The C Word Podcast with Bec Hughes (Bec Hughes | Brand Strategy Mentor)
Explore every episode of The C Word Podcast with Bec Hughes
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Mar 2024 | 89. The No1 Reason Your Content Isn't Connecting With Your Audience | 00:12:26 | |
Would you rather lots of engagement with your content from people who will never buy from you or a small amount of engagement from people who will buy from you? I think we'd all say the same thing... if our logical brain was answering. But the emotional reality is quite different. In this episode I discuss: • The reason designers are falling into the trap of a specific type of content • Why that content isn't working for you • The 3 types of content that turn your ideal client off • How you can flip that content to work harder for you Brand Designers Resources You Might Love | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | 85. Your Big Fish Offer | 00:28:31 | |
If you want to stand out, cut-through, have high perceived value and be more profitable, your 'Big Fish Offer' is a very good place to start. In this episode I'll give you a step-by-step process to brainstorm, define and articulate your big fish offer so you can: • Increase your profit • Streamline your workflow • Make marketing less painful • Create a pipeline of pre-qualified clients Work With MeIf you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | 32. The 6 C’S for Getting Consistent, Quality Clients | 00:39:48 | |
What’s the number one thing that all designers want? Consistent clients of course! More specifically consistent, good quality clients. Because what you actually want is the ones that value you, have a desire to work with you because they believe in the upgrade you will create for them and they trust your expertise. There’s no magic formula for this, it takes work and putting your efforts in the right places. In this episode of The C Word Podcast I share the 6 C's for getting consistent, quality clients: 1) Community 2) Captivation 3) Charity 4) Clarity 5) Confidence 6) Customer Service
RELATED PODCASTS I MENTION: Episode 20 - Do Designers & Creatives Need a Niche with Jessica Osborne Episode 17 - Ditch Your Price List & Do This Instead
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List Private Coaching & Mentoring with Me
| |||
| 01 Jun 2022 | 2. The Magic That Happens When Creative and Business Meet | 00:19:28 | |
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!
Instagram @bechughesbranding
| |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | 70. Getting Found Part 2 - Volume and Value | 00:18:26 | |
In episode 68 of The C Word, I shared my insights on standing out in a crowded market, focusing on the 4 key opportunities to leverage. But there’s almost no point in focusing on building your brand to stand out if you can’t be found, seen or heard. So in episode 69 I shared the first part of my 3 'V' framework to 'stand up' and be seen... visibility. In this final episode in the mini-series, I dive into how you can leverage volume and value to support your brand to be found by potential clients RELATED EPISODES Episode 68 - Standing Out in a Crowded Industry Episode 69 - Getting Found Part 2 - Volume and Value WORK WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. SAY HELLO Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 30 Jul 2023 | 66. Grow with Brand Strategy Inspired Income Streams | 00:25:25 | |
There are lots of way to create an income from brand strategy related services, it doesn’t have to be an all in brand strategy process.
In this episode of The C Word podcast, I share 6 potential revenue streams that will allow you to create income from brand strategy and other brand related services:
1) Branding Audit
2) Brand Audit (not a typo, they are different!)
3) Naming
4) Consultancy Intensives
5) Style Guide & Guidelines Creation
6) Digital Products
Let’s dive in and see if we can find 1, 2 or more new income streams for your business.
Bec
THE BRAND METHOD PROGRAM Create a Brand Strategy income stream
SAY HELLO 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/ | |||
| 16 Aug 2023 | 67. Your Ego and the Impact on Your Business | 00:22:23 | |
Self-concept, also called self-image, self-identity or ego, is at the centre of just about everything we do. It's a powerful force and can propel you forward or it can hold you back and stop you from being and doing what you want. In this episode of the C Word Podcast I look at: ~ The 3 aspects of self-concept ~ How self-concept can adversely affect designers in their business ~ How you can use self-concept to change how you behave in your business for the better ~ Examples of how self-concept has informed and supported me in my life and business
WORK WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that, visit https://bechughes.com/mentoringwithme/
SAY HELLO Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 25 Jan 2023 | 43. The Client Centred Business Model is Broken | 00:31:01 | |
In this episode of the C Word Podcast I want to challenge one of the most ingrained concepts in the creative industry, and that is the client centred business model. Because I believe it's fundamentally broken and it doesn't serve clients or creatives.
I'll share: 1/ Why I think the model is problematic 2/ The impact it has on designers creating a business that works for them 3/ An alternative creative-centred model 4/ 5 key ingredients to crafting that business and becoming a more valuable and valued designer
THE CREATIVE VALUE INCUBATOR
RELATED EPISODES Eps28 - Setting Boundaries with Clients and Staying Friends Eps24 - Cultivating Unshakeable Belief in Your Creative Work | |||
| 22 Jun 2023 | 63. Rebranding Networking | 00:23:01 | |
Networking needs a rebrand!
It can feel particularly awkward for designers. We're most at home in a creative bubble. So getting out and meeting people with an agenda of business growth feels cringey and unauthentic.
But I think your network is more important than your portfolio, and would love to see more designers feeling inspired and aligned to the idea.
In this episode, my aim is to reframe how you see networking, the ways you can approach it and the things you can do to network in a way that works for you.
SAY HELLO 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/ | |||
| 28 Apr 2023 | 55. Project Layering - The Sweet Spot for Increasing Your Income | 00:25:38 | |
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 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/ | |||
| 10 May 2023 | 57. Mindset Strategies for Effective Selling with Christine Corcoran | 00:59:19 | |
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 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! Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | 19. Managing Your Client Through a Seamless Creative Process | 00:18:54 | |
In this episode of The C Word podcast I'm talking about one of the trickier parts of being a design or creative business owner... and that's managing your client through the creative process. Sometimes I think this process is left to chance, but it doesn't have to be that way. There is so much you can do to be intentional and methodical throughout the process to ensure everyone gets an outcome they're super happy with. I'll be talking about each step of the process from who's responsible for the creative brief, managing expectations and presenting your work, through to dealing with the feedback loop and off-boarding your client.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Meet Business Workshop Series
| |||
| 28 Dec 2022 | 39. A D&M: My Personal Reflections on 2022 | 00:20:25 | |
Welcome to Episode 39 of The C Word Podcast. As we ponder on whether the Christmas ham is still safe to eat, and wonder what day of the week it is, this Christmas / New Year hiatus is also a good time to reflect on the year that was. In this episode of The C Word podcast I share my personal reflections on 2022, and what I want to do more and less of in the year ahead. So join me for a year in review and also an opportunity to look ahead and set intentions for 2023. Bec x
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Aspiration to Action 2023 Intention Setting Challenge Creative Value Incubator Enrolment | |||
| 06 Dec 2023 | 78. Where My First 6 Clients Came From | 00:25:19 | |
One of the most common questions I get asked is where do I find clients. In this episode I share where my first 6 clients came from and what that’s taught me about where to find clients. Hopefully it will give you some inspiration to help build your client list no matter what stage you're at as a designer. Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
| |||
| 21 Dec 2022 | 38. Taking Stress Free Time Away From Your Business | 00:22:10 | |
Closing your business for Christmas or any holiday can get stressful. It often feels like that break away has to be hard-earned. But why should it be like that? In this episode of The C Word podcast, I share my tips for making stepping away from your business a lot less stressful: 1/ Make it a non-negotiable 2/ Don't be sucked into everyone else's deadlines 3/ Set your boundaries and stick to them 4/ Budget for it and price your services to accommodate it 5/ Give yourself permission and define the timeframe 6/ Make plans 7/ Take time to recharge, but do it your way! And if you're keen to work with me to set your intentions for 2023 with my 'Rule of One' approach to defining your aspirations, ambitions, aims and actions, head over to bechughes.com/one to join my January challenge. Have an awesome festive period. Bec x FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Aspiration Action 2023 Intention Setting Challenge Creative Value Incubator Enrolment | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | 28. Setting Boundaries with Clients and Staying Friends | 00:35:41 | |
On this episode of The C Word Podcast I'm talking all about boundaries. Because as creatives (and any kind of small business owner really) I think it's easy to be a bit bendy with our boundaries. But the impact of that can be significant. I'll dive into: • Some of the areas where you should consider setting boundaries on your business • What it looks like when your boundaries are being overstepped - because sometimes it can be hard to identify it • The impact of bendy boundaries on you and your business • How to make it stop! • Who's responsible for your boundaries • A simple way to communicate or reset your boundaries and stay friends with your client • Some of the tools you can use to help reinforce your boundaries I hope you enjoy it and would be super grateful if you could rate and leave me a review if you find it helpful.
