Creative Courage

What season of business are you currently in? This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself as a creative studio owner. I used to believe that there were good times and bad times in business, but what I came to realise is that these are just ‘seasons’. And like the seasons in nature, by understanding them and preparing for their arrival, you can weather the worst storms and benefit the most when the sun is shining. In this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast, I unpack the four seasons of business, and how each one impacts your projects, clients, and mindset. Knowing which season you’re in can reshape how you make business decisions and help you to avoid frustration and burnout. If you ever find yourself stuck as to where you should be putting your priorities, or your business tends to rapidly switch from ‘way too busy’, to ‘desperate for work’, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode:  What are the four seasons of business and which one are you in? How to avoid the cycle of burnout that traps many creative business owners. Why limiting your capacity can actually be a benefit to your business. How to avoid panic mode when the leads dry up. Why marketing is a year-round priority - even when you’re fully booked. When is the right time to seek outside support? How taking time to celebrate wins can fuel growth. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE Apply to work with Matt - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by your business that it feels like you’re on the brink of collapse? That’s exactly what Kai Cheng was going through after leaving a job at one of Taiwan’s top video agencies to start his own business.  Two years ago, Kai was taken to hospital because he thought he was dying. What was really happening was that he was experiencing panic attacks due to the extreme stress of running his own business alongside starting a family. Since then, Kai has gone from barely surviving to thriving, and in this episode, he shares the three strategies that allowed him to win huge clients like Bentley, stand out from his competitors and generate hundreds of inbound leads. For Kai, it was crucial to create a business that not only supported his family but also allowed him to do more meaningful, impactful work. After sending out thousands of cold messages and getting no response, though, Kai realised that something had to change. This episode is filled with actionable strategies that will help you to grow your creative business faster and more sustainably, so that you can find more fulfilment in your work while avoiding burnout. Covered in this episode:  Three strategies to take your business to the next level, while giving you more free time. How to position yourself to stand out in a crowded market. The crucial mindset shifts that transformed Kai’s business. The cold outreach technique that allowed Kai to secure Bentley as a client. How to use tools like ScoreApp effectively to generate hundreds of inbound leads. How to create a compounding pipeline that fills your sales funnel on autopilot. A strategy for creating irresistible ads targeted to your ideal clients. How to present your services as essential, rather than a ‘nice to have’. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE Apply to work with Matt - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator ScoreApp - https://scoreapp.com/  CONNECT  Kai Cheng on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akaicheng/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Would you love to work on more impactful projects, but the day-to-day running of your business gets in the way? Cey Sesiguzel was in the same boat, running a successful video production agency while eager to produce the documentary he’d dreamed of making. Five years later, Cey’s film is days away from its release in cinemas nationwide - and his agency's turnover doubled in just 12 months whilst creating his film. In this episode, Cey shares his journey of achieving his creative dream, without sacrificing his business. Cey opens up about overcoming the obstacles that stood in his way, and how he managed to raise a large amount of funding off the back of a single piece of content. As Cey was a past client of mine, I got goosebumps several times throughout this episode. Cey’s story of making his passion project a reality is an inspiration and for creatives looking to do more impactful work, I know you’re going to get a huge amount of value from it.  If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between growing your business and pursuing something bigger, this episode will show you how it’s possible to achieve both. Covered in this episode:  How to get started on your passion project while growing your business. The strategies that helped Cey’s business grow while producing a feature film. How Cey was able to raise investment from his network and existing clients. The steps to getting a personal project off the ground and into cinemas. How to rethink money in a way that fuels your creativity and impact. The connection between sales, funding, and turning your creative vision into reality. A much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  The Divided Island - https://www.thedividedisland.com   Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Cey Sesiguzel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cey-sesiguzel-a88b9b22/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you’re like most creative agency owners, chances are most of your work comes through word of mouth and referrals. And that’s not necessarily a problem - referrals can be one of the best lead generators. But what I’ve discovered is that most people don’t have a referral strategy, leading to inconsistent results and a lack of control over the flow of projects. In this episode, I’m sharing an underrated strategy that can transform the way you win projects, giving you a steady stream of inbound inquiries without that uncomfortable feeling that you’re ‘begging’ people for work. We’ve implemented this strategy with our clients and it’s led to them paying for an entire year of coaching within 30 days of joining. And this can work for past clients and those you never ended up working with, too. I share the exact questions to ask that allows you to give more value, rather than take it and create a consistent referral machine. If you want to take back control of your project pipeline and become known in your network for delivering value, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: How