Friends with Business Benefits
Charlie Swift
Friends with Business Benefits hosted by Charlie Swift and Franky Shanahan is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support. Hello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the southwest of England. Franky runs a copywriting business called Love Audrey, helping brands and creative businesses find their voice and tell their story online. As a business mentor to creative mamas, Charlie supports women to build their businesses alongside raising a family. For the last 5 years, we’ve been meeting for regular co-mentoring sessions. Working for yourself can be lonely at times, but th...
Transform Your Business with Co-Mentoring
After six years of podcasting, we thought it was about time we shared an updated episode on our specialist subject - co-mentoring. For those who don’t know, Friends With Business Benefits wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t started co-mentoring first. As well as sharing our co-mentoring origin story, we answer some of your most common questions. What is co-mentoring and what can it do for your business? What makes a good co-mentor and how can you find your own? We also share tips and advice to help you
Apr 3, • 32:10
Refreshing Your Rhythms
It’s the perfect time of year to spring clean your rhythms and routines, so that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode. While some things will naturally shift as the seasons change, certain areas of life and business require us to be more intentional. Listen as Charlie walks us through her process, explaining how she supports her mentees to do the same. From figuring out what’s working and what’s not to adopting new habits and overhauling your working week, we discuss everything you need
Mar 20, • 34:50
How to Innovate & Evolve in Business
When is a pivot not a pivot and how do you know when it’s time to evolve? This week, we’re answering both these questions and more, digging into the practicalities of switching things up in your small business. We cover the realties of being solely responsible for you own professional development, reasons you might want to evolve, and the steps you need to take in order to do so. We also share evolutions we’ve been through as business owners in the past and where we hope innovative thinking migh
Feb 27, • 27:24
Techo Kaigi - Our Planner Plans for 2025
It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead.As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools!Links and Further ReadingThe 6 Minute Success JournalLunar Planners by Nikki Strange CEO of My Own Li
Jan 31, • 28:27
124. 2024 Reflections, 2025 Intentions
We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2025, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.Links and Further ReadingThe Power of PlayLarking AboutContent Creatives with Charlie SwiftJoin the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you
Jan 16, • 44:26
123. Our 2024 Favourites
In our final episode of the year, join us as we run through some of our non-business related faves.As well as our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, we chat about the habits and experiences we’ve enjoyed the most. It’s an episode filled with recommendations, just for you!Thank you for listening throughout 2024 and merry Christmas from both of us to all who celebrate!Join the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts and fill us in on some of your own favourites. We’d lo
Dec 31, 2024 • 52:24
122. The Power of Play
This week, we’re chatting about the power of play and what happens when you choose to prioritise and embrace it. Franky describes the transformative journey she’s been on this year after choosing ‘play’ as her guiding word. We discuss the impact it’s had on her mindset, her business and her life outside work. Charlie also shares what play has looked like for her over the last 12 months, and we both share tips to help you embrace all things playful in 2025. Links and Further Reading@art
Dec 12, 2024 • 35:15
120. Is AI Coming For Our Jobs?
This week we’re tackling a huge topic - the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the small business world as a whole and on us as individuals. Charlie talks about using AI as a collaborative tool, highlighting some of the benefits, while Franky is very honest about how she thinks ChatGPT is already affecting her bottom line. We dive into some of the ethical issues surrounding AI and contemplate a future where more and more of the content we consume is created by robots.Links and Further ReadingY
Nov 28, 2024 • 48:10
119. Email Marketing Deep Dive
This week, we’re chatting all things email marketing.To kick things off, Franky shares a personal dilemma about whether or not she should move her mailing list away from Mailchimp and/or start a Substack. As well as covering the pros and cons of various email marketing platforms, we also discuss strategy, consistency, outsourcing and AI, what we write about and how we come up with ideas. Links and Further Reading:What Makes a Good Email Lead Magnet?Are You Going to Start a Substack?How Are We S
Nov 8, 2024 • 48:38
118. The Cosy Episode
As we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone. Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year. Links and Further Reading:The Chr
Oct 23, 2024 • 18:57
Ep. 117 Q3 Reflections, Q4 Intentions
We’re back from our summer break and ready for a big catch up! In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of 2024 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of th
Oct 9, 2024 • 27:35
115. SUMMER SERIES - Creating Everyday Rituals
In this mini episode, we're chatting about rituals and sharing the ways in which we both bring a little ritual to our everyday. We talk about how rituals help cultivate moments of mindfulness, connection and calm and the benefit this can have for business owners. We also get a little deep when discussing how rituals foster a reverence for life and help us to feel gratitude for the little things. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscr
Sep 5, 2024 • 22:21
114. SUMMER SERIES - The Business Benefits of Hobbies and Interests
This week, we’re chatting about Franky’s mission to find a new hobby and what she’s learned since she started pursuing a different kind of creativity. As well as describing the perils of monetising your passions and interests, we discuss nurturing your inner child, exploring curiosity peaks in adulthood, and what it feels like to be a beginner for the first time in years. We also cover how to find time for hobbies, the many benefits, and the big difference between creative work and creative play
Aug 29, 2024 • 37:19
113. SUMMER SERIES - Finding your own co-mentor
When we asked you what you wanted to know about co-mentoring, the overwhelming response was how to go about finding a co-mentor of your own. In today’s episode, we talk about how we met and started co-mentoring. We also share the stories of three other co-mentoring duos, touching on how they found each other and how co-mentoring has benefitted their businesses so far. Finally, we chat about the boundaries you might want to set with your own co-mentor and discuss the difference between co-mentori