And don’t forget doors are currently open for my Creative Value Incubator. This is the 8 week program specifically for creatives in business who want to communicate their value, be valued and be perceived as valuable >>> bechughes.com/creative-business-incubator
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Enrolment Invisible to Valuable Masterclass
| |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | 11. A Fail-safe Method for Managing Tricky Clients | 00:09:42 | |
This episode is the final part of my 4-part quick wins mini-series for creatives in business.
We’ve covered a lot of ground in these mini-sodes and I hope you’ve got lots of ideas and action to take.
Make sure you go back and listen to the first 3 episodes, they’re all around 10 minutes long - so nice, quick listens when you have a little break in your day.
In this series we’ve talked about 'The 8 R’s to create momentum and growth', '5 systems that make space for creativity' and 'a model to price your creative work for profit'. In this episode I’m covering my fail-safe method to manage tricky clients.
I'll cover: ~ What a 'tricky' situation with a client looks like and the typical reasons for it ~ If there's ever a time to end the relationship ~ The steps and questions to ask to get to an outcome that you want ~ Staying in control and having an intentional discussion with your client
In most cases, when things have strayed off track, it's nothing that can’t be fixed with the right steps.
Don’t forget there’s a worksheet to go with this episode and all of the previous episodes in this mini-series which I've included in the link below.
LINKS & RESOURCES Download the Quick Win Worksheets Find out more about the Creative Meet Business Workshop Series Quick Win (Eps 8) – The 8 R’s to Creative Momentum and Growth Quick Win (Eps 9) – 5 Systems that Make Space for Creativity Quick Win (Eps 10) - A Simple Model to Price Your Creative Work for Profit
| |||
| 02 Feb 2023 | 44. What Does it Actually Mean to ’Show Up’? | 00:25:39 | |
I hear it all the time that you need to ‘show up’ in your business, in your marketing and for your audience. And I wanted to pick the concept apart. Because I don’t disagree with the sentiment of it, I just think the phrase has become overused and misunderstood. Very often it just manifests itself as showing your face and the occasional (re)introduction post on social media. In this podcast, I talk about what the concept of 'showing up' means to me, the ways in which I’ve found it beneficial in my business and how I choose to apply it.
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 work with me: Creative Business Insider 1:1 Coaching… visit https://bechughes.com/business-coach-for-creatives The Creative Value Incubator… visit bechughes.com/incubator/
SAY HELLO!
| |||
| 31 Jan 2024 | 82. Should Designers Do Brand Strategy? | 00:26:01 | |
Traditionally there is a hard line between brand design and brand strategy. But I don't believe this should be the case at all. In fact, you have no business designing brands if there isn’t a strategic element to what you do. In this episode I share why I think designers should not only offer brand strategy but why it's an enormous opportunity. Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | 51. Connecting the Dots Between Brand Strategy, Design Strategy and Brand Design | 00:28:39 | |
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! 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/ | |||
| 05 Jan 2024 | 81. Uncomplicating Business: 4 Places to Focus Your Energy | 00:28:00 | |
I’m craving simplicity in my design business, which made me think maybe you are too. So I put my thinking cap on and pulled out what I think are the 4 simple premises for a good, solid business that has growth: ~ Big Fish Offer ~ Visible Value ~ Conscious Connection ~ Repeatable Experience
Find more resources and insights here... My Website... https://bechughes.com/ Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/bechughesbranding/ | |||
| 18 Jun 2023 | 62. Consultant Mindset versus Producer Mindset | 00:34:59 | |
In this episode I take a deep-dive into the Consultant Mindset:
~ What it is and how it's different to the producer mindset ~ The value of cultivating your consultant mindset in your design business ~ Some of the signs that your consultant mindset might need work ~ 9 attitudes and behaviours of a creative consultant ~ What it looks like in action in your business and how you can implement it
Thanks for listening! Bec
SAY HELLO 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/ | |||
| 24 Nov 2023 | 77. What You Need to Create a Passive Income | 00:16:39 | |
Passive income for designers is equal parts misconception and great opportunity. First, let’s not call it passive income. Passive implies no action and I haven’t come across any income that doesn’t require action. In this episode I share 8 things to build or consider when creating a 'one-to-many' income stream. Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | 54. 10 Things I Would NOT Do Again if I was a Start-Up | 00:31:47 | |
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 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/ | |||
| 19 Oct 2022 | 29. How Much Should You Charge for a Logo? | 00:27:00 | |
Here on The C Word Podcast I like to tackle a whole range of topics, including ones that I get asked about. And this is one of those.
In this episode I talk about what is perhaps one of the biggest conundrums for a brand-led designer and that’s how much should you charge for a logo?
As well as giving you what I think is a watershed fee for logo design (any less and you're devaluing your work and your skill), I’ll dive into the other questions you should be asking yourself.
I want to guide you to do what's right for your business, and remind you what a 'simple logo' is worth to your client and the value you create, so you have that in mind when pricing!
If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your business buddies, and rate and review on your favourite podcast app.
RELATED EPISODES 7 Strategies to Plump the Profit in Your Creative Business A Simple Model to Price Your Creative Work
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List | |||
| 01 Jun 2022 | 3. 7 Strategies to Plump the Profit in Your Creative Business | 00:33:17 | |
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!
Instagram @bechughesbranding | |||
| 17 Jul 2022 | 13. Are Retainers Bad for Business? | 00:14:48 | |
In this week’s episode of The C Word Podcast I’m tackling the much maligned topic of retainers. More specifically, I ask the question are retainers bad for business?
There’s a lot of bad press and negative content about the poor, unsuspecting retainer and I want to share a different perspective. Because there are always two sides to every story right?
