Style and Substance

Welcome back lovely listeners to season 9. After a lovely long break we are opening this season with what we hope is a juicy two parter on the topic of finding your authentic voice. Both of us encounter business owners who struggle to do this for themselves and their brands and we are so passionate about the potential that finding and using your authentic brand voice can create for your business. Having a clear, compelling and natural voice enables us to not only connect with our clients and move them to action but also to express the true value that we bring in our business. It enables us to win work, develop relationships, handle conflict more effectively and give us that sense of empowerment that comes from being able to articulate what it is that we want. But it doesn't come easy to everyone. So many of us struggle to find the right words for our website, to write compelling sales copy, to blog or produce newsletters that really connect and this can really hold us and our business back. Over the first two episodes of this new season we are going to be digging into all that. We'll explore some of the things that get in the way of using your voice, particularly if you are a woman in business, we'll cover how we approach finding a brand voice for our clients and some of the practical considerations we need to bear in mind when writing compelling copy that really connects. Happy listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well here we are folks at the end of season 8 and before we head into a break we're dropping in for a review of the year so far. We reflect on the changing economic climate, talk about what's we've learned so far this year and how we are using the energy of spring to gain clarity for what's ahead. It's a short but hopefully sweet conversation where we get personal about what it's like for both of us in business in 2024. Enjoy and if you do please do rate and review, thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a hot topic for so many entrepreneurs. When we get into conflict, or emotional situations arise in our business and our instinctive tendency is to fight, flight or fawn there is another way. In this episode we talk around the importance of establishing and holding boundaries for ourselves in our business. We touch on why it is so hard, particularly for women to hold a boundary and some of the underlying principles that facilitate our ability to hold clear and firm boundaries for the benefit of all concerned. There's a few live scenarios in here that you might be able to relate to and in future episodes we'll no doubt get into the nuts and bolts of where we need to consistently set and hold boundaries to make business sustainable, commercially viable and preserve our sanity and how to do that with grace.As ever we'd love to know what resonates for you and if you love it please do review and share away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So often, particularly with a well established business, we can get into a mode where things feel like they are a little out of control. Whether that's around feeling constantly overwhelmed, not being sure of where the next piece of work is coming from, getting stuck in a cycle of feast or famine, not feeling like we have a handle on how we are being perceived or perhaps where business is headed. In this short but sweet episode we are exploring 5 simple steps you can take to start to regain more of a sense of agency and autonomy in your business, what to focus on to take back the reigns and how to approach things with a more strategic mindset.We hope it's useful and. as ever, if you like what you hear please take a moment to drop us a review, we so appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am excited to be sharing this week's conversation in which Fi and I walk through Fiona's Show-stopping Brand Roadmap. It's a really clear, strategic guide to the entire branding journey and one I know will add huge value. Perfect for any entrepreneur beginning the branding journey, rebranding or wanting to know how to make the most of the commercial potential within their brand. Fi takes us through the 8 steps in the process which is a consolidation of years of work and her experience of working with thousands of entrepreneurs. The roadmap itself is available as a free download from https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/ so do hop on over and grab your copy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello lovely listeners, as we move into spring it feels like the perfect timing for a conversation about flow. Why, along with vitality, adopting the flow principle of The Empowered Entrepreneur is absolutely essential to ride us through tough times and create more ease (and profitability) in our businesses.In this wide ranging conversation we talk about the key differences between a forceful and flowing approach to business and how to spot the red flags of when you're putting in more effort than you need. We talk about the benefits to flow in work (not leaving out the all important commercials) and wrap up with a couple of quick and easy ways for find more flow right now. So if you feel business is a bit sticky and you'd like more joy, inspiration and a lot less hard work for your buck, then listen in.We really hope you enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All design, good or otherwise, creates an impression. It affects our perceived credibility, opens up or closes down opportunities and influences the confidence we feel about our work. Whether we realise it or not, whenever we are producing any collateral for our brand we are producing design. From pitch presentations to social media graphics and everything in between, so let's get it right. Understanding design fundamentals as an entrepreneur will help you be more intentional about the impression you are creating with your graphic design and ensure your investment in your brand identity isn't compromised. In this episode we walk you through those fundamentals, so note pads at the ready. Fi explains the difference between brand design and graphic design, what a complete brand identity entails and what we should be watching out for to maintain the integrity of our beautiful brand identity when we are rolling that out across our businesses. If you'd like to dig deeper and learn how to apply these fundamentals in more detail then Fi's brilliant course Design for Go Getters will help you do just that. You can find details on thebrand-stylist.