The Kate Toon Podcast

When we talk about branding big what does it mean?
Is it about loud colours, gorgeous internet shoots, and overly animated Facebook live videos?
Or is it about embracing who you are, what you stand for and turning up consistently for your audience?

Today on the podcast I’m chatting branding, and how to show up in times of trouble.

How to be your ‘authentic’ self (vomit) and whether perhaps you’re overthinking your brand.

The pod includes fabulous chat with Branding Superstar Suzanne Chadwick - and her top tips for building a brand and finding your own voice.

What does success mean to you?
Is it hitting a financial goal? Achieving an achievement, feeling the love of your customers or something more profound?

And is it ever possible to feel successful?

I discuss my version of success with Stevie Dillon from Steve Says Social.

Let’s talk about money, honey.

It’s one of those things that makes some us feel itchy and nervous.
Lots of us don’t like thinking about how much revenue we’re making (or not making).

But it’s absolutely the most important part of running a successful business.
You can have all the customer love and good vibes in the world.
But make no mistake if you don’t have money in your bank account, then your business is a hobby and not a business.
So today I’ll be sharing my journey from huge debt to relative financial comfort and I’ll be talking to Clare Wood, a money and marketing mentor, to get her advice and tips.

I've launched a lot.
Courses, membership, conferences. 
And I a process slicker than an otters bottom.
I don't get stress, I don't even move an eyebrow or a bum cheek.
I just launch and let the conversion chips fall as they may.

On this pod I talk through my live launch, I share my tips and I chat to launch pros Leanne Woff and Nat Stewart from Business Jump..

Today I’m talking about being popular, which may seem a little trivial in this time of crisis.
But it’s been playing on my mind since I started the podcast.

So I thought I’d dig into it today.
Do you need to be popular to have a successful business?

Do you need to be likeable?

How important is being popular to you? In life, in business?

Most of us will say 'oh no, I don't care' but I'm not sure that's 100% honest.

We all want to be liked.

It's hard for most of us - unless we are abject sociopaths - when people dislike us.

ANd does it help if you’re a teeny bit vanilla so you can appeal to everyone?

If it does, I’m stuffed, I’ve never been one of the popular kids!

Several folk have asked how I'm keeping going during this time. Like you, I'm struggling but I do have certain advantages. I'm talking about them on the podcast today. I was set up for relative success before this began.

And I've got a list of 13 or so tips on how to stay calm and in control.

Do you have a team?

I’ve never been much of a team player, I tried employing someone but I’m just THE WORST BOSS.

In this episode, I share my experience of hiring and firing, and ask: How do you manage a team in this crisis?
I also talk to the lovely Cherie Clonan, from Digital Picnic, about how she’s managing her team and the tough decisions she is having to make.

Are you shopping more or less?

It’s a crazy time for most of us. We’re told to go to the shops once a week max, but then there’s nothing there.We want to support local businesses but also don’t have money coming in.
And if you run a store how are coping? 

Should you be discounting?
Should you be sharing Covid 19 news?
How do you stop the panic and not abandon your brand values and how do you build connection and community with your audience.

We’ll cover all this and more today and I chat with Belinda Austin from 6ft6 wines - who gives her very smart perspective.

Today I get my ranty pants on about the whole pivot thing, who has the energy!? Can't we chill for a bit?

Also is pivoting the answer or should we be making tiny tweaks?

I also phone a friend - Rosie Shilo from Virtually Yours and find out how she's coping and why she's guilt-free about doing naff all.

Today I’m talking about my new normal. And why it’s not really that new, and pretty much normal. And yet feels like a parallel universe.

I also phone a friend - Shannon Morrison from Might Social Word and we natter about how we're coping with our new reality.