Aug 22, 2024 • 29:11
112. SUMMER SERIES - What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?
We love Instagram, but are we guilty of putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to marketing? This week, we explore what our businesses might look like if Instagram disappeared and ask whether we’re giving it more focus than it deserves. This episode includes: The dangers of becoming a slave to the algorithm and why trying to ‘beat’ it might mean we’re focussed on being good Instagramers rather than good business owners. Other mediums for communicating with your audience and why some c
Aug 15, 2024 • 32:21
111. Introducing Our Summer Series
In today’s episode, we’re introducing our summer series. For the very first time, we’ll be taking a proper planned break from recording and rereleasing some of our best episodes while we’re away. Before we switch off for the summer, we’re also chatting about how we’re going to approach the next six weeks in our businesses. We cover everything from travel plans and taking time off to juggling childcare and showing up online.We hope you enjoy listening to some of our back catalogue over the next f
Jul 31, 2024 • 18:49
110. Getting Back into Blogging
This week, it’s Charlie’s turn to mine Franky for some expert advice! After neglecting her business blog for a VERY long time, she’s wondering how to get back into the habit of posting. More to the point, should she even bother trying?As well as explaining the benefits of blogging, Franky shares practical tips and lots of motivation to help you create more long-form content and bring new potential customers to your website.Connect with usFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.com
Jul 18, 2024 • 19:45
109. Q2 Reflections, Q3 Intentions
In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the summer. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com F
Jul 4, 2024 • 32:00
108. Our Thoughts on In-Person Networking
This week, we’re chatting about in-person networking. Although it was something we both leaned on heavily in the early days of freelancing, the pandemic had a huge impact on its role in our businesses. As Franky recently attended her first in-person event in almost 5 years, it seems like a good time to explore this topic and discuss what networking looks and feels like in 2024. As well as sharing tips to help you get the most out of in-person events, we cover different forms of networking and
Jun 20, 2024 • 31:11
107. Instagram Trends
How do you feel about Instagram trends? New trends, old trends, emerging trends, micro trends - love them or hate them, the app is full of them! In this episode, we’re discussing Instagram trends in-depth, examining their impact, weighing up the pros and cons, and exploring how you can figure the ones to avoid and the ones you should jump on. From trending audio to tiny mics, we cover a lot of ground! As well as venting about the trends we hate, we chat about the ones we love and share tips t
Jun 6, 2024 • 54:10
106. Is Everything Content?
In today’s episode, we’re asking whether ‘everything is content’. This popular mantra is a phrase we’ve used and repeated ourselves, but is it true? How helpful is this approach and are there any pitfalls to avoid? Thinking critically and adding some much needed nuance, we explore content buckets, boundaries, protecting other people’s privacy and more. Links and Further Reading Embracing and Creating Video Content Friends with Business Boundaries Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.
May 23, 2024 • 27:12
105. Making Time for Non-Business Activities During the Working Week
In this mini episode, Charlie poses a question she originally asked on Instagram - do you make time for non-business activities during your working week? After discussing things that might fall under this banner including life admin, self-care and creative dates, we explore why it might be hard to dedicate time to these activities when you could be working. We also share tips and advice to help you overcome these barriers and be the best boss you’ve ever had! Links and Further Reading H
May 9, 2024 • 20:38
104. Overcoming Creative Blocks on Instagram
Are you feeling overwhelmed by Instagram? Are you overthinking your content and struggling to show up? Franky was. Having spent the last couple of years hiding on Instagram Stories and rarely posting to the grid, she finally realised something had to change. Luckily, her co-mentor happens to be an Insta-expert who gives excellent creative pep talks! Listen as we discuss how Franky’s been feeling about Instagram, why she wanted to change her relationship with the app in 2024, and the advice Charl
Apr 25, 2024 • 31:50
103. Q1 Reflection, Q2 Intentions (2024)
In this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We discuss how Franky has been showing up on Instagram and her brush with having a Reel go viral, and also talk through Charlie's relationship with consistency in content creation in this season. We also chat about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far, plus we dig into our plans for Q2 a
Apr 11, 2024 • 35:25
102. How to Sneak More Creativity Into Your Daily Life
In this mini episode, we’re sharing ideas and inspiration to help you sneak more creativity into your daily life, especially if you’re short on time and/or caring for small children. From finding the magic in the mundane to portable crafts you can do in front of the TV, there’s a mix of practical advice and gentle encouragement, all based on personal experience and our belief that creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On I
Mar 21, 2024 • 13:28
101. How We Are Showing Up on Substack This Year
This week we're revisiting the topic of Substack. We disscuss whether or not the platform is a part of our content plans in this season, and what we're feeling called to consume and create there. Charlie shares how she is showing up on Substack this year and Franky touches on creating for the platform as a copywriter. We also breakdown the differnt ways you may engage with Substack content as a reader and talk about the various features and models the platform has to offer. Charlie's Substack
Mar 7, 2024 • 29:00
100. Our 100th Episode Content Q&A LIVE on Instagram
We celebrated 100 episodes of Friends With Business Benefits and five whole years of podcasting by going live on Instagram to record this episode. Having hit such a big content creation milestone, we made that the focus, answering listener questions about creating and sharing content for your business. We cover podcasting, productivity, brainstorming ideas and more! Whether you’re an OG listener or a newbie, thanks for supporting our podcast! Links and Further Reading Watch the live episode
Feb 22, 2024 • 40:00
99. 24 for 2024
Inspired by Gretchen Rubin, we’ve both adopted the habit of compiling a list of aims at the start of a new year. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but for us it’s never a business-focussed list. Instead, we both include fun, playful things we want to prioritise. We’ve found it’s a great way to identify what we want the year to hold. In this episode, we’re sharing our ‘24 for 2024’ lists in the hope that it will make you want to compile your own. Links and Further Reading Gretchen Rub
Feb 8, 2024 • 19:38
98. Our Planner Plans for 2024
It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead. As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools! Links and Further Reading Lunar Moon Diary The 6-Minute Success Journal LSW Morning Notes Ha
Jan 25, 2024 • 29:37
2023 Reflections, 2024 Intentions
We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2024, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charlie’s Mailing List
Jan 11, 2024 • 46:51
96. Our 2023 Favourites
Join us as we run through some of our non-business related 2023 favs. We chat about our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, as well as discussing the purchases we've made, habits we've followed, experiences we've enjoyed and places we've been. An episode full of recommendations for you! Thank you for listening throughout 2023 and a very merry christmas from us both! Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 21, 2023 • 46:58
Things That Make Our Business Worlds Better
In this mini episode we’re jumping on a TikTok trend and sharing a list of things that make our business worlds better. From daily habits and wellbeing rituals to clever software and our favourite tech, there’s plenty of inspiration for everyone. Links and Further Reading: Franky's favs... 'What is Comentoring' podcast episode Boatman VA services Circle planner Charlie's favs... Trello 101 Get 50% off Flodesk (aff link) Lunar diary by Nikki Strange
Dec 14, 2023 • 11:20
94. Putting Your Prices Up
In this episode, we’re talking about putting your prices up. It’s a topic we originally planned to discuss this time last year, but when we came to record, neither of us felt up to discussing money on mic. Not only is it a tricky subject to broach - increasing your prices can be a tricky thing to act on in your business. 12 months later, we’re finally ready to explore this subject with you. Franky shares what she’s learned from increasing her prices at the start of the year and Charlie talks ab
