Get Savvy

If you’ve been holding out for that one perfect tool that’ll run your entire business, this one’s for you. Jo and Teesha are calling time on the “all-in-one” myth and showing you why the real magic lies in finding the right mix of tools that talk to each other. They’ll walk you through Strictly Savvy’s own app stack (including Teamwork, Harvest, and Zapier) and how they’ve built a system that fits the way they work without chasing shiny new platforms. You’ll learn how to connect your favourite tools, choose the right ones for your business, and finally stop hunting for that unicorn. What you’ll learn: Ways to streamline things between your existing tools How to build a setup that supports your way of working Key questions to ask when choosing a new tool or app for your business

If you’ve ever said “I’ll just do it myself” to save time or money, this one’s for you. Because those “quick fixes” are costing you far more than you think. In this episode, Jo and Teesha break down the hidden price of staying stuck in manual mode: lost time, missed opportunities, and the burnout tax you keep paying without realising it. You’ll learn why systems equal freedom, how to start small with automation, and what to let go of first. What you’ll learn: What you’re losing every time you “just do it yourself” Why systems = freedom (and where to start) Tasks you can automate today

If you’ve ever felt like AI is “cheating” or worried it’ll replace your creative spark, this one will change your mind. Strictly Savvy’s marketing manager, Kathryn, shares how she built her very own team of AI assistants - custom GPTs trained to sound exactly like the Savvy brand. From captions to blogs to sales emails, these bots handle the grunt work so Kathryn can focus on strategy and creativity. You’ll hear exactly how she set them up, what it took to train them, and why AI has given her more headspace. What you'll learn: What a custom GPT is How to set up and train your custom GPT Why AI isn’t replacing creative work, it’s clearing space for it

Your website should be your hardest-working salesperson, but if Google and AI can’t understand it, you’re invisible. In this episode, Anesha from Wildhouse shares practical ways to make sure both humans and algorithms love your site. From alt tags to headings, meta descriptions to fresh content, she explains the tweaks that actually matter in 2025. Whether you’re DIY-ing your site or just want to know what to ask your developer, this episode is packed with simple, actionable tips to boost your visibility and credibility online. What You’ll Learn: Simple SEO tweaks you can make without needing a developer What type of website content matters in 2025 What AI looks for in a website Contact Anesha at Wildhouse: https://www.wildhouse.co.nz/

Hiring a virtual assistant can feel like stepping into the unknown. What if they get sick? What tools do they use? How do hours and payments actually work? This episode breaks it all down. Jo and Teesha go back to basics and answer the questions business owners ask us all the time - like what happens to unused hours, how we keep your data secure, and whether your VA can buy a horse float (spoiler: yes). If you’ve ever hesitated to get support because you weren’t sure how it really works behind the scenes, this one’s for you. What you’ll learn: What happens if your VA takes a sick day How hours and plans work with a VA Which tools VAs use

If you’re drowning in tasks but not sure what kind of help you need, that’s your sign. This episode breaks down why hiring a generalist VA is the smartest first move for small business owners. Teesha and Jo explain how a generalist can jump in, clean things up, and grow with your business - without locking you into costly, rigid roles too soon. You'll learn how to build a smart support structure that evolves as you do, and the moment you’ll know it’s time to bring in specialists. What you'll learn: Why a generalist VA is the smartest hire to start out with How to build a smart support structure that grows with your business When it’s time to bring in specialists

In this episode, we’re flipping the script. It’s time you got to know the person running Strictly Savvy behind the scenes. Teesha joined the team at 22. By 26, she was General Manager, leading a team of 30, navigating imposter syndrome, and figuring it out as she went. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not confident enough for that role” or “I’m not ready yet” - this episode is for you. We’re talking about fear, growth, leadership, and the messy, honest truth of doing big things before you feel ready. Teesha shares her journey from design assistant to running a growing agency, plus how PCM (Process Communication Model) transformed the way she leads. What you'll learn: What it really feels like to step away from client work and lead a team How to grow into a leadership role even when self-doubt creeps in Why personality profiling changed everything (and how it could help your team too) Connect with Teesha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teesha-m/

By the end of 2026, every business will have a team of digital agents. That’s our bold prediction - because AI and automation aren’t just optional anymore. They’re becoming essential. But here’s the catch: you can’t skip steps. Jumping straight into AI without solid systems in place? That’s a recipe for chaos. In this episode, Teesha and Jo break down the 5 critical stages your business must go through to successfully implement AI & automation without overwhelm or wasted time. What you’ll learn: Teesha & Jo’s big prediction for 2026 Why there’s no “perfect software” (and what to do instead) How to take the next step in your AI & automation journey today Listen now and future-proof your business!

