Work-Life Balance, Mentorship, and Marketing Mastery: A Conversation with Monika Jansen

Guest: Monika Jansen, Head Copywriter & Strategist, Jansen Communications
Hosts: Erin Alli & Sharon Savage

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Erin and Sharon sit down with Monika Jansen, founder of Jansen Communications, to discuss her journey as a copywriter, content strategist, and small business owner. Monika shares her insights from over sixteen years of helping companies grow through effective lead generation, content marketing, and authentic messaging. She also opens up about building a business for flexibility, the importance of mentorship, and how she’s crafted a sustainable work-life balance.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Monika’s Path to Entrepreneurship

  • Started her own agency for flexibility while raising young children.

  • Emphasizes the value of clear, concise messaging tailored to the right audience at the right time.

• Essential Skills for Business Owners

  • Networking and relationship-building were critical in the early days.

  • Technical expertise in copywriting and marketing formed the foundation, but adaptability and learning from trial and error were key to growth.

  • Project management and accounting/bookkeeping are skills she wishes she had mastered sooner.

• Mentorship & Community

  • Monika didn’t have a formal mentor but now strives to mentor others.

  • Strongly recommends new entrepreneurs seek out mentors, highlighting resources like the SBA’s office hours and local programs.

• Lead Nurturing & Marketing Guidance

  • Co-creator of the Ultimate Lead Nurturing and Sales Conversion Guide.

  • Runs monthly “Ask Monika Anything About Marketing” sessions, offering actionable, tailored advice on topics like social media and email marketing.

• Work-Life Balance

  • Monika works a four-day week, prioritizing time for family, outdoor activities, and personal interests.

  • Attributes her boundaries to a non-perfectionist mindset and a family culture that valued life outside of work.

  • Encourages listeners to define their own version of fun and mental health, and to take breaks for increased productivity.

• Continuous Learning

  • Stays sharp by reading, connecting with other business owners, and picking up new tips—like using hashtags on LinkedIn for better reach.

  • Believes in ongoing evolution, learning from both big ideas and small tricks.

• Defining Success

  • Monika’s definition of success has shifted from simply making money to achieving meaningful work-life balance and sustainable income.

Memorable Quotes

“There’s no perfection in nature and definitely not in humans. Having that mindset is very helpful for drawing strict boundaries around my work and life.”

“Find a mentor. A mentor is going to make everything so much easier. No more second guessing.”

“You try something, it doesn’t work. Oh well. You try something else. You learn from your mistakes, and you just keep on going.”

Resources Mentioned

• Monthly “Ask Monika Anything About Marketing” live sessions

• Small Business Administration (SBA) mentorship programs

Connect with Monika Jansen

• Agency: Jansen Communications

• LinkedIn & Blog: Monika’s posts are packed with actionable marketing insights and strategies.

Next Steps for Listeners

• Consider joining Monika’s monthly AMA sessions for direct marketing advice.

• Explore local and national mentorship resources like the SBA.

• Reflect on your own work-life balance and set boundaries that support your well-being and business growth.

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