PASSION to PROFIT

If you have a product based business, this week’s episode might just be something you have dreamt about—getting your products into major retailers like Selfridges & Co., John Lewis, or Ocado. I’ve been there myself, and I know how it can feel like a big, distant goal. But today, I’m chatting with Nic Waller, a leading brand buyer who has worked with some of the biggest names in British retail and has helped countless brands, including mine.

Nic has worked with brands across the board at Selfridges, John Lewis, M&S, Waitrose and Ocado. She’s got a down-to-earth approach, and her advice is practical and easy to apply, no matter what stage your business is at. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to get your brand noticed by a big retailer, this episode is for you!

• What Retailers Really Look For in Small Brands: It’s not about how big your brand is or how many followers you have. Nic shares the key things that actually grab a buyer's attention—things like your story, your product’s uniqueness, and how well you align with the retailer's values.

• How to Approach Retailers Without Feeling Intimidated: I know reaching out to a big retailer can feel scary, but Nic walks us through how to approach them with confidence. From getting your pitch and emails right to knowing when to reach out, she shares the steps to make it easier and less overwhelming.

• The Importance of Persistence: Landing a deal doesn’t happen overnight, and Nic talks about why following up is so important. She also gives tips on how to stay in touch with buyers in a way that feels natural and not pushy.

• Why Your Size Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think: This is one of my favourite takeaways. Nic reassures us that you don’t have to be a big name to get noticed by top retailers. If your product is great and you’re clear about what makes you different, you’ve got a solid chance!

• Buyers are looking for authenticity, innovation, and a good fit with their customer base.

• Confidence in your pitch and preparation will go a long way when approaching retailers.

• Persistence is key—keep those relationships alive with consistent follow-ups.

• You don’t need to be a massive brand to land a deal; it’s about what you bring to the table.

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected]

The Power of Collaboration in Creative Business

Welcome to this week’s episode, where we’re diving into a topic that has been a true game-changer for me—collaboration. Working with others has not only opened doors to incredible opportunities but has also been key to growing my creative business in ways I couldn’t have imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing personal stories from my own collaborations, along with practical tips on how you can make partnerships work for your business.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Benefits of Collaboration: We explore why collaboration is so much more than just working together. It’s about combining different strengths and perspectives to create something bigger than what you could achieve alone. I share stories from my own experience, including how teaming up with the V&A and Selfridges transformed my brand.

• Finding the Right Partners: Not every partnership is the right one. I’ll explain how to identify collaborators who align with your values and vision, and how those are the partnerships that lead to the most impactful results.

• Managing Joint Projects: Collaborations can be tricky, so we’re discussing how to keep communication clear, define roles, and handle any challenges along the way to ensure a smooth partnership.

• Leveraging Collaboration for Growth: Once a collaboration is complete, there’s so much more you can do. I’ll share tips on how to leverage successful partnerships for even more opportunities and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaborating can open up new opportunities and bring fresh perspectives to your business.

• Finding partners who align with your values and vision is key to a successful collaboration.

• Clear communication and well-defined roles are crucial for managing joint projects.

• Successful collaborations can lead to future partnerships and continued growth.

Collaboration has been a major driver in my business, and I hope this episode inspires you to explore how working with others can unlock new possibilities for your own journey.

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

Mentioned Resources: As  mentioned at the beginning of the episode, these episodes will help you answer the following questions:

What are your core values and vision for your business? LISTEN TO EPISODE 044

What goals are you striving to achieve? LISTEN TO EPISODE 042

And who is your target audience? LISTEN TO EPISODE 033

In this week’s episode, where we’re exploring a challenge that so many creative business owners face. How to stay true to your artistic vision while also running a profitable business. It’s a delicate balance, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can absolutely achieve both. Whether you’ve struggled with maintaining your creative integrity or making smart business decisions, this episode offers practical advice to help you navigate both worlds.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Balancing Art and Business: We start by discussing what it really means to balance creativity with commerce. How can you protect your creative vision while ensuring your business thrives financially? I’ll share insights on finding that sweet spot where art and business complement each other.

