Lisa Robbin Young

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8E3]

Let's talk about something we all know deep down: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to success in business. It's all about finding YOUR way and embracing your unique creative spirit (within legal boundaries, of course!). But hey, let's be real; carving out your own path can be a bit challenging, especially if you're a Fusion creative like me. No matter where you fall on the creative spectrum, if you're feeling a little lost on your journey to success, I've got you covered!

In this episode, I'm sharing five exercises that will bring clarity to your life and business. Trust me; they're game-changers! Tune in now to discover your path to success and get ready to unleash your creative freedom!

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 3 | iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • How your values shape your success
  • Embracing your strengths makes you feel more successful
  • Two strengths assessment tools I use and recommend
  • Why knowing who your Raving Fans are is critical for success
  • How to identify your ideal customer for a more successful business
  • How to ignite a path to your dreams and desires
  • How a SWOT Analysis can help creative entrepreneurs be more successful

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Our Rising Tide Community has moved! If you're already a member, you can login and access your free downloads here.

Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!

Sponsors & Credits

Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

It can be hard to find suppliers when starting a new business. Often times, particularly for product-based businesses, you've got to contend with minimum orders, set-up fees, and prototyping costs. That can be a big hurdle. The suppliers you use contribute directly to how well your business grows. Here are a few places to look:

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are one of the best ways to find what you need. There are usually products on display, so you can get up close with the samples and see if they fit what you need. Check the industry perodicals in your niche to find out when there are exhibitions. You should also check for attendance by industry leaders such as LOC Scientific for specialist products, such as lab design. You can often get a list of attendees far in advance when you book. If the people you think you might want to work with aren't there, it's probably not worth attending.

Check Local Directories

If you're a local business, you may rely on local support. And it helps to give something back by supporting other local businesses. Business-specific trade directories are a great way to find local suppliers. And the best thing about these is that they are very easy to find compared to using a search engine. A directory is often niche-specific, so you typically don't get convoluted results. Additionally, there is no ranking system or algorithm, so all are listed regardless.

Find Suppliers with Google

Of course, Google and other search engines can be a great way to find suppliers. And they are also free, unlike some directory services. Any business worth using will have an online presence with at least a website. However, because of the way search engine algorithms work, it can be hard to find what you need. So, you must use keywords correctly when looking for a local supplier. And don't forget to read reviews and testimonials carefully before using a company.

Word of Mouth

Word of mouth is a very powerful thing in business. Most people will trust what others say about a service. So, much so that a survey of 40,000 consumers found that 80% use a business based on what others say. And today, social media is also a powerful tool for this. Most businesses and suppliers will have a social media account. So look at what others are saying. You can even use specific hashtags such as #LocalSupplier to find a supplier you need.

Check Industry Reports

The web is full of data. And there are some sites that offer a quick snapshot of a specific business. So you can check these when looking for a supplier. Sites such as Clutch also rank local businesses and suppliers according to certain metrics. Or you can use industry-specific ranking sites. For example, Lumanity can help you find solutions for medical and healthcare supplies. These sites often only recommend and support the very best in your chosen industry.

Do your homework!

There are a variety of ways to find the suppliers to get your business growing. Attending trade shows is great for networking; Google can give you quick results, and you can also use industry-specific reports. Above all, however, make sure that the people you're doing business with are a good fit for the mission, values, and purpose of your business. There's nothing worse than enlisting the support of a vendor who turns out to be problematic to your business or the world at large. Do your due diligence and build something you're really proud of!

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8E2]

Ready to break free from the ordinary and tap into your magical potential?

In the latest episode of the Creative Freedom Show, we're diving deep into the world of Undervalued Unicorns - those extraordinary creatives who are making waves but still flying under the radar.

Does that sound like you? Then you might be an Undervalued Unicorn. Tune in to the podcast and learn how to EMBRACE your inner Unicorn and STOP being Undervalued.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 2 | iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • What IS an Undervalued Unicorn?
  • What makes a Unicorn Undervalued?
  • Signs you might be an Undervalued Unicorn
  • Lizzo was an Undervalued Unicorn, too!
  • How to embrace your inner Unicorn and STOP being undervalued

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Our Rising Tide Community has moved! If you're already a member, you can login and access your free downloads here.

Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!