I’ve had a lot of success using retainers as a strategy alongside my core brand strategy and design services. So, I wanted to share my experiences and give you some insight into what worked for me and why.
In this episode I get into the nitty gritty of:
My final word on this is don’t dismiss it straight off the bat. There is a lot of bad feeling and cautionary tales surrounding retainers. However, when done right they can be very good for business.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 26 May 2023 | 59. Lifting the Veil on the Perfect Lead Magnet | 00:31:32 | |
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 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/
| |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | 94. Email Marketing 101 for Designers | 00:35:27 | |
Email marketing... are you doing a bit or none at all? In this episode of The C Word Podcast I share my perspective on the 3 key questions I think designer are asking when it comes to email marketing? 1. Do I really need to send regular emails, my business is about visuals not words? 2. What should I send, because who needs another newsletter? 3. How do I get people on my list? Links & Resources You Might LoveEps 59 - Lifting the Veil on the Perfect Lead Magnet 10 Lead Magnet Ideas for Graphic Designers | |||
| 11 Jan 2023 | 41. A Game-Changer for Every Design Business | 00:33:10 | |
In today's episode I'm sharing one of the biggest game-changers for any design business - brand, graphic, web or otherwise. And that is presenting your creative work in person.
This is something I think many designers are reluctant to do. However, I believe it can have such a positive influence on how much your clients value you and the impact you can create with your work.
So I share the key reasons I think this is so important for designers, as well as tackling the key objections I hear from fellow creatives when the subject of presenting your work in person comes up. FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List | |||
| 24 Nov 2022 | 34. Setting Your Client Up for Success | 00:32:53 | |
In this episode of The C Word podcast I talk about our responsibility to our client as the creative service provider, and how we can set the client and project up for success. I'll share what I think the future of messaging is in marketing to have more real, honest client relationships that achieve a win, win outcome. I also talk through the 4 focus areas when it comes to setting your client up for success: 1/ Alignment - Is there alignment between what your client wants and what you’re offering? 2/ Knowledge - What gaps in clarity and understanding do you need to fill? 3/ Actions & Attitude - What does your client need to do and how will they need to behave? 4/ Emotions - What should they expect the journey to feel like?
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | 6. Is Canva Damaging Your Brand | 00:31:15 | |
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
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! | |||
| 02 Oct 2022 | 26. Preventing Budget and Timeline Blowouts | 00:21:10 | |
Budget and timeline blowouts are a reality for any creative business at one time or another. But they shouldn’t be the norm. I think the main reason they happen is because the stakeholders involved didn’t have realistic expectations in the first place. In this episode of The C Word Podcast, I share my key tips for stopping or minimising budget and timeline blowouts: ✨Detailed scope – Be clear on the deliverables and what is and isn’t included ✨Clear process - Ensure everyone understands the full extent of what’s involved ✨Step out every stage in detail - If it’s too broad you’ll overlook stages that take time ✨Agree the timelines - Don’t be tempted to truncate or shorten timeframes and be realistic about how long things take ✨Lock it in - Set aside meetings and time to do the work up front ✨Enough time for review, feedback and revisions - Be clear on when the client will get work for review and when they need to respond with feedback ✨Communicate well and often with your client - Give regular updates - Let them know straightaway if something is out of scope or if there are potential delays ✨Penalties for delays - This can be a good motivator to keep your client on track - Give the client plenty of warning and make it clear up front, the relationship is important ✨Hold yourself accountable - Stick to the timeline - Keep your energy up to maintain the momentum
And don't forget doors are currently open for my Creative Value Incubator. This is Tthe 8 week program specifically for creatives in business who want to communicate their value, be valued and be perceived as valuable >>> bechughes.com/creative-business-incubator
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Enrolment | |||
| 03 May 2023 | 56. Overcoming Objections from Prospective Clients | 00:29:50 | |
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 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/
| |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | 20. Do Designers & Creatives Need a Niche? With Jessica Osborn | 00:46:08 | |
I hope you’re ready for an awesome episode of the C Word podcast, because I’m talking to Jessica Osborn all about niching. Jess is the poster child of niching because she has made it her niche, and she has so much insight to share on this topic. Jess is a business coach, podcast host and author who is all about business that puts family and lifestyle first. When I think of Jess is think of sunshine and days at the beach because I feel like that’s where I see here hanging out the most. She’s all about a ‘less work, more life’ style of strategy that leads to faster, easier growth without succumbing to the hustle-hard mentality! In this episode we go pretty deep on niching, and in particular we diving into the question do designers and creatives need a niche? Jess and I cover: ~ What it is and what it isn’t ~ Why it's such a huge advantage for your business if you dare to do it ~ 3 key things to think about when developing your niche ~ How to leverage your niche once you define it
CONNECT WITH JESSICA OSBORN...
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | 52. Business Legals for Designers with Tracey Mylecharane | 00:42:46 | |
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 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! Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 06 Sep 2022 | 22. 7 Key Strategies that Grew My Creative Business | 00:26:47 | |
On this episode of The C Word Podcast I lift the lid on my own creative business growth. My aim isn't to tell you what you should be doing to grow, but rather to inspire you with some of the things you could be doing. I hope to give you some food for thought, and ideas for what you could introduce into your business if growth is something you want to focus on. I've reflected on the past 7 years as a Brand Creator and the things that have had the greatest impact on my growth, in particular my financial growth and profit. In this episode I share how and why the following things have been transformational: 1. Brand Strategy 2. Up-skilling 3. Pricing Strategy 4. Networking and Collaboration 5. Profitability Management 6. Service Packages 7. Streamlined Processes
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Meet Business Workshop Series
| |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | 24. Cultivating Unshakeable Belief in Your Creative Work | 00:32:07 | |
In this episode of The C Word podcast I'm tackling the question of how to cultivate unshakeable belief in your creative work as a designer or brand-led creative. Having absolute conviction that you will produce work that nails the brief every time can be an ongoing challenge for many designers. It's a skill, like many others, that we need to invest time in developing. However cultivating that strong belief has an enormous impact on your own self-belief, the sustainability of your business and your growth. In other words, it's worth investing in! As well as exploring why that belief and confidence in your creative work is so valuable, in this episode I also talk about 5 key principle that I use to develop my own sense of surety and conviction when it comes to my own work: 1. Trust in the Process 2. Beware When Seeking Validation 3. Positive Self-Talk 4. Know and Celebrate Your Strengths 5. Listen to Your Intuition
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Waitlist | |||
| 19 May 2023 | 58. How to Be More Consistent... On Purpose | 00:43:13 | |
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 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/
| |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | 9. 5 Systems That Make Space For Creativity | 00:09:59 | |
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 | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | 4. Busting the Myths About Creative Business Growth | 00:31:02 | |
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 Instagram @bechughesbranding | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | 69. Getting Found Part 1 - Visibility | 00:31:18 | |
There’s almost no point in focusing on building your brand to stand out if you can’t be found, seen or heard. In the previous episode (#68), I shared my insights on standing out in a crowded market, focusing on the 4 key opportunities to leverage. For the next 2 episodes, #69 and #70, I'm sharing the magic little framework I refer to when it comes to being seen and 'standing up'. It’s made up of 3 lovely little V words… visibility, volume and value. In this episode I'll share 14 visibility tactics that you can test and try in your business to support your brand and be found by potential clients. Then in episode 70 I'll take a deep-dive into how to leverage volume and value.