to build a referral strategy that gives you control over your lead flow. Flipping the referral process so you’re giving, rather than ‘begging’. The questions you should be asking to generate more consistent referrals. How to demonstrate your value and keep clients coming back for more. How to position yourself as the go-to expert in your network. And more... If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you struggling to scale your business, without working longer hours? Are you feeling burnt out and unfulfilled, even though from the outside, your business looks like it’s thriving? That’s exactly where I was years ago - snowboarding in Canada, living the digital nomad lifestyle. I had friends messaging me, congratulating me on living the dream - but beneath the surface, it was a different story. I wasn’t happy. I was working with the wrong kinds of clients, feeling overwhelmed, and constantly stressed about money. But this all changed when the loss of a family friend forced me to rethink everything. I spent months reflecting on my business and what wasn’t working. I invested almost all the money I had in mentorship from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there, hoping to understand what they were doing differently. And it quickly became clear. In this episode, I share the game-changing lessons I learned to help you build a business that doesn’t just pay the bills but allows you to thrive and do more of the work that fulfils you. Covered in this episode: How to stop trading time for money and build something that scales without you. The three things that move the needle when it comes to doing more work that makes a positive impact and leave you feeling fulfilled. How to position yourself as a partner so clients stop asking for discounts and start respecting your true value. How to sell your services in a way that can double a prospect’s budget in one conversation. The key to standing out in an oversaturated market. How to make sure you're actually implementing your ideas. Real-world case studies of creative business owners who have transformed their businesses and lives with these strategies. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Case studies - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/success-stories  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you using design thinking in your business? If not, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that can help you land better clients with bigger budgets. In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Anderson, a design consultant with over 20 years experience in operational roles within some of the world’s largest corporates such as Virgin Mobile Australia. Many creatives struggle with the operational and logistical side of business. By leveraging design thinking, creatives can communicate the value of design more effectively, win higher-value clients, and ensure they’re addressing the real issues that people are facing. Matt shares actionable strategies to help you position yourself as a trusted partner to potential clients, and better communicate the value of what you do. If you even find approaching and communicating with corporate clients a challenge, you won't want to miss this episode. Covered in this episode:  What is design thinking and how you use it to grow your business. The keys to getting a foot in the door with big corporates. How to communicate the value of creative services to corporate clients. How to get clients to share their real challenges so you can offer the solutions that align with their needs. Building closer relationships with clients without them dictating the process. How to challenge clients’ assumptions without coming across as pushy And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Think Startup - https://www.thinkstartup.com.au/  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Anderson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattandersonaus/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you’re like most creatives, sales probably isn’t your favourite part of running your business. But what if you could change the way you think about sales - and the results you get? In this episode, I break down The 10 Commandments of Sales - key principles that have helped my clients close more deals and land higher-value projects, even if they haven’t had any formal sales training. These are fundamental principles that you can refer back to before any sales conversation that will make you feel more confident and get you better results. From how to get clients selling themselves to you, to making sure you never get ghosted again, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make sales feel lighter, more effective, and even enjoyable. Covered in this episode: 10 fundamental principles that you should take into every sales conversation. How to motivate prospects to get them excited to work with you. How to keep prospects from ghosting you after a sales conversation. Handling objections and getting value out of the “nos”. Identifying whether or not a prospect is a good fit. Why budget doesn’t matter and what you should be qualifying leads on instead. The exact questions to ask that make sales feel easier, without feeling pushy. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Would you believe me if I told you that with the right networking strategy, you could double your business in just 90 days? In this episode, I break down a strategy that will make networking easier and more effective, without feeling pushy or ‘salesy’.  But if networking events make you feel uncomfortable, you're not alone. Networking can open doors to valuable opportunities, but the pressure to make a flawless first impression and always be “on” can feel overwhelming - especially if, like many creatives, you identify as an introvert. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. We’re going to take a deep dive into how to present yourself and your business to others in a way that doesn’t feel canned. I share the questions to ask - and the ones to avoid - that get people to open up and share valuable information they haven’t shared with anyone else. And I give you my follow-up script that gets responses and ensures you continue building those relationships with your ideal clients. If you struggle with presenting yourself and winning clients at networking events, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: The 2 biggest mistakes people make at networking events and how you can avoid them. How to introduce yourself in a way that feels natural How to get people to remember you for the right reasons. The phrases and tactics you can use to become the most magnetic person in the room. Questions to ask that will help you identify the most valuable opportunities - and the questions to avoid. The follow-up script that turns prospects into clients. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Agencies are notoriously difficult to grow. They’re often started by a creative who loves what they do but soon finds themselves running a team without the necessary business skills. In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Leafe, who sold his multiple seven-figure agency and now helps others do the same. Jonathan shares his expertise on what it takes to grow a profitable creative business and scale it into a saleable asset.  If you’re running a small agency and you’re unsure if scaling is the right move, this episode is for you. Jonathan and I dive deep into the stages of agency growth - from one-man-band to creating a thriving lifestyle business that’s fun and profitable. This episode will give you the clarity around the next steps to take to build a business that’s right for you. Covered in this episode: Is growing an agency right for you? Or should you stay where you are? The secrets to building a multiple seven-figure agency. The fear of growing beyond 13 people and how to break through it. What kind of business owner you need to be to scale. How to stop getting pushed around by clients and start challenging them so you can get them the results they’re after. Strategies to escape the day-to-day grind of your business. How to stay one step ahead of your clients - and your competition. The difference between a struggling boutique agency and a thriving lifestyle business. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Jonathan’s book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Agency-Owner-get-out-here/dp/1914195841 Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Jonathan Leafe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanleafe/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you’ve been running your business for a while but you still often find yourself overwhelmed and burnt out, this episode is for you. I'm joined by David Wakefield and Chris Thorpe, founders of On The Sly, an international audio production agency. On The Sly has worked on some of the world’s most iconic events, from London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks to Coachella and with global brands like Paramount. But like many creative business owners, David and Chris didn’t always have a great work life balance and relied heavily on work-of-mouth to grow. The team was working on some great projects but with very little time to work on the business or take breaks, leaving them constantly on the edge of burnout. By implementing a consistent outreach process and building a reliable team, David and Chris have not only landed bigger projects but also regained control over their lives. If you want to stop playing catch-up with your business and start running it with purpose, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you streamline your systems and grow sustainably. Covered in this episode: How On The Sly grew from a small group of freelancers to a professional agency, working on some of the world’s most iconic events. The systems you should implement into your creative business to keep yourself from burning out. How to delegate effectively so you can do more of the work you love and make more money doing it. Becoming a collaborative partner to your clients, rather than a worker. How to get better at sales as a creative, even if you hate it. How to get your clients to understand the true value of what you do. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  On The Sly showreel - https://vimeo.com/919092763/6312d5bbb3 Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  David Wakefield on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/davidonthesly Chris Thorpe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisonthesly/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Is your business feeling a bit stagnant and you’re not sure why? You’re not alone. And it can be difficult to identify what’s causing things to slow down and where you should focus your efforts to get things moving again. When I meet a business owner and they’re finding themselves stuck, we look at 5 key metrics to figure out what’s creating the holes in their business. And in this episode, I share those 5 metrics that you need to measure to figure out how to move your business forward and grow.  This exercise is super simple and you can follow along as you listen. We’re going to score your business out of ten in these 5 areas and in under 20 minutes, you’ll have a solid idea of where you should be focusing your energy first in order to get things moving again. Covered in this episode:  The 5 metrics you need to measure to find out where your business is stuck. How to know if you’re generating enough leads. Strategies for keeping your clients and increasing their lifetime value. How to know what part of your business to focus on first. The fastest way to increase your prices. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What would it feel like to be featured in major publications and have your ideal clients knocking at your door? In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Werner who specialises in helping founders get famous and attract their dream clients. Lucy has 20 years of communications experience, and it shows. She’s been listed in ALT Magazine’s Power 100, worked with The Futur, written two best-selling books and her Substack publication is in the top 50 business newsletters on the platform. Lucy breaks down exactly how you too can get more PR, more exposure and more opportunities to get in front of your ideal clients. If you ever feel hesitant to promote yourself on social media, the tactical strategies that Lucy shares in this episode will give you the confidence to get started. If you want to secure PR opportunities and don’t know where to start, or you’re not getting the responses you’re after, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode:  What stops people from ‘hyping themselves’ and growing their personal brand? What most business owners get wrong about PR. How to identify high-impact PR opportunities. How to pitch to journalists. Finding the fun in self-promotion - even if you’re an introvert. Where you should be promoting yourself to get in front of your ideal clients. How to attract your ideal clients with your content and not just your peers. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Hype Yourself newsletter - https://hypeyourself.substack.com/ Hype Yourself (book) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hype-Yourself-no-nonsense-toolkit-businesses/dp/1788601238 The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT  Lucy Werner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucywernerpr/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Does your business often feel heavy? Like it’s something you have to do, rather than want to? If this resonates with you, then listen to this episode. I’ve decided to close down my business… for the whole month of August. I posted about this recently on LinkedIn, and while it was mostly met with positivity, some questioned how this could be possible without having a negative impact on my business. I would argue that taking a meaningful break from your business can actually have a hugely positive impact on it. Getting my business to the point where taking a break is possible hasn’t happened by chance. And in this episode, I break down some of a strategies you can use to help you fulfil your needs and show up better for your business and your clients. Covered in this episode:  The positive impacts that taking a break can have on your business. How to build a business in a way that allows you to take breaks. Frameworks to help you understand what you and your business need. The negative effects of not taking a break. Are you getting what you want from your business, or just what you can tolerate? How to notice the signals that indicate a need for change in your business. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

It feels like everyone is obsessed with storytelling and personal branding. Especially on LinkedIn. But there’s a good reason for that. In this episode, I’m joined by Ash Rathod. Ash is a Brand Consultant who specialises in helping businesses attract their ideal clients, retain them for longer, and charge them more using the power of storytelling. If you’re struggling with attracting your ideal clients, sharing your story might be the answer. But if you’re like most creative business owners, it’s easier said than done. Knowing how to tell your story in a way that resonates with your ideal clients is an obstacle in itself. And the self-doubt that many feel when it comes to being vulnerable is a whole other challenge. This is why I invited Ash onto the podcast. Since becoming active on LinkedIn and sharing his experiences, Ash has doubled his business and has grown his following to nearly 70k. Ash has a unique and interesting story and he uncovers the storytelling strategies that have transformed his business. Covered in this episode:  How Ash leveraged his story on LinkedIn to double his business. The secrets to building relationships with people you’ve never met. How to authentically share your story and link it with your business. How to turn self-consciousness into something positive. What a LinkedIn following of nearly 70k LinkedIn has done for Ash’s business. Who should you be tailoring your content to? Content creation ideas for those who hate writing. Ash’s top tips for creating content that resonates with your ideal listener. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Ash Rathod - https://www.ashrathod.com/ The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/  CONNECT  Ash Rathod on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrathod/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What would your business be like if you were getting ten new inbound enquiries each week from your ideal clients? Jason Squires has taught thousands of service-based business owners to do just that, and in this episode, he shares how. Jason has built a multiple 7-figure business using the power of LinkedIn. He's incredibly generous with sharing his data-backed strategies that will get clients chasing you, without you having to chase them. If you’re tired of sending countless connection requests only for them to be ignored, Jason’s automated connection process will help you get a foot in the door with more of your ideal clients. And if the connections you do make aren’t leading to conversations, let alone sales calls, Jason’s proven follow-up process will help you to get more of the right kinds of responses. This is one of the most valuable conversations I’ve had recently, and I know it’s going to bring you a huge amount of value, too. Covered in this episode:  The common mistakes business owners make on LinkedIn. Exactly how to set up your LinkedIn profile to generate more inbound enquiries. The connection messages that you should be using to get more replies. How to ensure prospects are in your sales process and you’re not in their buying process. How to craft an irresistible, tangible offer using the language of your clients. Why Jason doesn’t include a message in his connection requests. Automating the lead generation process whilst remaining authentic. And so much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Jason Squires - www.jasonsquiresonline.com The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Jason Squires on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsquires3/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you ever feel like your creativity is just a ‘nice to have’ for your clients, and that your services are the first to go to when budgets are cut? If you are bored of taking on projects just to pay the bills and finding clients that give you the creative freedom you truly desire feels more like fantasy than reality,  this episode is for you. I’m joined by illustrator and author Ben Tallon. Ben has been running an illustration studio for over 16 years and has worked with big-name clients like Channel 4, The Guardian, The Premiere League and The New York Times. I invited Ben onto the podcast because he’s incredibly generous when it comes to sharing the strategies he’s used to land these projects, but more importantly, to keep his creative autonomy in the process. Alongside his business, Ben has written two books and founded several passion projects whilst being a father of twins. Ben’s unique perspective on the power of creativity is inspiring and he offers a wealth of invaluable insights into building a creative business that aligns with your values and creative passions. Covered in this episode:  The real value of creativity(that you might not expect). How to keep dream clients happy. Finding the projects that light you up and make use of your whole skillset. How to keep your personal projects moving even when you are busy. Getting to know yourself better and finding the hidden strengths in your flaws. How to leverage your personality as an introvert. How to stay ahead of AI and future threats to creativity. And so much more. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Ben Tallon - https://www.bentallonwriter.com Email Ben - hello@bentallon.com Creative Condition book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Condition-Understanding-Embracing-Creativity/dp/1838135464 The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT  Ben Tallon on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725 Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What are your values? And I’m not talking about your brand values, I mean your personal values. I ask because in my experience, whenever anything feels ‘off’ in my life or business, a conflict in values is usually the cause.  This showed up for me back when I was running a remote creative agency. I was travelling the world and had the freedom I thought I wanted, but something didn’t feel quite right. It was an ‘empty’ kind of feeling. And it got me questioning why I wasn’t happy, despite living this lifestyle I’d chosen. And if you’ve ever felt this, you’re constantly stressed or you feel like your work lacks meaning or purpose, this episode is for you. In this episode I help you identify the symptoms you’re facing that could result from a values conflict. I share some exercises you can try that will help bring you back into alignment and get you what you really want from your life today. Covered in this episode: Discovering what you really want from your life and business so that you can become more fulfilled every day. Exercises that you can take to help you figure out what your values are. Identifying the symptoms of a values mismatch. How to attract more people into your life who align with your values. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you looking to land more corporate clients with bigger budgets? Are you tired of having optimistic sales conversations only for your prospects to come back to you with a ‘no’? Selling to large corporates can be more complex than selling to smaller businesses, but the rewards can be far greater. In this episode, I’m joined by James Connolly. James is a business development expert and CEO at Forward Foundry. He’s managed accounts at Microsoft and GSK and grew the UK tech unicorn Darktrace from four to thirty two people with a $22 million yearly revenue. James shares with us the most powerful tactics that he’s developed over his ten years of business development experience. If you want to stay in control of the sales process and build better relationships with bigger clients, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: The key differences between pitching to large corporates vs. smaller prospects. The 3 common mistakes people make when pitching to corporates. Identifying who’s really making the buying decision. How to get prospects halfway to deciding to buy before even speaking with them. How to win over the whole C-suite so you can stay in control of the buying process. Getting prospects to take notice when reaching out on LinkedIn. Avoiding the scarcity mindset so you can push through the ‘no’s. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE Forward Foundry - https://forwardfoundry.io/ Forward Foundry on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ForwardFoundry The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT James Connolly on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjconnolly/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you ever feel stuck in your business? Like you’re trying all sorts of things, but you’re just not moving forward? Many business owners have stories they tell themselves in an attempt to justify the challenges they’re facing, but that story often isn’t the truth.  “I’m just not that kind of person…” “It works for them, but could never happen for me…” “People just won’t spend that much on…” If any of these sound familiar, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dave Raybould, Head Coach at The Creative Life. Dave has been working with our clients for over six months and holds a unique perspective on what creative business owners struggle with. We dive into some of the coaching principles that are creating serious shifts and transformational results for our clients. This is going to open up your eyes to what’s possible for you and help you to understand what’s really driving the symptoms showing up in your business. Covered in this episode:  The key principles that keep people stuck in their lives and businesses. How to pinpoint the real causes of friction in your business. Recognising the behavioural patterns that are driving symptoms. Understanding what you truly want from your business. How to break through the limiting beliefs around what you’re capable of. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam Dave Raybould on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidraybould2 LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you tired of sending out hundreds of cold outreach messages on LinkedIn only for most of them to get ignored? If you’re like most creatives, even when you do get a response, these conversations aren’t leading to enough sales calls. If this sounds familiar, then this episode is for you. I’m going to share with you a step-by-step process for crafting a cold outreach message that will help you build your network and your business faster. There are 5 key elements that must be included in your communications when you reach out to a prospect.  We’re also going to go over the 3 principles that you should keep in mind when doing any kind of cold outreach; principles that helped creatives like Kai Cheng win Bentley as a client through cold outreach. Once you have this system in place, you’ll be able to tailor your messages in a way that builds rapport and trust, without taking up too much valuable time. Covered in this episode:  The 3 often-missed principles you should keep in mind when building your cold outreach strategy. The 5 key elements that MUST be included in your cold outreach communications. How to reduce the ‘brain drain’ for your prospects and encourage them to reply. ‘Anchors’ that you can take from this episode and use directly in your outreach messages. The questions you should be asking to keep the conversation going and book more calls. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam