Unemployed & Afraid

What if the riskiest move isn’t going all in, but walking away when something no longer fits?  This is a very special episode I’m sharing with you today, it’s a conversation I recorded with the wonderful Andrea Marquez from the This Is Small Business Podcast I didn’t originally leave my media career with a clear plan. I left because I knew something wasn’t right at the time. What followed was a search for a business idea that took me through yoga, ceramics, and creative experiments in remote Tasmania, all of which eventually led to my podcast and business, Unemployed and Afraid.  Host Andrea Marquez unpacks how I redefined risk not as betting it all on one big idea, but as giving myself permission to experiment, try, pivot and start again. You’ll hear how I used creative detours to find clarity, why walking away can be the smartest move and how I turned vulnerability into my growth strategy. If you’re stuck waiting for the perfect idea, this episode will show you how experimentation can be a powerful and intentional part of building something meaningful. The This Is Small Business podcast, where this episode is originally from, is doing wonderful things for small business builders all over the world - consider this a hard recommendation to, when you’ve finished listening to it, follow This Is Small Business wherever you’re listening via this link below.  Follow This Is Small Business Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedInSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this the right thing for me? Is it time to push, or let go? Is it time for yet another pivot?  What happens if I just keep going?  There’s a stack of confessions in this episode that will touch the hearts and minds of anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit - the fear of what others think, the reality of what they think (awkward), and everything it takes to grow your business and the business of you.  It’s also a timely update on the future of the Unemployed & Afraid podcast and what it really means to follow your self-belief and find yourself through the work you do as an Entrepreneur, an Employee or any other professional label.  If you’re into experimentation in business, backing yourself, and being a proper tall poppy no matter how awful it feels trying - then there’s something in here for you.  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stump & Co is a very successful candle business, so why is its owner Tegan closing it down? Spoiler alert: it’s not because of finances. Business is exciting – the brand building, the launch, the growth – and it’s also challenging. Through it, we rarely consider what walking away from it might feel like. In this episode Tegan Brennan, Founder of Stump & Co, shares her story of building a successful candle business, fulfilling her wildest dreams, and what happened next. You’ll hear about: Grappling with growth options How to know when to stop Going viral for the wrong reasons ADHD and Dyslexia in business And personal growth in every step of your business Tegan has been a guest on this show before and so if you want the full back story, check out her original chat with me here on Apple or Spotify. Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And please do show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re thinking about making a change to your business and feeling stuck about it, please stop torturing yourself. You can move / shift / pivot / change anything you want to - no matter where you’re at or how awks it might feel - and what anyone else thinks about it doesn’t matter. This episode talks about the experience of considering a change and doubting th moves, all the things that get in our way and why we should give ourselves permission to just do the thing and see how it goes.  This podcast shows up to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook GroupSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever hear business advice that just feels a little out of touch? This is not one of those shows. If you’re in the heavy building phase of your business and want to feel truly seen and supported to grow, you’re gonna love what this episode packs in for you. Kim James is the Founder of both Tangerine Tango and The Career Girl Diaries, and through the sharing of her own business building story you’ll hear about: Letting redundancy push you before you’re ready Evolving your business structure as you go What blowing up on the socials actually looks like Some banging content advice                The process of getting to clarity Mastering the art of multiple businesses  And why getting real about money is very, very sexy Connect with Kim Elizabeth James on LinkedIn Follow The Career Girl Diaries on IG & TikTok Follow Tangerine Tango on IG @tangerinetango.marketing And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big plans but time getting away? Sometimes our entrepreneurial passion doesn’t match our time awareness - but maybe there’s a different way to approach it.  If you’ve looked at your ambitious to do list lately with gusto and commitment, only to look back at it a few weeks later and see that the big things are all still there - this episode is for you.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Listen to the episode with Kerryn from Radical Yes! Show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook GroupSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word “journey” might get a bit overused when speaking about business, but there truly is no better word for it. A business idea is one tiny part of the story. Besides the fact that the business idea itself will likely take many different forms along the way, and that you’re never ever done when tackling something like building a business for yourself, you evolve so much as a person along the way. If that isn’t a hell of a journey, I don’t know what is. Kathryn McGarvey knows all about this particular expedition, she’s in the business of audience insights today, and it’s one of a few businesses she’s learnt, grown, languished and flourished within – as I’m sure you can relate to. In sharing her business building story you’ll hear about: Realising you’ve become unemployable Finding the business within the business Why the term “journey” for the experience of business is fundamental Building as you go The dark revenue moments And finding connection as a solopreneur   Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn Check out the NosyHQ Website And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your relationship with TikTok and Meta is feeling a bit strained, but you’re “on there for your business” - I feel you. Is there a way to build a business and a brand without using social media?  In this episode your host Kim Kerton explores the relationship with socials as a solopreneur / consultant / creator, and the sneaky personal context challenges that might be contributing to a feeling of wanting to ditch it entirely. All in an effort to help you consider how you can truly build a business your own way.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to just go for it with a business idea? And do it with trust and passion that life is just too precious not to try? If that action was a person, it’s Debs Brockelsby, the Founder of STOKEDNZ. She is a light, a laugh and an absolute treat with so much grit and determination, but also incredibly helpful self-reflection. As she tells us her business story, you’ll hear about: The life changes that reshape us Running with no Plan-B The power of bringing in a money expert The real definition of freedom And saying a big yes to growth through discomfort Check out STOKEDNZ online at stokednz.co.nz Follow them on IG @stokednz And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of traps we work hard to avoid as business owners, but there’s a sneaky one we often miss.  It’s the purpose trap - the endless narratives that tell us if we find our purpose and passionately love what we do, aligned to our values, we’ll never work a day in our life.  This episode unpacks the purpose trap and reframes it into something a little more supportive to your journey of creating and growing a business.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be the smallest of things that can make or break us, a compounding effect of the experiences where we don’t feel seen, heard, successful or confident – but when we realise all those experiences are totally normal, we are far more empowered to crack on with it. Phoebe Netto is who you’re going to hear from today – she’s a PR professional – and she’s brilliantly honest about the sticky moments that sneak up on us and how to get through it. In this episode you’ll hear about:   ·        The conversations around fear and motivation that we have with ourselves ·        Starting small, and starting green ·        Remembering the joy and privilege it is to serve a customer ·        How to help people understand why you’re great at your craft ·        The impact of self-PR ·        Ignoring a lack of self-confidence so you can get out of your own way ·        Regular content vs Passionate content ·        And why you have to make the first move to develop a like-minded entrepreneurial community Connect with Phoebe on LinkedIn Check out her business online at purepublicrelations.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Developing a business is an underrated tool for personal development – you’ll know from going through it – it teaches you so much about yourself and rebuilds you from the inside out. This story celebrates that journey. Kerryn Moscicki is Founder of the epic flat shoe brand Radical Yes!, and in the sharing of her business building story you’ll hear powerful insights gained over 12 years developing her brand. This episode covers: ·         The flow of following a nudge ·         Why to enjoy that pre-launch period ·         The reality that many business owners might not do it again ·         The financial sticking point of going all in without capital or an investor ·         The benefits of being customer facing ·         Managing rapid growth ·         The difference between confidence and self-belief ·         And a healthy touch of woo-woo Shop the incredible Radical Yes! shoes online at radicalyes.com.au Follow them on IG @radicalyes And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know the moment. You’re faced with well meaning friends and family members who casually ask “how’s that little business of yours going, kicking goals?” and you immediately either freeze up, or give the world's longest reply trying to convey that it’s not at all a little business and you’re working hard every single day on building it.  In this episode your host Kim Kerton shares three replies to this question that can take the sting out of the awkwardness and even bring you a little closer together with the people in your life who don’t have the first-hand experience (and therefore, shorthand) to connect with you.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it time to start putting yourself on that pedestal you currently reserve for those you think are killing it in their business?  With so much success being outwardly projected we might be missing the opportunity to truly notice what’s changed for us, this episode explores what it means to crush on yourself as a growth strategy and how to put it in practice.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Listen to the episode with Lisa Jones on Apple or Spotify Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot we have to work through when building a business but learning to battle down your ego – the one who wants you to stay small or don’t try – is one of the toughest. If you’ve been building an e-commerce business it’s likely you’re already familiar with my guest today, but if it’s the first time you’re hearing from Lisa Jones Founder of SHE-com let me tell you – this conversation feels like a deeply nourishing business coaching session and quite frankly, a little kick in the bum. You’re gonna hear about: ·        Becoming an entrepreneur when you’re surrounded by employees ·        Being careful who you let in ·        How just thinking about building a business works to prepare you  ·        Learning to pivot on the edge of a toenail ·        Letting go of the idea that your businesses will stay the same ·        The shadow of money worries ·        And building a business that exists outside of you Follow Lisa on IG @lisajones_co Check out SHE-Com at shecom.co You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re holding on to a specific outcome you want for your business and it’s driving you batty - this episode is for you.  We put our heart, minds and all the feels on the line for the growth of ourselves and our businesses every single day - holding onto what we want to see as the outcome is a recipe for burnout and disappointment. In fact, it might be making you miss some absolute gold that’s right in front of you.  In this episode your host, Kim Kerton, shares her own experience with holding onto an outcome that’s out of her control way too tightly, and how she’s letting it all go.  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation feels like an homage to us business owners who get ourselves into so many uncomfortable moments in pursuit of our dreams – and that sometimes you just have to laugh at the shit we do.    Andrew’s art inspired sock brand, yes socks, called Mennie is a super rare brand these days, as you really get a sense that it’s different, truly authentic and with its own personality. And after talking to him it’s easy to see why – this brand is an extension of Andrew, his passion for art, for giving things a go and creating.   Through the sharing of Andrew’s story you’ll hear about: ·         The power of a creative project to bring you into a new state ·         Making your business idea happen when everyone says it can’t be done ·         Going DIY at all stage of business development ·         The surprising benefits in starting small ·         The value in selling a product face to face ·         The surprising side of influencer product placement ·         And the slow days that can change your life Check out Mennie brand online at menniebrand.com Follow them on IG @menniebrand You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you’re building your business the end of the year feels different. There’s less festivities to jump into, tough circumstances as delays creep in, and sometimes even an existential dread that if the market is quiet now, how will we survive until February….  So how do you continue to make your business stand out and thrive, even in December, when every second post seems to talk about the year drawing to a close (starting from October)?  This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Listen to the episode where Penny drops her insight about shooting for 100 No’s on Spotify or Apple  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us tumble our way through business – this truth is a far cry from what we might think it’s supposed to be. But while you might think you need a fully fleshed out idea and detailed business plan, most of the magic comes through doing, trying, pivoting and making mistakes. In this episode Lisa Greensill, Marketing advisor for financial advisors – shares her experience with navigating the building of her business one step at a time. You’ll hear about: ·        The path from leaving a role to finding your business direction ·        Tumbling through business development ·        Upskilling as an entrepreneur ·        Finding surprise partnerships     ·        And putting a price on a service offering Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Visit her Consulting Website and the Brandover Site You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Subscribe to the U&A Substack Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been waiting on an email for your business that could change the game and sent yourself a “test” email just to check they’re working? Welcome to the Opportunity Crickets.  If you’ve been putting your idea, knowledge, heart and soul into pitching for big opportunities only to be met with extreme ghosting - I see you - this episode is what to do to maintain the rage when you’re in the depths of an opportunity cricket era. This podcast shows up every week to help you build your own business by bringing you the stories, insights and learnings of those of us in the thick of it and highlighting that crazy old intersection of entrepreneurship and personal growth - what we do is hard and we’re better and stronger together.  Subscribe to the U&A Substack by clicking HERE  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn  Listen to the episode where Penny Locaso drops her insight about shooting for 100 No’s on Spotify or Apple  Follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod  Support the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.