Brand Strategy Unwankified

9. 5 Systems That Make Space For Creativity

In episode 9 of The C Word podcast and the second in my 4 quick win mini-sodes, I share my 5 systems to make space for creativity.
If you think process and systems stifle creativity this is for you.
In this episode I talk about:
~ How to upgrade your mindset when it comes to productivity~ A simple change that transformed my business and client experience~ How processes and systems are the friend and the fuel for creativity
This is about how you make time for doing creative work you feel proud of whilst doing business better. It focuses on striking a balance and dare I say getting a 'win win'.
In the previous episode I shared the 8 R’s to create momentum and growth in your creative business, so make sure you go and have a listen to that too.
And there are 2 more episodes to come in this series that tackle pricing your creative work and managing tricky clients, so lots more goodies on the way.
Make sure you grab the quick win worksheet below to go with the episode. And don’t forget to listen to all 4 episodes for more bite-sized, actionable and practical strategies for your creative business.
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
Download the Quick Win Worksheets
Find out more about the Creative Meet Business Workshop Series

8. The 8 R’s to Create Momentum & Growth

This week I’m doing something a bit different on the podcast. Instead of 1 meaty episode, I’m going to share 4 little mini-sodes each day - Tuesday through to Friday - that are all about you making quick wins.
 
In this first part of the quick win series, I step through the 8 R’s for building momentum and growth in your creative business. These are all of the profile and profit building strategies you can consider and build into your planning to expand more quickly and also more sustainably.
 
This episode is inspired by the first workshop in my Creative Meet Business Series starting on 14 July 2022 - link for more info below. The first workshop in the series focuses on getting more clients you love working with - sounds good right!? Don't worry, if you're listening after that date you can still access the replays - check out the link below.
 
Make sure you grab the quick win worksheet below to go with the episode. And don't forget to listen to all 4 episodes for more bite-sized, actionable and practical strategies for your creative business.
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
Download the Quick Win Worksheets
Find out more about the Creative Meet Business Workshop Series

7. Your Imperfections are Your Greatest Assets with Jess Roberts

This episode of The C Word Podcast is an absolute gem.
I’m joined by Jess Roberts, founder of The Who Photography and Design.
Jess has been a photographer for the past 12 years, and what makes her approach so unique is her focus on real, genuine, and true connection
As a creative I have often hidden behind my work and struggled to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Which is why this conversation is so great and so essential, because I believe this is true for many creatives.
In this chat, Jess is her usual warm and funny self. She believes it’s all about a world where it’s not just okay to be who you are, it’s celebrated. She explains why your perceived 'imperfections' are your greatest assets and you should embrace them because that's where true authenticity and connection comes from. And Jess lives and breathes that ethos in everything she does.
We talk about loss of identity, particularly for female business owners, and Jess’s own journey from feeling she didn’t really know who she was a creative to stepping out bolder and brighter.
Jess shares what it really takes to create genuine connection and how that translates in a photoshoot. We also dive into what that connection means not only for stronger, deeper client relationships but also a better relationship with ourselves.
And she also reveals her connection with Ed Sheeran.
 
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE…
Photoshoot Planning Guide
The Creative Meet Business Workshop Series
 
CONNECT WITH JESS ROBERTS…
Instagram – Jess Roberts
Instargram – The Who Photography and Design
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Follow Bec on Instagram
My Website

6. Is Canva Damaging Your Brand

In this episode of the podcast I ask the question, ‘Is Canva Damaging Your Brand’? I can already hear the gasps reverberating throughout Australia and beyond!
 
But don’t be alarmed.
 
Today is not a Canva bashing exercise. Far from it. Canva is one of the many amazing tools available to support you to be an empowered, independent and effective brand owner.
 
However, it does come with a ‘graphic’ health warning (pardon the pun!).
 
In this episode I talk about
 
Canva as the facilitator not the cause of what I call vanda-branding, which albeit unintentional, is inflicting damage to your brand particularly in a visual sense
 
The important watchouts when it comes to using design template resources like Canva. And the crucial distinction between using them to expand your brand versus creating your brand
 
How both business owners and designers can be proactive in managing the role of Canva in the brand landscape to ensure it’s a value add
 
It’s a little bit controversial and may touch a nerve with some, but I’m here to tell you want you need to hear not necessarily what you want to hear.
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Follow me on Instagram
Website

5. The Power of Brand Association - A Masterclass by Stranger Things

In this episode I talk about brand association and the ingenious collaboration between Stranger Things and Kate Bush.
 
I’ve just finished watching part 1 of Stranger Things Season 4 and loved it.
 
As a brand consultant, I couldn’t help admiring something else about this season. And that was the inspired choice of the Kate Bush track ‘Running Up That Hill’ as the soundtrack.
 
It’s a masterclass in brand association.
 
No spoilers. And you don’t need to be a fan of either. The big take out is how you can intentionally and consciously use brand association to enhance and elevate your brand.
 
Specifically, I dive into 4 key ingredients for successful brand association:
It Magnifies Your Message
It’s a Great Brand Fit
It Doesn’t Play Safe
It has a Compelling Back Story
 
There’s so much good stuff to talk about!
 
MENTIONS
Kate Bush and Delia Smith Talk Vegetarian Recipes! 
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Instagram @bechughesbranding
At www.bechughes.com

4. Busting the Myths About Creative Business Growth

In today’s episode I’ll be chatting to you solo, and doing a bit of myth-busting about creative business growth.
 
I’ve taken some time recently to reflect on my business evolution. I wanted to ask myself what some of the things have been that have impacted on my success, both positively and negatively.
 
And my biggest outtake has been there’s more than one way to grow.
 
I also believe there are some myths around what you should be doing to grow a creative business. Myths that held me back at times, and stopped me from taking action in ways that I wanted to. Which made me wonder if other creatives feel the same. That maybe there are some misconceptions or misinformation that might be holding you back too.
 
In this episode I’ll be diving into 6 of those myths:
 
Myth 1: You need to be a bold, colourful extravert to ‘qualify’ as a creative
Myth 2: You need to have a team of designers
Myth 3: It’s all about your creative work
Myth 4: The client is the boss
Myth 5: It’s all about billable hours and ‘the timesheet’
Myth 6: You need to be a ‘socials butterfly’
 
As well as breaking open the untruths and problems with these myths, I’ll also talk about some of the things I did to grow my business instead.
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
7 Profit Plumping Strategies training link
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Instagram @bechughesbranding
At www.bechughes.com

3. 7 Strategies to Plump the Profit in Your Creative Business

This is the kind of juicy podcast that needs pen and paper at the ready, because I’ll be serving up tips and tricks that you can put into action pretty quickly.
 
I’ll step through 7 strategies to increase creative business profits, that I’ve used over my seven years in business. These strategies have had a massive impact on me making money rather than just feeling like I should be.
 
This is about making the shift from sweat shop to sweet spot.
 
If you enjoyed what I had to share, I would love it if you subscribe, leave a review and share with others who might get something out of it too.
 
Episode Link: www.bechughes.com/003-profit-plumping-strategies
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
Workbook link
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Instagram @bechughesbranding
At www.bechughes.com

2. The Magic That Happens When Creative and Business Meet

Today I’m talking about the magic that happens when creative and business meet.
 
This is about creative people introducing their creative side to their business side, and building a business that serves both them and their client in a powerful way.
 
I share why that’s important to me in the first place and the 4 happy campers that are served through a sustainable and healthy creative business. I’ll also explore the impact that has on businesses across the board when they’re able to use creativity to its full potential.
 
If you enjoyed what I had to share, I would love it if you subscribe, leave a review and share with others who might get something out of it too.
 
Episode Link: www.bechughes.com/002-when-creative-meets-business
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Instagram @bechughesbranding
At www.bechughes.com
 

1. Life, Loves, Business & Creativity with Bec Hughes

In this very first episode of The C Word Podcast, I thought I’d try something a bit cute and quirky, or maybe it’s just a bit weird! We’ll see.
 
Today I’m interviewing myself.
 
I’ve picked some of my favourite questions that others have asked me in the past and thrown in some of my own.
 
My aim is to share a bit more about me so you can get to know the person behind the poddie voice.
 
So, if you want to know what really gets under my skin, who my spirit animal is and my superpower (as I see it), as well as more about what has brought me here in life and business, lend me your ears.
 
If there’s anything I don’t ask myself, but you have a burning desire to know, just send me an email to becky@bechughes.com or a DM on the usual socials @bechughesbranding.
 
And if you enjoyed what I had to share, I would love it if you subscribe, leave a review and share with others who might enjoy it too.
Episode Link: www.bechughes.com/001-an-interview-with-bec-hughes
 
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
 
Creative Business Insider
Creative Business Incubator
Instagram @bechughesbranding
At www.bechughes.com