Episode 19: Getting Creative Through Left Brain AND Right Brain Thinking

Everyone has a unique way of approaching the world that is a mixture of logic and creativity. You may not think of yourself as one or the other but the truth is we are all blend of both. It’s how we problem-solve, how we share ideas and information and how we run our businesses. In this episode, I am joined by Caroline Buist, a VA and copywriter who is on a personal mission to help creative business owners do the work they love. We talk about loving what you do and enjoying the process, plus the successes you experience whilst avoiding the trap of comparison. We share our experiences of being creative with a balance of process and strategy, and how it’s important to show up as your own blend wherever you choose to market your business, and the best and worst advice we've received as businesses owners.

Find out more about Caroline and her work here:

https://abovebeyondva.co.uk/

Or connect with Caroline on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-buist-the-copy-queen/

Episode 18: Why You Might Be Un-Google-able (and what to do about it)

Marketing may look like an ever-changing beast but at it’s core, it’s about connection. Connecting the right people to create the right solution. All the rest is the details but that connection - and how we communicate that - is the core of good marketing.

In this episode I’ll be using a handy analogy to break down one of the biggest challenges I see people face when it comes to talking about their business, and how you can use this new framing to show up on Google at potential clients fingertips - even if they aren’t 100% sure what they need. I’ll talk you through how to find the angles that work for you and more importantly how to connect with your audience with ease, encourage them to continue the conversation wherever they show up and how this translates into Google’s blessing.

For lots of unconventional products (physical and digital) to help you consistently create marketing content that you AND your audience enjoy, check out:

https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 17: The Purpose of Paying It Forward

When you are your business, it can feel like a constant battle between you as a human and you as the business owner the world sees, and the balance between vulnerability, authenticity, and embracing your own blend of magic takes effort.

In this episode, I am joined by the organisational unicorn that is Kate Browning of Cherry Blossom Management.

We talk about the change in mindset and actions that can take time to wrap your brain around when you leave a corporate environment, and how ultimately finding your unique approach to business can be tricky but oh-so rewarding.

We chat about self-care being a necessity - not an option - when you are your business and unlearning workplace cultivated behaviours that hold you back when you are your own boss. And we open up about the vulnerability that comes with showing up as yourself (even when you don’t feel like it or when things are not as glittery as you want) and why it matters to us to pay it forward in business.

Find out more about Kate and her work here:

https://cherryblossommanagement.co.uk/

Or connect with Kate on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katebrowningcbm/

Episode 16: What No-One Is Telling You About Launching

Launching - like any part of business - is not something that can be wrapped up in a simple 3-step process. It’s as unique as you are and often that is not talked about - until today! Yep, you guessed it, it's myth-busting time. Real talk coming up...

In this episode, I’ll be dispelling some of the mystery of those golden launches we often hear about, along with showing you how you can find a way to launch in a way that works for YOU.

I’ll break down what launching is and give you some unconventional marketing (and mindset) tactics that you can put into practice. I’ll share my failures and successes from my own launches, along with some behind the scenes of how I approach bringing something new to my clients and audience.

No gimmicks, no secrets - just my experience, observations and a different perspective - as always!

For lots of unconventional products (physical and digital) to help you run your biz on your terms check out:

https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 15: How Not To Be A Dick In Business

Businesses - like everything else - thrive on connection. With so much advice out there driven by personal experience and opinion, how can you fundamentally make sure you are both giving and receiving the right advice for your business?

In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Jacobs from Cookie Jar Consultancy. We discuss the changing face of LinkedIn and celebrate the changing face of acceptance in media (both social and otherwise), plus how to find your people by showing up as yourself (whilst calling IN the trolls!).

We explore how open conversation is the way to understand, question, learn and educate for all things important in life and business - whether that’s identity as a four-year-old or having the courage to say you don’t understand what white privilege is. Challenging ‘the way of things’ and calling BS on 'celebrity’ business advice - it all comes down to honesty, integrity and not being a dick in business. Be warned: this ep is not for the faint-hearted! There’s plenty of real talk and a bucket-load of swearing.

Find out more about Jeremy and his work here:

www.cookiejarconsultancy.com

Or connect with him on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjacobsuk/

Episode 14: The Peculiar Business of Pricing

Pricing is so much more than how much something costs. There are the practical elements - like time and experience, but also an emotional factor that can make it tricky to set your prices at any stage of your business.

In this episode I’ll be sharing my journey to setting my pricing and how I approach it, along with breaking down the common tripping-up points, along with a dollop of suggested structure to help you find your sweet spot.

I’ll talk about both short and long-term strategies and different ideas on how you may want to settle on the financial fundamentals for your business.

