SQUARING THE CIRCLE

We often don’t want to talk about it – but as creative business owners most of us would like to increase our profits through closing more sales. But how on earth do we do that without feeling grubby!?   My guest for episode 39 is Ian Genius and he believes improving your sales in your business is not about old school techniques and it’s not giving the hard sell. It’s about educating your clients so they make a better choice, getting tangible with numbers and not getting in our own way.   This episode is packed full of gems that you can take away and action in your business and ultimately will re frame what it means to sell.   Our conversation explores:   Focussing on the solution that solves your client’s problem   What having effective conversations in our business actually means   Working out the ROI of your services and using that information to secure more work ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can connect with Ian on LinkedIn and through his website at www.iangenius.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877  

For episode 38 we have the warm, funny and sage like music composer Michael Coltham!   We have a brilliant conversation and touch on these topics:   Why everybody needs a battle to fight, an adventure to live and a beauty to save Learning to love the anxiety that comes from a blank sheet of paper When to bin your bad ideas and start again Running a value based business ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can connect with Michael online here: @michaelcolthammusic on Insta www.blacklabmusic.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------  This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877  

For episode 37 of Squaring The Circle we have another, but very different Creative Collective Mastermind session. We recorded this during Mental Health Awareness week in May with the focus on how we support ourselves with regards to mental health but it just so happened that for the first time it was an all male group. Even with the seemingly progressive attitude towards mental health, I don’t think it is any secret that men still find it tough to chat openly about the subject. So we saw this as an opportunity to share our thoughts, the difficulties we face and coping strategies we use. What you’re about to hear is a searingly honest conversation where we all put down the barriers and lend a listening ear to one another. We were hesitant about releasing this episode due to how private some of the shared thoughts were – but feel it is only with these kind of chats – gradually the dial is moved and the mental health stigma can be worn away. A huge thank you to Martin Whiskin, Michael Coltham, Matt Read, Simon Wells, Quinton Quayle, Sean Anthony and Nick Field for contributing to what I hope is a valuable conversation. Our chat explores:   How we manage our mental health Getting lost in the process of life How being employed and self employed alters your mental health Using a community to aid your mental health   *Also, a quick warning – due to the nature of the conversation - attempting suicide is mentioned and discussed*   If you're struggling with your mental health at the moment the below charities are set up to help: https://www.mind.org.uk/ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ https://mentalhealth-uk.org/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877  

Fresh from Glastonbury!!!! For episode 36 we have the wonderful duo of Bonnie and Pete AKA Good Habits!    We have a chat that touches on these topics:   Making a living purely from touring The song writing process Life on tour as a couple Seeing a band as a micro business ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can connect with the band on Insta @goodhabitsband or www.goodhabitsband.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

For episode 35 I’m joined by actor and creative coach Corrie Legge!   Topics for our conversation include: The difference between a goal and a target for your creative business The benefits of an accountability partner Prioritising your passion projects ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can connect with Connie online here: www.creatingwithcorrie.com or on Insta @creatingwithcorrie ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877  

For episode 34 I have clothes designer, artist and owner of The Quarter Masters in Folkestone, Colin White.   Our conversation covers:   The art of brevity Trusting your instincts What you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail The benefits of giving up alcohol   The chat also has a mention of Gordan Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares – which is something I never thought I would say in the show notes!!   You can connect with Colin on Insta @thequartermasters and you can check out his clothes at www.qm.clothing -------------------------------------------------------------------------   This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877      

We’re back with another Creative Collective mastermind session -  a roundtable format where creative business owners support one another and talk openly and honestly about the challenges they face.   This episode features the powerful Dennis Lewis from Wise on Words, voice over artist Sean Anthony, business videographer Alex Durham, actor Nick Field, Alissia Clifton from Burnt Toast Solutions, Matt Read from Yesseo, Quinton Qualye from Quayle Industries and voice over artist Martin Whiskin.   We chat about:   The biggest blockers in your creative business Confidence in your ability - as a creative Responding to the client that present the ‘red flags’ Outsourcing as a freelancer -----------------------------------------------------------------------   This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

For episode 32 I’m joined by the wonderful voice over artist Liz Drury!   Topics include in our conversation:   Harnessing natural talent How to improve your email marketing How to network successfully Dealing with the uncertainty of being unemployed ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can connect with Liz online here: www.lizdrury.co.uk Instagram -  @lizdruryvo LinkedIn – Liz Drury ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

