By Krystle Linton
The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.
This one goes out to all the mums and anyone else out there feeling guilty about doing the things they want to do or building the things they want to build.
This has been a HUGE hurdle for me to overcome in the past few years.
I have always been maternal - even as a kid I'd envision myself as a mum, and this followed through into my twenties until finally, I actually became one.
But I had created this 'ideal Krystle' mum who would be the very BEST mother and be so completely fulfilled with motherhood, that she wouldn't need anything else in my life to keep her contented.
Ermmm.... you can imagine how this goes down right?
Just because I became a mother, the Krystle who had been me for my whole life didn't vanish...
I began subconsciously feeling guilty about wanting things that weren't directly involved in nurturing my child. What I had perceived to be this awful truth, this selfish 'truth' about myself, I projected onto the people around me. All of a sudden I felt judged by my own mum and husband because I wasn't living up to this 'ideal Krystle' mum that I was meant to be (but it was all in my head!).
If you've ever felt guilt surrounding your ambitions - then listen up, because I've got some first-hand experience with these nasty thoughts that are helping NOBODY!
01.25: Whether you feel like you can't work on something as a direct cost to a relationship or you feel as though theirs a limited capacity to doing both - there's a way out.
04.12: Holding yourself accountable to a perceived reality you made up years before? You're not the only one.
08.08: Chipping away at the layers of your own expectations and the what 'advice' others bring to the table...
12.07: Are you self sabotaging?
14.05: Is it actually an opinion or is it your perceived opinion - and how to distinguish the truth from an illusion.
17.13: Give yourself time, grace and space to think about this as my challenge to you!
20.03: Your yearning or want won't just go away...so let's find a way to include it in your life.
24.37: Do you feel like you're being supported? And if not...then as difficult as it is to come to terms with; maybe it's you!
31.30: Are you quick to jump on the defence? Me too! My poor mother-in-law...
So my last question to you is, how much do you respect your own internal decisions and trust that you're making the correct path for yourself? If that is minimal then you’re gonna be pulled left and right like a rag doll because there will always be someone out there that thinks differently.
Sit with it and make peace with it, and realise you’re on your own path to figure out what’s best for you.
I love hearing from you! So let me know how this episode resonated with you!
Krystle x
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I found myself tinkering around, cleaning and doing everything BUT what I had mapped out for the day.
When you're running a business, it's not exactly the brightest idea to put off an urgent task because you don't feel up to it (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned consistency once or twice before ☺️).
I have a master list of podcast ideas, but for some reason, none of them felt right!
So I did what I always do - stared into the eyes of the beast as I walked into it.
I wanted to honour my self-integrity (and YOU who listen in) and record my weekly podcast.
I wrote a list of everything that I needed to do and slowly began making my way through it because, at the end of the day, I was just prolonging something that needed to be done.
More often than not there's an underlying cause as to why we're procrastinating.
Do we fear what others will say? Should we even do it? "Maybe I'm not ready... I don't have all the answers".... "this could be way better"...
We make up excuse after excuse as to how and why we should avoid it...but why are we holding ourselves back with this resistance?
For me, it was feeling like "this could be way better"...
But we all know perfectionism is just a survival strategy for avoiding criticism yeah?
When I cast away the nagging voice of procrastination...I realised that there was only one way to go from here - Create a podcast about it! Because it is a common struggle amongst us humans and it will have an impact on our businesses if we don't learn how to overcome it.
So here we go!
00.18: I think it’s safe to say that I’m always striving to be on top of my game, but when sneaky procrastination strikes, my shiny cutlery won’t exactly be the selling point of my business…will it?
02.08: Put down the cutlery! Getting down to why on earth I’m polishing cutlery when I’m meant to be creating a podcast.
03.45: On a scale of 0 -10 there’s really only zero or ten. It’s either going to get done or not, and let’s face it…its gotta get done!
05.23: The waves go on even if you don't. So let’s get you clear on why you’ve been procrastinating so you can get back up on that surf.
07.03: Focus on getting it done, not making it perfect!
08.37: Recognizing your fear of doing it.
12.25: Your Zone of Genius is what you’re good at, and what makes you thrive! So you’ve stepped outside of your Zone of Genius and things are getting pretty heavy - because that isn’t your space!
15.22: This is how you beat that procrastination! Get out your pen and paper.
16.21: What’s happening outside of my Zone of Genius? I get someone else to deal with it…get your time and motivation back.
17.29: Do you find yourself ping-ponging between tasks? Perfectionism and procrastination go hand in hand…so listen up because it’s time to let go.
19.16: 80% of results that you gain, comes from 20% of the work that you’ve put in. We’re spending way too much time on menial tasks.
The font colour on the website is not the most important decision here!
20.54: There’s nothing like procrastination to keep you procrastinating so it’s very worthwhile to have a brain dump!
Krystle x
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Okay, so if you haven't yet had to deal with an unhappy and potentially demanding customer than it's either one of two things:
1. You're a genius, so spill!
2. You haven't yet sold many things.
3. You're sacrificing yourself endlessly in order to please your customers.
Customers are the crux of our business and without them, we wouldn't have one (obviously!). In saying that though, some complaints/demands are over the top, and if you're bending over backwards in order to prevent one bad review, then I've got some tough love coming your way today.
I've got 3 juicy stories to share that involve crossing a desert, a girls night ruined and learning to put my big girl pants on!
I'm sharing exactly how I move forward with compassion and come to a solution without getting too emotionally attached (is this emotional attachment becoming a theme here? I think it may be....)
Our initial instinct is to go over and above because we see our business as our baby and we want to please everyone that shows an interest in it/us... However, as I've said before, we must teach others how to treat us and if you are trying to please everyone, you'll likely end up pleasing no one (or eventually everyone but yourself!!).
YOU are your businesses finest asset - let's make sure we don't forget that.
01.02: If I received a customer complaint three years ago…I would be a total wreck! Just because I’ve been around the business block a few times, it’s still something I need to deal with.
02.47: Have a raging customer or two? Customer service goes both ways. Their response is totally out of your control. No-one is really the bad guy, not you nor the customer (most times). You’re just stuck in a service battle and you gotta realize that you’re the leader!
07.31: “Customers are always right.” Heard that one? Well, I’m coining a new phrase “Customers are always right....only in their response or feelings”. Sometimes we can forget that they’re real humans - especially if you're completely online. So it’s your job to put the emotions aside and move towards a solution without losing your self-respect.
11.13: Grumpy them or grumpy you! How much you need to allow your customers to dictate your policies, products and services…let’s make sure you’re not putting everything on the line just to please them.
14.03: The story of that one time I ruined, Girls Night. “Lady I’m sorry I ruined a girls night that I didn’t even know I was invited to!” (She didn’t get her pattern in time). Pretty certain that wasn't my fault.
Long story short, I defused the bomb. Here’s how…
19.51: The second story includes some Wool Roving travelling through deserts, past no man's land and perhaps took a little too long to reach my customer. There was a rapid escalation and a rapid (de-escalation?). Another issue resolved, and a little incentive thrown in.
25.41: Are you at fault? It’s cool…I’ve been there a few times myself. Although we don’t want to give them a whole arm, the customers are your business. These are some ways to avoid negative reviews.
27.19: And for the last story, well, I was asked for a refund on a digital product that was bought and downloaded. Um…definitely not! Why you should never refund on willy-nilly’s!
29.18: Don’t be scared about the effect that one person can have on your business…BUT… if you’re constantly getting complaints, they’re sending you a message and here’s how you can grow from being bashed down.
30.13: My rules of a ‘Made To Order’ product - We get super upfront about every detail the customer needs to know beforehand and how to avoid loss of revenue and long hours lost.
33.41: You’re one of two types of people. A bender over-er or a hard-arse. How to get you in between that sandwich.