Nov 23, 2023 • 37:24
93. What Gives Us The Business Scaries?
Inspired by Halloween earlier this week, we’re sharing things that give us the business scaries! For Charlie, it’s overcommitting, public speaking and talking to camera, while Franky struggles to share her professional expertise on Instagram and record voiceovers for reels. As well as discussing where these fears come from, we explore ways in which we might be able to overcome them. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Get
Nov 2, 2023 • 36:16
92. Overcoming Instagram Stumbling Blocks
In this episode, we’re going over some Instagram basics and sharing tips to help you overcome common stumbling blocks and avoid overwhelm. As well as things like writing the perfect bio and using your pinned posts effectively, we cover stats and data, content ideas, trends and more. We also discuss mindset in relation to the app and run through a few ways to prevent it from sucking the joy out of running your business. Links and Further Reading/Listening Embracing and Creating Video Conten
Oct 19, 2023 • 51:59
91. Q3 Reflections, Q4 Intentions
91. Q3 Reflections, Q4 Intentions In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of 2023. Links and Furt
Oct 5, 2023 • 35:16
90. Trying New Things in Your Business
The online world is fast paced. There’s always something new to discover. New software, new social media platforms, new types of content. When it comes to trying new things in your business, do you tend to feel overwhelmed or excited? Today’s episode was recorded back in July when we were both in the early stages of trying some new things. Charlie was experimenting with the recently launched social media platform, Threads, and Franky was posting to a brand new crafty account on Instagram. Ou
Sep 7, 2023 • 26:07
89. How We Use Instagram Stories for Business
Inspired by a recent video from Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, today’s episode is dedicated to one of the app’s older features - Instagram Stories. It may not be as shiny and new as Reels or Threads, but it’s still a valuable marketing tool, not to mention Franky’s favourite place to hang out online! We chat about how we use Instagram Stories, the pros and cons of the platform, and the types of content we share. We also discuss the role of DMs and share some tips for showing up and telling sto
Aug 16, 2023 • 32:19
88. How we savour (and survive) the summer
As we head into what should be the warmest, sunniest part of the year, we’re sharing how we embrace and survive the summer season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this episode for everyone. As well as discussing how we’re planning to juggle work and childcare during the six-week summer break, we’re sharing some of our favourite seasonal rituals and lots of advice to help you get the most out of this time of year. Links and Further Reading The Cosy Episode
Jul 27, 2023 • 38:02
87. Q2 Reflection, Q3 Intentions
In this chatty episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the summer. Links and Further Reading Maddy Shine’
Jul 13, 2023 • 36:59
86. How to Set Deadlines and Stick to Them
When you’re working towards a specific business goal or dream, how do you get on with self-imposed deadlines? Do you find them easy to stick to or do you avoid setting them in the first place? In this episode, we’re responding to a listener's question, digging into the subject of deadlines and sharing everything we know about getting things done. As well as discussing different types of deadlines and different strategies for meeting them, we touch on what it might mean if you keep dodging the de
Jun 30, 2023 • 18:56
85. The Art of Requesting, Receiving and Giving Feedback
In this episode, we’re approaching the topic of feedback from a few different angles. For Franky, asking clients for feedback is baked into her working process. As a copywriter, she produces drafts for clients to review. The quality of the feedback she receives can have a huge impact on the final product. Over the years, she’s worked hard to ensure this happens in a thorough and efficient way. She’s also learned a lot about moving through the discomfort that can come from inviting criticism. A
Jun 15, 2023 • 26:08
84. What Happened When Charlie Went Viral?
After a year of regularly creating and sharing reels on Instagram, Charlie recently had a video go viral. In this episode, we’re chatting about her experience and what it feels like to suddenly have so many eyes on your content. As well as digging into the reasons why this particular reel seems to have done so well, Charlie explains what she’s learned and how she’ll be approaching future content creation as a result. Links and Further Reading Embracing and Creating Video Content Franky’s Ma
May 25, 2023 • 21:55
83. What Makes a Good Email Lead Magnet?
In this episode, we're discussing what makes a good email lead magnet. We share our differing stances on having lead magnets in our businesses, chat through the pros and cons of differnt types of lead magnets and how to choose one that aligns with your strategy. We also share what to do once you have your lead magnet in place, how to buil an email nuture sequence and how to make the most of your content. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.c
May 12, 2023 • 26:56
82. How to Name Products & Services
This week, inspired by Charlie’s recent experience launching three new services, we’re talking about naming things within your business. We know this can be a huge obstacle when you’re creating new products and packages. After all, if you want to sell something, you’ve got to know what it’s called! Franky offers a copywriter’s perspective, sharing tips and advice to make the process a little easier. As well as describing different ways to approach naming things, she explains the importance of c
Apr 27, 2023 • 41:16
Q1 Reflection, Q2 Intentions
It’s that time again! We’re reflecting on Quarter 1 and sharing what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since our last check-in. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months and discuss what we’re hoping to achieve before the end of Quarter 2. Links and Further Reading The Best 90 Days Ever (affiliate link) Franky’s Mailing
Apr 6, 2023 • 29:24
80. Our Current Working Routines
This week we’re responding to a listener request and diving into the popular topic of routines. We’re sharing how we approach the working week and juggle running a business alongside other responsibilities like looking after our children and managing a chronic health condition. As well as describing our morning and evening routines, we’re chatting about what our working weeks look like, how our rhythms and routines have changed over the years and why we strive to keep things nice and flexible
Mar 23, 2023 • 23:13
79. How to Cope with Stress and Overwhelm
Seasons of stress and overwhelm are nothing new, especially if you run your own business, but has our ability to cope been impacted by the pandemic and other world events over the last few years? It certainly looks that way from where we’re standing. In this episode, we’re chatting about our current capacity for stress and how we think our resilience has been affected by everything we’ve lived through since March 2020. We’re also sharing our go-to methods for coping with overwhelm, including
Mar 9, 2023 • 22:05
78. What to Do if Selling Gives You the Ick
Does promoting your products and services make you feel a bit… uncomfortable? Do you struggle to show up and sell your stuff? Well, you’re not alone. As well as experiencing this ourselves, it’s something we hear all the time from clients. In this episode, we’re chatting about why selling can be hard and sharing our advice to make the whole process easier. We cover a lot of ground, including what is and isn’t ‘hard selling’, the mindset shift you might need to make more sales and our new mantra
Feb 23, 2023 • 27:07
77. Eating Well When You Work From Home
Although working from home can provide the perfect opportunity to eat well, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. Eating at your desk, skipping lunch completely and surviving on caffeine and biscuits. Before we were business besties, we bonded over our love of food. In this episode, we’re talking about the things we cook and eat while working from home. As well as being a love letter to lunch breaks, it’s the encouragement you need to start building some nourishing habits into your work days.
