Welcome back pals, this week I talk about importance of sharing the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship. Social media is always painting a picture of flawless victory, but that's far from reality. By being transparent about the difficulties we face, we can reframe failure as a stepping stone to success.

When we open up about our setbacks, we create a little haven of support through the turbulent times. It's about showing that it's okay to stumble, to fall, and to rise again. This vulnerability is what inspires resilience in ourselves and in others.

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Building a brand is much more than a logo or a catchy tagline; it's about crafting a story and an experience that's uniquely yours. It’s something I will scream from the rooftops until the message sinks in; authenticity is the cornerstone of a brand that not only stands out, but also stands for something.

In my line of work, I've encountered a hell of a lot of clients who are enamored with the branding of industry giants like Patagonia and Innocent. They come to me with visions of replicating that success by mirroring those brands. While it's natural to admire and draw inspiration from successful companies, the key takeaway is that imitation is not the path to authenticity.

These companies have carved out their own niches by being true to their values and mission. Patagonia's commitment to environmental activism and Innocent's playful and wholesome image are not just marketing strategies; they're the core of their identities.

The week, I explain why authenticity is your most powerful branding tool. It's about aligning your brand with your genuine self, values, and vision. Authenticity resonates with customers; it builds trust and loyalty. It's not just about being different; it's about being real.

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Ever wondered why we tend to focus on that one negative comment instead of the ten positive ones? 🤔 It's not just your brain being a little bitch. That leaning to the shit stuff is called negativity bias, and it's something that affects us in life as well as on the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, I dive deep into how our brains are wired to react to negativity and a silly little trick you can use to overcome it all.

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In my years at the helm of a design agency, I’ve met some pain-in-the-arse clients. If you’ve been self-employed for any amount of time, trust me, you know this lot:

False Promise Freddy: The one who always dangles opportunities but rarely delivers.

Eddie Entitlement: Thinks the world—and you, dear freelancer—owe them everything.

Delusional Darren: Is cursed with bad luck with freelancers, but never admits **he** is the problem

Scope Creep Sally: The project's boundaries are non-existent. Say goodbye to your loved ones for now, Sally always has “just one more thing” 

This week I run through the classic red flag clients, how to spot them, and what to do if you find yourself caught in their grip.

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You could be selling the best bloody thing in the world, but if the process of getting to it is a nightmare, you're not going to make it as far as your deserve. This week I talk flipping-off furniture giants, and why a clunky email exchange with a printer was enough to send me running to a competitor.

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Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and it turns out to be a lesson in disguise. While locking down a wedding last weekend venue brought relief, a trip to a local bar afterward sent a business lesson flying my way. The bar's atmosphere was great, but a clunky service process had us heading for the door. That got me thinking about how businesses sometimes overlook the little 'tripwires' in customer interaction. My takeaway? Keep that path to purchase clear – your business depends on it. #CustomerJourney #BusinessTips

Are you all chat and no follow through when it comes to setting goals for yourself and your business? Do you find yourself missing the mark every time you dare to dream a bit bigger?

This week, we delve into the intricate art of setting goals and devising business strategies that are grounded in reality, not just lofty dreams. I'll give you a five-step roadmap designed to bring clarity, maintain pragmatism, foster adaptability, and meticulously track progress...so you're not just daydreaming 💭

Ready to turn those business aspirations into concrete achievements? Give this episode a go for a dose of inspiration that'll ignite your drive like never before.

🌟 And for all you ambitious souls out there, I've got a special treat in store. If you've been toying with the idea of launching a side hustle but find yourself at a loss for where to start, I've crafted a complimentary seven-step action plan tailored to jumpstart your journey. Loaded with practical insights ready for immediate implementation, this plan is your ticket to kickstarting that entrepreneurial dream.

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Consistency is your business's best friend. Did you know a skimpy 3 to 5% of your audience might be ready to buy at any given time? That's a stat I unpack in my recent podcast, breaking down why audience growth can't be a numbers game alone. Buying followers? A big no-no. You want to build a cult-like-following genuinely into what you’re doing—because that's where the real magic lies.

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PART TWO!!

Strange Creative Studio was more than a business; it was a mission to inspire and empower the underdogs, outliers, and renegades of the business world.

So when a client of ours wanted to trash everything we’d worked on to make it more palatable for some dusty old corporates, I realised I’d gone horrifically wrong somewhere along the line. 

In part two of my business-ending tale, I explain why one 20-minute call lit a new fire under me, and why I’ve decided to build a maverick academy for the misfit masses. 

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I'M BACK FOR 2024!! Kicking this year off with an announcement and of course a good old story.

Strange Creative Studio was more than a business; it was a mission to inspire and empower the underdogs, outliers, and renegades of the business world.

But in 2023 I realised something was off; there was a glaring, almost embarrassing disconnect between what I was preaching and the business model I was practicing. So, I did what any self-respecting maverick would do—I pivoted.

In this two part episode I'll walk you through the gut-wrenching decision to shut down my business and start fresh.

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