Lisa Robbin Young

[CREATIVE FREEDOM S8E8]

Ever roll your eyes at the phrase “personal branding”?

You’re not alone. For multi-passionate creatives like us, it can feel like trying to fit a rainbow into a single crayon box. But here’s the thing: your unique blend of passions is exactly what sets you apart.

Here’s the thing: your personal brand isn’t about creating a flawless facade. It’s about embracing who you are—warts, sparkles, and all—and sharing that with the world in a way that resonates with your Raving Fans.

Brands that last aren’t the slickest or the loudest—they’re the ones that keep showing up, being recognizably themselves. That’s how you build trust, loyalty, and a community of Raving Fans.

Check out the full episode and grab your free branding guide in our Rising Tide community.

You know you want to!

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 8 | iTunes | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • Personal Brand is kind of an oxymoron: 'Personal' implies individuality, authenticity, and all the messy, beautiful parts of being human. 'Branding,' on the other hand, brings to mind corporate logos, marketing strategies, and polished images. How do we navigate this?
  • Define Your Unique Identity: Know which talent is “singing lead” at any given point in time. Let your other talents “sing backup” and be in a supporting role, without having to focus on everything all at once. You don’t have to monetize everything, but you can, if it feels aligned for you.
  • Your Brand Stories Matter: Step 1: Define Your Journey. Step 2: Highlight Key Moments. Step 3: Infuse Authenticity.
  • Consistent Brand Strategy Matters, Too!: Messaging & imagery need to be cohesive. Create content pillars that integrate your passion. Share & engage regularly in ways that work for you

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 S8E7]

In a world that often demands we “pick one thing,” multi-passionate entrepreneurs and Fusion creatives can feel out of place. But what if your diverse interests are your greatest asset?

In this episode, I’m sharing how to embrace your multi-passionate nature and turn your many talents into a thriving business - plus, the inspiring story of someone who built her empire by refusing to be put in a box.

Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for integrating your passions, balancing priorities, and weaving your unique story into your brand. If you’ve ever felt “too much” for the business world, this episode is your permission slip to shine.

Listen To The Podcast

Download Season 8 Episode 7 | iTunes | Spotify

Podcast Show Notes

In this episode, we are talking about:

  • Understanding Your Multi-Passionate Nature: Embracing your multi-passionate nature means recognizing and celebrating the fact that you have a wide range of interests and talents.
  • Leveraging Your Diverse Passions in Business: Your diverse passions are not a liability but an asset. They can set you apart and give you a competitive edge in business.
  • Balancing Your Passions and Priorities: Balancing multiple passions can be challenging, but it's essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
  • Integrating Your Passions into Your Brand Story: Your brand story is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and showcasing your unique identity.
  • Overcoming Challenges and Doubts: Embracing your multi-passionate nature may come with its challenges and doubts, but they can be overcome with perseverance and determination.

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 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

[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

Once upon a time, Emily was on her way to meet up with some friends at a local rock bar. As she walked down the street, the sound of guitars and drums beckoned her closer.

She walked in and was immediately transported back in time: a dim room, neon glow, and the smell of leather and hairspray filling her nostrils. The band was playing "Walk This Way" and a full slate of classic 80's rock. As the band played on, Emily let herself fantasize about being on stage, playing her heart out to a crowd of adoring fans. She'd played guitar all her life, but never really did anything with it.

"Maybe it's time." She thought to herself.

Emily began working to launch her rock music career. Hair teased to the sky, the leather pants, and blazing guitar skills that would put Eddie Van Halen to shame. She was a little rusty, but it all came back quickly. She went to open mics, talent showcases, and started connecting with other musicians. Still, despite her passion and dedication, launching wasn't as easy as she'd hoped. She sounded like every other 80's rocker and - let's face it - there's not as much demand as there once was for 80's rockers (sad face)!

After one showcase, one of the featured artists shared with Emily the secret to her success: "It's not just about the music, kid," she says. "It's about your values and your vision. It's about who you are, why you do what you do, and your audience. And of course, it's about having a killer sound that sets you apart from the rest."

Emily takes this advice to heart and re-evaluates her approach to building her band. She starts by looking inward and examining her own values and vision for her music. Who is she as an artist? Why does she want to create this type of music? Who does she want to connect with through her music? With a clear sense of purpose and direction, Emily is able to attract other like-minded musicians who share her values and vision.

Together, they work on developing a sound that's fresh and unique, but still true to their roots. They experiment with different instruments, lyrics, and melodies until they land on something that feels right. And with each rehearsal and performance, they continue to refine their sound and their message.

Eventually, Emily's band catches the attention of a record label, and they're offered a contract to record their first album. But even with this newfound success, Emily never loses sight of her values and vision. She remains true to herself and her music, and continues to connect with fans who share her passion and love for 80's rock.

While Emily might be a fictional character, the lesson still holds: building a successful business is about more than just the product or service you offer. It's about understanding your values and vision, identifying your target audience, and creating a unique and compelling message that sets you apart from the competition.