Feb 2, 2023 • 23:06
76. Techo Kagai - Our Planner Plans for 2023
Have you heard the Japanese phrase ‘techo kagai’? Roughly translated, it means ‘planner meeting’ - taking the time to review your previous year's planner and journals and decide what you’ll use for the year ahead. In this episode, we’re holding our own techo kagai and sharing our planner plans for 2023. From bullet journaling fails to the notebooks and diaries we’re investing in this year, it’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools. Links
Jan 19, 2023 • 21:33
2022 Reflections, 2023 Intentions
We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t as we get a little honest and vunerable about finding 2022 a tough year. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2023, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charl
Jan 5, 2023 • 48:14
74. Our 2022 Favourites
In this episode, we’re sharing a list of things we’ve loved this year. From books and films to our best business investment, small habit and more, you’ll find lots to inspire and excite you as 2022 draws to a close. Books... Sorrow & Bliss The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois Outlawed TV Shows... Dopesick The Dropout The Bear The Sandman Movies... Everything Everywhere All At Once Westside Story The Father Albums... First Aid Kit - Palomino Wet Leg - Wet Leg Little Simz - Sometimes I Might
Dec 22, 2022 • 38:16
73. Mini Episode - For the Love of Lists!
We LOVE a list, so why not dedicate a whole episode to the simple, yet powerful practice of list writing? In this chatty episode, we explain why we find lists so helpful and how we use them, covering those we rely on for work and the ones we use more generally in our personal lives. As well as obvious things like monthly/weekly/daily to-do lists and meal plans, we share some creative ideas like Franky’s ‘greatest hits’ list and the simple, seasonal bucket lists Charlie shares on Instagram each
Dec 8, 2022 • 20:47
72. Are You Going to Start a Substack?
If you want to create and share long-from content, Substack seems like the place to be right now. Is it just ‘shiny new thing syndrome’ or should we all be jumping on board? In this episode, we’re discussing the newsletter platform in detail, explaining how it works and sharing whether we think it has a role to play in our marketing efforts. We dig into the pros and cons, chat about paid content and subscription models and share whether we see ourselves using Substack in the future. Charlie’s p
Nov 24, 2022 • 36:32
Mini Episode - The Cosy Episode
As we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re sharing how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone. Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year. Links and Further R
Nov 10, 2022 • 18:57
70. To Niche or Not to Niche?
Does your business have a niche? If not, should it? And how do you figure out what it is if so? These are the big questions we’re addressing in this week’s episode. As well as explaining what a niche is and why defining yours could benefit your business, we discuss our own experiences of niching, and in Franky’s case, letting that niche evolve into something new. We also chat about the different types of niches and share some simple tips to help you identify your own. Links and Further Reading
Oct 27, 2022 • 29:52
69. Mini Episode - What to do when you feel like quitting
Given the cost of living crisis, perhaps many of us have been thinking about how sustainable it is to run a creative business. In this mini episode, we’re going through some things to consider in those moments you feel like jacking it all in. We chat about the importance of checking in with yourself and getting clear on what stumbling blocks you are facing and figuring out if issues are related to life or business (or both). We discuss pivoting your business to adapt, adopting a hybrid business
Oct 13, 2022 • 13:48
68. Q2 + Q3 Reflection, Q4 Intentions
We’re back from our summer break! In this chatty episode, we’re reflecting on Quarters 2 and 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of 2022. Link
Sep 29, 2022 • 47:25
Embracing and creating video content
As we’ve touched on previously, there’s a lot of negativity out there about video right now, specifically in relation to Instagram and TikTok. But however we might personally feel about the rise of video content, there's no denying it’s become an integral part of the consumer journey. In this episode we're exploring how we might shift our mindsets a little and see video as an opportunity for creative play. We chat about what we enjoy about creating video and share lots of practical tips for fi
Jul 14, 2022 • 40:34
66. Mini Episode - Repurposing Content
Is your content working hard enough? In this mini episode, we’re reminding you to repurpose the marketing assets you spend so much time and energy creating for your business. We explain the benefits of this approach, the things we do to extend the lifespan of our content, and share some quick tips to help you repurpose your own. Links and Further Reading Wavve.co Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.s
Jun 30, 2022 • 18:56
65. How to Stop Hating on Instagram
We can’t be the only ones who’ve noticed a lot of negativity and hate in relation to Instagram recently. This week, in a follow-up to a popular episode from last year, we’re digging into some of the most common frustrations. From the rise of reels to the demise of organic reach and engagement, we approach the topic with a mix of empathy and tough love, sharing tips and advice to help you improve your experience on the platform and regain control of its role in your business. Because whether we
Jun 16, 2022 • 50:09
How to Do Life and Run a Business
Running a home and running a business are intrinsically linked. What goes on behind-the-scenes can have a huge impact on your ability to work, serve others and be creative. This week, we’re sharing the basics we rely on to keep our lives running smoothly so we can show up fully in our respective businesses. From meal planning to cleaning schedules, discover what we’ve outsourced, automated and simplified to make our lives just that little bit easier. Links and Further Reading The Organis
May 19, 2022 • 35:57
62. Mini Episode - Plugging Energy Leaks
You know those outstanding tasks you can feel hanging over you? The things you never get around to doing but spend a lot of time thinking about? Whether business, personal or domestic, they’re probably draining your mental energy. In this mini episode, we’re sharing some quick tips to help you tackle the tasks you keep putting off. From brain dumps to being your ‘future friend’, find out how to plug those energy leaks and free up headspace for more important things. Links and Further Reading T
May 5, 2022 • 14:46
61. Q1 Reflections, Q2 Intentions
In this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far. After sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for Q2 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of June. Links and Further Reading Friends with Business Boundaries Franky’s Maili