For lots of unconventional products (physical and digital) to help you run your business on your terms, check out:

https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 13: Defying Stereotypes as an MLM

MLMs have been an accessible way to start a business with minimal risk for decades, but with it comes preconceptions that can be difficult to break through and embrace your business as your own.

In this episode, I am joined by the wonderful Georgia Mulliss an ex-IT project manager turned aroma coach.

We talk about finding your passion as a regular person who finds something that works for you, becoming extremely passionate about it and finding your way of sharing that with the world through business.

We chat about falling into expected narratives and industry ‘norms’ as our internal ‘shoulds’ take over and facing preconceptions as an MLM (Multi Level Marketing) business owner finding their voice, and discuss some of the unethical and confusing advice taught within the MLM industry.

Find out more about Georgia and her work here:

https://www.facebook.com/georgiamulliss/

Or connect with her on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-mulliss-ickfree/

Episode 12: Formulas vs Frameworks (with optional marshmallows)

Starting a business is like stepping into an advice-fuelled firing range. Everyone has their tips, tricks, hacks and habits and it can be overwhelming to listen, learn and remember who you are in the centre of all this.

In this episode, I’ll be busting some myths about what really works (spoilers: it’s not one size fits all) while helping you to find the big questions, missing puzzle pieces and figuring out the strategy before the action happens.

I’ll talk about formulas, frameworks and phony advice - how to tell the difference and what you can learn from each. Because you can always learn something!

For lots of unconventional products (physical and digital) to help you consistently create content that you AND your audience enjoy, check out:

https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 11: Why we don't talk to women (but we should!)

50% of your audience are female. How much do you consider that fact when you create your products, services, marketing and content? And how do you appeal to women in an authentic, meaningful way, without patronising them?

In this episode I’m joined my the wonderful Amber Lee, a copywriter who creates original female-focused content, working with startups and new businesses, to help them get to the point and show off what they do best.

We talk about her unconventional route into copywriting, the importance of building a business community, our problems with Paw Patrol, and why a lot of businesses and brands don’t talk to women in their marketing… but they should!

If you yourself are female, you probably do. As Amber says in this episode: women are generally pretty good at talking to women! But what if you’re not? How do you ensure that what you’re creating will appeal to women as well as men, so you’re not missing out on 50% of your customer base? Amber shares some great examples and top tips in this episode!

Find out more about Amber and her work here: https://yesamberlee.co.uk/

Or connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesamberlee/

Episode 10: Content marketing: what no one is telling you

What do I post, where and how often?! Everyone talks about what you need to do to create content that's captivating to your audience and clients, but how about creating a process that's captivating TO YOU, so you can create & show up consistently!?

Just imagine content creation…

...saving you time

...being enjoyable and fun

…helping you get the clients and customers you really want!

News flash: it’s totally possible, but first we need to understand what you are being told that is bullshit!

In this episode I bust some myths, share some different perspectives on content creation & content marketing, as well as dropping some truth bombs that might fly in the face of what you hear elsewhere.

For more real-world guidance on how to consistently create content that you AND your audience enjoy, check out our selection of totally unconventional templates and training: https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 9: Why mistakes are great in business

The reality of owning a business is that you're gonna make mistakes! But what if there was a power in the mistakes you make? What if mistakes are actually great!?

In this episode I’m joined by Alex Moore - copywriter and self proclaimed offer engineer. Alex helps client-based businesses stand out in crowded markets through the power of their offer. We discuss how embracing mistakes, rather than fearing them, could get you further than hustle and hard work. 

We also hear from Alex on his approach to experimenting and making mistakes in his business, along with how he aims to build a business that supports the life that he dreams of - not the other way around. A great listen if you need a reminder that mistakes are your greatest source of learning as a business owner!

Connect with Alex and learn more about his work over on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-james-moore/

Episode 8: How to actually enjoy SALES (ick-free!)

How do you make a purchase decision - in life or in business? Do you ever feel pressured to buy something - either because you’ve got FOMO or you’re convinced it’s the best deal you’ll ever get? And how does this effect your feelings towards selling in your own business?

In this episode I give you a very relatable analogy for ‘sales’, from a customer’s perspective. I invite you to reflect on how you can banish the ick and take things at your audience's pace, empowering them to make an informed decision about what they want to buy and why. This is the key to actually enjoying the sales process in your business and it's empowering for you, as well as your audience!

How do you feel about selling? Get in touch and let me know! Always love to hear your feedback on the podcast.

Episode 7: Efficiency with a smile - let's work smarter, not harder

Ever hear people bang on about automation and systems and think ‘yawn’? Well, you haven’t met these two yet! In this episode I’m joined by the wonderful Steph & Debbie from Stebbington Ltd. These two powerhouses help small businesses become more efficient to give them more time to do what they do best. And who doesn't want that!? 