We all need to learn how to throw a bucket on the flames before our entire business goes up in smoke - and still keep our heads held high!
Krystle x
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This has been a long awaited podcast... I gather it's because you're feeling extremely nervous about either a) having your work copied, or b) copying someone else's...
This is as grey as a grey area can be!
If you're banging out some pretty trendy macrame pieces, then it's probably going to look super similar to someone else's. There's only so many knots and types of cord we can use, right? There is a point when everything starts to blend in and become part of this "general pool" of macrame.
Today we chat about the emotional attachment behind copying/being copied, and what's the best route for you in order not to get in over your head with the fear of being copied or accidentally copying someone else. The key thing to remember is, that if you're working from your own creativity, it's yours!
Let's get into the juicy details.
1.56: Someones copying your work, and rightfully so, it’s pissing you off. It happens in every industry, and it’s not leaving anytime soon, so let's try to get past the looming emotional attachment!
02.47: Laws, rules and regulations on novel pieces (without all the confusing legalese), and how it is automatically applied as soon as you’ve created it. Yippee!
06.06: The social media grey space and how the temptation to copy is stronger in the handmade society because of it.
08.31: I often try and avoid telling you all that I got lucky with the timing of my business (I think its because it discounts the solid hard work I have put in over the years), but here’s how to keep on exploring your creativity without the outside influence.
09.33: Scared you’re going to be judged on a piece you’re 99.9% sure you haven’t copied?… don't worry!
11.48: There’s a massive difference between copying and something being similar. I’ve touch on it on the interview with Janis from Unfettered Co.
14.03: Put down the phone Susan!!! The less time you spend looking at others, the more you have time for experimenting.
15.22: If something is super unique, like Janis’s boobs…no one could copy it because it just wouldn’t work!
16.30: I know you don’t copy, because you’re committed to creating a business, but if you’re inclined, then why? Let's get you away from that icky self-doubt.
17.22: Fearful of being copied? Just adopt the “Back off, it’s mine,” attitude. Let’s scream it from the rooftops (not at them) but to make your audience know it’s yours through these methods…
23.57: Are you copying? It’s okay when you’re experimenting and learning, but girl…. don't sell it as your own.
26.24 Adulting! Giving them the benefit of the doubt and how to handle it through negotiation.
31.64: Worried about the competition on Insta? Here’s a little challenge…
We are probably all going to have our pieces copied at some point...there's a shop on Etsy at the moment that is selling my designs! But (sigh) I don't make them anymore!
Hopefully this has cleared the fog somewhat - Keep an ear out for the episode about the all the super legal stuff!
For now, go forth and create!
Krystle x
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I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.
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So you're ready to start (or grow) your handmade business! Yay!
One of the first questions that pop into your head is "How can I actually sell this stuff?"
There are two ways. Either offline or online. That simple?...not exactly. I've broken this podcast up into two sections and today I'm talking about offline methods. You can catch all the info re the online methods in the podcast next week!
So here it is! 3 ways in which to make your sales offline.
01.16: Shoutouts for the reviews on iTunes! Come have a look and see if you’re up there.
03.05: You’re just starting out your business, and you need those sales! We’re going to look at the different ways in which you can get your stuff out there and how it fits into your plan.
04.30: I sound like a broken record…Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone, it’s where dreams go to die.
05.14: Let's talk about the Facebook Marketplace. It's a great place to start, but not a great place to stay, and here’s why.
08.26: Introducing the three best offline methods.
08.49: One: Markets…it’s a popular choice for sure, a great way to meet people, but the cons are…
12.04: “I’m just starting out, I don’t need to get all crazy about hourly rates and sums, Krystle!!!” Ahhhh yes you do!
14.43: Summarizing the Market as an offline method.
15.44: Two: Wholesale…get back to that math! It can be a calculating situation.
17.22: Downsides of wholesale.
20.00: Three: Consignment - Giving your work for free (for a period of time), but get some great exposure in return.
21.45: Here are some tips if you’re relying on consignment as an income.
24.35: Gut instincts! Warning signs that they’ll take your product and leave you with nothing.
25.58: Don’t sell to friends and families! It’s not sustainable and is very tricky to navigate! Listen to my Making Happy Money podcast on why.
27.37: Freebie alert! Let's get free stuff!
Don't forget to tune in for next weeks podcast! I highly suggest you weigh the pros and cons of both and see which one best suits you.
In the meantime, happy making!
Krystle x
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I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
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Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect, ask questions and continue the conversation.
PS You're so great!
Everything is running smoothly. You have a systematic schedule and finally you’re walking with the strut of a successful businesswoman or man (even if only from the computer to the fridge)...and then...you run into a wall that you could swear wasn't there a second ago.
So what is this "proverbial wall"? I envision it as one giant wall that everyone hits at some point in their lives, and then most likely over and over again because...well...we're only human I guess and we can be slow learners, especially when the learning requires going inward. The wall doesn’t move until you learn the lesson it was intended to teach you... and if I’m honest I’ve seen glimpses of this wall for a long time coming.
Here are some individuals who have bared witness to this great wall.
________________________________________________________________
"Something that stops you dead in your tracks, a block of some kind."
"It is seeing the finish line while yet unable to attain to it, even if the ways and means seem attainable."
"That place where you think you can go no further, either through exhaustion or loss of perseverance. I.e. on a 10-mile run and you get to mile 8 and can't go any further; you've hit a wall."
_________________________________________________________________
Let's have a conversation. I'm pretty certain I rammed right through that wall, because who has the time to climb it right?
00.20: Come and have a seat in my hammock! Just you, me and Kombucha! I know you don’t just listen to my podcasts to hear my voice (if you do then that’s okay too) but I’ve got some serious insights that you can take away from my momentary face-plant to wall kind of week.
01.50: I’d become a workaholic! (I say this in the past tense because I’m making a conscious effort to change that). I was stressed through the roof and you know what...it doesn’t only affect me but those around me too.
03.00: It’s time to identify with yourself! Workaholism isn’t a badge of honour if it’s ALL THAT YOU DO!
06.45: You don’t have to work all the time just because you can! It might just be counterintuitive.
07.28: Ignoring myself and my needs. Negative self-talk and laughing at not being able to stand by what I’ve told you in the Grace, Joy and Harmony episode.
09.49: I cried! And then reflected. Some ways to help you step back and listen to that inner voice that’s really far down, super deep, the one you’re locking in a dark room and willing to stay quiet, but actually need to hear.
11.33: Does this sound like your process?
Do more things to have what you want to have to become the person you want to be.
Let’s flip it!
Be who you want to be, to have what you want to have in order to do what you want to do.
13.23: 3 Years back and a newbie to the handmade business Krystle, would have some grand words to say to (fast forward to 2019) Krystle because she always kept her driving force in mind.
13.54: Eliminating the notion that time is your limitation.
16.14: There is a reason you’re doing what you’re doing, and that purpose is impossible to keep in mind when you’re jam-packing your days.
18.34: Here’s the major life lesson I needed to learn and getting on the other side by digging deeper and reconnecting with myself. And a little a Vava-Voom idea for my business that sprung up from it.
22.20: Here’s your challenge! Let's get rid of the fear and I’ll personally be liable for you taking a little bit of time today for some self-reflection.
28.24: The interesting paradox of life. We actually have all control and no control.
29.14: Need to switch off? Binaural beats are boosting my productivity.
I really hope that sharing my experiences are somewhat helpful for you. See you next week!
(The new) Krystle X
Quick links
Grace, Joy and Harmony Episode number 7
The Jim Fortin Podcast
Binaural Beats
Subscribe & Review
Would you like weekly updates to your inbox? Click here to subscribe
I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Connect
Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect, ask questions and continue the conversation.
The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.