Sponsors & Credits

Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8E1]

Woo to the hoo! It is Season 8, my friend! We are kicking off the season with the most frustrating and yet important topic I could ever share with you:

Business models.

I know. I know. You’d probably prefer to talk about anything else. But let me remind you that, whether you like it or not, you’ve already got a business model if you’re bringing in any income from your business.

The question, though, is whether or not it’s working for you.

So, is it? Working for you, I mean? Stay with me, and I’ll show you how to fix the top 6 business model mistakes I see with Creative Entrepreneurs.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 1 | iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • It doesn’t matter how much money you’re making if it feels awful making it.
  • You don’t know your business model
  • Even Gary Vee isn’t Gary Vee
  • Two kinds of “resonance” for your best (and worst) customers
  • It takes time to understand who your Raving Fans really are
  • The fastest way to develop a loyal fan base
  • You sell more than just “stuff” to your Raving Fans!
  • Different delivery methods come with different expectations

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Our Rising Tide Community has moved! If you're already a member, you can login and access your free downloads here.

Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!

Sponsors & Credits

Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io

[Creative Freedom S8 Promo]

Woo to the hoo! Creative Freedom Season 8 launches next week!... and we are kicking things off with the most frustrating yet important topic I could ever share with you! You don't want to miss it, so stay tuned!

Sponsors & Credits

Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
"About Damn Time" is a parody of "About Damn Time", originally recorded by Lizzo. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.

I've noticed a trend in my email inbox recently...

  • A GLUT of low-ticket offers.
  • Carts are opening, closing, and re-opening for an "extended" enrollment.
  • Downsell sequences that are running as long as the original launch sequence.
  • And people making offers at price points they've "never offered before and probably won't ever again!"

Even the high-ticket, luxury sellers are seeing belt-tightening behaviors in their audience. One high-end business consultant I know piled on a bunch of bonuses for their intensive, slashed the price by 25%, offered a longer payment plan than normal and still had "ONE SEAT LEFT" for their offer at the cart close deadline. They followed it up the next week with a group version of the same offer - something they've "never done before".

They kept using those words: "I've never done this before."

So no, it's not just you. Selling anything right now is requiring more effort for most folks.

Especially folks who don't have their business model figured out.

A rock-solid business model is essential if you want to achieve your goals and dreams. If you're a creative entrepreneur, you might not be focused on that aspect of your company.

I get it. Many folks are turned off and their eyes start to glaze over when I even mention the words. But it's the crux of how business gets done.

What is a business model?

A business model is essentially the plan that outlines how your business will make money. It's the strategy you'll use to attract customers, deliver value, and generate revenue.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm a creative entrepreneur, why do I need a business model?"

Well, the truth is, having a solid business model is just as important for creative entrepreneurs as it is for any other business owner. In fact, I would argue that it's even more important.

Simply put, it's the foundation of your business. It's how you make money, who your target customers are, and how you deliver your product or service to them. Here at Creative Freedom HQ, we use a simple "equation" to help you create a business model that works for how you're wired to work:

(YOU + WHY + WHO) + WHAT + HOW

It's a flexible framework that lets you lean into what matters most to you. It's much easier to navigate than most of the business model design tools out in the world right now.

Why is a business model important?

Without a solid business model, your business is like a ship without a rudder. You may have a great product or service, but if you don't know how to reach your customers and generate revenue, you'll be steering in circles, and getting nowhere fast.

A business model helps you stay focused. When you have a clear understanding of how you're making money and who you're serving, you can concentrate on what matters most - delivering value to your customers, generating revenue, and enjoying the fruits of your labors!

A solid business model also makes it easier to make decisions. You'll know exactly who your target customers are and what they want, so you can create offers that meet their needs without a lot of extra spaghetti throwing!

And perhaps most importantly, a rock-solid business model helps weather the ups and downs of the market. With a clear understanding of your revenue streams and customer base, you'll be able to make informed decisions that keep your business profitable and growing.

That means you'll spend a lot less time scrambling to create revenue during the inevitable belt-tightening periods!

Even rock stars have business models

I like to say that if you're making any money in your business, you have a business model. The better question is whether or not it's working for you.

Taylor Swift is not just a talented musician, she's also a savvy businesswoman. She's moved from country to pop music and built a brand around her music. Swift knows her audience, and she adapts her business model to stay ahead of the game.

Business models evolve as you evolve. Take Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, for example. He's not a wrestler anymore. And he's not just an actor, either. Johnson built a personal brand around his larger-than-life personality. He then parlayed that into physical products like tequila. He's evolved his brand and his business model several times since his wrestling days.

What if you're not famous (yet)? Well, the same principles apply. Whether you're a freelance writer, a graphic designer, or a photographer, having a solid business model is essential if you want to succeed.

A solid business model will help you:

  1. Attract the right customers
  2. Deliver value that your customers are willing to pay for
  3. Generate revenue consistently and sustainably
  4. Grow your business over time

Creating a business model can be easy

In our Rising Tide Community, we have a workshop that walks you through the process step-by-step. And the best part? Our business model workshop is available on demand, so you can take it at your own pace.

If you're not already a member of the Rising Tide Community, we're currently offering an open house, which means you can try our learning library and connect with other members in the community at no cost. Come play with us!

Regardless of whether you join us or not, it's important to have a rock-solid business model that works for how you're wired to work. Otherwise, you'll be launching, re-launching, and throwing spaghetti on the wall just to hit your income goals. And that's pretty exhausting!

As a solopreneur, you'll wear many hats. From marketing and sales to customer service and admin tasks. It's easy to lose your focus or motivation.. and don't get me started on the household distractions: chores or family that seem to want your attention - or even the latest streaming series (Ted Lasso, anyone?).

I've talked to a LOT of solopreneurs in my time who felt "stuck in a rut", isolated, or unable to take their business "to the next level".

Look, I get it. More often than not, I too have found myself caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running the business. Then, you look up and recognize how far you've come on your own.

Alone.

On one hand, props! It's not easy to build a business. And it's especially challenging doing it by yourself. We Fusion Creatives manage to do a LOT on our own. But that loneliness and sense of disconnection isn't the only problem that comes from trying to do it all on your own.

Take it from someone who knows: it may feel like you're going faster, but at some point, you hit a wall where you're carrying all the things, wearing all the hats, and you just can't add another thing to your plate. What's worse, because you've been trying to manage it all yourself, you may not have built the network and business relationships that could help you take the load off.

Which puts you in a place where it feels like you can't step away from the business - everything is riding on YOU.

Why is community important for creative entrepreneurs?

Finding a supportive community can be vital to your growth and success. Notice the key word here: supportive. I've been part of too many groups that pretended to be communities. Some were little more than places for people to pitch their shizz and try to turn members into their own customers. Either that or propaganda machines where the host didn't allow ANY promotion except for their own stuff.

Blech.

Some were just not a good fit for who I am and how I show up. One community that provides a TON of value to their clients does almost everything in real time (synchronous connection) in order to get support. They have a "group" forum where you can post questions, but the answer is always "show up live in the chat room and we'll help you!"

I have a full calendar most of the time and I wouldn't have joined if I'd known the only way to really get help was to be on in real time. Why have a forum if you never use it?

Other groups just didn't match the level of growth I was at. I've been online for 30-ish years and an online coach for about 20 of them. When I have a complicated question that needs support, I get a lot of crickets in those groups. But I get to GIVE a lot of help, which also has its place. I've learned to balance that desire to give generously with the genuine need for help that I often come to community for.

I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer here. The right community makes a BIG difference. Running a business can be lonely, and having a supportive community can provide much-needed encouragement and motivation. There's nothing like being in a room with people who understand the challenges you face as a solopreneur. Sharing experiences, offering support and advice, and providing a safe space where you can come out of hiding and be witnessed by others on a similar journey is GOLD!

That kind of recognition, safety, and belonging can help you push through tough times (or just witness the "hard" you're going through for moral support). Celebrating your wins builds your confidence, helps you feel more capable and can be just what you need to re-commit to your Great Work when things have been hard for too long. Not that I speak from experience or anything!

When I'm in the right community for me, I discover new tools and strategies that help me streamline my workflow and save time. I get to learn by watching others: the words to use when I ask for help or hold healthy boundaries, contract examples, lessons learned. That shortens my learning curve and saves me a crap ton of resources I don't have to waste! I've also learned best practices for systems and processes that allowed me to better focus on what I do best.

In short, I become a better business owner and a better human when I'm in the right communities for me.

Being a part of the right community can also help keep you accountable for your goals and progress. Sharing your goals with others and receiving feedback and support can keep you on track and motivated. Cheering others on can inspire you to set and achieve your own goals, too!