We talk about why hustle culture can get in the bin, #vanlife vs #yachtlife and how to work smarter not harder, with the combined superpowers of systems and automation. Debbie and Steph share a little of their business story and why they’re all about efficiency, with a smile.

Find out more about Steph & Debbie and how they could help you and your business here:

Debbie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiecrompton/

Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephbonnie/

Episode 6: Why bro marketing needs to get in the bin (and what we can do instead)

If I don’t buy this course / webinar / product / programme my business will fail! If I don’t bag this offer today it’ll never be available at this price again!

Sound familiar? Ever been there or thought that? Congratulations - you’ve been on the receiving end of bro marketing! In this episode I talk about what bro marketing is, how it works by triggering our fear responses, why it feels uncomfortable for some of us and what we can do instead.

How do you feel about bro marketing tactics? Are you a lover or a hater? Drop me a line and let me know! You can also grab lots of unconventional templates and training to help you in your business here: https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 5: Don't just dream big, dream real

Running a business is hard! No doubt. But when you start out, how do you ensure you're not running before you can walk? In this episode I'm joined by Stephen Jones of Copper Twig, sharing his experiences of starting out as a bespoke furniture maker. We talk about how his approach is different from lots of other furniture makers, and what makes his pieces so special, as well as some of the tough lessons he has learned along the way. It's not just about dreaming big, it's about dreaming real!

Check out Stephen's beautiful creations:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copper_twig/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coppertwig

Website: http://coppertwig.com

Episode 4: The big secret to business success: just be yourself

When you're a solo business owner, the reality of selling a one-to-one service is that really... you're selling yourself. You're selling all the parts of you, not just the things you are 'officially' qualified to do. People don't just buy what you do, they buy the way you think and the way you make them FEEL. So like it or not, if you are a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner and you haven't reached this particular lightbulb moment then I promise that moment is coming and the sooner you embrace it, the better! And that, my business owning friend, is the moment you'll have access to everything you need to skyrocket your success.

In this episode I give you a few examples of how this can manifest, from my own experience, and what you can do to be more truly you in your business. If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review as it helps us spread the word that business doesn't have to feel hard! It can feel easy, aligned and bloody awesome if you stop listening to all the hustle crap and start listening to yourself. And we're here to help you do just that.

Find out more about the Unconventional Business Academy here: https://revealmarketinguk.com/shop

Episode 3: Are you growing in love or moving away in fear?

Who are you becoming as you're pursuing your goals and dreams? Are you growing in love or moving away in fear?

In this episode we’re joined by Avril Lobo, Wellbeing and Resilience Coach. We talk about high achievers experiencing burnout, focusing on who we are BEING as we move towards our goals (rather than what we are DOING) and why sometimes rest IS the key to peak performance.

Please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode and keep an eye out for lots more unconventional business advice coming your way on this podcast.

Discover more about Avril and her work at: https://coachedbyavril.com/

Connect with Avril on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avril-lobo-wellbeing-resilience-coach/

Episode 2: To niche or not to niche? Let's do it differently

Niching is like marmite: you either love it or hate it! So what if I told you there’s a completely different way to look at it, that I guarantee will finally make sense to you? If ‘niching down’ feels difficult or like it could lead to a whole load of boredom, this episode talks you through a different take that is designed to feel inspiring and freeing rather than restrictive and dull! We’re going to draw the box around the problem, rather than the person. Spoiler alert: you’re going to love it.

Please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode and keep an eye out for lots more unconventional business advice coming your way on this podcast.

Episode 1: Let's tear up the Small Business rule book

If you've found yourself here, you’re probably a bit unconventional just like me. You like to do things differently. You don't just want to serve your clients and answer their problem, you want to dig underneath the symptom and solve the real problem they're experiencing. You're not happy with the status quo. You’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in and you want to challenge the norms in your industry, maybe have tough conversations for the greater good.

Guess what? That’s me too. I am not happy with the marketing industry (for a start!) when it comes to helping small businesses. There's too much advice out there that applies to big business, but when it comes to the solo business owner, it's just not helpful. And that's the norm that I want to challenge; that's the status quo that I want to tear up.

This podcast is going to help you navigate your unique path through owning a business. I and my guests will offer guidance that allows you to take just the bits you like and feel good for you, so you can easily apply them to your business. Building a successful business is about building something with structure and flow, not something rigid that feels like wearing someone else’s clothes! My name is Siobhan Fox, your sweary Marketing Strategy Consultant & Mentor. Join me on this journey and together, let’s do business differently.

Please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode and keep an eye out for lots more unconventional business advice coming your way on this podcast.