Every time a new tool comes along, people worry it’s making us lazy. First, it was calculators. Then spellcheck. Now, AI is in the hot seat. But is it actually making us dumber, or are we just using it the wrong way? In this episode, Teesha and Jo break down the fear, the reality, and the big mistake people make when relying on AI. They’ll share why AI should enhance your thinking, not replace it, and how to make sure you’re using it as a tool - not a crutch. From dodgy AI-generated LinkedIn comments to marketers who never fact-check their data, we’re calling out the risks of blind AI reliance and giving you three simple ways to stay sharp while still using AI to work smarter. What you’ll learn: What calculators, spellcheck, and AI all have in common How to use AI without sacrificing critical thinking skills A big mistake people make when using AI (and how to avoid it) Don't let AI do all the thinking for you—tune in and learn how to use it the right way.

Ready to see your business through the eyes of AI? In this episode of Get Savvy, we're exploring NotebookLM—a new tool by Google Gemini that turns documents, videos, and even websites into personalised podcast episodes. We used NotebookLM to create a 6-minute podcast episode based on the Strictly Savvy website—and the results were mind-blowing! It really got us thinking about how valuable this tool could be for so many business owners, and we're excited to share the AI-generated outcome with you. Join us as we 'dive deep' (👀) into how this tool makes learning on the go easier, acts as a powerful research assistant, and offers a fresh perspective on your business. Picture yourself creating podcast-style insights from those dense documents—perfect for listening during your commute or while multitasking. What you'll learn: Hear a live AI-generated audio summary created with Notebook LM Practical ways to make this tool work for you How easy it is to turn any topic into a custom podcast episode Try NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/

In this episode of Get Savvy, Teesha sits down with Anesha, the creative director at Wildhouse, to tackle one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face: Why isn't your website attracting the right clients? If you're struggling with leads and SEO, this episode has got you covered. Anesha shares simple, actionable tips for improving your website's visibility and ensuring that the traffic you attract converts into quality leads—regardless of your budget. From the basics of SEO and the importance of page content to optimising your images and making sure your website is mobile-friendly, Anesha demystifies the process step-by-step. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar shop aiming for local clients or a service-based business, you'll learn the essentials of local SEO and how to get in front of the people who matter. Listen in to understand how to optimise your website, build trust, and turn clicks into clients! What you'll learn: Simple steps to improve your website SEO without a big budget What local SEO is The type of website content that will convert traffic into quality leads

Ever wondered just how much a virtual assistant can accomplish in a day? In this episode, Teesha and Jo break down exactly how productive a VA can be compared to the average employee. They examine a real timesheet, revealing how focused productivity leads to impressive results—and why that matters for your business. From inbox management to payroll, reconciliation, and client communications, you’ll get an inside look at the sheer volume of tasks a VA can power through. Plus, learn why traditional hourly rates don't reflect the true cost of productivity when compared to employees. What You’ll Learn: The tasks done in a typical day for a VA How many unproductive hours you're paying team members for Why an hourly rate doesn't equal what you pay

When it comes to scaling your business, finding the right support is everything. In this episode, Teesha and Jo break down the pros and cons of different support systems—from hiring an employee, engaging a local or overseas VA, to implementing AI and automation. We’re here to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your business. We dive into the hidden costs, benefits, and hands-on management each support system requires so you can stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward with confidence. What You’ll Learn: Key factors that may rule out one or more of the support options (employee, NZ VA, overseas VA, AI) The hidden costs and benefits of each option Which types of support require more management Ready to make the best call for your business? Tune in to this episode and gain the clarity you need to choose the right support system, without second-guessing. Try our 'What Type of Business Support Do You Need?' quiz here: https://www.strictlysavvy.co.nz/business-support-quiz/

Feeling swamped by your business’s growing to-do list? You’re not alone. In this episode, Teesha and Jo dive into the support options that can take your business to the next level. From hiring an employee to bringing on a virtual assistant or integrating cutting-edge AI and automation, we’ve got all the answers to help you streamline operations and boost efficiency. We’ll walk you through how to choose the right type of support based on your business’s unique needs, how to match it with your management style, and the key things to clarify before making any decisions. Plus, we’ve got an easy quiz to help you pinpoint exactly which option will work best for you. Find it here: https://www.strictlysavvy.co.nz/business-support-quiz/ In this episode, you’ll learn: The best support options for scaling your business How your management style influences your choice of support What you need to know before bringing extra help on board