RELATED EPISODES Episode 68 - Standing Out in a Crowded Industry Episode 70 - Getting Found Part 2 - Volume and Value
WORK WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you.
SAY HELLO Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 22 Mar 2024 | 87. Your Worth vs Your Value | 00:15:47 | |
In this episode I'm calling out the 'charge your worth' messaging that is infecting the coaching space. I believe this kind of messaging is click bait, created to tell you what you want to hear and tap into your insecurities and worries about your pricing. I discuss: • Why your worth has nothing to do with your pricing • Why your value and perceived value are what actually matter • Why money mindset and your pricing are not the same thing • What you can do to increase your value Bec x Free Resources Download the Brand Designer to Strategist 90 Day Plan Work With MeIf you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 3 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you.
| |||
| 01 Jun 2022 | 1. Life, Loves, Business & Creativity with Bec Hughes | 00:29:42 | |
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!
Instagram @bechughesbranding | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | 33. Managing Change: How to Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway | 00:30:07 | |
Managing change can be one of the trickiest things to navigate, both in life and in business. In this episode of the C Word Podcast I talk about why change for the better… things like growth, taking advantage of new opportunities or chasing after your dreams and aspirations, can feel so uncomfortable. It seems like a weird paradox but it’s actually a thing! I have an open chat about some of my experiences with change because I think it’s important to be honest and transparent about those feelings. Because sometimes the implication is we should embrace change and feel good about new opportunities. But the emotions around managing change are a grey area. There are mixed emotions. And that’s OK. In this episode I share some of my own personal stories related to business and life. What they’ve taught me about how change can impact how we feel, and some ways of managing change and the discomfort that comes with it to ensure it doesn’t get in the way of achieving your goals. The emotions around change are real and raw, and, more often than not, uncomfortable, so prepare for some honest, raw sharing too.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 20 May 2024 | 93. When Your Client Doesn't Value Brand Strategy | 00:15:49 | |
In this episode I share the one thing you need to do if you find your clients don't value or want to buy brand strategy. You need to make ‘ownership’ of brand strategy a priority and that involves upgrading 1, 2 or all of the following: • Your offer • Your message • Your content Resources You Might Love | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | 68. Standing Out in a Crowded Industry | 00:26:57 | |
How do you stand out in a crowded industry? That’s probably one of the most crucial questions for any business owner.
Surprisingly the answer is not post more on social media.
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I'll explore 4 key learnings designers can take from brands that stand-out across different industries to apply to our own creative business:
1. Innovation... the magic in your unique method. 2. Desirability... use your brand style to ensure people believe you can help them achieve the self image they desire. 3. Relevance & Relatability... becoming the go to expert for your audience. 4. Cut-Through... cultivate your personal brand.
And don't forget to subscribe or join my 'in the know' list to be the first to know when I share the follow up episode about being seen and heard. Because there's no point in creating a stand-out brand if no one can see you doing it!
WORK WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you.
SAY HELLO Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 05 Oct 2022 | 27. Growing Up In Business: Confidence, Creativity & Entrepreneurship With Kate Toon | 01:02:12 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I'm talking to Kate Toon about, well everything really. Prepare for a juice-fest because there is so much! This is a fun, entertaining and diverse episode that I know you'll love. From puppy dogs, Kevin Bacon and toxic personal development, to clients, taking things personally, creativity, what it it to be a misfit entrepreneur, confidence and focusing on the big idea as creatives, we cover a SMORGASBORD of topics. The best part about this episode was shooting the breeze with Kate Toon, the hardest part was naming it because we cover so much ground and there is so much gold that I couldn’t give it one label! Kate Toon is an award-winning digital marketing entrepreneur. An online business success story. A Google Beast tamer. Straight-talking copywriting coach. And a popular educator, speaker, author and podcaster. She’s a down to earth human on a mission: to demystify the realities of running a successful online business. And she does plenty of that in this episode. So sit back and enjoy an awesome fireside chat packed with pearls of wisdom.
CONNECT WITH KATE TOON… Kate's awesome Personal Brand Workbook FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Creative Business Insider | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | 7. Your Imperfections are Your Greatest Assets with Jess Roberts | 00:32:23 | |
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… The Creative Meet Business Workshop Series
CONNECT WITH JESS ROBERTS… FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 15 Mar 2023 | 50. Knowing When to Say No to a Prospective Client | 00:26:32 | |
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 | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | 18. Why Your Values are the Key to Financial Success with Eliza Ludwig | 00:26:54 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I’m joined by Eliza Ludwig from The Flow Society.
Eliza is a wealth coach, and her mission is to make entrepreneurship a viable career for women. She wants women to have access to wealth, development, and a phenomenal career that enables them to do what they love, on their terms.
When she’s not doing that, Eliza loves baking, lifting weights and has swapped raves for the spin studio since her children came along!
This episode was going to be about making your numbers less of a creative drain. But it went much deeper than that, and I loved this conversation with Eliza about her own values, and how they influence what she does in business, for her clients and in life.
We talk about:
~ How your values are the glue that hold everything together in business ~ The reasons they should be central to your financial goal setting ~ The role of your values in pricing your services ~ 3 simple ways to commit to your financial data without feeling overwhelmed
CONNECT WITH ELIZA LUDWIG Take Eliza's Powerful Profit Quiz
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Listen to Episode 3 - 7 Strategies to Plump the Profit in Your Creative Business
| |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | 16. Are You Missing the Opportunity to Sell Strategy? | 00:30:39 | |
In episode 16 of The C Word Podcast, I’m talking about the S word. I’m not getting sweary though, it’s not that S word, what I’m talking about is strategy.
And this is something, specifically brand strategy, that’s close to my business heart. I’ve spent the majority of my career as a brand strategist in creative consultancies and it has been a big part of my own business for the past 7 years.
I also believe that it can be a real game-changer for creatives in business.
In this episode, I want to tackle some of the snobbery that exists around the word strategy and talk about what I think strategy actually is... and it’s far less complicated that the academics would have you believe.
I’ll also dive into: ~ My own definition of strategy and the concept of Purple Matter ~ Why strategy is brilliant for your business ~ The positive influences it can have on you, your client, your creativity and your cash ~ How you can start to see both yourself and your approach as having strategic value ~ How you can make strategy an integral part of what you do
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
| |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | 88. What to Include in a Brand Strategy Presentation | 00:26:31 | |
Not sure what to include in your brand strategy presentations? This is the episode for you. I take you through my own presentation format step-by-step, to cover the 4 crucial parts of a brand strategy presentation and the 12 elements I include to build those parts out: • Part 1: Set the Scene • Part 2: Present the Evidence • Part 3: Create the Narrative • Part 4: Intentional Wrap-Up I hope it's helpful. Bec
Resources You Might Love Download the Brand Designer to Strategist 90 Day Plan
Linked Episodes Eps 83: My 5 Pillar Brand Strategy Research Framework Eps 41: A Game-Changer for Every Design Business
| |||
| 10 Feb 2023 | 45. If You’re Not Earning $100k You’re Not Successful | 00:21:54 | |
If you're not earning $100k you're not successful! Of course I don't belief that to be true. Because no one can tell you what you should be earning. But I received an email recently from a coach and mentor and to be honest it really pee’d me off. In short it implied just this... if you’re earning anything less than $100k as a designer you're underachieving. You’re just another struggling designer statistic. And I felt it was important to address everything that's not only wrong, but dangerously misleading about that statement. So in this podcast I discuss: • What's wrong in the coaching industry and the marketing constructs of 'cult coaches' • The real reason coaches talk about money and earnings... spoiler, it's not to benefit you • Why it's important to set your own financial goals • Why the revenue figure isn't what you should be focusing on I also talk very openly about my own challenge to myself as a coach and mentor and how I want to do things not only differently but much better. This is a ranty one, at times it's a raw one, because I am deeply concerned by what I see sometimes. And I want to talk about it openly because I know it's not just me. Bec x
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! | |||
| 15 Dec 2022 | 37. ’The Rule of One’ - Goal Setting Made Simpler | 00:22:07 | |
How are you with goal setting? Getting clear around what you want to achieve and how you get there is kind of important in business and in life. But it’s also a bit of a stumbling block for some creatives and visual people. In this episode of The C Word podcast I talk about some of the challenges with goal setting, as well as the approach I apply in my business and share with all my creative clients to make it less of a chore. I’ll share the principles behind my ‘rule of one' goal setting framework, including a simple audit structure and my 'A Frame' for simple, succinct and actionable goal setting you'll see through from beginning to outcome: 1/ Audit 2/ Aspiration 3/ Ambition 4/ Aim 5/ Action If you like the idea of the ‘rule of one’ goal setting framework and making things a bit simpler, succinct and action-orientated, head over to www.bechughes.com/one and join me in January for my Aspiration to Action goal setting challenge. And if you’re listening after the 22 Jan never fear, you can still head over to that same webpage and download a PDF of the framework to follow along with the podcast and complete at your own pace. FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Aspiration to Action Goal Setting Challenge - Save Your Spot Creative Value Incubator Enrolment Private Coaching & Mentoring with Me Follow me on Instagram My Website | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | 15. Conquering Content Creation Overwhelm with Mel Daniels | 00:38:15 | |
If you’re feeling the pressure of the 'curse' of being in business post circa 2000 – i.e. content creation, blogs, reels, video, carousel posts, lives, nurture sequences, welcome emails and the list goes on, this podcast is for you my lovely!
In this episode of The C Word Podcast, I’m talking to Mel Daniels from Meld Business all about the concept of powerful content as distinct from content for content’s sake. And we’ve all been there... 'Oh sugar, I haven’t posted this week or I haven’t produced a reel today therefore I just need to do something!'
Mel Daniels is a Content Strategist, Coach and Speaker who loves to understand ‘why’. Mel’s purpose is to teach and empower women who want more from their business, on how to use content in a genuine way. She gives them the confidence they need to become more visible, seen as the expert that they are and inspired to take their business to the next level.
Mel and I talk about:
~ What powerful content is and why it’s so important ~ The most important thing to embrace when it comes to creating impactful content ~ 3 key principles for producing powerful content ~ Her tips and tricks for overcoming content creation overwhelm and burn out ~ Some of the myths and ‘rules’ around sharing content and why they’re unhelpful ~ How to prioritise and get the most bang for your buck when it comes to content
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE… Take the Quiz and Find Out Your Content Superpower
CONNECT WITH MEL DANIELS… FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Business Insider Creative Business Incubator | |||
| 02 Mar 2023 | 48. Beyond Socials: Digital Marketing Inspiration with Maryanne Amies | 00:45:21 | |
Digital Marketing is probably highest on most business owners priority lists. For some it's an exciting, evolving opportunity, and for many others it's a minefield. In this podcast I’m joined by one of my favourite people Maryanne Amies, founder of award Winning Digital Marketing Agency, Wise Up Marketing. Mary-Anne has lived through the launch of Instagram, Paid Social ads, TikTok and everything in between – you could call her the veteran of digital marketing. In this episode we cover a lot of ground. Maryanne is an all round good human being. Settle in for some light-hearted banter and stick around for the digital marketing gold. We cover: ~ Challenges and opportunities of social media for creatives ~ The future of the curated feed ~ Digital strategy beyond socials including your website, list building, email marketing and digital networking ~ Trends to look out for Oh and you’ll find out what Maryanne really thinks about the British royal family and what she’ll do to you if you give her cheap chocolate!CONNECT WITH MARYANNE 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! Download My Free Profit Plumping Strategies Training and Worksheet ‘Meet Me at the Water Cooler’ for monthly creative conversations, coaching and chats | |||
| 07 Dec 2022 | 36. It’s All About the Woo-Doo | 00:16:46 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I have a little chin-wag about what I call woo-doo. This is all about the balance between mindset mastery served up with a generous dollop of doing, aka turning focused and relevant plans into consistent action. I share some examples from my business and personal life of how I've seen both the presence and absence of woo-doo in action, and why one just doesn't have the desired impact without the other. A powerful combination of mindset and action are central in my work with my group and one-on-one creative business coaching clients. So if woo-doo sounds like you, or something you want to embrace, make sure you put yourself on my email list because there's a pop-up bonus landing on Monday 12 December that you'll want to know about... www.bechughes.com/clique FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List Private Coaching & Mentoring with Me Follow me on Instagram Website | |||
| 15 Dec 2023 | 79. Investing Your Marketing Energy for Results with Bec Chappell | 00:41:10 | |
On this episode of the C Word podcast I cosy up with the energetic marketing firecracker Bec Chappell. We talk about marketing as an energetic resource and our chat covers:
~ Where people might be squandering too much of their marketing energy ~ The most effective ways to invest your energy for marketing results ~ Switching your focus to the things that give rather than sap your energy resources.
For more information and links mentioned in the episode visit: https://bechughes.com/079-marketing-results-with-bec-chappell/ | |||
| 24 Dec 2023 | 80. I Said What I Said: My Flavour for 2024 | 00:12:42 | |
This episode of The C Word is a reflection on:
1) My word for the year in 2023 and 2022 2) My word for 2024 3) What my choice means for how I want 2024 to shape up 4) My mantra for 2024 and how it aligns with my word choice
Things are going to get spicy! Work With MeIf you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | 5. The Power of Brand Association - A Masterclass by Stranger Things | 00:31:14 | |
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:
There’s so much good stuff to talk about!
MENTIONS Kate Bush and Delia Smith Talk Vegetarian Recipes!
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Instagram @bechughesbranding | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | 71. Website Development as a Revenue Stream with Nikki Hamilton | 00:40:36 | |
On this episode of The C Word podcast I have a fab chat with Nikki Hamilton from Seedling Digital. We dive onto the opportunity for designers to create a web development revenue stream.
We cover: ~ The pitfalls for designers starting in web dev ~ Why it's such a big opportunity ~ How to get started
Nikki also shares her personal story as a self taught brand and web designer, and the impact of her recent ADHD and autism diagnosis.
CONNECT WITH NIKKI WORK WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. SAY HELLO Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer
| |||
| 30 May 2023 | 60. How It’s Going Hotseat with Bec Hughes | 00:26:40 | |
To celebrate 1 year of The C Word podcast, I invite you to join me for a fun Q&A. In honour of the tradition started in Episode 1 of The C Word Podcast, I'm interviewing myself on how things are going as a podcaster 1 year on. I share my learnings from the podcast and business in general, and look ahead to what the next 12 months has in store. Listen in for a bit of a giggle, more about me and some tips and snippets of inspo along the way. I also mention 'The Brand Brief', a monthly muse on what's inspired and interested me in the world of brand and design. Click here to join in and get your regular dose: bechughes.com/the-brand-brief/
RELATED EPISODES Episode 16: Are You Missing the Opportunity to Sell Strategy Episode 30: 3 Words that will Increase Your Value Episode 14: From Freelancer to Design Business Freedom
SAY HELLO 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/
| |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | 21. What I Had to Unlearn After Working in a Creative Agency | 00:42:39 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I talk about my own agency experiences as a designer and brand strategist, and share what I had to unlearn after working in creative agencies
I often find designers have an employee mindset in their own business. They struggle to let go of some past habits, beliefs and behaviours they may have as a hangover from freelancer or agency life.
This episode focuses on:
~ What you need to unlearn from being an ‘employee’ in order to graduate into being a ‘creative business owner’ ~ The myths and unproductive cultural norms that are perpetuated in ‘agency-land’ ~ Some of the key things you may need to learn to be an effective business owner if you didn’t work in an agency or haven’t exposure to some of the business side of things
I also share my own resume and journey to being a creative business owner, which took some surprising and maybe slightly unconventional twists and turns in the early days.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, web designer or brand-led creative that has taken or is planning to take the leap from agency, this is essential listening to prepare you for what might lay ahead. And if you bypassed the agency experience altogether and jumped straight into business there are some juicy insights for you too.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 18 Jan 2023 | 42. 9 Ways to Jump Start Your Revenue During a Quiet Period | 00:21:13 | |
In this episode of The C Word podcast I get super practical with 9 ways to jump start your revenue if things have gone a bit quiet. Most design businesses have ebbs and flows and will experience quiet periods. January is often a slow month, with little client activity. But with talk of an economic down turn, I know those experiencing lean times are feeling the pressure and the worry of things feeling a bit slow. So I wanted to help get you into a growth mindset and share some immediate actions you can take to get some instant revenue into your design business quick sticks!
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 things happening at the Strat go 2023: ✨Aspiration to Action Intention Setting Challenge... visit bechughes.com/one/ ✨Doors open soon for the first live round of the Creative Value Incubator starting on 6 Feb... visit bechughes.com/incubator/ Say hello! | |||
| 15 Feb 2023 | 46. A Client Off-Boarding that Future Expands Your Business | 00:22:59 | |
We all know about client onboarding but what about client off-boarding? It's sometimes the poorer cousin of the onboarding, but an intentional client off-boarding is often an overlooked but awesome opportunity full of potential goodness for your business. On this episode of The C Word I share why I think it’s something you should pay more than lip-service to and what I think a good off boarding looks like: • The 3 important jobs of a client off-boarding • Why projects don't always wrap-up neatly • The benefits of a well considered client off-boarding process • 10 questions to ask yourself when masterminding your approach to off-boarding • What it means to future-expand your business
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! | |||
| 09 Jun 2023 | 61. Secrets to a Discovery Call that Converts | 00:36:08 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I take a deep dive into discovery calls:
• What a discovery call actually is and what it isn't! • How it fits into the discovery process and why it's an important distinction • The biggest secret to success when it comes to discovery calls • My tips for a great discovery call and what works for me • The 5 phase framework for a well-managed call: pleasantries, explore, share, clarity, next steps.
I hope you find it useful and it takes some of the pressure off your next discovery call. Bec
SAY HELLO 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/
| |||
| 08 Feb 2024 | 83. My 5 Pillar Brand Strategy Research Framework | 00:17:31 | |
Your creative or strategic work is only as good as your research.
In this episode I share my 5 pillar brand strategy research framework: 1) Stakeholder Inputs 2) Brand Audit 3) Competitor Deconstruction 4) Industry Trends Analysis 5) Audience Understanding
I hope it helps! Bec Work With MeIf you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello | |||
| 26 Oct 2022 | 30. 3 Words That Will Increase Your Value | 00:16:58 | |
I talk about strategy and specifically brand strategy a lot on The C Word podcast. And the reason for that is I believe claiming, showing, owning and monetising your strategic side is a huge opportunity for brand-led designers. It sets you apart, elevates you, makes you more valuable, helps you create a better outcome for your clients and makes you more desirable. But how and why does it do that? Well... essentially you want your client to believe you can help them achieve what they want. That belief makes you valuable to them And a strategy-led offer and promise bolsters that belief. There are lots of ways to elevate your strategic offer as a creative. In this episode I want to share one simple way of doing it. In fact 3 simple ways, because I’m going to share 3 words that can help you think and be more strategic. Why, If and Because. And don't forget that if you're interested in joining my Creative Value Incubator program in 2023 now's the time to join the guest list. This is the program to elevate your value as a designer, be perceived as more valuable and feel valued. And if you jump on the guest list before 30 Nov you can lock-in 2022 pricing. No commitments at this stage, it just means you have the option to reserve your place at the 2022 price when the program opens again in Feb.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | 47. Communicate Your Value: What, How & Where | 00:28:13 | |
How do you communicate your value as a designer? It's a question that comes up a lot amongst the designers I connect with. Being able to confidently communicate your value is the foundation for feeling more valued and becoming more valuable as a designer. In this episode of The C Word Podcast I talk about the what, how and where to define and then communicate your value effectively: • What the 5 key elements are you should focus on to articulate your value • How to communicate that value in the most engaging and meaningful ways • Where you should be talking about and showcasing your value with purpose and intention Bec x
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! Download My Free Profit Plumping Strategies Training and Worksheet 'Meet Me at the Water Cooler' for monthly creative conversations, coaching and chats | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | 23. Presenting Your Design Work with Confidence | 00:24:21 | |
If you find the prospect of presenting your design work to clients a little bit nerve-racking or uncomfortable, you're definitely not alone.
I think presenting creative work with confidence is something a lot of designers and creatives find challenging.
It’s not a skill we’re necessarily taught in any meaningful way, and designers are left to pick it up as they go.
In this episode of The C Word Podcast, I talk about some of the skills and strategies I've learned that have made me more confident when presenting my creative work. In fact, I'd say I'm pretty good at it these days, but that hasn't always been the case.
Along the way, I’ve recognised that the quality of the presentation is so important to the success of a design or creative project. I’ve learned some key go-to skills to put my best foot forward, and they fall into 3 broad categories which I'll dive into in the episode:
1. Preparation
2. Energy
3. Rationale
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Invisible to Valuable Masterclass Creative Meet Business Workshop Series
| |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | 53. 10 Things I Would Do First If I was a Start-Up | 00:50:14 | |
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 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/ | |||
| 13 Oct 2023 | 72. How Many Design Concepts Should You Present? | 00:24:21 | |
How many design concepts should you present?
