The Create & Thrive Podcast

With only weeks to go until Christmas and the New Year it is important that you set yourself some time for a break from your handmade business.

I know the idea of shutting down strikes fear into the heart of many handmade business owners… but honestly? Taking a real break from your business can often be THE BEST thing you can possibly do. Both for you, and for the future of your business.

Whether you take a day to yourself, or have a big holiday planned, there are some things to think about in advance to ensure that you are prepared and have the confidence in taking a break that you can really enjoy.

In this episode I share some practical tips that will take the stress out of your holiday, and give you a step-by-step plan that tells you how to get everything you need to do done.

I’d love to hear about your holiday-taking experiences in the comments below, too! When’s the last time you took a proper break from your business? How did it go? And do you have any tips for your fellow makers on this process?

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* ‘If you work yourself too hard, you will end up resenting your business’. {Jess}

* Take the fear out of taking a break from your business.

* Saving enough money and making sure you have more than you need.

* Work harder before your break so you can enjoy it.

* ‘Your life is more than just your business’. {Jess}

* Write an action plan ahead of time.

* ‘It’s all about communication, communication, communication’. {Jess}

* Preparing your regular customers.

* Announce clearly and announce early.

* Set up email responders and vacation notices.

* Keeping visible during your break.

* Have a set date to re-open.

* ‘Re-spark the fire that drives you’. {Jess}

* Taking a break is powerful for the future of your business.

Download/Listen to this Episode

http://createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/35_How_To_Take_a_Break_from_Your_Handmade_Business.mp3

 

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

 

Rie Natalenko is a teacher, writer and textile artist.

She has penned a book titled ‘Share Your Skills – An Ultimate Guide to Running an Art or Craft Workshop.

If you need the confidence to start teaching creative workshops or you would like to enhance your existing skills, then this episode is for you!

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Rie Natalenko is a Doctor of Creative Arts with Masters in Education and Teacher Training.

* She has written the book ‘Share Your Skills – The Ultimate Guide to Running an Art or Craft Workshop‘.

* Top 5 tips for running a creative workshop.

* Preparing for a workshop using the 90/10 method.

* ‘An expert does not make a teacher’. {Jess}

* Limiting the content by teaching the must knows.

* ‘Train like a train’. {Rie}

* Keeping on track.

* Recognise that adults learn differently to children.

* The importance of showing your passion.

* Planning your day to keep energy levels high.

* A great workshop can create positive word of mouth and future students.

* You can find Rie at her website or Facebook.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

http://createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/34_Rie_Natalenko_on_How_to_Run_Outstanding_Craft_Workshops.mp3

 

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Win one of 3 Digital Copies of Rie’s Book!

Would you like to win a digital copy of Rie’s exhaustive guide to running awesome art/craft workshops? 

Rie is generously giving away 3 copies of her book to Create & Thrive Podcast listeners. And yes – this is open internationally!

Entry closes next Wednesday, 5pm AEST. Winners will be announced in next week’s podcast post.

Once you enter below, you’ll get a special ‘lucky link’ – and buttons to share the giveaway on twitter, facebook, and pinterest.

“Why would I share the giveaway”, I hear you ask, “wouldn’t that reduce my chances of winning?”

Nope!

Because for every person you refer who enters the giveaway… you also get an additional entry! 

[contestfriend contest=”9074″]

 

Rie Natalenko is a teacher, writer and textile artist.

She has penned a book titled ‘Share Your Skills – An Ultimate Guide to Running an Art or Craft Workshop.

If you need the confidence to start teaching creative workshops or you would like to enhance your existing skills, then this episode is for you!

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Rie Natalenko is a Doctor of Creative Arts with Masters in Education and Teacher Training.

* She has written the book ‘Share Your Skills – The Ultimate Guide to Running an Art or Craft Workshop‘.

* Top 5 tips for running a creative workshop.

* Preparing for a workshop using the 90/10 method.

* ‘An expert does not make a teacher’. {Jess}

* Limiting the content by teaching the must knows.

* ‘Train like a train’. {Rie}

* Keeping on track.

* Recognise that adults learn differently to children.

* The importance of showing your passion.

* Planning your day to keep energy levels high.

* A great workshop can create positive word of mouth and future students.

* You can find Rie at her website or Facebook.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

http://createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/34_Rie_Natalenko_on_How_to_Run_Outstanding_Craft_Workshops.mp3

 

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Win one of 3 Digital Copies of Rie’s Book!

Would you like to win a digital copy of Rie’s exhaustive guide to running awesome art/craft workshops? 

