A client came to our session recently, looking a little defeated. She said she was feeling guilty — guilty for not doing enough in her business since our last session.
She said, “It feels like I’ve just been playing catch-up.”
Then she rattled off what the past few months had looked like: She got married. Found out she was pregnant. Lost the baby. Started adjusting her mental health meds. Took on a part-time job to pay down wedding debt.
And that was on top of all the usual “life stuff” we all manage — family, house, errands, obligations.
Still, she said, “My brain keeps telling me that if I just put more time into my business, everything else will get better.” Then she started listing all the things her brain claimed would “be fixed” if she could just hustle harder.
That’s when I had to stop her.
“Your brain is lying to you,” I said.
Lie #1: You’re Not Just Feeling Behind, You’re Actually Catching Up
There’s a subtle but powerful difference between feeling like you’re behind and actually being behind. In her case, it wasn’t perception — it was reality.
She’d experienced a cascade of major life changes that completely derailed her rhythm. No amount of mindset work can erase that truth, and pretending otherwise only adds pressure to an already overloaded system.
So first, we named it. “You really are playing catch-up,” I told her. “Your business has taken a backseat to some major life events, and that’s not failure — that’s doing what you can as you are able.”
When we try to bulldoze through those moments, we ignore the natural capacity shifts that life demands. You can’t hold the same pace when your body, mind, and emotions are in flux. You’re not broken; you’re recalibrating.
That reframe alone softened her whole body. She exhaled — like she finally had permission to stop fighting reality.
Lie #2: “More Effort Will Fix Everything”
Then we tackled the next lie: The one that says if you just put in more time, everything will get better.
This is the lie our culture rewards — the “just work harder” myth. It’s baked into entrepreneurship and productivity culture. But here’s the truth: You don’t know that more effort will fix anything.
You can’t be sure that spending another five, ten, or fifteen hours a week on your business will repair what feels off in your life. That’s an assumption your brain is presenting as fact because it’s trying to regain a sense of control.
Brains love control. They crave certainty. So much so, that they'll go about making up stories that feel like facts. There's research on something called Intolerance of Uncertainty that indicates our brains will go out of the way to avoid any form of uncertainty. Some groups of people have higher IU than others.
So, when uncertainty (chaos) increases, people with higher IU are more likely to experience emotional distress, engage in worry, and seek mental “structures” to reduce ambiguity.
Essentially, your brain tries to make order out of chaos when there may not be any order to find!
One study found that greater perceived control over stressors on a given day predicted higher odds of resolving those stressors later. That suggests that your brain’s craving for control isn’t just psychological fluff - it connects to how effectively you navigate challenges.
So when your life feels chaotic (especially if you have high IU), your mind may start constructing tidy equations:
“If I just do X, Y will improve.” “If I work harder, I’ll feel better.” “If I push now, I’ll finally catch up.”
Except… those equations aren't always accurate and rarely hold up in real life.
The Experiment That Changes Everything
Instead of arguing with her brain, I invited her to run an experiment. I said, “Let’s test your brain’s hypothesis.”
Here’s how we designed it:
Pick a timeframe — 30, 60, or 90 days. Long enough to see patterns, short enough to stay realistic.
Decide on a clear weekly time budget — a number of hours she could actually dedicate to the business without overextending.
Document everything.
What happens when she honors that time?
What doesn’t get done?
How does she feel at the end of each week?
Are the “problems” her brain predicted actually improving?
The goal wasn’t to do more. The goal was to gather evidence — to prove or disprove her brain’s theory.
That experiment gave her something she hadn’t had in weeks: agency. Instead of spinning in guilt and overwhelm, she had a structure for clarity. A real, effective structure that wasn't based on some illusion in her mind.
She could now see herself as a scientist studying her own capacity, not a failure scrambling to “catch up.”
Redefining Progress: The “Freedom Date”
Once she stopped trying to fix everything through effort, we turned to the practical side. She’d taken that part-time job to help pay down debt from the wedding. It made sense — but it also ate into her time and energy.
So we reframed that too.
I invited her to do that math and know when her extra income would pay off the debt completely. We called it her Freedom Date.
From that moment on, every dollar she earned wasn’t just money. It was pay toward freedom.
That one change transformed how she viewed her part-time work. It wasn’t a punishment for falling behind; it was a strategic bridge to the next chapter of her life and work.
Why This Matters
If you’re a business owner — especially one juggling multiple roles, responsibilities, and emotional realities — you’ve probably heard your brain whisper the same lies:
“You should be further along.” “If you just worked harder, you’d feel better.” “Other people are doing more.”