And yes, a supportive community can also provide valuable networking opportunities, which can lead to collaborations, referrals, and even new clients. Meeting other entrepreneurs in your industry or related industries can open up new doors for your business.

Some communities can be a great place to learn new skills and gain or deepen your knowledge. Whether it's through workshops, webinars, or simply sharing information and resources, being a part of a community can help you grow and develop as an entrepreneur.

How to find community when you're busy

I get it. Being a business owner demands a lot of your time and energy already. So how do we find or create community when we're already strapped for time?

While I've attended a few in-person events and networking-type meetings, I do most of my connecting online. I was on Zoom before Zoom was cool! Before that, it was Skype. Before that, it was teleclasses! I've been around for a WHILE!

Online communities can be a great option for busy entrepreneurs who don't have a lot of time to attend networking events or meetups in person. My preference is hybrid communities. Where there's a face-to-face, "synchronous" connection opportunity in addition to a group, social media page, or app. I've been able to connect with people all over the world through communities like Polka Dot Powerhouse, LunchClub, and others. Some are more familial or social in nature, while others are great places to connect with other entrepreneurs in your industry or niche. In fact, the lessons I've learned from being in those communities have helped inform how we're building our own Rising Tide community!

Another place to look: join a mastermind. A mastermind is a hand-picked small group of folks with common interests or goals. Often, you'll hear this term used to describe entrepreneurial groups, but it can also be for other goals and pursuits as well (a book club or DND group can also function similar to a mastermind). In the business world, you'll meet regularly to support and hold each other accountable to goals or actions you've committed to achieving before the next meeting. Masterminds often provide a deeper level of connection and support than larger communities. You get to know your fellow masterminders more intimately, learn more about their backstory and context, and develop stronger "know like and trust" when you're interacting more regularly.

Attending industry conferences is another way to meet other entrepreneurs while you learn new skills and/or knowledge. Conferences that are relevant to your industry or niche can connect you within your industry, while conferences that are outside your industry can connect you to collaborative partners, potential affiliates, and even new friends or colleagues. Yes, celebrity conventions (ComicCon, D23 Expo, etc) also count. The point is to go places where there are people you'd like to connect with and learn more about. Community doesn't always have to be about business!

Paid or free? While there are plenty of free communities out there, consider investing in a paid community that provides more value and support. Paid groups often have facilitators that can monitor and moderate conversations, answer questions and provide technical support that's hard to come by in a free community. Paid communities are also incentivized to keep engagement cooking. New content, valuable resources, and meeting new connections make paid communities sometimes more valuable than what you can find for free.

Our Rising Tide community is one example that provides resources, training, coaching and other support for creative entrepreneurs. We just migrated off Facebook (for lots of reasons), and our Open House is on now! The Rising Tide is the best of both worlds: a free level that includes a growing learning library for early stage entrepreneurs, and a paid level that gives more advanced entrepreneurs support for issues that might be more complex. We're an inclusive community - meaning all our members at both levels can interact with each other to develop new connections, make new friendships, and learn from one another.

Regardless of how you choose to build your community, do your due diligence. Not every paid (or free) group is worth your investment of time, energy, or money. Ask for a trial period, whenever possible. Then talk to people who've been there a while and get their take on why they stick around. Take note of their answers and see how it jibes with what you're looking for in a community. If it's not a good fit, don't feel obligated to stick around. Thank you for taking care of yourself!

Ultimately, it's easier when you've got a crew to help row the boat. It may be a little slower going at first, but the rewards are much sweeter when it's a team effort.

Sarah owned a small retail store selling vintage clothing that wasn't growing the way she'd expected. She was working way too hard for far too little, and wasn't clear on how to right the ship. Sarah realized she needed help - and fast.