• Maintaining Artistic Integrity: We talk about how to stay aligned with your values and creative vision, even when tempting financial opportunities arise. I’ll share strategies on setting boundaries and making sure your brand remains authentic and true to your core beliefs.

• Making Smart Business Decisions: Your business needs to be sustainable and profitable. We’ll discuss how to make decisions that support your long-term success, like pricing your work correctly, understanding your market, and making strategic choices without compromising your creative essence.

• Strategies for Balancing Creativity and Profit: I’ll walk you through practical tips for setting both creative and financial goals, managing your time, and making intentional decisions that allow your creativity and business to thrive side by side.

Key Takeaways:

• It is possible to balance your creative passion with the need to make smart, profitable business decisions.

• Protecting your artistic integrity is crucial for long-term success and brand authenticity.

• Knowing your numbers and making informed choices will help your business flourish without sacrificing your creative vision.

• Setting clear goals, both creative and financial, is key to maintaining this balance.

This episode is all about empowering you to build a business that honours both your creative vision and your financial needs.

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

In today’s episode, we are diving into an essential topic for every creative entrepreneur—SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the technical side of SEO or wondered how to make your business more visible online, this episode is definitely for you! We’re breaking down SEO into simple, actionable steps that can help you improve your website’s ranking, attract the right customers, and grow your business.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Understanding SEO Basics: We kick things off by explaining what SEO really means and how it can help your business. Discover how search engines work and why optimising your website can increase your visibility in a crowded marketplace. Learn how SEO goes beyond keywords and plays a crucial role in your overall marketing strategy.

• Keyword Research Simplified: We walk through the process of finding the right keywords for your business. Learn how to put yourself in your customers' shoes, brainstorm effective keywords, and use tools like Google Keyword Planner to refine your search terms. Plus, we share tips on how to naturally incorporate those keywords into your website content.

• On-Page SEO Essentials: We cover some quick, easy wins for optimising your website pages, including title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and image optimisation. You’ll also learn about the importance of mobile-friendly design and how to ensure your website is accessible on any device.

• Creating Valuable Content for SEO: Discover how creating high-quality, valuable content is one of the most effective ways to boost your SEO. We explore how blogging, FAQs, and resource pages can attract more visitors to your site and keep them engaged. Plus, learn the importance of balancing keywords with meaningful, reader-focused content.

• Building Backlinks for Success: Backlinks are key to boosting your SEO ranking. We share practical strategies for building quality backlinks through guest blogging, partnerships, and social media sharing to amplify your content’s reach and establish your site as an authority in your niche.

• Tracking Your SEO Efforts: Finally, we discuss how to measure the success of your SEO strategy using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Learn how to track your progress, analyse your traffic, and make adjustments to continuously improve your website’s visibility and performance.

Key Takeaways:

• SEO is all about making your business easier to find online by improving your website’s visibility in search results.

• Keyword research is the foundation of a good SEO strategy—choose words your audience is already searching for.

• Simple on-page SEO adjustments, like optimising title tags and meta descriptions, can have a big impact on your site’s performance.

• Creating valuable, relevant content keeps visitors engaged and signals to search engines that your site is worth ranking highly.

• Backlinks from reputable websites can greatly enhance your SEO ranking and online authority.

• Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your SEO performance and make data-driven improvements.

SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and by taking small, manageable steps, you’ll start to see the results in your business. Let me know how you’re implementing these strategies—I can’t wait to hear about your SEO success!

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected]

Mentioned Resources:

• Google Keyword Planner

• Google Analytics

• Google Search Console

I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation with Jamie Waller, an entrepreneur whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Jamie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and redefining the narrative around dyslexia and adversity. From a tough childhood in East London, facing challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, poverty, and a turbulent home life, Jamie transformed these obstacles into the driving force behind his success. Today, he’s a multi-millionaire entrepreneur who has not only built successful businesses but also significantly changed the industries he’s worked in. 

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Jamie’s Remarkable Journey: We explore Jamie’s early life in Bethnal Green, where he grew up in challenging circumstances. Discover how he turned a childhood filled with adversity into a powerful story of success, starting from his first venture—a window cleaning business at 16—to selling a business for over £40 million.

• The Power of Dyslexia as a Strength: Jamie shares his unique perspective on dyslexia, which he views not as a disability but as a strength that has significantly contributed to his entrepreneurial success. Learn how embracing your own perceived weaknesses can become a pivotal factor in your growth and achievements.

• Challenging Norms and Creating Your Own Path: Jamie discusses how he has consistently challenged norms throughout his career, refusing to be limited by traditional expectations. Whether it’s changing the debt recovery industry or rethinking how we view dyslexia, Jamie’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination.

• Reshaping the Narrative Surrounding Dyslexia: During the conversation Philippa and Jamie dive into his groundbreaking book, The Dyslexic Edge. in which he and Dr. Helen Taylor, challenge conventional views of dyslexia, presenting it as a powerful asset in entrepreneurship rather than a limitation. Jamie and Dr. Taylor explore how dyslexia can enhance unique thinking and problem-solving abilities, providing actionable insights for both those with and without dyslexia. The book serves not just as a guide but as a call to action for rethinking education and business practices to be more inclusive and forward-thinking.

• Practical Takeaways for Creative Entrepreneurs: For those of you facing your own set of challenges, this episode is packed with insights that can help you rethink how you approach your business. We dive into how Jamie’s experiences can inspire you to embrace your strengths, navigate obstacles, and create your own path to success.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Creativity: Jamie’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and creativity in overcoming adversity and achieving success.

• Dyslexia as a Strength: Rather than viewing dyslexia as a limitation, Jamie demonstrates how it can be a unique strength that fuels innovation and success.

• Challenging Traditional Paths: There is no single path to success—sometimes, the most successful paths are the ones we create ourselves.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, achieve a better work-life balance, or simply need a dose of inspiration, Jamie’s story offers valuable lessons for every creative entrepreneur. 

Contact Us:

Instagram: @philippacraddock Email: [email protected] 

Mentioned Resources:

• Jamie Waller’s book: The Dyslexic Edge

• Learn more about Jamie Waller: jamiewaller.co.uk

Welcome to the final episode of our three-part series on building a strong brand identity. In this episode, we dive into the steps of bringing your brand to life, focusing on visual branding, your brand story, and maintaining consistency across all platforms. Whether you're launching a new brand or refining an existing one, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you create a cohesive and memorable brand identity.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Visual Branding Essentials: We discuss the importance of visual branding and how it serves as the cornerstone of your brand identity. Learn how to design a logo that truly represents your brand, choose a colour palette that conveys your brand’s message, and ensure consistency across all platforms and materials. Discover the impact of visual elements on your audience’s perception and how to use them effectively.

A Compelling Brand Story: Your brand story is a powerful tool for building emotional connections with your audience. We explore the key elements of a compelling brand story, including your brand’s origin, mission, values, and vision. Learn how to communicate your story across various channels, from your website to social media, to create a consistent and engaging narrative that resonates with your customers.

Implementing and Maintaining Brand Consistency: Consistency is key to building trust and recognition. We provide practical tips for launching your new brand identity, ensuring uniformity across all touchpoints, and regularly reviewing and updating your brand to stay relevant. Understand how to develop a brand style guide and the importance of maintaining a cohesive brand presence in every customer interaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Visual branding is crucial for creating a memorable and cohesive brand identity.

• A well-crafted brand story builds emotional connections and strengthens customer loyalty.

• Consistency across all platforms and materials reinforces your brand identity and builds trust.

Remember, building a strong brand identity is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and consistency. I’m excited to see how you apply these insights to your own brand!

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

Mentioned Resources:

• Adobe Color, Coolors, Canva's Color Palette Generator, Paletton, and Color Hunt for creating and exploring colour palettes.

Welcome back to our three-part series on building a robust brand identity! In this second episode, we dive deep into two critical aspects of branding: understanding your target audience and developing a unique brand voice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your brand, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you create a brand that truly resonates with your audience.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Identifying Your Target Audience: We discuss the importance of knowing who your audience is, what they care about, and how to effectively tailor your branding efforts to speak directly to them. Learn how to conduct thorough research using tools like surveys, social media analytics, and customer feedback to gain valuable insights that will shape your brand strategy.

• Creating Customer Personas: Discover how to create detailed customer personas that represent different segments of your target audience. These personas will help guide your branding decisions and ensure your brand identity aligns with your audience's needs and desires.

• Developing Your Unique Brand Voice: Your brand voice is more than just the words you use—it's the personality and style behind your communication. We explore how to define a brand voice that aligns with your company’s mission and values, making your brand both authentic and memorable. Learn practical tips for maintaining consistency across all your platforms.

• Examples of Effective Brand Voices: We look at how different brands like Mailchimp, Lush Cosmetics, and Patagonia have successfully developed unique brand voices that connect with their audiences. These examples illustrate how a well-defined brand voice can set you apart and build stronger connections with your customers.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand your target audience by conducting research and creating customer personas.

• Develop a brand voice that reflects your company’s mission, values, and the emotions you want to evoke in your audience.

• Maintain consistency in your brand voice across all communication channels to reinforce your brand identity.

Next Episode Preview: In the final part of our 3 part mini series, we’ll be focusing on visual branding, crafting your brand story, and maintaining brand consistency. We’ll cover essential elements like logo design, choosing a colour palette, and communicating your brand story effectively. Don’t miss it!

Listen Now: Tune in to this episode to deepen your understanding of your audience and start crafting a brand voice that truly resonates.

Thank you for joining me today. I’m excited to continue this journey with you in the next episode. Remember, knowing your audience and finding your unique voice are key steps in building a strong and memorable brand. See you next week!

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

Mentioned Resources:

• Statista, IBISWorld, and Mintel for market research reports and industry insights.

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful. Your feedback helps us continue to create valuable content for you.

This week kicks off a special three-part series dedicated to the foundations of branding. Whether you're starting out or refining your brand, this series will provide you with essential insights and practical tips to establish a strong and resonant brand identity. Here’s what we cover:

Introduction

• Launching our three-part series on branding.

• The importance of a strong brand identity for business success.

• Overview of what’s in store for this episode.

Understanding Branding

• Defining branding beyond just logos and taglines.

• The holistic nature of branding: values, mission, visual elements, voice, and customer experience.

• Why a strong brand identity is crucial for standing out in a competitive market.

Elements of a Strong Brand Identity

• Logo Design

• Importance of a memorable and simple logo.

• Practical tips on creating a logo using free online tools.

• Resources like Canva, Hatchful, and Vectr for DIY logo design.

• Colour Scheme

• How colours evoke emotions and influence brand perception.

• Tips for choosing a colour palette that aligns with your brand values.

• Typography

• The role of fonts in reflecting your brand's personality.

• Strategies for selecting and maintaining consistent typography.

• Tone of Voice

• How to define and maintain a consistent brand voice.

• Aligning tone with your brand’s mission and audience expectations.

Working with a Professional Designer

• Steps to create an effective design brief.

• Finding the right designer through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance.

• Tips for ensuring a successful collaboration with a designer.

Contact Us

• Social media: Instagram

• Email: [email protected] 

• Mentioned Links

• Free online tools for logo design: Canva, Hatchful, LogoMakr, DesignEvo, Vectr.

Thank you for joining us as we explore the essentials of branding. Stay tuned for the next episode in our series, where we'll dive deeper into understanding your audience and crafting your brand voice. Until next time, with huge love.

In this special milestone episode, we’re celebrating our 50th podcast episode by revisiting the top five most downloaded episodes that have resonated deeply with you, our listeners. We’ll dive into key insights and practical strategies from each landmark episode to help you continue thriving in your creative business. Here’s what we cover:

Introduction

• Celebrating our 50th podcast episode.
• Heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their continuous support.
• A sneak peek at what’s in store for this special episode.

Confidence with Pricing

• Episode 005: Confidence with Pricing.
• Essential steps to feel confident about pricing your offerings.
• Understanding the crucial difference between price and value.
• Why you should avoid comparing your prices with competitors.
• Aligning your prices with the value you provide.
• Tips for calculating profit and developing a unique pricing strategy.
• Don’t miss our free 20-page pricing guide, available on our website.

Defining Your Path

• Episode 020: Defining Your Path: How to Pursue What You Love Without Being Derailed.
• The importance of aligning your life and work with your true vision.
• Overcoming societal expectations and external opinions that hold you back.
• Steps to create your own destiny and remain adaptable in your journey.
• Why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth.

My Personal Guide to Instagram

• Episode 025: My Personal Guide to Instagram.
• The power of authenticity and vulnerability in your Instagram journey.
• Building meaningful relationships and engaging with your audience.
• Effective strategies for managing Instagram without feeling overwhelmed.
• Tips for content planning and maintaining consistency.
• Integrating Instagram as part of a broader marketing strategy.

How to Achieve Your Goals

• Episode 003: How to Achieve Your Goals.
• The importance of understanding the purpose behind your goals for sustained motivation.
• Breaking down your goals into manageable, actionable steps.
• Why consistency and a growth mindset are key to success.
• The value of seeking support and measuring progress for accountability.

Balancing Creativity with Business

• Episode 001: Balancing Creativity with Business.
• Setting clear goals and staying organized to manage both creativity and business growth.
• The power of collaboration and continuous learning in a creative business.
• Staying true to your artistic vision while achieving business success.
• Inspiring examples from successful brands that balance creativity and business.

Conclusion

• Recap of the top five episodes and their key takeaways.
• Encouragement to revisit these episodes for deeper insights and practical strategies.
• Exciting announcement: We’ve reached the top 3% of global podcasts, thanks to your incredible support.

Contact Us

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

Mentioned Links

• Free 20-page pricing guide available on our website.

• Read the full Show Notes Links on the website.

Thank you for joining us in this milestone celebration. We hope these top episodes continue to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for your creative business. Keep striving, keep thriving, and here’s to many more episodes together. Until next time, with huge love.

P.S. Dont forget to hit the subscribe button If you have not done so already! 

This episode dives deep into the transformative power of breathwork with James Dowler. James shares his journey from enduring chronic fatigue and pain to discovering the life-changing benefits of breathwork.

He explains how breathwork differs from more traditional meditation and how it can actively shift both physiological and psychological states.

From improving oxygen delivery and promoting relaxation to enhancing mental clarity and overall well-being, breathwork offers a myriad of benefits.

A key insight James shares is how practicing breathwork not only moves one into a more relaxed and settled place but also invokes a profound feeling of safety. Neuroscience shows that when we feel safe, it activates the higher brain structures essential for creativity and generative thinking. For many of us with creative businesses, this means that breathwork has the ability to significantly enhance our ability to be more artistic, entrepreneurial, and innovative by fostering a sense of safety and mental calm.

James provides practical tips for seamlessly integrating breathwork into your daily routine, whether it’s to unwind before bed or to kickstart your morning with positivity and reduced stress. 

Don't miss out on the Free Tutorial James has kindly shared, where you can experience first hand the profound benefits of breathwork, and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced, and creatively inspired life...

• Free breathwork session from James' app, available on our Website Journal.

Mentioned Links:

• James Dowler's app, Breathe with James, on the App Store and Google Play.

• The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

• The Healing Power of Breath by Richard Brown and Patricia Gerbarg

I hope you find this episode insightful and helpful.

If you know someone that might benefit from listening to this episode please do forward it on, and if you have a moment please do leave a review on the platform you listen on. It means so much and really helps with future contect. You can also contact Philippa directly through Instagram or email... 

• Instagram: @philippacraddock

• Email: [email protected] 

Episode Link

https://www.philippacraddock.com/podcast-049