Designers often want to know what's the perfect number? What's best-practice? What's everyone else doing?
The truth is I’m not sure there’s a hard and fast 'right answer' to this question.
In this episode of The C Word podcast, I share my view on the pros and cons of 3 approaches: ~ The 'One and Done' Concept ~ Multiple Concepts ~ My own 'Diamond Concept' Approach
And guest what… I’ll let you choose what works for you :) Work With MeIf you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 06 Jul 2022 | 10. A Simple Model to Price Your Creative Work | 00:10:03 | |
Welcome to the 3rd instalment in my quick wins mini-series here on The C Word Podcast.
And this one hits creative challenges right between the eyes.
Because I think this is something that lots of graphic designers, web designers and other brand-led creatives find tricky. And that’s pricing your creative work to ensure you make the profit you want.
I’ll be talking about: ~ The difference between a bottom-up and a top-down approach ~ How to ensure your pricing puts profit first ~ How your attitude and beliefs can impact your pricing ~ Why hourly rates aren’t the problem
Don’t forget there’s a worksheet to go with this episode which you can get from bechughes.com/quickwin
And I definitely encourage you to go back and listen to the previous 2 episodes in the quick win series: 'The 8 Rs to Create Momentum and Growth' and '5 Systems that Make Space for Creativity'. I’ve included the links for those 2 episodes below.
LINKS & RESOURCES Download the Quick Win Worksheets Find out more about the Creative Meet Business Workshop Series Quick Win Episode 8 - The 8 R's to Create Momentum & Growth Quick Win Episode 9 - 5 Systems that Make Space for Creativity | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | 35.Taking Your Business Seriously with the Foundations to Scale | 00:24:13 | |
Things take quite a practical turn in this episode of The C Word Podcast, as I share 6 very practical things that have been foundational in my business. Not only have they prompted me to take my business more seriously and adopt more of a growth mindset. They were also the things that gave me the scope to scale and grow without collapsing under the strain of time, client and financial management. I talk you through the 6 key things I've implemented and have had the greatest impact, and how they work for me: 1/ Time Management 2/ Workflow Management 3/ Diary Management 4/ A Financial System 5/ The Client Portal 6/ A Business Coach And I'll also share what I think is one of the most important messages when it comes to working with a coach or mentor in your business to achieve the best outcome.
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Guest List | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | 8. The 8 R’s to Create Momentum & Growth | 00:10:27 | |
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 | |||
| 17 Jul 2023 | 65. Strengthen and Elevate Your Brand Strategy Offer | 00:34:24 | |
Brand strategy as a core part of your offer in a brand design business has so many benefits including: ~ Increased revenue ~ More impactful creative outcomes ~ More fulfilling client relationships
In this episode, I share 6 essentials that will strengthen and elevate your brand strategy offer as a creative in business so you feel confident delivering and charging for it: 1) Your brand strategy methodology 2) The Consultant Mindset 3) Industry case studies 4) Co-creating the brief 5) Brand-led messaging 6) Putting brand strategy at the centre of your business
SAY HELLO 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/ | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | 92. Getting Your Design Work Signed Off First Time | 00:21:12 | |
Sometimes the design work just isn't right, but that's not always the case. In this episode I share some of the other reasons clients don't sign off first time. I also share 4 things you can do to work towards making sign-off first time the norm not the exception. Bec x Resources You Might Love | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | 12. Designed to Thrive: The Creative Business Growth Wireframe | 00:28:17 | |
In this week's episode I share my framework for creative business growth.
The 'Creative Growth Wireframe' is something I've developed over 20+ years of learning, failing, testing and succeeding. It's a robust framework built from: ~ Reflections on my own business evolution ~ Learnings from working in both global and local boutique agencies ~ Helping my creative clients overcome the challenges they face to build the business they want
These 5 fundamental principles have allowed me to get a balance in my working hours, feel confident and self-assured in my creative work, build rock solid client relationships and earn the income that has allowed me so many opportunities and freedoms.
In this episode I step through: ~ The 5 fundamental principles every creative in business needs to focus on ~ Some of the ways I've applied these principle to shift the dial for myself ~ The one thing I neglected for too long that had the biggest impact when I shifted my focus
If you'd like to know how we can work together to ensure your business is designed to thrive then I'd love you to DM me on Instagram or send me an email: becky@bechughes.com
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI!
| |||
| 08 Mar 2023 | 49. Reflections on Being a Female Creative on International Women’s Day | 00:36:33 | |
In this off-the-cuff, reflective episode of The C Word Podcast, I explore my very personal musings on what it is to be a female designer.
This episode is inspired by the sentiment of International Women's Day and my view that this day should be a demand for change as much as a celebration of women.
I share some of my own experiences as a female designer and how I think they were influenced by gender bias in the design industry.
I also reflect on what needs to change in the design industry to address the glaringly uncomfortable statistic of how many females enter the industry as juniors versus how many go on to occupy senior positions. It's not pretty!
And finally I share my view on how this bias in agency life impacts those who go on to be female creative business owners. Something I want to help change in my own contribution to the industry. Bec
WORKING WITH ME If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level 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! Download My Free Profit Plumping Strategies Training and Worksheet ‘Meet Me at the Water Cooler’ for monthly creative conversations, coaching and chats | |||
| 16 Feb 2024 | 84. The 7 Brand Strategy Mistakes Devaluing Your Offer | 00:24:18 | |
Brand strategy mistakes aren't a problem as long as you learn from them. In this episode I cover the 7 most common mistakes brand designers make when creating brand strategy for clients. Mistakes that are devaluing your offer and undermining your authority: 1. Mistaking a questionnaire for strategy 2. Failing to separate brand and design strategy 3. Not connecting the dots between theory and application 4. Keeping the process surface level 5. Allowing the client to dilute the intention 6. Looking inwards not outwards 7. Too complicated Work With Me Visit my Mentoring With Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Free Workbook: Brand Designer to Strategist: The 90 Day Plan | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | 90. ChatGPT and Brand Strategy: Can You Outsource Your Creativity to AI? | 00:34:43 | |
With so many tools and custom prompts to support AI generated content and solutions, I want to ask if AI can make you more creative. It can make you more efficient, perhaps more informed. But as brand designers one of our key messages is the importance of originality and ingenuity in brand. How can we use AI as the creative engine and simultaneously stand by that claim? Does using AI as a tool to create brand strategy undermine our point of difference, turn us into a curator rather than a creator? In this podcast, I discuss why AI is both a threat and (ironically) a competitive advantage for brand designers. Resources You Might Love | |||
| 11 Apr 2024 | 91. My Shittiest Client Experiences | 00:26:03 | |
This episode is part therapy session, part cautionary tale and part paying it forward so you can learn from my mistakes. First, let's be real, having 100% 'dream clients' isn't realistic. You won't always repel or be able to pick the pain in the ass clients straightaway. In this episode you'll hear about: ~ My shittiest client experiences ~ The learnings I took from it ~ Why 80:20 'shining star' vs 'shitty' clients is great, not a sign of failure ~ What you can do to give yourself the best chance of achieving and improving on that ratio Resources You Might Love | |||
| 15 Mar 2024 | 86. Creaticise Your Life | 00:18:31 | |
In this episode, I pick apart into what inspires and fuels my creativity day-to-day. Inspired by the 'Romanticise Your Life' movement, I explore the idea of 'Creaticise Your Life' and how it makes me a better designer and creator. Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 3 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello | |||
| 27 Sep 2022 | 25. Mistakes Designers Make Pricing Their Services | 00:33:27 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast I cover the reasonably long list of mistakes that designers quite often make when pricing their services. This combines the practical with the mindset hurdles, to examine why designers sometimes struggle to price their work and communicate their value. I'll share 15, that's right one-five, of the most common mistakes I see solo creatives and agencies making. In highlighting some of the pitfalls you may be coming up against, I hope to help you price your work more confidently and accurately. This episode is practical and value-packed, and I'm certain their will be lots of take-outs and new learnings for you to apply in your own creative business. Just a reminder to save your seat for the Invisible to Valuable Masterclass at bechughes.com/binge And don't forget doors open for my Creative Value Incubator on Monday 3 Oct 2022 so jump on the waitlist to be the first to know about the bonuses when I launch at bechughes.com/creative-business-incubator
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Creative Value Incubator Waitlist Invisible to Valuable Masterclass Registration | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | 74. Should You Put Your Prices on Your Website | 00:24:05 | |
As a designer, should you put your prices on your website? It’s a very common question.
