.
15 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Consider giving gifts that support big-picture thinkers and business owners. These gifts can offer new perspectives and help them grow.
  2. Look for gifts that inspire creators, such as courses and tools that help them express their ideas and build their projects.
  3. Gift tools that assist planners and dreamers in organizing their thoughts and achieving their goals for the upcoming year.
12 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Launching a new newsletter can boost your career and connect you with important topics like entrepreneurship. It's a great way to explore changes in the workforce.
  2. Returning to a platform like Substack can offer a supportive community that aligns better with your creative goals. It helps in building a business outside the usual 9-5 job.
  3. Personal and professional changes can feel invigorating and essential. Keeping up with clients' successes can motivate your own evolution in business.
7 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. It's important to align your business with what you love doing. When you focus on what excites you, your work feels more meaningful.
  2. Making a significant change in your business takes time and careful planning. It's about building a strong foundation before jumping into something new.
  3. Understanding your strengths helps you create a business that fits you. Find what you enjoy and build around that to avoid burnout.
5 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Set high expectations for yourself, your business, and the world. This mindset helps drive personal and professional growth.
  2. Identify and overcome personal limitations like fear and knowledge gaps. Clarity is the first step toward overcoming these challenges.
  3. Use a tailored planning tool that aligns with your goals. This will help you track progress and make adjustments throughout the year.
33 implied HN points 06 Feb 23
  1. The decision to leave Substack was based on the platform's limitations for business needs, despite its benefits for writers.
  2. Mailerlite was chosen as the new platform due to its better features and support for business requirements.
  3. Moving to Mailerlite will allow for better tracking, customization, and growth opportunities for the coaching business.