Deb Boulanger: How Women Can Thrive in Business When the Old Ways Stop Working

Welcome to Episode 301 of the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast! I'm your host, Karen Yankovich and today is an extra-special episode because I'm joined by my fabulous friend and entrepreneurial powerhouse, Deb Boulanger. If you're not already familiar with Deb, she's the CEO of Life After Corporate and founder of the Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs. She helps smart, accomplished women transition from corporate to consulting, ensuring they replace those six-figure corporate salaries with successful, thriving businesses. We decided to shake things up for this milestone episode. Instead of a traditional interview, we flipped the script and interviewed each other. Why? Because 2025 is all about doing business differently, my friends! #GoodGirlsGetRich  We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave us a message on Speakpipe or email us at [email protected].   Episode Highlights: In this episode, you'll learn: How the old ways of lead generation and marketing fell flat in 2024 and what's working now. Our behind-the-scenes look at reshaping our businesses to align with the changing market. Why we both believe human-to-human connection is the future of successful marketing. The power of memberships, licensing, and diversifying your revenue streams for sustainable growth. How LinkedIn and real-life networking events are key to building a profitable and fulfilling business in 2025   Key Takeaways: Marketing Has Shifted: What worked in 2021 isn't cutting it anymore. We share how we've adjusted our strategies to stay ahead. In-Person Events Are Back: Both Deb and I are craving more face-to-face time with clients and our communities—and we're not alone. People are hungry for connection. Licensing and Memberships Are the Future: Deb shares how launching a membership community reinvigorated her business, while I'm exploring licensing and certifications as scalable models for growth. Build That Email List: Social media platforms can change in an instant. Owning your audience through an engaged email list is non-negotiable. LinkedIn is Still Gold: Your LinkedIn DMs are the most profitable piece of real estate in your business. Start using it to build genuine connections, not just respond to spam. This episode is packed with real talk about navigating the shifts we're all feeling as entrepreneurs. We get honest about the discomfort that comes with changing things up and leaning into new strategies—but let me tell you, it's all worth it.   Magical Quotes from the Episode: Deb Boulanger: "I realized there was this resistance and skepticism from women who had invested in so many things that didn't have a return. Trust had eroded." "Licensing is an interesting model—how do I package my content so others can deliver it, and I can step back while still growing the business?" "I'm stretching myself to ask more this year—whether it's asking for referrals or speaking opportunities. It's outside my comfort zone, but that's where the growth is." Karen Yankovich: "Your LinkedIn DMs are the most profitable piece of online real estate in your business—start using it proactively, not just responding to spam." "2025 is my year to build my email list—I'm committed to creating a new lead magnet every month because owning your audience is everything." "I want to be face-to-face with more people this year—there's a craving for in-person connection that we can't ignore." Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Take Karen's free LinkedIn Marketing Style Quiz Check out Deb's website here. Connect with Deb Boulanger on LinkedIn Life After Corporate Podcast: Listen to Deb's Podcast Join us every Tuesday at 2 PM ET on LinkedIn Live for Entrepreneurs Unfiltered! Help Us Spread The Word! It would be awesome if you shared the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast with your fellow entrepreneurs on Twitter. Click here to tweet some love! If this episode has taught you just one thing, I would love if you could head on over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW! And if you're moved to, kindly leave us a rating and review. Maybe you'll get a shout out on the show!   Ways to Subscribe to Good Girls Get Rich: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via PlayerFM Good Girls Get Rich is also on Spotify Take a listen on Podcast Addict