Rie is generously giving away 3 copies of her book to Create & Thrive Podcast listeners. And yes – this is open internationally!

Entry closes next Wednesday, 5pm AEST. Winners will be announced in next week’s podcast post.

Once you enter below, you’ll get a special ‘lucky link’ – and buttons to share the giveaway on twitter, facebook, and pinterest.

“Why would I share the giveaway”, I hear you ask, “wouldn’t that reduce my chances of winning?”

Nope!

Because for every person you refer who enters the giveaway… you also get an additional entry! 

[contestfriend contest=”9074″]

This past weekend, I spent three days offline and on retreat – specifically, at a restorative yoga retreat. Or, as Nick likes to call it – ‘laying around on pillows’.

Why? Because I have learnt – the hard way – the necessity of self-care and relaxation in order to be my best self – and do my best work.

In this episode, I share 5 techniques I personally use to reduce my stress – to bring my body down from the ledge of fight/flight/freeze.

Chronic stress has become an epidemic – and I have no doubt that you have suffered – or are suffering – from it right now.

The techniques I share in this episode are all practical, proven ways to enact the relaxation response in your body, and therefore improve both your physical and mental health. To make you more calm, more in control, more mindful, and less anxious.

I hope you walk away from this episode with at least one new way to reduce your stress to help you to be happier and healthier every day!

 

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* What happens in your body when you are stressed versus relaxed?

* How you think about stress changes how it affects you.

* If you can see it as your body preparing to respond to a challenge = courage (TED talk – Kelly McGonagal).

* 4/8 breathing technique to elicit the relaxation response.

* Meditation – counting the breaths from 1-10 helps you to learn how to remove yourself from the flow of your thoughts – and therefore not get caught up in them.

* Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

* Gratitude helps you rewire your brain to focus on the positives, and therefore be happier.

* Positive Psychology – Martin Seligman.

* The yoga nidra recording I use – on Spotify.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

This past weekend, I spent three days offline and on retreat – specifically, at a restorative yoga retreat. Or, as Nick likes to call it – ‘laying around on pillows’.

Why? Because I have learnt – the hard way – the necessity of self-care and relaxation in order to be my best self – and do my best work.

In this episode, I share 5 techniques I personally use to reduce my stress – to bring my body down from the ledge of fight/flight/freeze.

Chronic stress has become an epidemic – and I have no doubt that you have suffered – or are suffering – from it right now.

The techniques I share in this episode are all practical, proven ways to enact the relaxation response in your body, and therefore improve both your physical and mental health. To make you more calm, more in control, more mindful, and less anxious.

I hope you walk away from this episode with at least one new way to reduce your stress to help you to be happier and healthier every day!

 

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* What happens in your body when you are stressed versus relaxed?

* How you think about stress changes how it affects you.

* If you can see it as your body preparing to respond to a challenge = courage (TED talk – Kelly McGonagal).

* 4/8 breathing technique to elicit the relaxation response.

* Meditation – counting the breaths from 1-10 helps you to learn how to remove yourself from the flow of your thoughts – and therefore not get caught up in them.

* Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

* Gratitude helps you rewire your brain to focus on the positives, and therefore be happier.

* Positive Psychology – Martin Seligman.

* The yoga nidra recording I use – on Spotify.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

If you’re in business selling your handmade goods… where and how are you selling them?

Are you selling online? Via markets? Consignment? Wholesale?

Is what you’re doing now working for you?

All businesses go through an evolution, and the way you sell your work is often a vital part of the puzzle that will make or break your business.

In this episode, I discuss whether you should be diversifying or consolidating your sales venues. And why.

The answer differs depending on the stage you are at in your business – not to mention your personality, product, business model, and your customer.

I also share my own journey through this very same process. I’ve tried it all – selling online in tons of venues; selling at markets; selling via ‘rental’ spaces in shops; consignment; wholesale…

I discuss why these days I only sell online, and only via a very small selection of venues.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* There are pros and cons to both approaches.

* When you’re starting out, you need to try as many different sales venues as possible.

* Try online, retail, markets.

* You need to discover what avenue of selling suits your personality, your products, your business model, and your customer, best.

* As you grow your business, you need to get more focussed.

* Find the channel that works best for you and focus on that.

* Become an expert, and work out how to work that venue to its full advantage.

* I discovered that selling online works best for me, my personality, lifestyle, location, product and business model, and my customers.

* You may thrive selling via wholesale – or focusing on markets and shows.

* As you become established, you no longer have the time to experiment with so many sales venues and avenues – drill down to the very few that really work for you – but don’t ever put all your eggs in one basket – because if you rely on one avenue of sales, and that disappears, so does your business.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

If you’re in business selling your handmade goods… where and how are you selling them?

Are you selling online? Via markets? Consignment? Wholesale?

Is what you’re doing now working for you?

All businesses go through an evolution, and the way you sell your work is often a vital part of the puzzle that will make or break your business.

In this episode, I discuss whether you should be diversifying or consolidating your sales venues. And why.

The answer differs depending on the stage you are at in your business – not to mention your personality, product, business model, and your customer.

I also share my own journey through this very same process. I’ve tried it all – selling online in tons of venues; selling at markets; selling via ‘rental’ spaces in shops; consignment; wholesale…

I discuss why these days I only sell online, and only via a very small selection of venues.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* There are pros and cons to both approaches.

* When you’re starting out, you need to try as many different sales venues as possible.

* Try online, retail, markets.

* You need to discover what avenue of selling suits your personality, your products, your business model, and your customer, best.

* As you grow your business, you need to get more focussed.

* Find the channel that works best for you and focus on that.

* Become an expert, and work out how to work that venue to its full advantage.

* I discovered that selling online works best for me, my personality, lifestyle, location, product and business model, and my customers.

* You may thrive selling via wholesale – or focusing on markets and shows.

* As you become established, you no longer have the time to experiment with so many sales venues and avenues – drill down to the very few that really work for you – but don’t ever put all your eggs in one basket – because if you rely on one avenue of sales, and that disappears, so does your business.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

The hardest part of running a business is starting it.

It takes courage to put your work (and yourself) out there and say: this is who I am, and this is what I’ve created!

You know what they say about courage, right?

Courageous people aren’t without fear – they feel the fear, but they do the scary thing anyway.

You might find yourself looking at me, or anyone else who’s been running a creative business for a while – who has attained some modicum of ‘success’ – and you may think ‘sure, it’s easy for you to put your work and yourself out there – you know you’re going to kill it!’.

The truth is far different. Every single one of us feels fear and uncertainty – no matter what stage we’re at in our business and creative journey. Yes, it might lessen somewhat, once you’ve had a number of wins (and plenty of losses, let me assure you!) but that self-doubt never goes away totally.

I think that’s what keeps us real – what keeps us honest, and driven, and vital.

And that’s what today’s podcast is all about.

I sit down to chat with my friend, colleague, and all-around awesome lady Kirsten Devitt of Each To Own about her business and creative journey – about creativity and courage – about fear and self-doubt. We delve deep into the murk of our minds, and we touch on some profound truths about creativity and fear.

Oh, and we laugh a lot, too. My gal K is one funny lady!

If you’ve ever thought ‘my work isn’t good enough’ – or, even ‘I’m not ready or good enough’ – this episode is for you.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* As creative entrepreneurs we all have face that nagging worry of ‘are we good enough’ and ‘can I do this??’.

* Sharing your work, and in essence yourself, with the world is is terrifying.

* Don’t feel that you can’t open your shop because it isn’t perfect.

* Share it with the world, and revise along the way.

* ‘You’ve got to be brave enough to just put things out there.’ – Kirsten

* You’ll make mistakes along the way, it’s part of the process.

* There will be times you graduate to the ‘next level’ of success.  Celebrate those moments!

* Also, celebrate those around you.  Don’t expect anything back.  Just be nice, give someone the opportunity to savour some positive feedback.

* Take the time to show customers you care.  Handwritten notes will go a long way.

* Take the time to create personal connections with customers.

* Ignore the pressure social media puts on you to create and cull the perfect life.

* ‘Don’t compare your inside, to someone else’s outside.’ – Jess

* Be genuine in your social media interactions.  People can tell if you aren’t be authentic.

* Displaying your life and brand as totally without flaws will not allow for people to feel connected to you.

* Strive to stay positive in your social media presence.  Without being phoney, create a nice pleasant environment for fans and customers.

* Don’t be afraid to ask people for help when you need it!

* “It’s nice to be important, but its important to be nice!” – Kirsten

* To see more of Kirsten’s amazing work visit her

The hardest part of running a business is starting it.

It takes courage to put your work (and yourself) out there and say: this is who I am, and this is what I’ve created!

You know what they say about courage, right?

Courageous people aren’t without fear – they feel the fear, but they do the scary thing anyway.

You might find yourself looking at me, or anyone else who’s been running a creative business for a while – who has attained some modicum of ‘success’ – and you may think ‘sure, it’s easy for you to put your work and yourself out there – you know you’re going to kill it!’.

The truth is far different. Every single one of us feels fear and uncertainty – no matter what stage we’re at in our business and creative journey. Yes, it might lessen somewhat, once you’ve had a number of wins (and plenty of losses, let me assure you!) but that self-doubt never goes away totally.

I think that’s what keeps us real – what keeps us honest, and driven, and vital.

And that’s what today’s podcast is all about.

I sit down to chat with my friend, colleague, and all-around awesome lady Kirsten Devitt of Each To Own about her business and creative journey – about creativity and courage – about fear and self-doubt. We delve deep into the murk of our minds, and we touch on some profound truths about creativity and fear.

Oh, and we laugh a lot, too. My gal K is one funny lady!

If you’ve ever thought ‘my work isn’t good enough’ – or, even ‘I’m not ready or good enough’ – this episode is for you.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* As creative entrepreneurs we all have face that nagging worry of ‘are we good enough’ and ‘can I do this??’.

* Sharing your work, and in essence yourself, with the world is is terrifying.

* Don’t feel that you can’t open your shop because it isn’t perfect.

* Share it with the world, and revise along the way.

* ‘You’ve got to be brave enough to just put things out there.’ – Kirsten

* You’ll make mistakes along the way, it’s part of the process.

* There will be times you graduate to the ‘next level’ of success.  Celebrate those moments!

* Also, celebrate those around you.  Don’t expect anything back.  Just be nice, give someone the opportunity to savour some positive feedback.

* Take the time to show customers you care.  Handwritten notes will go a long way.

* Take the time to create personal connections with customers.

* Ignore the pressure social media puts on you to create and cull the perfect life.

* ‘Don’t compare your inside, to someone else’s outside.’ – Jess

* Be genuine in your social media interactions.  People can tell if you aren’t be authentic.

* Displaying your life and brand as totally without flaws will not allow for people to feel connected to you.

* Strive to stay positive in your social media presence.  Without being phoney, create a nice pleasant environment for fans and customers.

* Don’t be afraid to ask people for help when you need it!

* “It’s nice to be important, but its important to be nice!” – Kirsten

* To see more of Kirsten’s amazing work visit her website or

We all have the same amount of time in a day.  The hard part is managing that time.

In this Podcast I go over five tried and true time management hacks.  If you implement these into your life, you will find you are getting MORE done in less time, and with more calm and focus.

I use all 5 of these hacks on a regular basis to get my work done efficiently and effectively – and therefore do better quality work in less time – which is a win-win situation, for sure!

This podcast is actually a little peek inside one of the workshops I offer in the Thriver Circle – How to be More Productive by Managing your Time, Energy, and Focus. What I share here today is less than a quarter of what I share in the full workshop, but it’s a powerful hit of information that – if you implement it! – will see your focus improve and your work flow.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* It is scientifically proven that multitasking DOES NOT WORK.

* Your brain can not process two tasks simultaneously.

* Instead it very rapidly jumps from one task to the other.  That transition period slows you down.

* You will actually get LESS done if you are multitasking,

* The better approach is single-tasking.  Turn everything else off, and focus on the singular task at hand!

* Don’t check emails as they pop up throughout the day.  Process them instead, and then move onto the next task.

* The Pomodoro Technique works with the scientific findings that after 90 minutes your brain’s focusing ability is tapped out.

* After that period, you must reset your brain.  Grab a drink.  Go for a walk.  Stretch.  Play a video game.  Play with your cat!

* Split your time between focused work, and then rest.  During the work, do nothing but work!

* You can download an app to time your focused sessions.

* When you know there’s an end coming, it allows you to be highly focused.

* Chunking your tasks is another effective approach.

* Create blocks of time for similar tasks.

* You can chunk by the day or by the week.

* Maybe your mornings are dedicated to creating, your early afternoon is for processing emails, your late afternoon is for marketing.

* Or you can dedicate Tuesday and Thursdays to making, Fridays to marketing, Mondays to business.  What works for you!

* This approach allows your brain to really dive deep into the task at hand.

* The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has suggested the matrix technique.

* This method has you put all tasks into four categories, ‘Urgent, Important’ ‘Urgent, Not Important’ ‘Not Urgent, Important’ ‘Not Urgent, Not Important.

* A great tool for prioritizing!  Keep in mind, it’s the Not Urgent, But Important’ category that often gets overlooked.

* And lastly, but not least there is the two minute rule.

* From