Brand Strategy Unwankified

59. Lifting the Veil on the Perfect Lead Magnet

In this episode of The C Word Podcast I get super practical and dive into what makes for the perfect lead magnet.
 
I chat about:
~ The purpose of a lead magnet and getting that clear
~ 5 ingredients of a great lead magnet
~ 8 steps to create and share an effective lead magnet
 
At the end of the episode I mention my blog with 10 Lead Magnet Ideas for Graphic Designs which you can check out via this link: https://bechughes.com/lead-magnet-ideas-for-graphic-designers/
 
RELATED LINKS
On the Blog: 10 Lead Magnet Ideas for Graphic Designers
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORK WITH ME
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
~ 1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
~ The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
 

58. How to Be More Consistent... On Purpose

Being consistent is something many solo creatives and small business owners wrestle with.
In this episode of The C Word podcast I talk about some ideas and strategies to help you be more consistent:
~ 3 golden rules for choosing the right places to invest your efforts
~ Why consistently isn't just about your social media posts
~ The concept of a consistency practice and why it's useful
~ 7 strategies to support you to create the right foundations for consistency
Enjoy!
Bec 
 
RELATED EPISODES
Episode 37 – Mindset Strategies for Effective Selling with Christine Corcoran
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME IN 2023
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
~ 1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
~ The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
 

57. Mindset Strategies for Effective Selling with Christine Corcoran

Christine Corcoran is a Business Mindset Master Coach, Speaker, Podcast host and Creator of the Thrive Retreat & ELEVATED Program.
 
And she really brings the goods when it comes to mindset.
 
Christine is a qualified Practitioner in Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Matrix Therapies and an MBraining Practitioner with an extensive study of Human Behavioural Profiling, Hypnotherapy and Leadership Coaching. 
 
We cover so much valuable ground in this podcast:
~ What mindset is and why it requires work and dedication to change it
~ Separating the value you create as a designer from your worthiness as an awesome human
~ The impact of mindset on your pricing, and why it can lead to undercharging and challenges when communicating your value
~ The role of mindset in sales
~ Strategies for effective sales calls and conversations
~ The concept of an identity upgrade and how it links to your belief systems
 
Pencils sharpened and at the ready because this is a pot of gold!
 
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE
Instagram
LinkedIn
Website
 
WORKING WITH ME
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
~ 1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
~ The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
 
SAY  HELLO!
Follow me on Instagram
Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer

56. Overcoming Objections from Prospective Clients

In this episode of The C Word podcast I talk about overcoming client objections from new prospects and enquiries.
 
I'll get in your ears about:
~ The 3 pivotal points in the sales process to effectively tackle objections
~ How to get closer to your prospective client to understand what their objections might be
~ The most important skill when it comes to overcoming client objections
~ My tips for overcoming the 3 most common client objections
 
RELATED EPISODES
Episode 17 – Ditch Your Price List and Do This Instead
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
~ 1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
~ The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
 

55. Project Layering - The Sweet Spot for Increasing Your Income

How do you manage your workload and your workflow? And more importantly how is that reflected in the money you make as a designer?
For may designers we are inundated and juggling work frantically one minute and then staring at a blank schedule wondering where the next project is coming from the next.
In this episode I explore how other designers work and manage their workload. I’ll share my approach, which I call Project Layering, and how that can increase your revenue and also the overall manageability and sustainability of your business.
 
I’ll be chatting about:
~ What the different approaches to workload management look like for the designers I asked
~ The pros and cons of each
~ The foundations of an ideal scenario and what that scenario could look like for you
~ The direct and specific impact it can have on your income figures
 
Link to the show notes and visual reference I talk about in the episode: https://bechughes.com/increasing-your-income/
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME IN 2023
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
~ 1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
~ The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/

54. 10 Things I Would NOT Do Again if I was a Start-Up

In the previous episode of The C Word podcast I shared the top 10 things I would do first if I was a start-up. I'm following that up in this episode with the 10 things I would NOT do again if I was a start-up.
 
I reflect on things I did in the evolution of my business that, with the benefit of hindsight, I would avoid or do differently now:
 
1) Paid Online Ads
2) Services Just for Revenue
3) Persist with Red Flag Clients
4) Free or Reciprocal Work
5) Tailor the Process or Timeline
6) Putting Client Work Before My Well-Being
7) Over-Invest in Meetings
8) Referrals
9) Evidence of Industry
10) Worry About What Others Think
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME IN 2023
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/

53. 10 Things I Would Do First If I was a Start-Up

If I was a start-up design business what would I do in today's market? It's been some time since I started my business and a lot has changed. Not only that, I've learned a lot and have the benefit of hindsight.
 
So in this episode of The C Word podcast, I reflect on what I would do now if I was a start-up design business based on what I believe would give me the fastest but also the most sustainable growth:
 
1) Create a Simple Packaged Offer
2) Focus on a Robust Website & SEO
3) Embrace My Personal Brand
4) Build My Network & Community
5) Grow & Nurture My Email List
6) Intentional, Consistent Content
7) Make Strategy the Hero
8) Commit to Robust Legal & Financial Systems
9) Streamline My Process
10) Define & Uphold My Boundaries
 
SAY HELLO
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME IN 2023
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/

52. Business Legals for Designers with Tracey Mylecharane

Business legals for designers often only come up when you need to lean on them in a tricky client situation. And if you don't have them in place, it's almost too late to start thinking about them at that point.
My guest on this podcast is Tracey Mylecharane founder of TM Solicitor. She is an unconventional business lawyer who delivers confidence for small business owners.
Tracey has created business legals for designers as well as many other small businesses and in this episode she shares her wisdom on:
• Why your legals are a business essential no matter what stage you're at 
• How your legal documents can be an extension of your brand and values
• The importance and impact in creating a professional client experience
• Why templated legal documents are not a good idea
• Which legal documents you need as a minimum
Even the nicest people can turn combative when there’s money involved. So if you’re sitting there thinking 'I don’t need legal protection, all my clients are lovely, it will never happen to me!' Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
 
CONNECT WITH TRACEY
Instagram
Website
 
WORK WITH ME
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
 
SAY  HELLO!
Follow me on Instagram
Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer

51. Connecting the Dots Between Brand Strategy, Design Strategy and Brand Design

In this episode of The C Word, I step through the 3 elements of Brand Creation:
1) Brand Strategy
2) Design Strategy
3) Brand Design
Understanding and then leveraging these 3 distinct stages and skill sets is an important opportunity for design businesses. I share:
• The purpose of each stage and how they differ
• What brand strategy actually is
• The building blocks of a comprehensive design strategy
• How the 3 stages interlock to create a powerful brand outcome
• How you can leverage them to create more value in your design business
Enjoy!
Bec x
 
RELATED EPISODES
Episode 30 - 3 Words to that will Increase Your Value as a Designer
Episode 16 - Are You Missing the Opportunity to Sell Strategy
 
SAY  HELLO!
Connect on Instagram
My Website
Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
 
WORKING WITH ME
If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level this year and work together, there are 2 ways you can do that:
1:1 Creative Insider Business Coaching… visit bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives
The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/

50. Knowing When to Say No to a Prospective Client

Something that most designers will realise at some stage in business is not all work is good work!
But instead of getting halfway through a project and realising that, wouldn't it be better to say no to those projects in the first place?
Now I appreciate that's easier said than done. Recognising which clients to say no to off the back of an enquiry or discovery call isn't always straightforward.
But there are some red flags you can look out for which I'll share in this episode.
I also share why getting clear on your values, boundaries, niche and ideal client are foundational when it comes to knowing which projects and/or clients are right for you.
And I talk through a handy response model to help you say no promptly and confidently so things don't drag on or get awkward!
Because the impact of not saying no to the wrong work is considerable when it comes to taking your opportunities, your profit and your well being in your business.
Bec x