And you’ve probably believed them, at least a little.
But your brain isn’t always a reliable narrator. It’s wired for efficiency, not accuracy. When life feels overwhelming, your mind will default to the simplest-seeming solution: do more.
Yet sustainable growth doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from designing your business around your actual capacity, not your idealized one. It comes from testing what’s true, not assuming it.
That’s what capacity-aligned business design is really about: creating evidence-based clarity around what works for you, in this season of life, with the energy and resources you actually have.
Your Invitation
If your brain has been telling you that “more” is the answer, try this instead: Run your own experiment.
Pick your timeframe (30–90 days).
Decide what’s realistically doable.
Track your data — not just what you accomplish, but how you feel.
You might discover that less effort leads to more stability, that structure brings freedom, and that your business doesn’t grow when you push harder — it grows when you design for your truth.
Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop believing everything your brain tells you.
Doors to my latest workshop will open soon. Conditions For Success: The 7 Domains That Shape Sustainable Growth is free for all Rising Tide members. Not a member? That's also free (for now). Get signed up and be the first to learn more!
Conditions For Success is a topic I've touched on in planning workshops over the years. It was inspired by a quote attributed to the Irish poet of the Victorian age, Oscar Wilde:
"Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result."
When I saw it, I felt this desire to prove or disprove the notion.
I mean, really? Can it be THAT easy?
In nature, we can see that some seeds bloom and grow while others - from the same plant - won't. We easily say "well, the conditions weren't right for the seed to grow."
Can this also apply to humans? Apparently, yes... with an asterisk.
For years, I've led planning workshops and retreats where I've asked clients to consider their conditions for success in a generic way. Maybe they do their best work when they've had a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, or if they get to bed by 9pm and get eight hours of sleep. The focus was on things that were obvious and apparent - things they could control.
The logic being that when you know the conditions that set you up for success, it gives you more power to create or establish those conditions for yourself in an intentional way.
Some clients were able to take this rather generic assessment and run with it, while others still met challenges that made it difficult, if not impossible for them to create conditions that allowed them to thrive.
Why Awareness of Your Conditions for Success Matter
That's when I started thinking there might be something deeper at play. In our imperfect world, there are downright hostile conditions that make it impossible for almost anyone to thrive. And yet, there are a handful of people who can manage even despite those conditions.
There's a lot of "Darwinian, survival-of-the-fittest-type stuff" that's been baked into our world. Our culture, our communities. It's why we see the deep need for accessibility legislation and other resources to help people that are NOT optimized to function under those conditions to at least get by (or subsist, as is the case in many places where unaffordable housing is the rule, not the exception).
As I became more aware of these systemic issues, I recognized that there are some conditions we can control or influence, and others that we can't - at least, not at the individual level.
Turns out, your Conditions for Success aren’t just about energy, tools, or mindset—they include the world you choose to live and work in. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t more effort, it’s moving toward contexts that naturally amplify your zone of genius or your ability to find success for yourself or your work.
In my exploration and research, I've identified 7 domains of influence that range from the highly personal (that we can control) to the more global (where we have minimal individual influence).
The 7 Domains of Influence
Core Domains, which revolve around Identity and Purpose. These are the things we have the most control over. We can decide how we want to show up in the world and who we want to be. We can seek to align our identity and purpose in the world in ways that others have little to no direct control over.
Personal Domains, which concern your physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive conditions. We have a good deal of control here, but not everything is within our power to control. If we are navigating a physical illness, for example, we can't control the outcome of the illness. The best we can do is influence the outcome through our actions to create the best possible environment for healing and recovery.
Operational Domains - your work environment, tools, resources, and logistics. We have some control over these domains because we are the ones setting them up and interacting with them. In some cases we have limited control because we are not the ones setting them up. We are, instead, engaging in domains set up by others, and therefore can only seek to influence the domains we cannot control.
Relational/Social Domains that deal with interactions with other people. We have some control over these domains and a good bit of influence because we interact with them directly, but because other people are involved, we can't control them.
Capital Domains That deal with interactions with institutions (like financial or legal). We have some influence over these domains because we interact with them directly and they are not generally controlled by a single individual.
Systemic/Macro Domains - like industry trends, political environments, and cultural norms. We have little to no control over these systems directly, but may be able to influence them or move to places where conditions are more favorable for us.