THAT is what makes up your business model. I know. Saying that might just make your eyes glaze over, but hear me out. If you're tired of feeling like your business doesn't align with your unique values and vision, the problem is likely your business model. If you feel like your business doesn't truly reflect who you are and what you stand for, the answer probably lies in your business model.

In short, if you don't have the time, the income, the freedom, the reach, the alignment, or ease that you thought you'd get from your business... then chances are good there's something amiss in your business model!

Like it or not, if you're bringing in any revenue at all, you already have a business model. It may or may not be profitable. It may or may not be sustainable. Being intentional about your business model allows you to have a business that works with your natural abilities instead of against them. And I believe everyone can have a business that works for how you're wired to work.

The way we do that here at Creative Freedom HQ is through the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation.

Business Models For Creative Entrepreneurs

You Linear Creatives are already salivating, I know. But, this isn't a traditional mathematical equation. It's part art and part science, so Chaotics and Fusions can have some fun, too! The Creative Freedom Business Model Equation helps you define the various elements of your business model based on a few factors - including your unique values and vision.

The equation is simple: (You + Why + Who) + What + How

Let's break it down.

The Creative Freedom Business Model Equation is a set of flexible "pieces" that tell the story of how your business creates value in the world. There are plenty of tools to help you design business models in the world, but most of them are unwieldy and complicated. Based on the Strategyzer business model canvas, our business model equation is a straightforward, easy to understand way for micro-business owners to approach business model design.

The Creative Freedom Business Model Equation Explained

You probably noticed that the first part of the equation is in parentheses. That indicates the "internal" part of the business model. The part of doing business that is most directly impacted by your values and beliefs - much of which is internal to your company and not on public display. The second part of the equation is your offer. That's the part that the public gets to see and interact with regularly. You offer is both the "what" you're selling and "how" you're delivering it.

Now, let's take a closer look at each piece of the equation.

You

Who are you, really? What matters to you as a person? It's important to understand your context and constraints in order to design a business that works for how you're uniquely wired. We take a 360-degree view of the entrepreneur to truly understand what you're all about and what you can realistically bring to the table, considering your circumstances. Ask yourself things like:

  • What do I value most in life?
  • What impact do I want to personally have?
  • What's going on for me that could limit my ability to work?
  • What does success really look like for me?

This is often the hardest part, because you have to unpack the layers of stuff that come from "shoulding" on yourself, and get to what's really true. It's important to take the time to deeply reflect on these questions and come up with genuine answers that align with what's true for you. Once you have a clear understanding of your values and vision, you can move on to the next step.

Why

This is about your motivations and your vision for the future. If you've read Simon Sinek's book, Start With Why, this may feel familiar. Simon's position is that people "don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." This is all about purpose and mission. Understanding your "why" and communicating it helps the right people connect. By creating resonance with your audience, you'll attract more of the right people with greater ease. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Why did you choose this line of entrepreneurship?
  • What makes you qualified to do it?
  • Why does the world need what you offer?
  • What change do you want to see in the world?

Who

This is about your audience - or primary audience, if you serve multiple audiences. Who are you here to serve? By identifying your core audience, your messaging can speak directly to those folks. There's nothing for sale in this world that's meant for everyone. And that's the way it's supposed to be. There are people already primed and ready - excited even - to experience the that thing that you offer. Why waste your energy chasing everyone when your right audience is "already ready already"? Ask yourself questions like:

  • What kind of people are already on board with what you're about?
  • What do my best clients have in common?
  • Who gets the best results from what I offer?
  • Who do I ADORE working with?
  • Who makes it easy for me?
  • Who do I make it easy for?

What

Your offer is made up of both the "What" and the "How" - which we'll talk more about in a minute. The "What" is all about what you're selling. This is the transformation, not just the object. It's not just a pair of socks, it's warm feet. It's more than a song, it's a sense of belonging. It's the thing, but it's also the end result of experiencing that thing.

As a business coach, I sell tools for business growth. But at a deeper level, what I really sell are things like self-worth, confidence, peace of mind, and clarity. Because when your business is growing in ways that work for how you're wired to work, you feel more confident, you've got clarity on what to do, and peace of mind that things are working. That all contributes to your sense of self-worth.

As you're thinking about what you sell, ask yourself:

  • What is the end result my clients get from my work?
  • What is the change they hope to see from my offer?
  • How do I make my client's life better?

How

The second part of your offer is the the "How" - the delivery mechanism. You can offer the same "What" in different ways. When I wrote my book, Creative Freedom, we made it available as an audiobook, a digital book, and a physical edition. I've also extracted parts of the book for some of the training I do. Same "What" - the knowledge and information - delivered with a different "How".

Different delivery methods may come with different pricing, so we put that inside the "How" as well. Consider different delivery methods and pricing models to find the best fit for your business and your audience. As you're looking at this final piece of the Equation, ask yourself questions like this:

  • How are you delivering your offer?
  • What's the pricing?
  • What are you asking for in return for the delivery of this offer?
  • What are the different possible ways I can combine these elements - that will also work for me and my best audience?

When you put it all together, the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation is flexible and only limited by your answers. By aligning your business with your unique values and vision, you'll create a business that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Aligning Your Business Model with Your Values and Vision

With a clear understanding of your unique values and vision, and a defined business model based on the Equation, you can now operate and make choices from a more aligned starting point. Look for areas where things can be re-aligned with your business model to create a more authentic and fulfilling experience for both you and your customers.

For example, if one of your values is sustainability, you might look for ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business model, such as using recycled materials or reducing your carbon footprint. Or, if your ultimate vision is to create a positive impact on your community, you might explore ways to give back or donate a portion of your profits to a local charity.

Testing and Refining Your Business Model

Once you have things in alignment, it's important to test it out and see how it works in the real world. You will evolve over time, so it's important to go back and review your business model from time to time, to make sure everything is working effectively, profitably, and sustainably for you. If it's not, it's time for a review!

In April, I'm leading a business model workshop to help you work through the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation and apply it to your business. I call it the Cashflow Creator Workshop because I know that only Linears get excited about business models - but everyone wants better cashflow! Seats are limited, so if you're ready to take the first step towards creating a business that truly resonates with you and your audience, join us! Can't wait to see you there!

Every hero has values to which he clings. Superman had "truth, justice, and the American way" while MacGyver believed his mind was more effective than guns for solving problems. Some values are more honorable than others, but you can't be a hero without values worth dying for.

Values Worth Dying For

you can't be aNot a concept that's widely embraced in the business world. Not too many corporations that I'm aware of would lay down their lives for the work they do (or the workers that do it). The very nature of a corporation is to generate a profit for shareholders - and sometimes doing what's right may mean NOT generating profit for shareholders.

So is it possible to be heroic in business? Absolutely. Because doing the right thing is always in style, even if the shareholders disagree.

Men and women of action always have a choice. We can choose to value principles over profit, people above things, and not be a martyr in the process. We can do what's right, knowing that the long-term reward is far greater.

And no, I'm not talking about "eternal rewards" or heaven here. I'm talking about the tough decision to close a business segment that's losing money, and shifting those people and resources into areas where better work can be done. I'm talking about the tough decision to NOT fire good people if they can be used elsewhere, even if it means a short term cashflow pinch (not crisis, mind you. That's different.).

I'm talking about having values worth dying for.

When "the world" tells you how things "should" be, even thought your gut tells you otherwise, and your values guide you in a different direction, do you cave? Or do you choose to be the action hero?

Will you take a short term beating for a long term gain?

So many people will do anything to avoid even the slightest amount of pain. Yet, pain is a part of growth. Discomfort & uncertainty abound in entrepreneurial circles. You can't avoid it if you want to grow. And yet, time and again I see people take what appears to be an "easy" way out, only to find themselves stuck in "the fire swamp" because they didn't trust their gut.

Remember, heroes are not above getting bloodied up a bit - so long as the fight is in alignment with their values.

As you examine your own business, think about these questions:

  1. What are your core values - those things you are willing to die for?
  2. Are those values being reflected in the work you do?
  3. HOW are those values being reflected in the work you do?
  4. What do your clients, colleagues and co-workers identify as the core values of your organization?

If you can't answer these questions, you've got your work cut out for you. It would be nice if you could stop and get absolute clarity on this before you do anything else. However, I recognize that's not always practical.

How to get these answers in the next 30 days:

  1. Block out an hour and really dig into your values. Ask yourself how you would respond if you saw something that was in direct opposition to your values. Would you face death for what you value? If not, re-think your highest values.
  2. Give yourself permission to be extremely honest with yourself about what you truly value - not what other people think you "should" value. Stop "shoulding on yourself" and get clarity. Maybe honesty is important to you, but it's not one of your top 4 or 5 core values. It doesn't mean it's not important, and it doesn't make you a bad person if it's not your number one. Just get clear.
  3. Look at your calendar and examine not only what you accomplished, but also what went by the wayside this month. What got neglected or ignored tends to be something we value less. Look at your bank statements and see where the money went this past month. Also think about what you didn't spend money on in order to spend or save what you did. Like your calendar, this will give you clarity about what you truly find important and are willing to sacrifice.
  4. Ask your clients, colleagues and co-workers to share with you their thoughts about what you truly value. Do not judge their answers or justify your position about anything, just take in their answers. This step takes courage. Many will never do it for that very reason. The truth of the matter is that perception is more powerful than truth. What your clients, colleagues and co-workers perceive about you is their truth until you can alter their perceptions. If there is a discordant mis-match between their perception and yours, brainstorm a plan to change those perceptions through your actions (not just words).

Remember, this isn't about issuing a "vision statement" or some other piece of equally benign paper. Show, don't tell. "Be the change you want to see" and all that.

I'll even put my money where my mouth is...

Take a few minutes to share with me (via email or as a comment on this post) any/all of the following:

A. What do YOU value in life and business?

B. What did you learn when you asked others what they think you value?

C. Based on what you know about me, what do you think I value?

I'm sharing my results in a later post. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens!