Seriously in Business: Brand + Design, Marketing and Business

There are podcast episodes that leave you with a few helpful tips… and then there are episodes that leave you rethinking your whole business (in the best possible way).

My conversation with money mentor, author, and iconic chill-business queen Denise Duffield-Thomas was one of those.

From the importance of personal branding to letting go of unnecessary stress (yes, even ugly cross-stitch projects), Denise shared her honest, hilarious, and refreshingly practical take on what it really means to build a successful, chilled business.

About Denise:
She helps entrepreneurs like you charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives.

Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and her newest Chill and Prosper https://www.denisedt.com/prosper give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.

Her Money Bootcamp https://www.denisedt.com/offer has helped over 8,500 students from all around the world.

She’s a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia.

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EZJ94c3enLU

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep207/

WORK WITH DENISE:

Website: www.denisedt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisedt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisedt

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Feeling a little stuck in the early stages of your business and unsure where to spend those precious pennies? I want to give you a heart-to-heart. Business owner to business owner.

Let's chat if you really need to invest in a good brand (aka. a logo, brand suite, good graphics...) in those early years of business. I'll cover the pros and cons of DIY branding versus hiring a designer, and why your brand clarity can make or break your success. I'll take you through real-life examples and share how getting this right (or wrong) can affect your growth. Plus, I'll let you in on why design isn't just about looking pretty – it's a strategic powerhouse!

If you're ready to accelerate your business growth while saving time and harnessing the power of good design, this episode is just for you. Whether you're a newbie business owner or simply looking for ways to communicate your brilliance more effectively, please join me.

Want support in creating your DIY brand and designs that will speed up your business growth? Check out DIY Design My Biz - my course made just for small business owners: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/join

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/69VJEWP9oOw
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep203/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

If you're struggling to attract and convert clients, your branding might be the problem. The truth is, if your key business graphics aren’t clear, consistent, and strategic, you could be leaking clients without even realising it.

I’m sharing the 3 essential graphic types that will make your brand instantly recognisable, increase engagement, and convert more followers into clients. Stick around until the end, because I’ll reveal the most overlooked graphic that could be costing you sales!

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pPf3Gt6fcdU

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep205/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Ever felt like your life is a series of unchangeable patterns? Or believed that who you are is set in stone? Thankfully... this may not be as true as we get stuck thinking. In this episode, I chat with the incredible Erika Cramer, a Mindset Coach, to chat about what it really takes to become magnetic and create the reality you dream of, without getting stuck in your own way.

You don't want to miss this one, especially if you think you’re not "confident enough" or "magnetic enough." Erika shares her journey of unraveling beliefs that no longer served her and stepping into a future self that's bold and unshakably magnetic. take this as your a permission slip to start designing your own life!

We explore how you can cultivate confidence and magnetism, shifting away from chasing approval and towards attracting opportunities. And my favourite bit (to my surprise): creating your alter-she-go and stepping into that powerful version of yourself now, not later.

We ask the big questions: What energy are you bringing into a room? Are you attracting or repelling what you desire?

This is just a SMALL peek into Erika's new book, "Becoming Magnetic," which is brimming with practical steps to become the powerful version of yourself you’ve always dreamed of. Plus, if you're itching for more support, she talks about her transformative program, Next Level Your Life.

About Erika 

Erika Cramer, known as The Queen of Confidence, is a globally recognised confidence and mindset coach, TEDx speaker and bestselling author. From overcoming a life marked by trauma, foster care and early widowhood, Erika has dedicated her career to empowering women worldwide to step into their confidence and take ownership of their lives. As the award-winning host of The Confidence Chronicles podcast, which has amassed millions of downloads, Erika continues to inspire and guide women to break through limitations and embrace their full potential. Her no-nonsense, compassionate coaching approach equips women with the tools and mindset to stand tall in their authenticity, become magnetic in all areas of life, and lead with confidence. In addition to her coaching, Erika is pursuing a degree in psychotherapy, expanding her expertise to better serve her global audience of confident women ready to make their mark.

PURCHASE BECOMING MAGNETIC BOOK:

Live in AUD now! Drops May 14th 2025 USA pre-order now.

https://thequeenofconfidence.com/becomingmagneticbook/
 

WORK WITH ERIKA:

Join her live coaching program “Next Level Your Life” and receive a special launch offer 

https://thequeenofconfidence.com/levelupyourlife/

The Confidence Chronicles Podcast: https://thequeenofconfidence.com/podcasts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeenofconfidence

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rf9PzE5aSCY

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep204/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of fonts and colours on Canva? Trust me, I get it – designing for your biz can turn into a circus if you're not careful. 🎪 That's why in this episode, we're diving into how a minimalist mindset can transform your design chaos into strategic simplicity! 

I’m sharing five things to cut back on and five things to focus more time on to make your DIY designs not only easier on the eyes but quicker to create (and actually help to GROW your business)! From streamlining your Insta game to embracing the magic of white space, it’s all about getting that big bang for your buck in both time and impact. 

🔥 Want branding to feel easier AND more effective? Join my free masterclass: ‘Design Tools to Get to $100k+ Online in 2025.’ 

Inside, I’ll walk you through: 

✅ The templates you need to save time. 

✅ How to create high-converting graphics that grow your business. 

✅ Smart design hacks to eliminate overwhelm. 

Save your seat: www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/69VJEWP9oOw

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep203/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Feel like Canva is stealing your work hours? You’re not alone. But designing your graphics doesn’t have to be an endless time-suck. In this episode, I’m breaking down three simple Canva hacks to help you create better designs, faster.

We’re talking:

• A Brand Kit setup that means no more hunting for fonts and colors every time you start a design.

• Strategic folders so you can actually find what you’ve already made.

• How to keep your designs consistent without second-guessing everything.
 

And if you’re on Canva Free? I’ve got a sneaky little workaround to make your life easier.

Because honestly, your time is better spent growing your business (or, let’s be real, doing literally anything else) than getting stuck in Canva.

PS. If you want even more time-saving tricks and templates that actually work, grab my free masterclass. It’s got everything you need to make your graphics work for you—without the Canva overwhelm. Join here: www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass
 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/svoBfDbzqIg

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep202/

Try Canva Pro: https://partner.canva.com/whitedeer

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Let’s be real—word-of-mouth is great… until it’s not. Ever had that moment of panic wondering, “Where is my next client actually coming from?!” 😬 If you’ve been riding the referral train but know you need a more predictable way to grow, this episode is for you!

Today, I’m joined by my biz bestie Hazal Ozturk from Hey Hazal, and we’re unpacking the marketing shifts that help you stop waiting on word-of-mouth and start attracting dream clients consistently. No more crossing your fingers and hoping someone remembers to recommend you—this is about setting up a system that actually works.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why relying on referrals alone keeps your business stuck
• The biggest marketing mistakes keeping you in the hustle trap
• How to create a marketing plan that actually fits YOUR business (without feeling overwhelming)
• Messaging tweaks that make your dream clients say “Omg, I need this!”
• Why done is better than perfect when it comes to showing up online
   

This chat is part one of our two-part series! Be sure to catch part two over on Hazal’s Self-Makers podcast, where we flip the script and dive into branding beyond word-of-mouth. Because marketing without a solid brand? That’s like a cake without frosting… and we don’t do dry cake around here.
 

PS. If you want to get serious about scaling your business without relying on referrals, Hazal has an upcoming masterclass that’s a must-attend. She’s breaking down exactly how to build a sustainable marketing system that leads to $20K+ months—without the constant hustle. Join here: https://heyhazal.com/marketing-pipeline-for-predictable-20k-months-masterclass
 

THEN, join me for my free masterclass: Design Tools to Get to $100k+ Online in 2025. The Masterclass to Create High-Converting Canva Graphics in Less Time—Minus the Overwhelm. FREE SPOT: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/designmasterclass

WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0k-vSWciV-g

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep201/

About Hazal:

Hazal is a corporate marketer of 10 years turned marketing and business coach for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to scale to multi 6-figures and beyond using her Self, Strategy, Systems framework.

She founded her coaching company, Hey Hazal which has helped her clients book out their business, have their highest cash months and years, leave their 9-5 and most importantly, create an thriving, easeful and authentic online business. She is also the creator and host of the top charting podcast, The Self-Makers Podcast.
 

FIND HAZAL:

Free Masterclass - Your Marketing Pipeline For Predictable $20k Months: https://heyhazal.com/marketing-pipeline-for-predictable-20k-months-masterclass

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.hazal/

Website: https://heyhazal.com/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Cue the confetti because we’ve hit 200 episodes of Seriously in Business! From launching as Design Hacks for DIYers to evolving into Seriously in Business, this podcast has been an incredible journey. Today, I’m celebrating with some of the most inspiring women in business—who have shaped my journey and are now here to support yours.

This special episode, I’m joined by Ellie Swift, Erika Cramer, Sarah Greener, Cat Dunn, and Julie Parker as they dive into: 

✔️ Biggest business challenges—from navigating motherhood to overcoming health setbacks 

✔️ Branding breakthroughs—decisions that doubled their business success 

✔️ Avoiding shiny object syndrome—how to stay focused and create lasting impact 

✔️ Scaling with purpose—using branding and strategy to stand out and grow

This episode is packed with real stories, and practical tips to help you elevate your brand, refine your strategy, and build a business that truly works for you.

ABOUT OUR INCREDIBLE GUESTS:
 

JULIE PARKER

Founder of The Beautiful You Coaching Academy, Julie is a mentor, counsellor, and breathwork facilitator with over two decades of experience. She has trained thousands of life coaches, authored award-winning books, and spoken for brands like Apple and Telstra.
 

Website: www.juliesuzanneparker.com 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/julesyparker 

Beautiful You Coaching Academy: www.beautifulyoucoachingacademy.com
 

ERIKA CRAMER

Known as The Queen of Confidence, Erika is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of The Confidence Chronicles podcast with millions of downloads. She empowers women to step into confidence and own their lives. 
 

Grab her book: https://thequeenofconfidence.com/becomingmagneticbook/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeenofconfidence
 

CAT DUNN

Award-winning Online Business Manager (OBM), Cat helps coaches and creatives streamline and scale. She also mentors Virtual Assistants stepping into OBM roles and leads The OBM Motley Crew community. 
 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catlouisedunn

Website - https://catlouisedunn.com

Upcoming Event: Life After I Left Melbourne - Feb 2025 - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-tickets-1100255667319
 

ELLIE SWIFT

7-figure Business Coach & Mastermind Mentor, Ellie helps coaches, creatives, and consultants scale with ease. Featured in Success Magazine, Thrive Global, and more, she’s built a thriving business with her Scalable Freedom Method®️ 
 

Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/

Podcast: http://ellieswift.com/podcast/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliehswift
 

SARAH GREENER

Sarah coaches women and mums to build sustainable, burnout-free businesses. With experience running multiple businesses while balancing family life, she now teaches others how to reframe, systemize, and scale their success. 
 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgreenercoach/

Website: https://themoxiemovement.com/

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WATCH, READ & CONNECT

Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jacquinaunton

Read the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep200

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Your graphics aren't just pretty pictures; they're the MVPs of your sales team! In this episode of Seriously In Business, I'm breaking down 3 game-changing design strategies to make your Instagram posts profitable. Trust me, you don't wanna miss out—otherwise, you'll be stuck spinning your wheels while others are racing ahead.

In this episode, we're diving into:

Making Your Designs Easy to Consume: Discover how easy-to-read, strategic designs can captivate your audience and turn them into customers. (Carousels may just become your new best friend!

Carousel Conversion Formula: Learn my proven formula for Instagram carousels that guides your audience from curiosity to conversion. Yep, it's that organized!

The Power of Shareable Content: Want your posts to reach more eyeballs? Make them shareable! I'll share tips on how to do this effectively.

Plus, stick around till the end to find out how you can get live access and support from me on your Instagram posts. If you're tired of your brand looking chaotic and craving some strategic, professional magic, this episode is your golden ticket.

Let's make your brand not just look good, but work good. Tune in now!
 

Tutorial on adding links on Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIf1lLOuM_U

Want to try ManyChat to automate your IG comments to easily share links? https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/1n4c2tt4t99a

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gX5CGCPF43g 

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep199/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

In this episode, I'm diving into some foolproof design hacks and tricks to ensure your Instagram posts not only grab attention but also inspire action. And guess what? Stick around till the end to hear all about my best-performing content from 2024. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

We're continuing our bold branding series for 2025, and I've got some golden nuggets for you! Bold branding doesn’t mean bright colours; it means strategic design that stands out in a crowded space. And now, in part 2, I'm focusing on two essential elements your designs need: simplicity and ease.

I'll share why overdesigning your posts is a no-go and how a little bit of texture or a gradient can go a long way. Plus, I'll introduce you to the concept of hierarchy, a powerful tool to make your designs both simple and captivating.

Think large text grabbing attention and a clean, readable format that doesn’t overwhelm your audience. And oh, the importance of good contrast to ensure everyone, no matter the screen settings, can easily read your posts.
 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bMRHBRUTNy8

Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep198/

WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio