Ep. 5 | Unshakeable Trust: From Behind-the-Scenes to Center Stage with Nikki McKnight

Structure and Soul Podcast

In this poppin' episode of Structure & Soul, we're vibing with Nikki McKnight, the mastermind behind The Ops Shop. As a fractional COO, Nikki is the secret weapon for creative entrepreneurs, helping them streamline their operations and focus on their creative magic. Nikki spills the tea on her love for the behind-the-scenes hustle, her journey into the world of operations, and how she's got the backs of creatives like writers, designers, and marketing agencies by building systems that keep their businesses humming like a well-oiled machine.

From busting myths about operations to embracing her own "main character energy," Nikki drops some serious knowledge on how operations can be the game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses without hitting burnout.

Key Takeaways:

Fractional COO Swag: Nikki teams up with creative entrepreneurs, taking the reins of their operations so they can zero in on their creative genius. She's the one pulling the strings on the systems, tech, and processes behind the scenes.

Creative Collabs: Nikki's client roster is as diverse as it gets, from digital marketing agencies to event designers. She's their go-to for scaling and streamlining their operations.

Operation Myth-Busting: Nikki sets the record straight on operations, making it clear that tools like Asana and ClickUp aren't systems—they're just tools. The real deal is creating a decision-making framework that drives the business.

Operations as Ecosystems: Nikki likens business operations to an ecosystem, where every decision has a ripple effect on the overall health and sustainability of the business.

Trust the Process: Nikki hammers home the importance of having faith in the systems and processes you've set up, especially as your business evolves and grows.

Main Character Energy: Nikki gets real about how she balances her love for operations with her desire to step into the spotlight. She shares how she manages to "lead from the background" while still making room for her own voice to shine.

“You don’t have to know how to make the sausage, but you should at least understand how it’s made, so you can ask the right questions and take control of your business.”

About Nikki McKnight:

Nikki McKnight is the founder of The Ops Shop, where she serves as a fractional COO for creative entrepreneurs. She helps clients build sustainable systems and processes that support their growth and allow them to focus on their creative genius. With a background in diverse industries, Nikki leverages her operational expertise to help businesses stay agile and organized.

Connect with Nikki McKnight:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikkimcknight
• Website: theopsshop.biz

About the Host:

Shanel Evans is a business strategist and coach who helps entrepreneurs shatter revenue ceilings and attract their dream clients through client attraction and social media strategies. Known for her "red pen" moments, Shanel offers feedback that helps entrepreneurs course-correct while staying true to their goals, delivered with love.

Where to Find Us:

• Host Website: www.shanelevans.com
• Apply to be a Guest: www.structureandsoulpodcast.com
• LinkedIn: Shanel Evans

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