The DKDK - what you don’t know you don’t know. You have no influence, nor control over the unknown. Your choice here is to decide whether you are aligning toward the possibility of surprise blessings or the possibility of surprise setbacks. Because they both will happen, and how you choose to orient yourself will color the way you approach and engage with your world. Neither is right or wrong.
This helped me see where things were falling short with my clients' Conditions for Success. When you're in a Macro domain where the deck's stacked against you, it's a much harder slog. You can do everything "right" in your Core and Personal Domains, and still struggle more than someone who is operating in a Macro Domain that offers them more favorable conditions.
Applying Conditions for Success To Your Situation
That's not to say that those personal things don't matter in those cases. In fact, they are even more important! While I'll stop short of saying you can create your own parallel society, I will say that the more aligned you can be with your personal Conditions For Success, the less friction there is for you to deal with. If you don't have to fight your Core or Personal Domains, that's less friction in your day-to-day. If there's less friction, that energy's freed up so that you can use your spoons to deal with the bigger, systemic conditions that are out of alignment.
Will it solve every problem? No. But the goal is minimal friction, not a problem-free existence. I'm not sure anyone can promise that!
Consider where you might be out of alignment. What's one small step you can take this week, today, right now even, to improve your Conditions for Success?
And that's EXACTLY why so many business coaches - especially in the online world - use it. Yes. I use it too... which is part of what bugs me about it!
It's a blanket, "catch-all" phrase that allows them to paint a huge picture without really saying anything at all. You're left to use your imagination to figure out what "next level" really means.
I mean, I get it. It's a phrase that resonates for folks because it suggests progress and growth. Going up the elevator from the ground floor to the penthouse. That idea of "started from the bottom, now we're here."
Yeah, we're movin' on up!
But it's so generic! Taking your business to the next level could mean increasing your revenue, expanding your customer base, or improving your marketing strategies. By using a broad and flexible phrase like "take your business to the next level," a coach can appeal to a wide range of potential clients and highlight the various benefits they offer.
Which is great for the coach, but not necessarily great for you.
What does a "Next Level" business even look like?
You don't want generic outcomes, you want specific help tailored to your situation. That's why you hire a coach in the first place! And the kind of "next-level" lift you need may not actually be what that coach is offering.
What if you need help through an audience pivot? I did. I needed specific help from someone who understands how to do an audience pivot. The idea of "taking my business to the next level" meant reaching more of those new, perfect-fit audience members. So, I put out a call to find a new coach, and what I got back was very telling.
I was specific in my request. Dozens of folks raised their hands and when I went to their websites to vet them more than HALF of them were talking about "next level" results.
Gag me.
Most of the coaches I talked to couldn't help me until I was already pivoted. But not with help finding these folks. Which, you know, needs to happen before I can market my offers to them!
So why raise your hand in the first place?
I ended up wasting a LOT of time talking to people who were good at things that I didn't even ask for! All because they wouldn't be specific enough in their marketing and messaging to help me understand what they offer and how they could REALLY help me... or if they understood my problem at all!
"Next Level" is a shorthand leaves a lot of room for interpretation
Using a common phrase like "take your business to the next level" can be a helpful shorthand for communicating the overall goal of their coaching services. It's a quick and catchy way to get potential clients interested in what they have to offer, and cast a wide net, but when you need specific help, this phrase is mostly worthless.
If "take your business to the next level" can mean different things for different people, depending on their goals and aspirations, then you have no real clarity. It could mean pushing past your current limits, reaching new heights, and tapping into your full potential as a business owner and as an individual, just as easily as it could mean expanding your customer base, increasing your revenue, improving your products or services, and creating more value for your customers.
That's a painting with a VERY broad brush!
No wonder potential clients get confused, throw their hands up, and walk away!
Specificity is clarity. Clarity builds confidence, which feeds your ability to take courageous actions (like saying YES and hiring a new coach!)
Define "Next Level" for yourself BEFORE you look for a coach
To make the term "take your business to the next level" meaningful, have in mind specific examples of what that might look or feel like for you.
For instance, taking your business to the next level could mean achieving a certain revenue target, expanding your customer base, launching a new product or service, or simply improving your overall brand image and reputation. It could also mean feeling more fulfilled and passionate about the work you do, having more freedom and flexibility in your schedule, and feeling more confident and empowered in your ability to make a difference in your industry.
If you're not clear about what you want or need from a coaching experience, you're more likely to be lured into "next level" language that doesn't get you where you really want to go.
Sadly, most coaches aren't providing specific examples so potential clients can better understand the value of choosing them. Instead, they're relying on lazy "next level" language that isn't helping you at ALL.
But you can make smart decisions by being clear and upfront with what you want or need from a coach. Don't equivocate. Ask them directly: how can you help me achieve x?
Don't let "next level" jargon hypnotize you into saying yes if you're not clear the coach can help.
And if you're ready to get real support to build a business that works for how you're wired to work, let's talk! A few seats are still available for this month's Cashflow Creator business model workshop series. Together, we'll design (or redesign) your business to be in alignment and integrity with what matters most to you and how you're uniquely wired to work.
My husband and I were talking about the movie Grease the other day. While I was conjuring up lyrics from "You're The One That I Want", Jim piped up and said, "The moral of that story is that you've got to change yourself if you want a man."
I was not seeing it. I mean, he's right that you shouldn't have to change yourself in order to be with someone you care about, but was that really what was going on with Sandy? Or was she finally letting herself be more of the person she wanted to be?
Throughout the movie, Sandy was this buttoned up bobby sockser - watching everyone around her living their lives out loud, while clutching her pearls and saying "I couldn't possibly!" at everything going on. Rizzo and the other Pink Ladies tried to get her "Sandra Dee" to loosen up, but she was too scared and possibly ashamed to do anything about it. Until that drag race showed her what she was missing out on by staying buttoned up.
Buttoned-up or Badass?
Let me be clear: there's nothing wrong with being a "Sandra Dee" type - if that's who you really want to be. But you could tell, at the dance, that there was more to Sandy than the buttoned-up persona she had been sharing with the world. She liked being in the spotlight and was miffed when Cha-Cha pulled Danny away from her and won the competition.
Once she got over herself, her next evolution was a more confident, fun-loving person. Yes, she stepped awkwardly at first, but it was someone she WANTED to be. Not something she HAD to do. Sandy chose a path that worked for her and finally let the rest of the world see more of who she really was.
If you ever feel like your brand isn't doing a good job of telling the world who you are - or that you're being ignored by your ideal clients and customers, you might still be trying to show the world your "Sandra Dee" self, when you've actually evolved into a stronger, more charismatic leader. It's time to step out and shine!
How Brand Resonance Works
Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline. Your brand is the total experience that your customers have with your business, from the way you communicate to the quality of your products or services. It's the emotional connection that you build with your audience, and it's what sets you apart from your competitors.
So, if you're talking one way when you show up in person and your visual brand or marketing copy doesn't match, there's a disconnect that your right audience won't take the time to figure out. They'll just shrug their shoulders and move on. A confused mind says "no" - or at least, that's what I was taught decades ago when I started my online marketing journey. If your brand isn't feeling like you anymore (or maybe it never really did), then it's time for a tune up!
How do you go about building a brand that truly reflects your personality, voice, and style, and connects with your ideal clients and customers?
Take a cue from Dolly Parton, another famous blonde from musical history. She's a true master of her brand and an undisputed celebrity in her niche. Dolly has built a brand and a business empire that reflects her personality, voice, and style, and has connected deeply with her fans for decades. Her music, fashion, philanthropy, and overall persona have all contributed to her success and enduring popularity. Dolly's unique style and personality have made her a beloved icon for decades. But beyond her music and fashion, what makes her so successful?
Using the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation, let's analyze Dolly's business model!
Know Yourself
The Equation begins with the importance of knowing yourself in order to connect with your ideal customers.
Dolly knows herself. She has a strong sense of self. She embraces her roots and values, and incorporates them into everything she does. She has never been afraid to embrace her unique style and persona. From her flamboyant stage outfits to her signature blonde hair and southern drawl, Dolly has created a persona that is instantly recognizable and beloved by her fans.
Understand Why You Do What You Do
Dolly's "why" is to spread joy and uplift others, which she does through her music, books, and philanthropic work. She's no Pollyanna. She's not afraid to talk about painful things, but she's also quick to look to the sunny side. Dolly has a deep connection and commitment to her audience. She's been open and honest with her fans, sharing personal stories and experiences that resonate with people on a deeply emotional level. Dolly makes it clear that she cares deeply about her fans and wants to make a positive impact on the world.
Your brand should be a reflection of who you are as a person and what you stand for. Don't try to be something you're not just because you think it will be more marketable or popular. Authenticity is key, and your audience will be able to sense if you're not being genuine.
You need to know what you stand for. Take some time to define your brand values – the principles and beliefs that guide everything you do. Then, SHARE them with your audience! These values are the foundation of your brand and can help you stay true to your authentic self.
Who Needs You Most?
To create a brand that resonates with your ideal clients and customers, you need to know who they are. What are their needs, desires, and pain points? What do they value? What motivates them? What kind of language and tone do they respond to? Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can tailor your brand messaging and marketing materials to speak directly to them.
Dolly understands that her fans value her sincerity, so she speaks from the heart - and isn't afraid to share hardship and poke fun at herself! She also knows how to adapt and stay relevant without compromising her values, such as when she collaborated with EDM artist Galantis on a remix of her hit song "Faith."
Your brand should tell a story – the story of who you are, what you stand for, and how you can help your audience. Use your brand messaging and marketing materials to share your personal journey and connect with your audience on an emotional level.
What Are You Selling?How do you deliver it?
This isn't just about your product, but the deeper benefits your audience gets from experiencing your work. Dolly is a singer and songwriter, so she's selling stories - in musical or written form. But what Dolly actually sells (the deeper benefit) is joy, connection, belonging, and hope. Whether it's music, Dollywood, OR any of the other "offers" that Dolly has for sale, the ultimate goal is the same - to put a smile in your heart and make the world a better place.
Dolly knows how to deliver her message to her audience. Her infectious personality and magnetic charisma make her a natural performer, and her business savvy has helped her build an empire that includes Dollywood theme park and her own record label, and numerous projects for film and television. Dolly has created a brand that has wide reach. And while she delivers it to you in a variety of ways, the "what" that Dolly delivers is the same every time.
Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your brand. Embrace your quirks and unique traits – they're what make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it's a love of 80's musicals, country music, a passion for hiking, or a quirky sense of humor, incorporating your personal interests and hobbies into your brand can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong, authentic brand. Your messaging, visuals, and overall tone should be consistent across all your marketing channels, from your website to your social media accounts. Use the same color scheme, fonts, and tone of voice to create a cohesive brand identity that's instantly recognizable. Make sure they reflect the current you - not who you were 10 years ago! If it's time for an upgrade or update, talk to a brand design professional who can help your materials better reflect your awesomeness.
Building a successful business isn't just about branding - it's about having a solid business model that supports your unique strengths and skills. That's why we invite you to join us at our Cashflow Creator Workshop, where we'll dive deeper into the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation and help you create a business model that works for how you're wired to work. Register now to secure your spot and take the next step towards building a business that aligns with your values and goals!
Remember, building a brand takes time and effort. But with the right Equation - and a little inspiration from Sandy and Dolly - you can create a brand that has your fans singing "You're the one that I want!"
[Creative Freedom S6E10]
Pivot! It was one of the biggest buzzwords of 2020, thanks to the pandemic that shall not be named putting a monkey wrench into EVERYONE’S plans!
Not to brag, but I’ve been pivoting since before it was cool. I’ve probably done the pivot 5 or 10 times in my nearly 30 years online. I mean, nothing lasts forever and the only constant is change, right?
Last episode I talked about how Taylor Swift pivoted to a new music genre...and she’s not the only one. Fine artist Henri Matisse and lots of companies have started down one path, decided it’s not working for them (or has stopped working for them), and turned to something new.
So yes, pivots are a thing, and they absolutely CAN be done successfully, but how do you know if it is, in fact, time to pivot? Listen in to find out today.
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!
In my hometown, there’s a concrete pump house situated between the train tracks and a T intersection by one of our high schools.
I’m pretty sure it’s a defunct building now because the hatch on the top has been painted shut for decades. You couldn’t get into it if you wanted to… although some folks have tried, and there are still a few citizens of the town who HAVE gone in there at some point in the past and lived to tell the tale.
We call it “the rock” - and we called it that long before Dwayne Johnson started wrestling in the 90s. It was first painted by students of that high school - “SWP Oh yeah!” That was the start of over 50 years of community building - through vandalism.
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!
I LOVE me some thrift store shopping! If you have the patience and enjoy treasure hunts, you can come up with some fantastic finds!
As a kid though, I didn’t see the attraction. I grew up in a welfare family, so hand-me-downs constituted the bulk of my wardrobe - and I was the oldest girl, so I was handing them down again! To me, thrift stores were full of hand-me downs, and cheap-o, secondhand crap. Why would I want to be there?
But now? I actually enjoy browsing the shelves, looking for those hidden gems that will make my life better. Like I said, you just never know when you’ll find something that can change your life.
I’ve bought and used all kinds of second-hand treasures. Many of which I later donated again for someone else to enjoy.
Why am I prattling on about thrift stores on a business podcast? Because you can do the same thing with your content! You can uncover the hidden gems in your existing content by doing a treasure hunt of sorts and sharing those golden nuggets with the world.
We call it content repurposing, and you can get a lot more mileage from one piece of long-form content if you do it.
Together we're going to walk you through how you can uncover the hidden gems in your existing content by doing a treasure hunt of sorts and sharing those golden nuggets with the world.
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!
We're back with our first **official** episode of our Season 6 re-launch. Our bonus episode last week gave you the explanation for that.
Our earlier episodes of Season 6 laid the groundwork for what we’re talking about today: your content strategy. If you’ve missed those or you need a refresher, you may want to pop back to the beginning of Season 6 to see what you’ve missed. We’ve talked about how to make sure your content strategy is sustainable, and how to narrow in so you’re actually getting some visibility. This episode, we’re gonna teach you how to build out your strategy.
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!
This time, I'm re-starting Season 6 with something special. A "bonus" episode that breaks down how 2021 went.
Tune in as I go through a month-by-month breakdown of the highlights of what happened last year both personally and professionally, and end the episode with insight around what the changes we are making at Creative Freedom HQ that were inspired by 2021's rollercoaster.
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!
Nickelback. That band everyone loves to hate. Well, thanks to a lot of stock video footage, their rock anthem is now a parody of what it takes to get more visibility in your creative business.
Want to remind your customers of your creative business and develop a sustainable marketing strategy? Check out Episode 6 of the Creative Freedom Show today.
Sponsors & Credits
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support. "How I'll Remind You" is a parody of "How You Remind You", originally recorded by Nickelback. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.
[Creative Freedom S6E3]
If your business is running you ragged and your clients are a PITA, this video is for you!
Inside this episode, we're taking a closer look at how each creative entrepreneur type can take advantage of different business models. Sure, you can have any business model you want, but each creative type needs to focus on doing business in a way that's in alignment with their strengths.
Check out the episode to learn more.
Sponsors & Credits
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support. "Do What Comes Natural" is a parody of "Natural", originally recorded by Imagine Dragons. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.
[Creative Freedom S6E6]
This week we’re going to focus on brand visibility, but not until I tell you a story about Marvin the rooster. That’s right, a neighbor’s stray rooster is going to teach the importance of brand visibility for your company.
After the recent storms in Mississippi, Marvin has been seen strolling up and down our quiet neighborhood street, stopping traffic, blocking our driveway, and waking me up with his obnoxious crowing at 3am every day this week.
I always know where he is because he’s got an unmistakable sound. There’s another rooster somewhere else in the neighborhood who doesn’t crow nearly as often, and I can tell them apart.
Yes, Marvin has branded himself, and it feels like he is EVERYWHERE in my life right now. I can’t get away from him. Even when I chase him off, he’s right back a few hours later.
So... how do we grow brand awareness as a creative entrepreneur? It’s all about showing up consistently to your target audience and having a great logo that draws people in and creates an impact.
As I mentioned in my last episode, consistency and frequency are not always the same thing. No, you can’t just post one youtube video and call it a day - but you don’t have to post multiple times a day either.
It really boils down to finding a rhythm you can commit to for a while, mapping out your visibility strategy - and yes, we’ve got a downloadable in the Rising Tide Learning Library to help you with that.
This episode walks you through finding a rhythm you can commit to for a while and mapping out your visibility strategy.
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. "How I'll Remind You" is a parody of "How You Remind Me", originally recorded by Nickelback. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young. Theme music: “Welcome to the Show” by Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Music licensed under creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
[Creative Freedom S6E5]
In this week’s dose of empowerment for creative entrepreneurs, I’m keeping my word. Last time, I told you we’d dig into how to build a sustainable marketing strategy for your business. It begins with knowing your stories, so before we go any further, be sure to download your copy of the mini workbook inside the Rising Tide learning library that accompanies this episode. Think of it like a study guide that’s going to help you make your content marketing plans go a whole lot faster from here on out.
Let’s also address the elephant in the room when it comes to creating content and then marketing said content: Burnout. Decision fatigue, and the sheer volume of tasks that have to be done to create and promote that content.
Too many folks have equated consistency with frequency - myself included. But they are NOT the same thing!
So how do you develop a profitable, sustainable marketing strategy that doesn’t lead to burn out? The good news is that it’s totally possible.
This episode shares 3 sustainable business practices that help to pull you out of the content hustle and step into the creative freedom you crave.
As a friendly reminder - this month I’m leading the Cashflow Creator workshop - a small group intensive where we take a long hard look at your business model. You know: You + why + who + what + how. All things that will help bring the tips from this episode to life for your business!
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. "The Content Hamster Wheel" is a parody of "Running Just To Catch Myself", originally recorded by Mark Schultz. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young. Theme music: “Welcome to the Show” by Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Music licensed under creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
[Creative Freedom S6E4]
In today’s dose of empowerment for Creative Entrepreneurs, we’re getting tactical and practical. By that, I mean, we’re looking at your planning for your business. Now, I don’t mean business plans - which I believe are mostly useless for creative entrepreneurs who aren’t looking for external funding. There’s a much simpler and easier way to do them - which we’ll talk about in a future episode.
Instead, I’m talking about strategic planning and goal-setting for your business.
I know. I know. It’s March, and I hear you saying, “Lisa. Why are we talking about goal setting and planning now, when the year has already started?
Because if you’re like some creatives I know, you’re still in recovery from 2020, which was a hell of a ride in more ways than one.
The end of Q1 is hot on your heels here in March, so it's a GREAT time to reflect and re-set for the remainder of the year if you've already done your annual planning. OR, you can get your year in gear now and set yourself up to be on track for the rest of 2021.
This episode shares 5 tips to help you get your strategic business planning done for the next 12 months - whenever the year begins for you!
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. "Your Breakout Year" is a parody of "Breakout", originally recorded by Swing Out Sister. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young. Theme music: “Welcome to the Show” by Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Music licensed under creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
[Creative Freedom S6E3]
We started talking about business models in our last episode. Don't let your eyes glaze over because whether you like it or not, you've already GOT a business model. So, it's important for you to have a better understanding of how they work and - more importantly - which business models are best for your creative entrepreneur type.
This week, we're taking a closer look at how each creative entrepreneur type can take advantage of these different business models. Sure, you can have any business model you want, but each creative type needs to focus on doing business in a way that's in alignment with their strengths.
That's what we're looking at in this episode.
The podcast "deep dive" this week shares an example of how a Chaotic Creative can transition from a product-based business model to one that is more profitable and capitalizes on the boutique nature of a high-touch, personalized business.
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. "Do What Comes Natural" is a parody of "Natural", originally recorded by Imagine Dragons. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young. Theme music: “Welcome to the Show” by Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Music licensed under creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
[Creative Freedom S5E6]
How ya liking the new website? Have you checked out the virtual card deck or taken the new version of the quiz yet? I haven't done a formal post yet about all the changes. That's coming soon. Right now, I'm coming off the high that is Creative Freedom Live. I got home earlier this week, and it's been fun to unwind and "recover" from such an amazing weekend. More on that later, too!
Today, though, I'm going to do my darndest to make business models approachable and easy to navigate. Just hearing the word “business model” can conjure up spreadsheets, process diagrams, flow charts, and other stress-inducing imagery. But business models don't have to be stressful.
Once you figure out your unique business model, you’ll like how sexy the results are: more money, meaning, and impact. More Raving Fans for your work, more freedom, and more time to focus on what’s truly important to you.
The best part? It isn’t hard to figure out. The hard parts are sitting down to DO the work and then staying true to the business model that works for you. If you follow along today, you’ll even have some of that handled, too.
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!
It's been a busy month at Creative Freedom HQ! As the first quarter of the year heads into the sunset, I've been plastering my face and voice all over everyone else's website this month in preparation next month's big open enrollment for the Creative Freedom Incubator. If you know you need both coaching and hands-on help in your business, think about applying now to beat the rush. For a limited time, I'm waiving the application fee, so don't dilly dally!
I had the joy of being featured in 4 different places this month. Please check 'em out, leave a comment, and let the hosts know that you'd like them to bring me back! It's your comments, feedback, and recommendations that help me spread the Creative Freedom message far and wide!
Profit. Power. Pursuit. podcast
Host Tara Gentile and I sat down to talk in-depth about the Creative Freedom Incubator - what it is, how it works, and more importantly, WHY it works. Designed for creatives in Early Struggle, the Incubator combines coaching with crucial hands-on business support (VA/Marketing/Admin) that most early-stage businesses need, but can't afford.
We go behind the scenes in how the whole concept was developed, how it evolved, the tough lessons I learned in the first year, and how I've adapted the program to better fit (and inform) my business model. I also talk about what didn't work, client results, and how I've set things up for more success (for them and myself) going forward.
This is my second appearance on Mike Michalowicz's popular show. He's a funny guy, and his co-hosts keep things hopping. Mike's the guy who wrote The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, The Pumpkin Plan, Surge, and, yes, Profit First. His new book, Clockwork will be out this fall.
This was my first (and hopefully NOT last) appearance on The Strategy Hour with Abagail and Emylee. These two are a powerhouse combination of business smarts and compassion for the creative entrepreneur's lifestyle. We talk about the importance of striving for a six-figure business - or not, and the rare reasons why you may not need to aim that high. We also dig into the Cusp types - something I don't get to do very often when talking about the Creative Entrepreneur Type Spectrum. If you're a cuspy, this could be some great learning for you.
I love me some Charlie Gilkey! I was lucky enough to be a guest just as the Creative Freedom Spectrum was coming into the world, so when they asked me back as a contributor, I was thrilled!
On the heels of Oprah's Golden Globes speech, this post provides some insights for people wanting to speak their truth with their audience in ways that won't alienate their true fans, while still being a genuine reflection of their thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Yep, it's been a pretty busy month for me, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. But we've also got some big happenings coming up around here, too. The new season of Creative Freedom is right around the corner, and I can't wait to share the new episodes with you!
Again, Please take a moment to check out the content that interested you, leave a comment or review, and let the hosts know that you'd like them to bring me back! Your comments, feedback, and recommendations are an important part of making sure I get to be a repeat guest. And if you know some podcast or stage I should be speaking on, let us know! I'd really like to see more people this year and get Creative Freedom into as many hands as possible!
One of the scariest topics for most of my clients - the one that brings with it the most baggage and emotional upheaval - is pricing. Right now, about half of my Incubator clients are stalled out on the decision to raise their prices. As early-stage entrepreneurs, there's a struggle between wanting to earn more and not being convinced that they can/"should" raise rates, for fear that they can't get enough clients to pay them the higher rates when they've been struggling at a much lower rate for a while. What they don't realize is that those lower prices are appealing to the wrong kind of audience, and until they can clear their head trash, they'll stay stuck at the lower pricing.
The myth of charging what you're worth
Although I've used the phrase before, I don't believe you can really charge what you're worth. First of all, you're a priceless masterpiece. No one can define your worth. They can, however, decide how much their willing to pay for your Great Work. You can influence that decision, but ultimately, it rests with the buyer. So it's less about charging what you're worth and more about telling a compelling story so that potential buyers are willing to pay your asking price. As Tara Gentile says "Pricing tells a story". So what story does your pricing tell?
More often than not, pricing brings out a lot of hypocritical behavior. This week's episode explains how your inner hypocrite could be running your business into the ground.
Does your "inner hypocrite" control your pricing (or your business)?
Have you had moments in your business where you said one thing was important, but your actions revealed some other motivation? Have you experienced this "out of integrity" moment with other business owners? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments and be part of our Rising Tide.
Need support for your creative business? I have two openings in the Creative Freedom Incubator. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis. If you're not ready for that level of hands-on help, join the growing community of supportive creatives in A-Club. We're here to help you grow.
A couple of years ago, I was hired on as the Marketing Director at Heart of Business. It didn't last long, and yet a whole bunch of great learning came out of it (for all of us!). Mark Silver, the founder, and I developed a stronger friendship and keep respect for what we each bring to the table. I was VERY fortunate to sit down with Mark this month and chat about all things money - from the evolution of Heart of Business (and Mark) to pay-what-you-can pricing models and taking on clients that aren't a good fit when you need the money. All that and much more in this short, 40-minute conversation. SO delicious. Enjoy!
This is my second appearance on Mike Michalowicz's popular show. He's a funny guy, and his co-hosts keep things hopping. Mike's the guy who wrote The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, The Pumpkin Plan, Surge, and, yes, Profit First. His new book, Clockwork will be out this fall.
This was my first (and hopefully NOT last) appearance on The Strategy Hour with Abagail and Emylee. These two are a powerhouse combination of business smarts and compassion for the creative entrepreneur's lifestyle. We talk about the importance of striving for a six-figure business - or not, and the rare reasons why you may not need to aim that high. We also dig into the Cusp types - something I don't get to do very often when talking about the Creative Entrepreneur Type Spectrum. If you're a cuspy, this could be some great learning for you.
I love me some Charlie Gilkey! I was lucky enough to be a guest just as the Creative Freedom Spectrum was coming into the world, so when they asked me back as a contributor, I was thrilled!