In Heart-Centered Business: Healing from toxic business culture so your small business can thrive, Sufi spiritual business teacher Mark Silver, M.Div. speaks to those who hate the toxic way business has developed, and want an approach to business that is as nourishing as it is powerful.
The effects of global business have brought devastation and injustice that no one wants. Instead, we yearn for beauty and real vibrancy in the world around us, and healthy heart-centered business must be part of the healing.
This book is a guide to doing business, your business, in a truly spirit-centered way. We need to, and can, realize the truth that, as Mark says, every act of business can be an act of love.
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Let's talk about something we all know deep down: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to success in business. It's all about finding YOUR way and embracing your unique creative spirit (within legal boundaries, of course!). But hey, let's be real; carving out your own path can be a bit challenging, especially if you're a Fusion creative like me. No matter where you fall on the creative spectrum, if you're feeling a little lost on your journey to success, I've got you covered!
In this episode, I'm sharing five exercises that will bring clarity to your life and business. Trust me; they're game-changers! Tune in now to discover your path to success and get ready to unleash your creative freedom!
In this episode, we are talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Ready to break free from the ordinary and tap into your magical potential?
In the latest episode of the Creative Freedom Show, we're diving deep into the world of Undervalued Unicorns - those extraordinary creatives who are making waves but still flying under the radar.
Does that sound like you? Then you might be an Undervalued Unicorn. Tune in to the podcast and learn how to EMBRACE your inner Unicorn and STOP being Undervalued.
In this episode, we are talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Woo to the hoo! Creative Freedom Season 8 launches next week!... and we are kicking things off with the most frustrating yet important topic I could ever share with you! You don't want to miss it, so stay tuned!
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"About Damn Time" is a parody of "About Damn Time", originally recorded by Lizzo. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.
Once upon a time, Emily was on her way to meet up with some friends at a local rock bar. As she walked down the street, the sound of guitars and drums beckoned her closer.
She walked in and was immediately transported back in time: a dim room, neon glow, and the smell of leather and hairspray filling her nostrils. The band was playing "Walk This Way" and a full slate of classic 80's rock. As the band played on, Emily let herself fantasize about being on stage, playing her heart out to a crowd of adoring fans. She'd played guitar all her life, but never really did anything with it.
"Maybe it's time." She thought to herself.
Emily began working to launch her rock music career. Hair teased to the sky, the leather pants, and blazing guitar skills that would put Eddie Van Halen to shame. She was a little rusty, but it all came back quickly. She went to open mics, talent showcases, and started connecting with other musicians. Still, despite her passion and dedication, launching wasn't as easy as she'd hoped. She sounded like every other 80's rocker and - let's face it - there's not as much demand as there once was for 80's rockers (sad face)!
After one showcase, one of the featured artists shared with Emily the secret to her success: "It's not just about the music, kid," she says. "It's about your values and your vision. It's about who you are, why you do what you do, and your audience. And of course, it's about having a killer sound that sets you apart from the rest."
Emily takes this advice to heart and re-evaluates her approach to building her band. She starts by looking inward and examining her own values and vision for her music. Who is she as an artist? Why does she want to create this type of music? Who does she want to connect with through her music? With a clear sense of purpose and direction, Emily is able to attract other like-minded musicians who share her values and vision.
Together, they work on developing a sound that's fresh and unique, but still true to their roots. They experiment with different instruments, lyrics, and melodies until they land on something that feels right. And with each rehearsal and performance, they continue to refine their sound and their message.
Eventually, Emily's band catches the attention of a record label, and they're offered a contract to record their first album. But even with this newfound success, Emily never loses sight of her values and vision. She remains true to herself and her music, and continues to connect with fans who share her passion and love for 80's rock.
While Emily might be a fictional character, the lesson still holds: building a successful business is about more than just the product or service you offer. It's about understanding your values and vision, identifying your target audience, and creating a unique and compelling message that sets you apart from the competition.
THAT is what makes up your business model. I know. Saying that might just make your eyes glaze over, but hear me out. If you're tired of feeling like your business doesn't align with your unique values and vision, the problem is likely your business model. If you feel like your business doesn't truly reflect who you are and what you stand for, the answer probably lies in your business model.
In short, if you don't have the time, the income, the freedom, the reach, the alignment, or ease that you thought you'd get from your business... then chances are good there's something amiss in your business model!
Like it or not, if you're bringing in any revenue at all, you already have a business model. It may or may not be profitable. It may or may not be sustainable. Being intentional about your business model allows you to have a business that works with your natural abilities instead of against them. And I believe everyone can have a business that works for how you're wired to work.
The way we do that here at Creative Freedom HQ is through the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation.
You Linear Creatives are already salivating, I know. But, this isn't a traditional mathematical equation. It's part art and part science, so Chaotics and Fusions can have some fun, too! The Creative Freedom Business Model Equation helps you define the various elements of your business model based on a few factors - including your unique values and vision.
The equation is simple: (You + Why + Who) + What + How
Let's break it down.
The Creative Freedom Business Model Equation is a set of flexible "pieces" that tell the story of how your business creates value in the world. There are plenty of tools to help you design business models in the world, but most of them are unwieldy and complicated. Based on the Strategyzer business model canvas, our business model equation is a straightforward, easy to understand way for micro-business owners to approach business model design.
You probably noticed that the first part of the equation is in parentheses. That indicates the "internal" part of the business model. The part of doing business that is most directly impacted by your values and beliefs - much of which is internal to your company and not on public display. The second part of the equation is your offer. That's the part that the public gets to see and interact with regularly. You offer is both the "what" you're selling and "how" you're delivering it.
Now, let's take a closer look at each piece of the equation.
Who are you, really? What matters to you as a person? It's important to understand your context and constraints in order to design a business that works for how you're uniquely wired. We take a 360-degree view of the entrepreneur to truly understand what you're all about and what you can realistically bring to the table, considering your circumstances. Ask yourself things like:
This is often the hardest part, because you have to unpack the layers of stuff that come from "shoulding" on yourself, and get to what's really true. It's important to take the time to deeply reflect on these questions and come up with genuine answers that align with what's true for you. Once you have a clear understanding of your values and vision, you can move on to the next step.
This is about your motivations and your vision for the future. If you've read Simon Sinek's book, Start With Why, this may feel familiar. Simon's position is that people "don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." This is all about purpose and mission. Understanding your "why" and communicating it helps the right people connect. By creating resonance with your audience, you'll attract more of the right people with greater ease. Ask yourself these questions:
This is about your audience - or primary audience, if you serve multiple audiences. Who are you here to serve? By identifying your core audience, your messaging can speak directly to those folks. There's nothing for sale in this world that's meant for everyone. And that's the way it's supposed to be. There are people already primed and ready - excited even - to experience the that thing that you offer. Why waste your energy chasing everyone when your right audience is "already ready already"? Ask yourself questions like:
Your offer is made up of both the "What" and the "How" - which we'll talk more about in a minute. The "What" is all about what you're selling. This is the transformation, not just the object. It's not just a pair of socks, it's warm feet. It's more than a song, it's a sense of belonging. It's the thing, but it's also the end result of experiencing that thing.
As a business coach, I sell tools for business growth. But at a deeper level, what I really sell are things like self-worth, confidence, peace of mind, and clarity. Because when your business is growing in ways that work for how you're wired to work, you feel more confident, you've got clarity on what to do, and peace of mind that things are working. That all contributes to your sense of self-worth.
As you're thinking about what you sell, ask yourself:
The second part of your offer is the the "How" - the delivery mechanism. You can offer the same "What" in different ways. When I wrote my book, Creative Freedom, we made it available as an audiobook, a digital book, and a physical edition. I've also extracted parts of the book for some of the training I do. Same "What" - the knowledge and information - delivered with a different "How".
Different delivery methods may come with different pricing, so we put that inside the "How" as well. Consider different delivery methods and pricing models to find the best fit for your business and your audience. As you're looking at this final piece of the Equation, ask yourself questions like this:
When you put it all together, the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation is flexible and only limited by your answers. By aligning your business with your unique values and vision, you'll create a business that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.
With a clear understanding of your unique values and vision, and a defined business model based on the Equation, you can now operate and make choices from a more aligned starting point. Look for areas where things can be re-aligned with your business model to create a more authentic and fulfilling experience for both you and your customers.
For example, if one of your values is sustainability, you might look for ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business model, such as using recycled materials or reducing your carbon footprint. Or, if your ultimate vision is to create a positive impact on your community, you might explore ways to give back or donate a portion of your profits to a local charity.
Once you have things in alignment, it's important to test it out and see how it works in the real world. You will evolve over time, so it's important to go back and review your business model from time to time, to make sure everything is working effectively, profitably, and sustainably for you. If it's not, it's time for a review!
In April, I'm leading a business model workshop to help you work through the Creative Freedom Business Model Equation and apply it to your business. I call it the Cashflow Creator Workshop because I know that only Linears get excited about business models - but everyone wants better cashflow! Seats are limited, so if you're ready to take the first step towards creating a business that truly resonates with you and your audience, join us! Can't wait to see you there!
I can’t believe 2022 is almost over! During the Creative Freedom Retreat last week, we began planning for 2023, and I think this particular episode is a perfect way to end Season 7 of the Creative Freedom Show and segway into the new year.
I’ve been in the online world for almost 30 years (zoinks!). I've been a business coach for almost 20 years. I've seen a lot, done a lot, and worked with many different clients in that time: direct sellers, solopreneurs, and now creative entrepreneurs. Over time, I put A LOT of content out there. Some of it resonates, some of it doesn’t, and in the process, you’re left carrying this sort of hodgepodge of “stuff.”
At the end of 2021, I got real clear that my message wasn’t landing with my right audience. Being in the online space for so long, I felt challenged to find someone I could trust. Someone who got ME. And most importantly, someone who wasn’t going to snow me (if you know, you know!) but would help me figure out exactly what I wanted my new messaging to be.
For the final episode of Season 7 and 2022, I’m sharing my interview with Dr. Michelle Mazur - where we demystify the process of rolling out and/or pivoting your message to reach YOUR right audience. Bonus: I’m also sharing the messaging guide we created for my business, so you can see how this works.
With a Ph.D. in Communication and 25+ years of experience working with solo service providers to Fortune 50 corporations, Michelle has the cred and experience to take your complex ideas and distill them into a persuasive message that powers your marketing, copy, and sales. She is the Founder/CEO of Communication Rebel, where she helps change-making business owners, entrepreneurs, and speakers become thought leaders by taking a stand with their 3 Word Rebellion. She is also the host of the Rebel Uprising Podcast and author of three books, including 3 WORD REBELLION: Create a one-of-a-kind message that grows your audience into a movement.
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Ever been on a bad date? I mean a really bad date? One that was so bad you felt the urge to write a song about it? Have you ever been the subject of a song about a really bad date?
I’ve kissed a few frogs in my day, but none of them warranted the kind of song that Nile Rogers of the famous music group CHIC wrote back in 1981. He went out with a woman and at some point in the evening, she started expecting him to use his celebrity status for her benefit. The nerve!
This young lady may well be the first person to ever be canceled. Seriously. You may not know her name, but that date was so bad that Niles went home and wrote the song “Your Love Is Canceled” He equated cancellation to the way television shows are canceled. They’re just gone… never to be seen or heard from again.
Boycotting and public shaming has been around for a very long time. But thanks in large part to the rise of social media, Cancel Culture has become a popular tool to villainize celebrity types - even folks that are only famous in their industry. And Cancel Culture Vultures are at the heart of that.
Podcast Show Notes
Inside this episode, we're talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Big hair, neon colors, the Rubik’s cube, and capri pants are all the rage. At a high school in Philadelphia, three kids are trying to start a new musical group.
Instead of using their own names (Grimaldi, Morris, and Nelson), they decide to call themselves “Unique Attraction”. Three more classmates joined their group, eager to bring their R&B stylings to the masses.
This budding group of vocalists worked hard and persisted despite graduations, creative differences, and other changes to the group. They got a big break when they snuck into a concert and crossed paths with Michael Bivins of the newly formed Bell Biv DeVoe.
Talk about perfect timing!
Seizing the opportunity, they did an impromptu performance, which led Bivins to give the group his phone number. Eventually, they called, which led them (eventually) to being signed by Motown Records as the soulful quartet known today as Boyz II Men.
B2M didn’t hit the big time immediately. They got a PHONE NUMBER.
They still had to graduate, for one thing! And practice... and call Michael Bivins... and practice!
This story of not-so-overnight success points to a common problem I find when clients come to me wanting to be the celebrity of their space. Most people think they have a visibility problem - “ooh, I just need to get in front of more people! I just need more eyeballs on my work” and while that may be true, it’s usually more of a capacity problem that’s causing the visibility problem. That's what we're exploring in this episode.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: If you want help with YOUR capacity, I'm doing a One-Time-Only special event at the end of November. Stop being a best-kept secret and build your custom roadmap to celebrity status in your niche. Join me for the Unleash Your Star Power Workshop!
Inside this episode, we're talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
One of the common fears that comes up with my clients repeatedly is becoming a target for haters, cancel culture, and trolls. I mean, the bigger they are, the harder they fall, right? The idea of having to deal with negative attention does not feel expansive, fulfilling, or joyful. I mean, no one wants haters, and when you’ve already got a full plate, comments and attacks can be the straw that breaks your back.
It leaves them thinking they have to choose safety over the real success that they crave.
BUT… Do you really have to choose between playing it safe or taking risks all the time if you want to be successful? Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, but is the only path to success found by taking BIG risks all the time? Do you really have to choose between safety and security and being successful at the level that brings the income, impact, and influence you know is meant for you?
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Inside this episode, we're talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
When I was 16, I was over the moon excited about getting my driver’s license. I wanted it SO bad. When I was 9, I helped my brother study for his exam and I held onto his copy of the driver training booklet. Man, I read that thing so many times, I was pretty sure I had it memorized. I knew all the moves to parallel park, all the road signs at a glance, and how to safely pass a commercial vehicle. I knew which vehicle had the right of way at a 4-way stop, what to do when the traffic lights were out, and all the other stuff that little encyclopedia of driving wisdom had to share.
But I wasn’t prepared when Dad invited me out to drive.
“What? Me? On the road? But Dad, I don’t have my license yet! I don’t have my learner’s permit yet! That would be breaking the law! I don’t think I could DO that! I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
“Okay kid.”
And he never asked me again, even after I got my permit. The next year, he asked my sister, and she jumped at the chance to hop in the car with Dad and tool around town. I was hurt, angry, and didn’t understand why Dad had passed me over like that in favor of my sister. Couldn’t he see I was ready now? Couldn’t he see that I had more experience, more skill at driving than she did? Why was SHE getting the invite, but I wasn’t?
That was one of my earliest experiences with the Passed Over Paradox. Only, I didn’t know it yet. Let me break this down so you can see what was really going on here.
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Inside this episode, we're talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io