In this episode of The C Word I chat about:
~ My own changing perspective on this. ~ The reasons why you might not want to be quite so transparent ~ Your options and the benefits
All just to give you some food for thought. Bec x Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | 64. 5 Essential Strategies to Amplify Your Content’s Impact | 00:21:52 | |
I read a rare, 'stop-me-in-my-tracks', good enough to want to share in my stories piece of content recently.
So I ran a little diagnostic on it and pulled out 5 strategies that will help you create more impactful, growth delivering content of your own:
Strategy 1: Get out of the studio and into your client’s office Strategy 2: The so what...? story Strategy 3: The BBQ chat principle Strategy 4: People forget facts, but they remember stories Strategy 5: The best unkept secret
Listen for an in-depth demonstration of each strategy including specific, actionable examples.
SAY HELLO 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/
| |||
| 04 Nov 2023 | 75. Amplify Your Story Through Imagery with Grace Costa | 00:37:08 | |
Imagery is a crucial part of your brand, even more so as a creative. In this episode of The C Word I have a super informative chat with Grace Costa, photographer, podcaster and mentor, about using a curated image library to amplify both your brand and personal brand story. Grace shares some really actionable advice about: ~ How to choose the right photographer ~ What image categories you should consider as part of a comprehensive image library ~ How to get started with some good quality DIY images Connect with Grace Other Links My guest episode on The Photo Diaries Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | 31. The Money Essentials: Mindset and Management with Clare Wood | 00:37:42 | |
On this episode of The C Word podcast I’m talking to the delightful Clare Wood about all things money! Clare shares the 2 all important sides of the coin when it comes to achieving your money goals. The first is your money mindset and money stories, and the second is your money management skills. Clare Wood is a money mentor, writer, speaker and podcaster. Clare helps service-based businesses to scale, while creating a lifestyle they love. She runs The Profit Academy, which is an online school created to help business owners increase their profits exponentially. As she puts it, when you transform your relationship with money, you can rapidly increase the amount of money you earn, and the wealth you create.
CONNECT WITH CLARE WOOD… FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | 73. Take SEO Out of the Too Hard Basket with Karlie Plowman | 00:45:35 | |
SEO for designers is just as important as any other industry. It's time to take it out of the too hard basket.
Whether your SEO's a bit S.H.I.T. or you and Google are besties from way back, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
Karlie Plowman and I talk about:
~ SEO basics and what it’s all about ~ The foundations for getting started with SEO for designers either if you’re a noob or if things have gotten a bit messy ~ Karlie shares some fab free SEO resources ~ The importance of quality content when it comes to SEO for designers.
I challenge you not to come away from this wanting to do something with your SEO. Connect with Karlie Connect with Karlie on Instagram Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 19 Jul 2022 | 14. From Freelancer to Design Business Freedom | 00:21:47 | |
In this episode of The C Word Podcast, I talk about the distinction between freelancer and design or creative business owner, because I think it’s an important one.
Not only are they very different, as designers it’s important to know which you are and what you’re getting yourself into as they require very different investments and skills. And when you're clear what you are and what you want to be you can make more informed decisions.
So if you’re starting out in design and you want to be clear on the direction you take, you’re freelancing and you want to make the shift into greater creative, client and financial control, or you’re not sure what you are but think you'd better find out, this episode is for you.
I’ll talk about: ~ The broad options and career paths available to designers ~ The main differences between freelancers and design business owners ~ The ways in which you need to shift your focus if you want to shift gears and step up as a business owner
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Episode 12 - Designed to Thrive: The Creative Business Growth Framework
| |||
| 05 Jan 2023 | 40. Choosing a Word for the Year: Where I Landed and Why | 00:21:04 | |
Is choosing and being guided by a word for the year something you do? Or does it seem like pointless nonsense to you!? In this episode of The C Word podcast I share why I love the practice of choosing a word for the year and how it helps to focus and simplify my behaviours, actions and decision-making in business and life. I'll give you an insight into past years and the words I chose and why. Plus I'll share my word for 2023 and what prompted me to make my choice. If you have a word for the year or if you're not sure why it's even a thing, send me a DM on Instagram or email me at becky@bechughes.com and let me know. Bec x FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! Aspiration to Action 2023 Intention Setting Challenge Creative Value Incubator Enrolment | |||
| 17 Nov 2023 | 76. Over-Thinking and Over-Investing in Studio Systems | 00:39:19 | |
Have you been over-thinking and over-investing in your studio systems? In this podcast I talk about: ~ Why apps and systemisation have become a status symbol ~ When over-engineering your systems might be holding you back ~ What to consider when choosing how you systemise in your business ~ What you actually need at different stages in your design business The biggest take-out I hope you get from this podcast is there is no perfect solution. You’re not missing out on something that only those in the know are aware of and it’s OK to keep it simple. Bells and whistles are not always best. Work With Me If you’re ready to connect with me on a deeper level and work together, there are 4 ways you can do that. Just visit my Mentoring with Me overview to get the low-down on what options are best suited to you. Say Hello Download 50 Ways to Elevate & Communicate Your Value as a Designer | |||
| 04 Aug 2022 | 17. Ditch Your Price List and Do This Instead | 00:11:23 | |
This is a quick win mini-sode about why I think you need to ditch your price list and do something else instead. In this short and sweet instalment of The C Word podcast I share: ~ Why I object to the term price list ~ The reasons having a price list is a missed opportunity ~ The benefits of creating a value-led proposal ~ 8 things to include in that proposal to convert more enquiries
FIND OUT MORE & SAY HI! | |||