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back lovely listeners. In this second episode of our self publishing series (more to come next season) we take a gallop through varying aspects of the process of publishing a beautiful book for business. We explore how to tell if it's the right time to write a book and what, in our experience, is needed to pull you through such an epic project. We talk about the motivation required and how that shifts through different stages of the writing process and the importance of knowing exactly what it is you are trying to achieve to support that motivation. We walk through the basic steps of pulling a well designed business book together and where book design fits into the writing process.We explore how we know whether we have something worth saying that will add value and the potentially tricky decisions about what to hold back when it comes to sharing your beloved IP. We touch briefly on the the merits or not of writing and publishing a book over different mediums when you've got something of value to say.We focus on the importance of knowing exactly what it is you are trying to achieve with your writing and how that affects everything from your motivation, your edit, your ability to discern if you're adding value and when you know the book is done. We've roamed far and wide in this episode but there's so much more to say so we look forward to getting even more granular next season when we'll explore styling and book design, working with your dream team, a little more on the editing process and more besides.As ever we really hope you find the episode useful and if you do, please do like, review and spread the word. Thanks so much and we'll be back the other side of the half term break with a conversation about the value of Design fundamental for entrepreneurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fellow authors and publishers amongst you will know a book project is not for the feint hearted and producing a beautiful book for business is a labour of love that we are both hugely passionate about. With three best sellers on branding and business between us, we've got a fair bit to say. In this conversation, the first of a few in this series, we are really excited to lift the lid on our own experiences of writing and self publishing. We really hope you enjoy as we share our respective stories of the inspiration behind and the journey of writing 'How to Style your Brand', 'Brand Brilliance' and 'The Empowered Entrepreneur'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back lovely listenersOn what is reputedly the most depressing day of the year we wanted to bring a little light, a juxtaposition to the gloom and pop in with a short and hopefully sweet conversation about finding inspiration in these darker months. We share our personal thoughts on how we embrace the delights this season and some of the habits that keep us going until the shoots of spring emerge. From the beauty of a frost-laden morning walk to the comforting ritual of sipping a hot mulled drink after a cold run, we discuss how to appreciate and find joy in the often-overlooked moments of winter. We talk about hygge, the Danish concept of cozy contentment, and how creating a warm, inviting atmosphere can make the short days and long nights not only bearable but rich and fulfilling.Our conversation also turns to the spiritual uplift that can come from the resilience of nature and the transformative power of certain frequencies in music, like the divine moments experienced during live performances or the pure sounds of a child's voice. We consider how January, rather than being a month of limitations, can be a time for positive transformation.We'd love to hear how you make the most of winter so do drop by on instagram or drop us a line at https://www.elizabethcairns.com/style-substance-podcast or https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/style-and-substance-podcast.Thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like a fraud in your own business, waiting for the other shoe to drop and for everyone to realise you're not as capable as they think? That gnawing fear isn't unique to you; it's a widespread experience known as Impostor Syndrome, and it's the topic of today’s discussion. Welcome back lovely listeners as we dig into season 7, today we are peeling back the layers of this psychological phenomenon, examining why even the most accomplished of us battle a persistent disbelief in our own success. We share our own experiences of Imposter Syndrome and where we see it showing up in our respective industries. This episode is a journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurial life, where confidence often tussles with the silent anxiety of being 'found out.' We touch on the immense energy it takes to maintain a façade and the emotional toll it exacts behind closed doors. We explore not only how to recognise Imposter Syndrome, but also the effect on our energy, confidence, and overall mental well-being. We also, perhaps controversially, discuss the value of Imposter Syndrome in business and share some thoughts on how to explore it effectively so that it