Foundations, Flexibility & Tech: The Stories Behind the Skills

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.