The Create & Thrive Podcast

The Create & Thrive Podcast

By Jess Van DenBusinessEntrepreneurship
Download on the App Store

The Create & Thrive Podcast episodes

  • [147] The Circle of Control {Member Exclusive}

     

    Hey Thriver,

    Welcome to this month’s member-exclusive episode.

    In it, I’m getting a little philosophical with you.

    I want to introduce you to the concept of the Circle of Control (also known as the Sphere of Control).

    The diagram below gives you a basic idea.

     

     

    In this episode I outline what the 3 circles are, and how spending too much time in the wrong ones can lead to overwhelm, exhaustion, and even… giving up.

    I reference a past workshop in this episode: How to Challenge Negative Self-Talk and a Lack of Confidence. This is available in the Thriver Circle right now – as is this full podcast episode.

    If you’ve ever felt worried or stressed by things that are actually outside of your control (hint: that’s pretty much everything you’ve ever worried or stressed about) then this episode is for you.

     

    Join the Circle Now and access this member-exclusive podcast episode.

    Listen to the episode intro:

     

    4 min
  • [146] Set up Good Systems with Marina Darlow

     

    I’ve got an epic interview for you this week!

    My guest – Marina Darlow – is a systems expert & productivity geek.

    An engineer by training, she helps impact-driven entrepreneurs to get 10-20 more productive hours a week, stop leaking money, and prevent stress-fuel breakdowns.

    In this episode we discuss why systems matter, how they can help you become more creative, and outline a number of examples specific to makers.

     

     

     

    Highlights and quotes from this episode:
    • Business systems are there to support you so when unexpected things happen your business does not fall apart.
    • “Good systems are what allows most people the space to create without other things infringing on it” {Marina}
    • Systems create clear boundaries in your work processes and allow you to divert your energy to important tasks with a greater focus.
    • Jess recommends the book Getting Things Done by David Allen.
    • Establish how you work best and build systems to protect and support this creative time.
    • Schedule your creative blocks for when you are most productive and have the most energy and consider this on a daily, weekly and monthly scale.
    • Marina recommends the book Deep Work by Cal Newport.
    • The energy required to switch between tasks can be significant. Schedule the time for this transition into your systems.
    • Utilise the power of ritual to start and finish work and manage transitions. This can be something very small such as packing your tools away or getting a cup of tea.
    • “Systems make you more resilient” {Marina}
    • Utilise systems to manage your time through calendars and reminders.
    • Establish systems around money to remove anxiety. Establish systems for payments, custom orders, invoicing and budgets. And make sure you check in on these regularly!
    • “You can actually find joy, excitement and motivation in tracking your money” {Jess}
    • Streamline your communications with systems to manage your materials, suppliers, marketing and team.
    • Communication templates are an invaluable system that saves time, energy and money.
    • “Have meetings with yourself and assess the elements of your business – if you never stop and do that you can never make progress on improving your systems and processes of business” {Jess}
    • Jess recommends the book The Story of Telling by Bernadette Jiwa.
    • Start setting up your systems with one small step. Avoid getting overwhelmed by focusing on the next small task, complete it, celebrate, and repeat the process.
    • If you are stuck on which system to start first, visit Marina’s website for her tips and take her free mini-course.
    • Loved this episode? Keep an ear out for Marina’s upcoming podcast Systems Meet Humanity which features me as a guest.

      •  

       

      57 min
    • [145] Erin Dollar of Cotton & Flax

       

      My guest today is the inspirational Erin Dollar.

      Erin is a textile and surface pattern designer who specialises in minimalist designs with an eco-friendly focus.

      She creates boldly patterned home decor for Cotton & Flax, which she founded in 2012.

      In this episode, we have an in-depth chat about her business journey, her thoughts on social media, time management, business direction, and much more.

      BONUS: Erin is going to be joining me and the Thriver Circle community for a live chat on Tuesday the 24th of April at 10am, AEST (the time in Brisbane, Australia). If you’d like to join us for that, make sure you’re a member of the Circle, and look for the event in the Circle FB group.

       

       

       

      Love the show? You can show your support by:
      • Leaving a review on the C&T FB page.
      • Leaving a review on iTunes.
      • Donating a few dollars towards the costs of producing the pod.
      • Joining the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

        •  

         

        Quotes and Highlights in this episode:
        • The focus of Erin’s business has evolved over the years.
        • “There is something really interesting in looking at the micro-level of your business and making a plan to shift and pivot to follow what is successful.” {Erin}
        • Moving into design allows for artworks to become more accessible at a lower price point and can open up avenue for collaboration.
        • Your business focus will ebb and flow over the years with periods of higher and lower creativity.
        • “It’s okay to have seasons of fluctuation.” {Jess}
        • As your business grows moderation is important to avoid burnout.
        • Setting clear boundaries and maintaining a work/life balance create a sustainable business.
        • “Build some boundaries into your workflow where you can early in the process.” {Erin}
        • Social media can be a powerful business tool but be wary of comparing yourself to others.
        • Create authentic connections and build a community for the long haul.
        • “Your website and your mailing list are the two tools you can really control.” {Jess}
        • “Don’t rush. There is going to be time for all the amazing things you want to put out into the world.” {Erin}

          •  

           

           

          50 min
        • [144] The Power of Pinterest [Member-Exclusive]

           

          This month, to fit in with the Thriver Circle project (#PinterestChallenge), I’ve done an episode on the power of Pinterest.

          In it, I outline why Pinterest is an excellent choice of marketing tool – especially for handmade business – and share some stats for how much it is growing, and the reach it has.

          My goal was to inspire you to dive into the world of Pinterest, and see what impact it can have on your business.

          If you aren’t a big fan of social media – THIS is your best choice for getting traffic to your website, without having to share much of your personal life or self online.

           

          >>Become a member of the Thriver Circle and listen to the full episode right now.<<

           

          You can listen to the episode intro below:

           

          P.S. There is also a detailed video workshop on how to to use Pinterest to market your handmade biz in the Circle – available immediately to members upon joining!

           

           

           

           

          3 min
        • [143] Growing a Jewellery Design Business with Priyanka Kedia of AYVA

           

          Today’s story is of a woman who has come full circle.

          Priyanka hails from a family of jewellers in Mumbai, but calls San Francisco home.

          After working in a corporate career, a certain life event made her realise how meaningful jewellery can be… and started her on a journey of creating her own jewellery design business.

          Her brand, AYVA, is now stocked in stores all over the USA, and today she shares her story of becoming an entrepreneur and a designer – and all the ups and downs along the way.

           

           

           

           

           

          Quotes and highlights from this episode:
          • It takes time to find the right match for your business when outsourcing product manufacturing.
          • “The most difficult part of the process is finding the right place and you have to trust that they will do as good a job as you will do yourself.” {Priyanka}
          • Priyanka took a year to research and plan for her business but in the end she just had to launch.
          • “You have to throw perfection out the door when you are an entrepreneur.” {Priyanka}
          • Trade shows can be a good place to make connections with potential wholesalers.
          • Be confident, persistent and resilient when sourcing wholesalers. Rejections will happen.
          • “Jewellery is not necessarily just an accessory. It’s such an important object – it holds life’s best memories.” {Priyanka}
          • Work life balance may happen over weeks rather than days.
          • Priyanka is able to work with her teams overseas once her children have gone to bed.
          • Your business goals will shift and change as your business grows.
          • “You have set goals, but you’ve got to be flexible with them as well.” {Jess}

            •  

             

            35 min

          About The Create & Thrive Podcast

          From the publisher's feed

          Learn how to turn your creative hobby into a thriving business with Jess Van Den

          More shows like The Create & Thrive Podcast

          The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

          The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

          8,527 Listeners