Apr 21, 2022 • 39:22
Mini Episode - The Power of Testimonials & Reviews
When was the last time you received a testimonial or review? More importantly, when was the last time you asked for one? In this mini episode, we’re discussing how to gather testimonials and what to do with them once they start rolling in. Given how powerful they can be, there’s also a brief reminder to leave testimonials and reviews for the products and services you use, love and enjoy {including podcasts!}. Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift
Apr 7, 2022 • 18:55
Friends With Business Boundaries
This week we’re chatting about healthy boundaries. What are they? Why do we need them? And how do you establish and enforce them? As well as sharing the boundaries we lean on in our own businesses, we discuss some of the challenges involved in upholding them. Franky describes dealing with the discomfort that can arise when a client doesn’t like hearing the word ‘no’ and Charlie reflects on building boundaries as a busy working mama. Links and Further Reading Creating a Seamless, On-Brand Custo
Mar 24, 2022 • 42:35
58. When (and Why) to Mute Or Unfollow on Instagram
When was the last time you curated your Instagram feed? In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the power of muting and unfollowing accounts. Discover what usually prompts us to hit the mute button, the potential benefits and why we think life’s too short for ‘hate follows’. We also touch on some upcoming changes to Instagram and share a few questions to ask yourself the next time you open the app. Links and Further Reading 'What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?' -
Mar 10, 2022 • 9:59
56. Mini Episode - Why we love Ta-Da lists
In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the benefits of writing a regular ta-da list and encouraging you to give this simple practice a go. Discover what a ta-da list is, why Franky is so passionate about them, and how to start writing your own. Don’t forget to tag us in your ta-da lists on Instagram! Links and Further Reading Ta-Da Lists on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at frie
Feb 10, 2022 • 10:26
55. 2021 Reflections, 2022 Intentions
Friends with Business Benefits is back! We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2022, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Links and Further Reading Charlie’s word of the year Franky says hello to 2022 ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift G
Jan 27, 2022 • 46:13
53. Intention setting for creative business owners
In this chatty episode, we’re delving into intentional living and how intention setting can benefit creative business owners. Charlie takes us through some practices for becoming more intentional in our work and life. We discuss seasons in business and why it’s so important to set goals and intentions that align with the season you’re currently in. This episode includes: Intention setting as part of a meditation practice. Journaling for intentional living. Navigating seasons in business, life a
Mar 10, 2021 • 31:07
Creating a seamless, on-brand customer experience
Drawing on knowledge gained from over decade spent working in retail, Franky chats all things customer service and shares how she applies many of the same principles in her online business. As well as discussing why it’s so important to create an intentional, positive customer journey or experience, we dive into different approaches and methods to help you shape yours. This episode includes: - Why the customer journey is important for building brand loyalty. - Different approaches to customer se
Feb 24, 2021 • 39:23
51. Some thoughts on dropping balls
“The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass.” Inspired by this Nora Roberts quote, we’re discussing the difference between dropping balls and intentionally placing them down. As well as sharing ways to strip things back in business and life to survive the current lockdown, we talk about tapping into your support network during tough times. We also ponder what becomes of our business goals and dreams when circumstances
Feb 10, 2021 • 35:04
How to write an engaging About Page
Professional Copywriter Franky covers why an About Page is so important and shares her advice to help you fill yours with engaging copy. And before you ask, yes, people will read it! The episode includes: Why there’s no one-size fits all approach to creating copy. The importance of telling a story. Creative ways to showcase your personality and build a connection with potential clients. Why your About Page needs to be a stepping stone, not a dead end. Why a headshot should be your one non-nego
Jan 13, 2021 • 26:23
49. 2020 reflections, 2021 intentions
It’s time for our annual reflection as we say goodbye to another year. In a year that has of course been overshadowed by a global pandemic, we’re discussing our highs and lows in business during 2020. We’re discussing what worked well for us, struggles we faced, what they taught us and the habits that help get us through the tough times. We also chat about our words of the year and share our “Big sexy goals” for 2021. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbe
Dec 23, 2020 • 44:45
48. Cultivating resilience
As we reach the end of a tough year, we’ve noticed the topic of resilience coming up regularly in conversations we’re having and content we’re seeing. In this episode, we delve into what it means to show resilience as a creative business owner and ask how we can cultivate more - during a global pandemic or otherwise. Using an article from Psychology Today as the basis for our conversation, we chat through the ‘seven skills of resilience’, discussing how we might apply them to running a busines
Dec 9, 2020 • 35:09
A reintroduction to Friends with Business Benefits
After an extended hiatus, we’re back with season four. Kicking off with a bit of a reintroduction, we chat about what work looks like for us both right now in our respective businesses and share a little about what’s lighting us up professionally. This podcast was recorded in person - socially distanced, of course - before the second lockdown happened in the UK. The episode includes… - A reintroduction from Charlie and Franky and an overview of our respective businesses. - A brief chat about com
Nov 25, 2020 • 22:45
46. A midyear check-in. Chipping away vs taking a leap.
We’re back for our first episode since March, catching up and sharing what life and business has been like for us both during lockdown. During this midyear check-in, we chat about finding a balance between taking bold leaps in business and working slowly but surely towards long-term goals. This episode includes… - A quick check-in with our 2020 goals. - Our thoughts on letting go of disappointment and canceled plans. - Advice on approaching goal setting within our “new normal”. - The pros and c
Jul 8, 2020 • 40:16
45. Life and business in lockdown.
In this episode, Charlie and Franky catch up about life during the lockdown. We discuss how we’re feeling, how things have changed for us in life and business and chat through the things many of us are dealing with right now. We cover homeschooling, showing up online during these strange times and the positives we're finding in the situation. Plus, Franky shares some insight on bringing her business back from the brink and why it's ok to be surviving not thriving Get full access to Friends wit
Apr 15, 2020 • 50:44
Rough Patches and Fresh Starts
In this episode, Charlie and Franky catch-up and discuss how 2020 is treating them so far. Off the back of Franky’s less than perfect start to the year, we’re deep-diving into surviving rough patches and challenging times in your business. With a new month and season upon us, we’re also thinking about pressing ‘reset’ and discussing why March is the perfect time for a fresh start. This episode includes… - Advice on coping with a rough patch in your creative business. - Some great tips from our
Mar 4, 2020 • 42:04
43. 2019 reflections, 2020 intentions
In our first episode of 2020 we take a look back at our highlights of 2019, the lessons we learnt along the way and how these are shaping our goals and intentions for the coming year. Charlie discusses learning to be less hard on herself and her conflicting feelings around impending maternity leave. Franky shares how she’s hoping to bring more joy into her work this year and what that might mean for her business offering. We’re chatting about the current big-picture visions for our creative bus
Jan 8, 2020 • 51:10
42. Charging what you’re worth
This week, we’re getting personal and discussing that tricky topic of what to charge and how. It’s something Charlie is particularly struggling within these early days of running her business and we’re sure she’s not alone. We cover finding the confidence to market yourself at the “right” price point, what to do if your dream clients can’t afford you, overcoming money hang-ups, and lots more. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 11, 2019 • 19:46
How to tune into your intuition as a creative business owner
Are you good at responding to your own intuition? Do you let your gut guide you as a business owner? Is it easier to know when something feels wrong rather than right? In this episode, we discuss all things intuition, attempting to define what it is and sharing some of the tools we use to help us listen to its signs and signals. We cover journaling in all its forms, meditation, mindfulness, tarot and manifestation. Although we use different methods, we ultimately agree it’s important to find pr
Dec 4, 2019 • 30:15
Having a healthy relationship with productivity
Does it feel like everyone around you is working harder and being more productive? Boy, can we relate! Productivity is a topic that comes up regularly on the show, but today we’re talking about comparing your output to others. Franky starts by describing a recent bout of comparisonitis. We talk about how we’re programmed to equate our self-worth with our productivity and share tips to help you shift your mindset. We also discuss the importance of rest and our shared desire to make it a core pa
Nov 27, 2019 • 20:57
39. Creating seasonal content for your business
Are you feeling festive yet? This week, we’re talking all things seasonal content with an emphasis on staying true to yourself and putting a personal spin on familiar seasonal tropes. We discuss how to up your game if you’re planning for a busy sales season or the kind of value you can provide if this isn’t typically a key time for your business. As well as practical advice for planning your marketing in the run-up to Christmas, we share our tips and tricks for content planning all year round. L
Nov 20, 2019 • 22:03
38. How to adapt when your priorities need to shift
We’re back with an update after our unplanned hiatus. Find out why the podcast has taken a backseat over the last couple of months. We also talk about adapting when you realise your priorities need to shift. When life gets busy, what can you scale back on or let go of to lighten the load? Links and further reading: Listen to Charlie interviewed on the Being Heard podcast.
Nov 15, 2019 • 13:37
37. Transforming business setbacks into something positive
We’ve shared plenty of wins on the podcast, but what happens when things ‘fail’ or fall short of your expectations? In this episode, we discuss the best way to handle business setbacks and share our top tips for transforming them into something positive. We chat about the importance of mindset and trying to prepare for all eventualities. We also tackle the challenges and heartache setbacks can bring and discuss our process for working through them. Links and further reading: Experimentation ep
Oct 23, 2019 • 22:29
36. How to keep loving what you do
Our chat this week was inspired by a recent email from Paul Jarvis in which he asked ‘do we have to love what we do?’ Our gut reaction is yes, we want to love our jobs. But how do you sustain that love over time? Franky comes up with an analogy that likens running a business to being in a long-term relationship. As always, Charlie champions prioritising the creative work. We also discuss embracing experimentation, trying new things in your business, and keeping it fresh. We also acknowledge the
Oct 9, 2019 • 20:15
35. How to beat the Instagram blues
In this bumper episode, we chat about our feelings towards Instagram and how we’re currently using it as a tool for business. We cover a wide range of topics including personal content vs business content, Stories vs main grid and the importance of showing up consistently. We also ask whether Instagram is the best place for our best content. We round things up with a series of {definitely not} ‘quick-fire’ questions like how to deal with the dreaded follow/unfollow trend and how to create cont
Sep 25, 2019 • 50:09
34. How to Recreate the Best Bits of a Traditional Workplace When You Work From Home
Today we’re talking about the things we do and don’t miss about traditional employment. We share our workplace experiences before becoming self-employed, chatting about office politics, collaborating with a team and the obvious social aspect. We also discuss elements we really miss like external validation and not having to wear ALL the hats. Finally, we talk about how to recreate all the best bits of a traditional workplace as a self-employed business owner. Links and further reading: The Co-W
Sep 18, 2019 • 24:59
33. How to ease yourself into a new season
We’re back for our third season and kicking things off with a quick work/life update. As well as sharing what we got up to over the summer, we chat about how we’re easing ourselves into a new season. Charlie has some big news and Franky describes how she’s feeling ahead of juggling her business with a long stretch of solo parenting. With this in mind, we touch on what it means to have a ‘lifestyle’ business that can adapt to whatever the universe might throw at you. Finally, we share some tips
Sep 11, 2019 • 25:01
32. Time to switch your ‘out of office’!
In the final episode of Season 2, we look back on the last few months of podcasting and discuss how the year’s been shaping up for us so far. We also look ahead to September and share our excitement for that inevitable ‘back-to-school’ feeling. We hope you have a wonderful summer filled with work, rest and play! If you’ve enjoyed this season, please leave us a review on iTunes or share with your community. See you in September! Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbus
Jul 24, 2019 • 13:45
31. For all the perfectionists
This week, we’re chatting about what it’s like to be a perfectionist. Franky describes how perfectionism showed up for her at an early age and shares the horror she felt when she realised she might be passing it on to her kids. We chat about the pros and cons of being a perfectionist in business and beyond. Plus, we discuss the role social media plays in shaping our idea of what perfection might look like. Links and further reading:Becoming by Michelle Obama The Perils of Perfection
Jul 17, 2019 • 28:33
30. What’s your purpose and why do you do what you do?
We’re tackling another hot topic today - purpose and values. We share our own business values and discuss whether they’re separate from our personal ones. We chat about the danger of overthinking these things and the pressure we can feel when we compare our values to other people’s. We also ask whether you need to have it all figured out. Has running a ‘values-led’ business become something of a trend? Finally, we talk about values in relation to marketing.