For episode 31 my guest is multi-disciplinary artist Shanel Richardson!    Main topics covered in the conversation are:    The pitfalls of comparison How to handle the tough times in business Anxiety about your creativity evaporating Being a generalist rather than a specialist Thanks to Shanel for being a positivity powerhouse! I came off the chat feeling like I could take on the world!  -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Shanel @ shandwich_artist online on all the main social media platforms! -------------------------------------------------------------------------   This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

For episode 30 of Squaring The Circle I’m delighted to say that Sean Tucker is my guest. Anybody who has had any interest in creativity and photography will have seen Sean’s videos on YouTube and over the last 8 years he has gained over 500k subscribers for his channel. Sean has also recently released his book ‘The Meaning in the Making’ which explores a philosophy for a creative life. However, this conversation is so much more than talking subscribers and book sales. Topics we discuss: Making compromises in your creative business Having a ‘through line’ that underpins everything in your life and business How an artist can make a living from having 1000 true fans How big numbers doesn’t necessarily mean success ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You can find Sean's YouTube channel @seantuck and his book The Meaning in the Making wherever you find books online.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877    

For episode 29 we’re back with another Creative Collective mastermind session!!   Featuring the powerful Shelley Tahiri from Shelley at the Mic, Dennis Lewis from Wise on Words, Michael Coltham from Black Lab Music, Flee from Parka Boots Photography, voice over artist Sean Anthony, business videographer Alex Durham, voice over artist Simon Wells,  Content Writer Nathan Locke and Actor Nick Field.   We chat about:   The things you wish you knew when you started your business.   Your value not being determined by your clients.   The power of outsourcing.   How to achieve true authenticity in your business.   What ‘niching’ actually means. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877  

Welcome to episode 28 of Squaring the Circle – the podcast where I explore how creative business owners balance the art and the business. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today my guest is social media expert Rob Kearsey.    Take aways from this chat are:   What a successful social media campaign looks like What we as business owners can do to improve our social media practice Re - thinking imposter syndrome How to mentally deal with a quiet period in your business   Connect with Rob here: Rob Kearsey on LI www.rmkmarketing.co.uk   ------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877    

Today my guest is website designer supremo and branding expert Joe Gallant.       Conversation topics include:       How to reflect purposefully on your business Being open to different mediums for inspiration Dealing with being overwhelmed in your business Developing creative confidence Thinking differently with regards to growing your business         Joe’s book choices:       Brand Thinking – Debbie Millman - https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Brand-Thinking-Noble-Pursuits-Millman-Debbie/31441441086/bd?ref_=ps_ggl_2039220669&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_Tradestandard-_-product_id=UK9781621532477USED-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZolm12Je_99nfiQm8ZyIgqSuP7Rs3BnPubcLVmr1D_QemJ4YJ_XZF3xhoC9-UQAvD_BwE       Know Your Onions - Drew De Soto - https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/know-your-onions-drew-de-soto/product/HD_301310046?pscid=ps_ggl_OOS+-+Performance+Max+BOOKS+-+2022_&crm_event_code=20REUWWS08&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZolra4shtxZEhkZzzY27DYJuRq5FUygFyvMMa4_OFutKzoX5MzWiqnhxoC8RUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds       This Year Will Be Different – Monika Konakova- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26210847-this-year-will-be-different       Dear Client – Bonnie Siegler -   https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/bonnie-siegler/dear-client/9781579658335?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=18129456947&cq_con=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZoltFCMZfwOnJmuoFh2zdLnrw9ubd_kxfnQmmeQ3N-2kpLgwidkmtOZBoCBSYQAvD_BwE#GOR009086840       Connect with Joe here:       Begallant.uk               This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!       https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877                      

Welcome to Squaring the Circle….the podcast where I chat to creative business owners about how they balance the art and the business.   For episode 26 we’re continuing the collaboration with The Creative Collective . Some of you may or not know that myself and voice over artist Martin Whiskin run the creative collective which is a networking group for creative businesses. In 2023 and as an addition to the main group – we’ve launched a peer to peer mastermind group where once a month a few members get together support one another, generate ideas and to ensure accountability in our businesses.   So in this group we have Andrew from Yesseo, Flee Chavasss from Parka Boots Photography, business videographer Alex Durham , voice over artist - Simon Wells, Michael Coltham from Black Lab music and voice over artist Sean Anthony.   The conversation was so uplifting and motivating to the people in the room we wanted to release it as podcast in order for other people to hopefully get some value from the session.   Amongst many things we discuss – how we are going to thrive in 2023, what training we are embarking on and alternative ways to structure our working week.   Thanks for listening to this episode of Squaring The Circle – if you run a creative business and want to come to along to the creative collective online – you can book on for free here    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

Welcome to Squaring the Circle….the podcast where I chat to creative business owners about how they balance the art and the business.   For episode 25 we’ve done something a little different. Some of you may or not know that myself and voice over artist Martin Whiskin run the creative collective which is a networking group for creative businesses. In 2023 and as an addition to the main group – we’ve launched a peer to peer mastermind group where once a month a few members get together support one another, generate ideas and ensure accountability in our businesses.   In this group we have Andrew from Yeseo, Flee Chavasse  from Parka Boots Photography, Nikita Dean Hart from NDH Productions, Voice over artist - Simon Wells and Michael Coltham from Black Lab music. The conversation was so uplifting and motivating to the people in the room we wanted to release it as podcast in order for other people to hopefully get some value from the session. Amongst many things - We discuss …. Balancing the creative and commercial in our business, being yourself on SM, apologising for making money as a creative, a discussion about how done is better than perfect and how small changes lead to big changes in your business.   Thanks for listening to this episode of Squaring The Circle – if you run a creative business and want to come to along to the creative collective online – you can book on for free here    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877

Today I’m delighted to say that my guest is actor, podcaster and voiceover artist Sally Vanderpump.    We have an enlightening and deep conversation about:   Being the ‘queen of transformation’   Lacking creative confidence   Aligning your values with your personal brand   Not listening to your inner critic   Thanks so much to Sally for being so open and honest about the ups, downs, swings and roundabouts of running a creative business. This chat will give you a window into how Sally negotiates the stormy seas of being self-employed in her own warm, charming and authentic way.   If you want more Sally in your life….and why wouldn’t you!?! Follow her here!   www.sallyvanderpump.com @sallyvanderpump on Insta or by searching her name on LinkedIn Listen to Sally's brilliant podcast 'Creative Twist' by searching for it on Spotify and Apple podcasts.  

For episode 23 of Squaring The Circle we’ve done something a little different.   I chat to personal trainer Dave Marsh about how prioritising your health can impact your business and life. Well, that was the plan anyway!......Doing these podcasts, you never know quite where the conversation is going to go and the second half of the conversation turned into something altogether different – it got a bit existential!   Our chat explores:   Why we shouldn’t rely on motivation to exercise    The myth of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time   Eating that frog!   The importance of thinking about your own mortality     Follow Dave @upersonaltraining on Instagram        

We’ve reached episode 22 of Squaring The Circle! Today I’m joined by voice over artist Shelley Anderson – Tahiri.    Topics included in the conversation are:    - The voice over process from beginning to end    - How teaching at a Primary School was perfect training for voice over work    - Using past experiences to inform your current practice    - How to deal with the ‘feast or famine’ dynamic of being self employed   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Follow Shelley @shelleyatthemic on Insta   Visit her website at www.shelleyatthemic.com   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.   If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877    

It’s official – Squaring The Circle turns 21!!!   To celebrate the milestone I have a wonderful chat with portrait and headshot photographer - Ivan Weiss.   We have an inspiring conversation about:   How a ticking clock is the enemy of creativity   Having zero work/life balance   Defining yourself by your work   The benefits of finding your niche in your business ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Ivan online at:   www.ivanweiss.london @ivanweisslondon on Insta Ivan Weiss on LinkedIn      

We’ve reached episode 20 of Squaring The Circle!   And what better way to celebrate the landmark than to chat to Functional Breathwork Instructor - Tracey Howes.   We have a brilliant chat about:   The power of nasal breathing   How breathing can impact our creativity for the better   Getting into the ‘flow state’ more often   Why as adults, we should daydream more   Follow the incredible Tracey online here:    @traceymayhowes on Insta  Tracey Howes on LinkedIn Her new website is coming soon!