can act as a helpful guide rather than a debilitating force. For anyone who has ever questioned whether they quite measure up, this is for you. Lovely folks we've had some technical issues with the sound in this episode so apologies if it's not up to usual scratch, we've done our best and subsequently changed the whole studio set up so hoping it's now resolved for future recordings. Thanks for bearing with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back lovely listeners and Happy New Year.We're kicking of a New Year and. New Season with our thoughts on the vibe of this year, what we're committing to and sharing a few thoughts on how to create some energy and momentum to pull you through. It's hopefully a lively, uplifting and positive episode, perfect if you need a little boost to get your mojo going as you get back to business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello dear ones,As promised, if you need it over the coming days and weeks here's a few moments of guided calm for you to enjoy. Not advised to listen whilst driving so find a few minutes where you can sit undisturbed to give your nervous system a little reset. It's a sweet and simple just over five minutes guided track which is hopefully just enough time to calm everything down a little and create a little breathing room and space amid the madness.I do hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well lovely listeners we are finally here at the last episode of the 2023. What a year. Thank you so much for all your support of the podcast to date it really has been so wonderful to hear your feedback, answer your questions and of course read all your lovely reviews, it means such a lot. In keeping with tradition our last episode of season 6 and the year is an opportunity for us to reflect and celebrate. We look back on the highs and lows of 2023, the learnings and the challenges and what we are looking forward to for the year ahead. So grab a cup of something mulled and steaming and enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for our penultimate episode of the year as we explore the intricacies of navigating the holiday season with a sense of calm amidst the inevitable chaos. We delve into some of the challenges we might be facing during this hectic period, from balancing work and personal life to managing social anxiety and family dynamics. We'll share a few thoughts on finding tranquility in the mayhem, suggesting ways to take time for yourself and how acknowledging and addressing underlying anxieties can lead to a wholly more harmonious time.We explore the pressures that come with this time of year, including the end-of-year financial rush, family dynamics, and social expectations. We talk about the importance of understanding our own psychological barriers, managing energy levels, and maintaining clear communication. As we reflect on the psychological impact of setting arbitrary markers, we encourage you to stay grounded and mindful during this busy season.Lastly, we remind ourselves the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout. As ever we share a few personal stories and wrap up with a word about the power of intention and inner reflection in shaping our actions and mindset. Next week we will be closing the year and the season with a review of the year.There will be a little bonus meditation/visualisation coming later this week. For those of you who'd welcome a little guidance to carve out a moment of calm to re-centre and come back to your self if things get a little hectic, listen out for that folks.Spoiler alert - if you tune in with children, this episode mentions Elf on the shelf so if you don't want to spoil the illusion then maybe save this one for a time when little ears aren't listening, its around 14 minutes if you want to skip past it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picture this: you've spent months, maybe even years, perfecting your unique product or service, pouring your heart and soul into every detail. Then, out of the blue, you stumble upon a carbon copy of your efforts being touted by a competitor. How do you handle it? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the murky waters of copying, comparison and competition within the entrepreneurial world.Inspired by a listener's question, we break down how to handle the experience of being copied, the emotional toll it takes, and the different forms copying can take, such as mimicking branding, ideas, or approaches. We'll look at how copying is not only a blow to the original creator but also a stumbling block for the replicator's business. As ever, we share from our own experience as well as valuable resources for addressing more serious copyright infringement. The two mentioned in the episode are ACID more info can be found here https://www.acid.uk.com/ and Sarah Watson offers helpful advice on dealing specifically with product design copies on her website here https://www.balineum.co.uk/pages/dealing-with-product-copiesWe also address how to approach things when confrontation feels like conflict, especially on public platforms such as social media. In an era of AI and shortcuts often leading to unoriginal content, we champion authenticity in branding and copywriting. We explore how to maintain professionalism and empathy, even when putting down a clear boundary. We wrap up with a word on creating agency in your own space, emphasising the need to take control of our own energy and create a positive impact that ripples. We hope you enjoy listening and as ever do let us know what you think and if you like it do leave a rave review, we're always grateful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore the secrets of successful brand positioning and the power of creating a strong strategy. We look at how to set your brand apart in a crowded market and make sure it resonates with the right audience. We start with the importance of finding your niche or your ‘space’ - a crucial step towards attracting the right clients and building a loyal customer base. We'll take you through the process, emphasising the need for clarity, simplicity and understanding your unique purpose.The journey continues as we navigate the challenges of narrowing down your offerings without the fear of missing out on potential clients. We explore micro-niching and why assessing your positioning regularly is necessary for long-term success. We share insights on the role of visual identity and the influence of external factors, such as the economy, on positioning effectiveness. We also talk a little on how to make your brand's messaging compelling, clear, and consistent.Drawing on stories from our fields of coaching and people development field, we explore how to feel empowered and credible in your chosen niche, and combat the dreaded imposter syndrome. We discuss the need for evolving and refining your brand messaging in response to market changes. We'll explore some of the complexities of when, why, and how to consider a pivot in your business. We hope this is inspiring, enlightening and will leave you in a stronger position to position your brand in the best possible way. We really hope you enjoy and, as ever, if you do please like, review and spread the word. Thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss the fascinating world of pricing, its complexities and the challenges it poses for entrepreneurs. Navigating the world of contextualised pricing is not an easy task. However, understanding the importance of the value behind the services being provided, the costs associated with the production and delivery and the overall business positioning is key. Hear us out as we shed light on value-based pricing, and why pricing for the value being added, rather than simply the time spent, can prove really beneficial for your business.We start by examining the key factors that should be considered when pricing your product or service - what the market can bear and what feels comfortable for you. We delve into the significance of self-worth and the role it plays in pricing decisions, exploring how it directly impacts the level of responsibility an entrepreneur takes when delivering a product or service. We further explore how pricing affects service-based businesses and the power of a brand to influence pricing decisions. We talk about the role of pricing in inducing feelings of delight and avoiding dreaded buyers remorse. We'll debate on the impact of frequent discounts on our perception of value and the art of efficiently handling price increases. We wrap up with a reflection on the emotional impact of pricing during challenging times and the importance of aligning your pricing with what is authentic and what the market is doing. We really hope you find it helpful and look forward to hearing your thoughts.Happy listening Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back lovely listeners and we are getting into the swing of season six with what we hope is a pretty dynamic episode. What if the hustle culture, so often glamorised and idolised as the only path to entrepreneurial success, was in fact a toxic trap? Leading you down a path to imposter syndrome and burnout? Imagine a business landscape where worth isn't defined solely by the latest ‘big numbers’ of the income-boasting hustlers, but by something much deeper and more sustaining? That's the world we'll take you into during this intense discussion.We'll confront the problematic behaviour associated with overcharging and its correlation with imposter syndrome. We'll delve into the importance of rest cycles and the necessity of maintaining integrity within our craft. And, we'll scrutinise the damaging effect of striving for unrealistic goals, exposing the often overlooked connection between money mindset and susceptibility to manipulation. Lastly, we'll shine a light on the often unspoken aspects of entrepreneurship - resilience, innovation, and empowerment. These are the factors that can truly navigate you through the challenging journey, while maintaining your sanity and fostering sustainable growth. We won't promise you 'get rich quick' schemes, instead, we'll encourage you to listen to your intuition, trust your discernment, and to be kind towards yourself as well as others. So, tune in to this no-holds-barred discussion, it's time to debunk the toxicity of hustle culture together. We really hope you enjoy the episode, do let us know how it lands and as ever, thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back lovely listeners, season 6 is upon us and opening up this new season is our conversation about Entrepreneurial Spirit.Being an entrepreneur is such an exciting space to be in and one that both Fiona and I get so inspired by. In this wide ranging conversation we talk about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, the traits that make entrepreneurs different from other types of people and the upsides and inevitable downsides of that. We dig into our own personal views of whether we ourselves have what it takes to be called an entrepreneur and why, or why not that might be the case. Towards the end we talk about the very tricky balance that confronts so many of us when we need to balance drive and ambition with wellbeing and what it takes to make business these days truly sustainable. We had such fun recording this episode so I hope it's an enjoyable listen. Do let us know how it lands, we'd love to hear from you.p.s So sorry folks, we discovered a ghost in the edit of the soundtrack which was playing! over the intro it's now been removed so apologies if you couldn't hear us clearly over the music it should now be resolved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.