Photo by Anna Shvets

If you want your business to grow to the point where you're getting a positive return on all your resources (ROR), chances are good you'll need help along the way. Just like Sarah. When I'm working with clients, here are a few places I recommend you look first:

  1. Seek help with your finances: If you lack financial experience and expertise, consider hiring a professional to help maximize profits, limit risk, and ensure your business's success. For example, advanced tax services can help you get the best guidance, so your next tax bill and payment are stress-free. From taxes to financial planning, leaving it to the experts can minimize stress and maximize profits, making it a worthwhile investment for your business.
  2. Set and maintain clear goals: Having clear goals in mind will help you know what steps to take and how to reach your dreams. Start by setting small goals that will help you work your way up to more significant milestones. Course correcting or creating new goals can also help you stay proactive and ensure that you have something to strive for.
  3. Respect and appreciate your staff: Showing your team (even if it's still just you) respect and appreciation makes for a better, more effective work environment. Showing them you appreciate their efforts helps build a stronger team and a more successful business. Small gestures like offering pay raises or acknowledging an employee's efforts go a long way. Be kind, friendly, and maintain good relationships with your team to strengthen your business. Yes, that means practicing self-care, too. "Do what you can as you are able" is a mantra around Creative Freedom HQ that we use to remind folks that every one of us has a different capacity for work. Honor that truth as a means of respecting your people.
  4. Focus less on mistakes and more on your wins: Every person and every business makes mistakes. That's how we learn and grow. Learn from them, but don't dwell on them. Focus on learning and growing from your mistakes to maintain a positive mindset and focus on your business's strengths. Celebrate wins and create a positive feedback loop to encourage yourself and your team to continue on the growth path.

Being proactive and seeking help when needed is crucial to growing and supporting your business. Take the time to analyze your business, seek expert guidance, set clear goals, appreciate your team, and learn from your mistakes. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight, but with hard work, dedication, and the right support, you can achieve your dreams.

For nearly 20 years, I've been leading online workshops, teleclasses, and other digital events both inside and outside my A-Club community. I made the decision years ago to host the community piece on Facebook, while the training content lived inside my website inside our Rising Tide Learning Library.

But the last couple of years have shown that things aren't working. We've seen our clients fleeing Facebook with the quickness and our website has had several content security issues that left me pulling my hair out.

It was *finally* time for a change!

The decision to move was not an easy one. It took a couple of years of testing, trying platforms, and a bunch of bumps in the road to get here. Here, I'm sharing some of my lessons learned and the reasons why we're making these changes, along with what to expect once we fully changeover.

My hope is that this level of transparency helps YOU as you're making decisions about how your business needs to run to work for how you're wired to work.

It began at the Cashflow Creator workshop.

A couple of years ago, when I first launched the Cashflow Creator workshop, I ran my own business through the same process I teach my clients. I got clear that things were starting to break down, but I didn't have immediate clarity on how to fix them. The Incubator had become our primary income driver, and that was never supposed to be the plan. It was always meant to be subsidized by the other income of the business.

Then, I had surgery in the summer of 2021... and again in the fall of 2022. There were too many things I wanted to be doing that were getting pushed aside to put out fires. Simply put, I wasn't working for how I was wired to work. I wasn't taking my own advice.

So I sat with my homework from the workshop and re-designed how everything needed to look and flow in order to better fit how I'm wired to work.

I couldn't just change everything overnight. But I was able to map it all out and create a new offer stack that I could star rolling out this year. I shared that map at this year's Customer Journey workshop. One of the first steps was to merge A-Club and the Rising Tide into one program.

We're Putting Everything In One Place

We started the community on Facebook because that's where everyone was, quite frankly. Almost every one of my clients was already hanging out there, and the ones who weren't there didn't want the social/community aspect in the first place.

I tried moving us off facebook several times over the years, but everyone wanted to be where they were already at.

That was fine-ish for community connection, but Facebook is a lousy place to host any training. Don't get me wrong - if you're running a short term event, like a challenge, it can still work, but it's not ideal for hosting content on a long-term basis.

Videos got buried in the group feed, nothing was really easy to find, and people outside the community couldn't access the training without being added to the facebook group - which could impact the safety and connectedness of the established group. That forced the decision to host all the training inside my website.

But that came with a different set of issues. One of them was content security. We started with Wishlist Member (cumbersome), and then integrated LearnDash (didn't accept recurring payments). We cobbled together a solution, but over time, it became a challenge to keep updated. The site went down because of a security issue with a plug in, and it's never been the same since.

Another issue was useage. The free library was seeing a little bit of useage - mostly from fans of the show. They were accessing the bonus downloadables from our episodes, and tapping into a little of the free training. But the courses we'd spent so much time creating were not being fully utilized, and sales were not happening as we'd expected.

On one hand, that's not my problem, because people will use what they're going to use, and ignore the rest.

But on the other it IS my problem if clients aren't using the resources effectively and aren't getting the results they want because the content isn't delivered in a format that works for them.

In talking with clients, most wanted real-time help, or the ability to ask questions without having to find a contact form, draft an email, or whatever. Neruodivergent folks will sometimes "forget what they came in here for" and then the question never gets answered.

So, we've found a platform that allows us to have conversations more fluidly, put all the training content in one place, and provide a community of accountability for everyone!

I've seen a lot of communities come and go... heck, I've left a few myself. Especially if I went looking for help and got crickets... or a bunch of sales pitches instead of genuine help for my issue. The other thing I've seen is communities that rely heavily on you being in the room LIVE all the dang time.

The folks I work with often need something more portable and digestable - because we've got shit to do and don't have time to wait around!

That doesn't mean you don't want some community support, it's just that you need it on YOUR terms.

I've got your back!

I'm excited to introduce you to the NEW Rising Tide community!

What's inside the Rising Tide community?

We've poured countless hours into creating this online space inside Heartbeat, so that you can access everything with ease from any device. It's an on-the-go community of like-minded entrepreneurs, committed to growing their businesses, making a difference in the world, and having fun along the way.

If you're tired of trying to figure out everything on your own and want to be part of a community that not only educates you but also holds you accountable and provides support to help you achieve your business goals, then, the Rising Tide community is for you!

If you've already been part of our free community, you'll know that we've got a free learning library as well as all the bonus downloadables from the Creative Freedom show in there. That's not going away. You can register for the FREE level of our community at any time.

This month, we're ADDING a new tier of paid membership that includes access to all of my digital training programs - including the new Cashflow Creator Workshop we just completed, the Customer Journey and Marketing Plan workshops, content creation sprints, live quarterly planning workshops, and more programs coming later this year, like a comprehensive Sales and Marketing training based on the Fix This Next methodology!

Plus, you'll get to connect with a community of fellow entrepreneurs who share your values and aspirations. You'll have a safe space to ask questions, get feedback, and share your wins and challenges.

No more searching for the latest business growth strategies, no more feeling isolated and alone in your business journey. With the new Rising Tide Community, you'll have on-the-go access to entrepreneurs who share your values and are committed to supporting each other's growth.

A community where you belong

This was huge for me. I've been in plenty of online groups and so-called communities over the years where it felt like I was either being pitched every other day and couldn't really get the help I was looking for.

Not here.

While I can't promise we can answer every question or solve every problem, I can promise that we're here to support and encourage you on your journey. I know how it feels when you post gets crickets, so I'm committed to helping you find answers that actually work for your situation. In my community, I try to know everyone by name, because it's important to me that you feel safe in our space and that you know you belong here.

Our community is designed for interactivity, but you don't have to stay glued to your device - that's not healthy for your business! Chat with other members in real time or as it fits your schedule. Ask questions, get feedback. Show up and shine so we can celebrate you. No judgement, no drama. Just a safe space to practice showing up as the business owner you're becoming and shining like the star you already are!

Be seen. Be supported. Be encouraged.

Here's what you can expect as a member of the paid Rising Tide Community:

  • All the content available at the free tier.
  • Additional live and on-demand training like the Marketing Plan Workshop, Content Creation Sprints, Customer Journey Workshop, and more.
  • Private Community: You'll get access to a private, members-only community where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, share your wins and challenges, and get feedback.
  • Live Quarterly planning workshops delivered in bite-sized sessions to make it easy to get your planning done and dusted!
  • A ticket to the NEW Creative Freedom Live virtual event this fall
  • Quarterly Coaching: You and me, one-on-one each quarter, looking at your business. When you invest in annual membership, you'll get a bonus 1-hour coaching session with me (valued at $1,000).

Plus, with Lisa's guidance and support, you'll learn how to:

  • Build a sustainable and profitable business model that works for you
  • Identify better clients who value your work and are willing to pay top dollar for it
  • Determine what makes you unique, so you can stand out from your competition
  • Create irresistible offers that have the right clients saying "HELL YES!"
  • Nail your pricing strategy
  • Streamline your business operations to free up time and reduce stress
  • Develop a clear vision and strategy for the future of your business

If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, then this is the community for you. Don't wait - join now and start getting the education, accountability, and support you need to grow your business and achieve your goals!

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut with your business? Are you struggling to find new clients or make the income you need to thrive? If so, you're not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs face these challenges, and it can be tough to overcome them especially when you're stuck in a "fixed" mindset.

I've often said that the mindset is more important than the mastery, and research bears this out. You don't need to be perfect and a total genius in order to succeed in business. As a creative entrepreneur, building a successful business is about more than just great ideas. It requires the right mindset - one that is positive, growth-oriented, and resilient in the face of challenges.

Because, hey... stuff happens. Plans go off the rails, and often, your goal isn't always THE goal.

Why is mindset so important?

Studies have shown that our thoughts and beliefs can have a profound impact on our success. When we believe in ourselves and our ability to succeed, we are more likely to take risks, persevere through obstacles, and achieve our goals.

On the other hand, a fixed mindset can lead to self-doubt, fear of failure, and a lack of motivation to take risks and try new things. This can ultimately hold a business back from achieving its full potential and reaching new heights.

I've seen this in many of my clients - brilliantly gifted, yet traumatized by old stories and false beliefs that keep them believing they're not good enough to be shine like the star they are.

It breaks my heart... and it doesn't have to be this way.

Growth mindset lessons from Moana

The Disney movie, Moana, is a great example of a character with a growth mindset. Despite the challenges and obstacles she faces, Moana looks for ways to learn and grow from her experiences. She also seeks out guidance from others and is open to new ideas and perspectives.

When Moana first leaves the island... well, let's just say navigation isn't her strong suit! But, instead of giving up, she seeks out the demigod, Maui for help. Maui initially dismisses her as an inexperienced child, but eventually learns to respect Moana's determination and resourcefulness.

And then there's Te Ka. At first, Moana tries to defeat the monster with brute force, but when she recognizes that the monster is actually Te Fiti (a goddess, NOT a monster!), Moana finds the way to save her island and her people.

So how can we cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset? Here are a few tips:

Practice self-awareness

When you're self-aware, you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you know what motivates you, and you're in touch with your values and purpose. That doesn't mean you always get it right, but it means you're learning about yourself in deeper ways. This knowledge helps you make better decisions, take calculated risks, and stay focused on your goals. Recognize when negative thoughts and beliefs are holding you back, and challenge them with positive affirmations and self-talk.

In the Cashflow Creator Workshop series, you'll spend time getting clearer on what's really important to YOU. You'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your business, and your goals.

Embrace "failure"

"Failure" is a natural part of the learning process, and can actually be a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement. I believe that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather an essential stepping stone on the journey. By embracing failure and using it to your advantage, you'll be better equipped to build a sustainable and thriving business that can weather any storm.

In our workshop, you'll look at what's been working (and not) in your business, and start to course correct - creating a new vision for your business that works better for how you're uniquely wired to work.

Surround yourself with positivity

Surrounding yourself with positivity is key to maintaining a growth mindset. I don't mean looking for "yes men" or bring all Pollyanna about tough situations. I mean creating an Environment of Empowerment that builds you up and helps you navigate the "hard" and celebrate your wins along the way.

Seek out supportive friends, mentors, and colleagues who believe in you and your vision. By being intentional about the people and communities we engage with, you can cultivate an environment that supports and uplifts you. There's nothing quite as validating as knowing there are people in the world who have your back!

In the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs who share your values and aspirations. You'll also have access to an experienced mentor (moi!) who can offer guidance and support as you navigate the ups and downs of building a sustainable business. With the support of a positive community, you'll be better equipped to overcome obstacles, celebrate successes, and stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.

Focus on your strengths

Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, identify your unique talents and strengths, and find ways to use them to your advantage. By focusing on your strengths, staying in your zone of genius, and delegating tasks that don't align with you, you'll be able to operate at a higher level more consistently and achieve more in less time.

There are things that only you can do - or that only you can do YOUR way. Lean into that. Our workshop will provide you with tools and strategies to help you identify and embrace your strengths, so you can build a business that's not only profitable but also aligned with your values and passions.

Whether or not you join us in the workshop, by adopting these practices, you can start to shift your mindset from one of self-doubt and fear, to one of confidence and growth.

But I would be remiss if I didn't invite you to get all of this and more at the Cashflow Creator workshop! Our goal is to help you build a sustainable, thriving business that works for how you're wired to work. Don't let self-doubt and fear hold you back any longer! Join us and start cultivating the mindset you need to succeed.