Jul 10, 2019 • 21:00
29. Is stress inevitable when you’re self-employed?
Today, we’re diving into a huge topic - stress. We start by discussing how it shows up for us, touching on both physical and mental manifestations. Charlie chats about the ebbs and flows of each month and Franky describes how easily the delicate balance of her family’s lives can be thrown off by issues unrelated to work. We talk about perspective and the danger of thinking we should be able to cope with whatever life throws at us. We also chat about stress in relation to the financial uncertain
Jul 3, 2019 • 32:08
28. The importance of experimenting in your creative business
As Charlie launches something new and exciting for her clients, we’re talking about experimenting in your business and trying new things. We chat about when to experiment and how it can benefit your business at different stages. At the same time, we discuss when NOT to try new things. We also talk about devising a formula or process for your experiments and how embracing the spirit of experimentation can make trying new things less scary. Links and further reading: Join Charlie for her group men
Jun 26, 2019 • 23:57
27. On feeling the fear and doing it anyway
This week, we’re chatting about what happens when you face your fears and do scary things. Franky reports back after her first public speaking gig. She shares what she’s learned from the experience and the advice that helped her through. Charlie describes being braver about showing up and marketing herself online. We talk about building things up to be bigger and scarier than they really are and discuss how it feels to overcome self-imposed barriers that stem from fear. The episode is packed ful
Jun 19, 2019 • 17:39
26. Can you ever take a break when you’re self-employed?
This week, we share why we think taking breaks is so important when you work for yourself. Charlie talks about how she managed maternity leave and Franky explains why she’s made regular time off non-negotiable, describing her approach to scheduling work around the academic year, planning holiday childcare, and putting money aside to cover additional costs or any shortfall in her income. We talk about systems and processes that allow you to step away, managing client expectations, and how taking
Jun 12, 2019 • 31:00
25. Juggling freelance life and motherhood
In this episode, we’re tackling a topic we’ve wanted to talk about for a while. Speaking candidly about our own experiences, we share what it’s like being freelance while also raising a family. We chat about the highs and lows, the challenges we’ve faced, and what it feels like when you come up against ‘The Patriarchy’. We describe different seasons of parenting, what it feels like being pulled in multiple directions, and the importance of setting boundaries. We also talk about finding time to w
Jun 5, 2019 • 38:09
24. What to do when you’re struggling to market yourself
Having recently pivoted her business, Charlie shares her current struggles with marketing herself online and talking about her services on platforms that, up until now, have been predominantly personal ones. We discuss finding the balance between personal content vs business content and talk about the difference between sharing our passions in the moment or being more strategic and intentional. We also touch on the importance of showing up to get feedback from your community and potential client
May 29, 2019 • 23:58
23. Do you feel like an expert?
With Franky preparing for her first proper speaking gig, we dive into a conversation about expertise. What makes someone an expert and will we ever feel like experts ourselves? As well as discussing qualifications and the absence of external validation when you’re self-employed, we also examine imposter syndrome and all that goes with it. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
May 22, 2019 • 18:45
22. Building your mailing list
Mailing lists have been at the forefront of our minds as we both (finally) launch our own newsletters. In this episode we dive into the subject together, exploring the role of email marketing in our respective businesses. We ask why mailing lists are important and how they can work as part of a broader content ecosystem. We discuss our plans for our own mailing lists and chat about potential challenges like consistency and accountability. We also share how we plan to judge the “success” of our l
May 15, 2019 • 39:10
21. Being visible online
In this episode, we discuss a hot topic - visibility. We start by chatting about how we show up online and ensure we’re visible, as well as what we struggle with in relation to this. We dive into the differences between introverts and extroverts, discussing which label we most identify with. Franky shares her struggles with networking despite being an extrovert and we go off on a tangent about small talk and the art of good conversation. Finally, we talk about Brené Brown’s recent Netflix specia
May 8, 2019 • 30:10
20. Is blogging dead?
In today’s episode, we discuss blogging and the key role it’s played in our careers so far. As well as sharing how we got started, we discuss what blogging looks like for us now. Touching on SEO and content planning, we talk about blogging for business, describing how posts can function as part of a broader content ecosystem. As business owners who started out as hobby bloggers, we also describe trying to find a balance between sharing more personal content and blogging as a marketing tool. Fi
May 1, 2019 • 33:55
19. Productivity
We kick-off season 2 with an in-depth chat about productivity, asking why something so simple often feels so hard. As well as sharing things that impact our productivity in positive and negative ways, we discuss the relationship between productivity and creativity. We also chat about the powerful link between our ability to be productive and feelings of self-worth. Franky shares her philosophy on being productive from a place of rest and Charlie describes her strategies for mastering to-do lists
Apr 24, 2019 • 41:53
18. Quarterly co-mentoring check-in (Q1 2019)
In the final episode of the season, we spend some time reviewing the first 3 months of 2019. Echoing our real-life co-mentoring sessions, we reflect on the goals we discussed back in January and share our progress so far. We talk about our words for the year, how they’ve been showing up for us, and where we’d like them to take us next. We also discuss how we’re feeling as we head into spring and some of the things we’re planning for Q2. Links and further reading: Mailing List Q&A Episode on Lett
Apr 3, 2019 • 28:47
17. Is growth always the goal?
In this episode, we’re talking about growth, what it looks like, and whether it’s something that motivates us. We reflect on the different seasons of business we’re currently in. Charlie talks about growing hers alongside growing a family and Franky describes reaching a tipping point and having to consciously think about growth for the first time. We also discuss why growth can be scary. Finally, we talk about Instagram growth or lack thereof. We describe how it feels to not be gaining followers
Mar 27, 2019 • 17:24
15. Why did we start a podcast?
In an episode dedicated to podcasts, we’re chatting about how we first discovered the medium and how our listening habits have changed over the years. Discussing the rise of creative business podcasts, we explain why we wanted to start our own. Charlie explains how we make Friends With Business Benefits and what she’s learned from the process. We also chat about podcasts as content marketing and share some of our favourite shows. Links and further reading: Lucy Lucraft’s Courses Blogging or Pod
Mar 13, 2019 • 37:54
14. Self-care for the self-employed
In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that’s very close to our hearts - self-care. We share what self-care means to us personally and what it looks like in our lives and in our businesses. After a period of burnout and poor health, Franky describes how self-care now helps her cope with chronic illness. Charlie chats about prioritising self-care from the beginning of her freelance career, having worked in offices where well-being was often an afterthought. We also discuss wider perceptions,
Feb 27, 2019 • 33:23
13. Getting clear on what exactly you are selling
In this episode, we’re chatting about services and offerings. Charlie has been getting to grips with her new creative mentoring packages and trying to figure out exactly what she’s selling. Franky shares her experience of writing multiple sales pages for numerous clients and outlines the questions she takes business owners through when she’s developing their copy. We talk about avoiding the comparison trap and the importance of knowing what sets us apart. As well as coming back to our ‘why’ and
Feb 20, 2019 • 24:40
12. How it feels to sell out a workshop!
Fueled by a few glasses of prosecco, we’re discussing workshops as Franky celebrates selling out The Wedding Sessions in one day. Sharing her experience of organising 3 in-person workshops, she compares what it feels like to sell out, and what it feels like when you don’t. We discuss how we define, share and perceive success on social media and Charlie shares her experience of having to cancel an event due to poor ticket sales. We also chat about the ‘comparison trap’ and how to deal with ‘failu
Feb 13, 2019 • 32:35
11. How do you find clients?
In this episode, we chat about different ways of finding new clients and winning their business. Charlie talks about the beginning of her freelance career, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of existing ‘real life’ connections. We discuss incidental networking, community building, and why we think it’s vital to keep voicing what you do, either online or in-person. We also cover the question of working for free and how starting out as a freelancer can feel messy and uncertai
Feb 6, 2019 • 24:36
10. How to make time for creativity when you’re busy being creative for clients
What happens to your creativity when you build a business off the back of it? In this episode, we discuss why Franky’s been struggling to make time for creativity beyond the realms of paid work, and Charlie talks about managing to find time to be creative after becoming a mum. We also discuss what it means to live a creative life, and how redefining what creativity looks like can help us make more space for it. Finally, we challenge ourselves and everyone listening to find time for at least one
Jan 23, 2019 • 17:36
9. How we got started as creative business owners
Curious about how we got started as creative business owners? Wondering what we did before we went freelance? In this episode, we interview each other, sharing details of our careers so far to give future conversations a little more context. Franky details her journey from high school dropout to freelance writer via a brief career in retail and a return to education with kids in tow. She also describes the serious illness she experienced in 2016 and the impact of her subsequent Chronic Fatigue d
Jan 16, 2019 • 47:31
2018 Reflections, 2019 Goals & Intentions
In this episode, we’re talking you through the simple planning process we use to start a brand new year in our creative businesses. Charlie explains why she’s raring to go while Franky describes her slow start to 2019. As well as sharing the questions we ask ourselves to reflect on the previous year, we discuss different types of goals - from big picture business bucket lists and scary financial targets to softer intentions and guiding words designed to carry us through each season. Finally, we
Jan 9, 2019 • 39:56
7. Our highlights of 2018 (Mini)
In this mini-episode, we’re sharing our businesses and personal highlights of 2018. We discuss how making time for creativity has been important to Charlie in her first full year of motherhood and Franky tells us how much she enjoyed running The Wedding Session workshops during 2018. Both of our personal highlights involve family travels. Charlie reminisces about taking her baby to his first music festival and Franky shares about her family’s very special summer holiday to Thailand. Happy new ye
Jan 1, 2019 • 10:34
Are you ready to grow your creative business?
In this episode, we’re letting you listen in on one of our co-mentoring sessions. As Franky shares her thoughts about approaching a crossroads in her business, we discuss what upscaling could look like and the pros and cons of the options available. Our chat delves into outsourcing, adjusting our offering, and navigating growth and change as a creative business owner. When’s the right time to upscale your business? How can you grow sustainably while maintaining the personality and heart that mak
Dec 12, 2018 • 25:08
5. Are you 'team analogue' or 'team digital'?
Is the pen mightier than the keyboard?! In this episode, we have a friendly debate about the merits of analogue vs digital when it comes to systems and processes. As we discuss the day-to-day running of our respective businesses, Franky declares her love for paper and real ink while Charlie sings the praises of shared calendars and Trello boards. We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter… Links and further reading: How to Trello Franky’s favourite fountain pen Follow us: @_charlieswift @love
Dec 9, 2018 • 14:23
4. How do you use Instagram for business?
In this episode, we chat about everyone’s favourite social media platform - Instagram! We discuss how we got started on the app, how we use it now, and where it sits within our businesses. Charlie shares how she uses Instagram as a creative outlet, how the platform was the catalyst for becoming self-employed, and how talking to camera stresses her out. On the other hand, Franky explains why she’s wholeheartedly embraced Instagram Stories and shares some excellent advice about using it to connect
Dec 7, 2018 • 27:05
3. Morning Routines. How do you start your day?
In this episode, we share our morning routines. Despite our very different family situations, we have a lot in common when it comes to how we like to start our days. We discuss how and why we try to make time for things like journaling, reading and meditation, as well as delving into the benefits of a screen-free bedroom and how scrolling social media affects us in the mornings. How do you start your day? Let us know… Links and further reading:Destination Simple by Brooke MacalaryFranky’s belove
Dec 5, 2018 • 19:35
2. What if my dream clients can’t afford me?
Money. It’s a topic that comes up over and over again in our co-mentoring meetups. There’s much to discuss around pricing, money mindset, and charging your worth, but in this episode we get specific about our attitudes towards the affordability of our services. Charlie shares how she’s learning not to make assumptions about what her clients can and cannot afford, and Franky reveals a great strategy for handling that awkward situation when a potential client asks you to lower your price. Follow
Dec 3, 2018 • 14:56
1. What is co-mentoring? (And why you need a co-mentor in your life!)
Our first episode is all about co-mentoring - what it is, how it works, and why finding a co-mentor might be the best business decision you’ll ever make!We share how we came to co-mentor each other and why our monthly meetups have provided the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives. You’ll also hear our tips and advice to help you go about finding your own co-mentor.Links and further reading: Franky’s post on five things she’s gained from co-mentoring Kristabel Plummer
Dec 1, 2018 • 31:17