Ever heard that AI is going to take over the world, or that it’s only for the tech giants? Well, it’s time to bust some myths! Join Teesha and Jo as they tackle the biggest misconceptions about Artificial Intelligence. From the fears fueled by sci-fi flicks to the myths about AI’s infallibility, we’re diving deep to separate the AI facts from the Hollywood fiction. We’ll explore how AI is accessible to everyone, not just the big players, and why it’s a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Plus, we’ll share the real scoop on how AI makes decisions and why it’s crucial to use it wisely. What you'll learn: The reality behind common AI myths What to be cautious of when using AI Ways to use AI responsibly and ethically Tune in and Get Savvy about AI - because understanding AI is the first step to harnessing its incredible potential responsibly!

As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, staying updated is crucial, whether you're looking to boost your business efficiency or enhance your personal productivity. In this episode, Teesha and Jo share straightforward, manageable strategies to keep you well-informed about AI advancements without overwhelming your daily schedule. Tune in to seamlessly integrate the latest trends into your workflow and strategy, ensuring you stay ahead in in the ever-evolving world of AI. What you’ll learn: Where to find AI news that works for you AI updates that are already in your inbox How to take the info you're learning to the next level Tools and accounts mentioned: @evolving.ai @techbible.ai  ChatGPT Meta AI Microsoft Copilot Google Gemini Everyday AI Podcast - An AI and ChatGPT Podcast artificialintelligence-news.com

Step into the future of marketing with the final episode of our AI Takeover Series! This episode takes a look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing strategies, from content creation to image generation and more. Learn how to craft on-brand captions and blogs, create eye-catching images, and conduct thorough market research - all through the power of AI. What you'll learn: The best ways to use AI for content creation Our top tips when using AI to generate images How to identify gaps in your industry Tools mentioned: ChatGPT Meta AI Microsoft Copilot Google's Gemini Luma / Dream Machine Sora by OpenAI DALL-E Adobe Firefly Canva

Welcome to part 3 of our AI Takeover Series! In this episode, we're looking at the all-important task of data and reporting. Learn how AI is totally transforming the often tedious and time-consuming tasks of data analysis and report generation, making them faster and more efficient.  From spreadsheet automation to advanced data interpretation and graph creation, Teesha and Jo are talking about how AI can process massive amounts of information quickly and accurately, allowing you to make informed decisions faster than ever! What You'll Learn:  A super simple hack to use when working with spreadsheets  4 free AI chat options  Examples of the types of analysis AI can do  Tools mentioned:  Microsoft Copilot   Google Gemini  ChatGPT  Meta.ai  Dr. Graph (custom GPT within ChatGPT) 

It's episode 2 of our AI Takeover Series! This episode zeroes in on the customer service sector, where AI is making massive strides in transforming how businesses interact with their customers.  Teesha and Jo share a range of AI tools designed to enhance customer service. From the seamless integration of chatbots that handle inquiries round the clock, to AI-driven solutions for outbound calls and AI agents that manage complex customer interactions, learn about the innovations shaping the future of service!  What you'll learn: How to get started with AI chatbots. The latest game-changer for outbound calls. What an AI agent is. Tune in to see how these AI tools can optimise your customer service operations and significantly improve operational efficiency.  Tools mentioned:  Zapier  Zendesk  Voiceflow  HubSpot  Callfluent 

Welcome to the first episode of our AI Takeover Series, where Teesha and Jo are exploring how AI is revolutionising administrative tasks within businesses. This episode focuses on the latest updates in AI technology, including the newly released features of ChatGPT 4o, and how these advancements are transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for huge efficiency gains. Join Teesha and Jo as they share real examples of how they incorporate AI to streamline their daily tasks, providing a practical look at how you as a business owner can leverage AI to enhance productivity. They also discuss the value of investing in paid AI tools, discussing how to maximise these technologies to ensure they are worth the cost. What you'll learn: The latest ChatGPT 4o features (as of June 2024). Real examples of how Teesha and Jo use AI to streamline tasks. How to make paid AI tools worth the investment.