Lisa Robbin Young

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8E6]

The music business has changed a lot in the last few years. Music technology has opened up so many opportunities for independent artists, introducing a whole new breed of overnight success stories who've had a video go viral... and then suddenly, they're the next big thing.

But for every one of these "overnight" sensations, there are hundreds of thousands of musicians trying to build a following online (or offline) - to become a professional musician that makes a steady living from performing this music that they love.

There's a lot of competition out there because the technology has lowered the barriers to entry, opened up the playing field, and just about anybody with an internet connection and a halfway decent audio recorder can get seen and heard, which is both bad and good.

Bree Noble, the founder of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast and Profitable Musician, talks about her entire career - from the early stages of being in corporate to moving into becoming a musician full time… and the “profit path” that she developed to help you do the same.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 6 | iTunes | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • The Importance of Finding Your Niche: Artists need to find their unique audience and message.
  • Building a Business Around Music: Treat a music career like any other business, focusing on building an audience and marketing.
  • Stages of a Music Career: There are different levels and stages to a music career, and it's important not to compare your stage to someone else's.
  • Adapting and Pivoting: Careers often involve changes and shifts in direction.
  • The Value of Community: Connecting with other artists and entrepreneurs can provide support, guidance, and accountability.
  • Defining Success on Your Own Terms: Success can mean different things at different stages of life and career.
  • The Concept of a Shadow Career: Being "music adjacent" or working in a related field while pursuing a music career.
  • Financial Breathing Room (Runway): Having financial stability can make it easier to take risks in a music career.
  • Automating and Scaling: Bringing on help and creating systems to avoid being the bottleneck in your business.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Rising Tide community members 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 S8E5]

In this noisy and competitive business world, it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and trying to fit into the mold of what others think we should be - or even what WE think we “should” be. But that's a recipe for frustration and mediocrity. (Cue the sad trombone)

Instead, we want to use our quirks - our STRENGTHS - to our advantage. They are really your secret weapon or your special sauce in both life and work! So today, we’re going to unpack exactly HOW to put them to work for you. How can you better leverage your strengths to grow your business? That’s what we’re here to discover.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 5 | iTunes | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • Your strengths are power
  • Why wearing a mask with your audience may feel safe, but it's actually pretty dangerous
  • How your strengths impact your Zone of Genius (ZOG)
  • Additional ways to identify your strengths
  • My strengths and creative type
  • A limiting belief from my childhood that kept me from seeing my creativity
  • How Captain America leans into his strengths
  • How to apply the strengths of your creative entrepreneur type
  • The inspiration behind the Creative Freedom music video parodies

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Rising Tide community members 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 S8E4]

In a world filled with noise and competition, standing out can be a challenge, and it’s particularly daunting if you’re a multi-passionate entrepreneur or Fusion creative. You’re so good at so many things that defining a clear niche or brand identity can be hard. 

But what may look like a challenge is exactly what you need in order to captivate the attention of your Raving Fans. In this episode, I'm sharing three secrets that you can start implementing TODAY to break out of the sea of sameness, along with the story of someone who defied expectations, became a force for good in the world, and is a celebrity in their niche. 

Together, we’ll discover the keys to standing out in a noisy market and unlocking more freedom and ease in your business.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 4 | iTunes | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • The problem with "authenticity" in today's world
  • An example of how not to stand out from an 80's rock video
  • How to stand out as an emerging thought leader
  • How we've managed to have incredibly high retention rates in our Rising Tide Community
  • Standing out is important for building a community of Raving Fans
  • How one woman revolutionized an entire industry by embracing her neurodivergence

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Rising Tide community members 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

Credit: Pexels

Accidental entrepreneurship is more common than you might believe. So often, the creative entrepreneurs I talk with started their business out of a desire to move away from something else, and only after they'd seen some success "selling their stuff"... whether it was profitable or not.

Whether you want to create a clothing brand, become the next music sensation, or open a therapy school, in order to have a profitable, sustainable business doing what you love, you need to know how to build the business - in ways that work for how you're uniquely wired to work, as well as ways that work for your best customers. Most of the time those things are pretty similar, but not always identical.

Using this guide, you can understand the best ways to make your own business a hit.

Get help during start up

So many creative entrepreneurs start businesses with little business knowledge, then they wonder why they are experiencing all kinds of issues. Trying to go it alone is a one-way ticket to stress, frustration, and a lot of trial and error.

One of the places I see most creatives trip up is worrying about the type of business to form. LLC? S-Corp? C-Corp? Sole proprietor? Non Profit?

While on some levels, this isn't nearly as important as, say, figuring out who your best buying audience is, it's still not something you want to try to do on your own. Even setting up a sole proprietorship, while easy, comes with risks that you should understand before committing to that type of business.

And if you want to start a non-profit here in the U.S., knowing how to start a 501(c)(3) is key if you want to avoid obstacles. Without the right support, you'll likely have a bundle of problems come tax time.

Don't be afraid to get piecemeal help if your budget doesn't allow you to keep professionals on retainer. Have an attorney review a contract, or hire an accountant or tax pro for an hour to explain the differences in start-up types. Arm yourself with enough clarity to help you make more confident business decisions.

Wild ideas are often the best ideas

To grow your business, new may be better, but WILD can be the best way to go. Out of the box approaches and innovators in the market face some uphill struggles in the beginning - Walt Disney built his playground in a swamp, for pity's sake! But once the idea takes hold, you'll be miles ahead of what any competitor could do to play catch up.

Being an entrepreneur requires a willingness to take risks anyway, so why not go after what you REALLY want to be doing? Your quirky thought could turn into something big and wonderful. You might manage to build an incredible business from a "silly", yet effective, idea! Be that brave person and start doing what feels right. Honor what you feel called to do with this one precious life of yours!

Create an Environment of Empowerment

Some folks can create massive empires from a humble kitchen table start. But wherever you start, it needs to be a place that empowers you. Having a comfortable and functional workspace will help you stay focused. Filling that space with inspiration, motivation, and encouragement will keep you going even when things get hard - and they WILL get hard! That's business!

Your environment at home, at work, and even the folks you associate with all matter. Jim Rohn once said you're the average of the 5 people you hang around most. I don't entirely agree with that notion, but I do believe that you're a product of whatever nourishes you. If you're feeding your mind, body, and spirit things that empower, energize, and lift you up, you'll be farther ahead than folks who are stuck in demotivating and uninspiring situations.

If it's not feeding you, it's not helping you. Nourish your mind and spirit as much as you can. Create a "sanctuary" for your work, and do everything in your power to keep that space sacred to sustain you.

Always sign the checks... and trust the process

Bootstrapping isn't a badge of honor. Trust me, I've lived that lifestyle and it's stressful. Being "self made" is a myth anyway. Yes, watch your pennies, and be mindful of what's coming in and going out. Debt is a tool that's more like a scalpel than a hammer: it can cut you if you're not careful or knowledgeable in its use.

Oprah once told Queen Latifah to "always sign the checks" - meaning, if you're putting your name on the checks, you'll always know where the money is going, and be able to spot things that are amiss before they become a problem. But minding your pennies is only half the equation.

Sometimes wonderful, miraculous things DO happen - and we need to be open and willing to receive them. Yeah. I know that sounds a bit woo-woo for my tastes, too, but it's true. You just never know when that next client will pop in, or a new offer will arrive - out of the blue - to provide the financial blessing you've been looking for. Like that first point - sometimes just getting the right help at the right moment can be a godsend!

It may seem obvious, but Fusion Creatives are notorious for trying to do everything themselves and save the world in the process. Asking for help is our growing edge. Chaotic Creatives are good at the "trust the process" part, but often struggle with the "sign the checks" part. And Linear Creatives have the opposite strength.

Everyone can use a little help from time to time. Be willing to ask for and receive it. Create an environment that allows you to thrive as a creative entrepreneur and put your wild ideas to the test. Then, keep your eyes on the finances, and trust the process. You're doing the hard work, you're sharing your brilliance with your right audience. It's only a matter of time before success is yours!

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8B1]

In Heart-Centered Business: Healing from toxic business culture so your small business can thrive, Sufi spiritual business teacher Mark Silver, M.Div. speaks to those who hate the toxic way business has developed, and want an approach to business that is as nourishing as it is powerful.

The effects of global business have brought devastation and injustice that no one wants. Instead, we yearn for beauty and real vibrancy in the world around us, and healthy heart-centered business must be part of the healing.

This book is a guide to doing business, your business, in a truly spirit-centered way. We need to, and can, realize the truth that, as Mark says, every act of business can be an act of love.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Bonus Episode 1 | iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify

Mentioned In This Episode:

Rising Tide Members

Rising Tide community members 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 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

Rising Tide community members 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