Friends with Business Benefits

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the Wheel of the Year, a seasonal cycle of eight festivals, or sabbats, that mark the passage of time through the year, connecting with the Earth's natural rhythms and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Charlie explains the significance of the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, describing some of the symbols and traditions associated with them. We also discuss different ways you can use the Wheel of the Year within your creative business. From seasonal projects and activities to intention setting, this episode contains lots of resources and ideas to help get you started with this seasonal framework. Links and Further ReadingWheel of the Year on Google Calendar (add the one titled Pagan/Wiccan Holidays)Brand SeasonsKatherine MayCreating Everyday RitualsEverythinglooksrosieAre you familiar with the Wheel of the Year? Is it something you use in your creative business? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Inspired by a recent conversation during one of our real-life co-mentoring sessions, today we’re asking whether a picture is REALLY worth a thousand words. Spoiler alert - Franky doesn’t think so! We’re constantly told we live in a visual world, especially when it comes to doing business online, but are headshots, logos, and brand colours really the most important thing? Listen as we explore this topic, chatting about ocularcentrism, the perils of neglecting your website copy, audio branding and more. Links and Further ReadingEmma Dabiri on How to FailThe Ultimate Guide to Sonic Branding with George and Luke from Hear Me OutWhat do you think about the relationship between words and visuals? Is one more important than the other? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

When it comes to your business, how much self-belief do you have? In today’s episode, we’re answering this question and exploring why self-belief is so important when you work for yourself.As well as discussing how our relationship with self-belief has changed over the years, we dive into the differences between inner work and external validation. We also share some of the things we’ve tried to boost our self-belief. Links and Further ReadingThe Art of Requesting, Receiving and Giving FeedbackTransform Your Business with Co-Mentoring What Gives Us the Business ScariesIs self-belief something you need to work on? Or are you already nailing it? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 1 and looking ahead to Quarter 2 in our respective businesses. 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 2025 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the next time we have this chat.Links and Further ReadingElise JoyOne Year Without Social MediaHow I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Phone by Erik Winkowski Studio GentlyThrough The Gentle Lens by Anna ConsidineJoin us on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode in the comments. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q2… we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 establish a consistent co-mentoring practice. As we head into Q2, it feels like the perfect time to lean into this transformative habit. Good luck! Links and Further ReadingFinding Your Own Co-Mentor5 Things I’ve Gained from Co-MentoringThings That Make Our Business Worlds BetterAre you tempted to give co-mentoring a go? Already a fan? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 to know about refreshing your daily rhythms. Links and Further ReadingWeekly Rhythm WorksheetsAre you refreshing your rhythms or routines for spring? Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about it. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 might take us in the future. Links and Further ReadingJoin the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on evolving in business. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 Life Planner by Ella IconicHow to pronounce Leuchtturm 1917Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your own planner plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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@artgurl on Instagram making “bad art”Junk Journal JanuaryGet MessyLarking AboutJoin the conversation on Substack to tell us how you feel about play and doing things ‘just for fun’ alongside running a creative business. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 ReadingYuval Noah Harari on How to Fail with Elizabeth DayJoin the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on AI and tell us about your own experiences using (or avoiding) ChatGPT. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 Showing Up On Substack This Year Flodesk (affiliate link)Boatman Admin ServicesPlotting by Katie SadlerLiz MosleyHi CommunicationsJoin the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode and tell us about your own email marketing in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 Christmas Chronicles by Nigel SlaterWintering by Katherine MayM&S Thermal LeggingsFranky’s Wrist WarmersCharlie’s Autumnal  PlaylistJoin us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

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 the year.   Links and Further ReadingAre You Going to Start a Substack?How Are We Showing Up On Substack This Year What is EFT/’Tapping’?EFT/’Tapping’: Becoming a Channel for Creativity (Releasing Creative Blocks)Join us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe