Buyer journeys, client personas, marketing strategies, content plans. Courses, programs, training, webinars. Free events, paid events, irresistible offers. Buy-it-now. Email funnels. Reels, stories, groups, pages. Do you feel tired just reading these terms? You are not alone. I don’t know if it was ‘the Great Pause’ which caused it (a great description that someone in my network used this week), but people are definitely more clued up now on smelling rats. Nobody has any time anymore for sales-y bull sh*t. So stop feeding your followers with typical marketing stuff. We are all tired. But what we do crave, is deep connection with like-minded souls who we can trust. How can you build more trust and create real connections?
Author Archives: The Creative Business Coach
Set intentions, follow your intuition and nurture your creativity this year
Each January we are told to become a better version of ourselves this year, with overly ambitious resolutions and the obligatory positive attitude. New year, new you! Oh, the pressure. Let’s just ease into 2022, shall we? I mean… we are entering the third year of craziness and ongoing measures surrounding a pandemic. I think it is safe to say we are all a little apprehensive of whatever is coming next. Right? Here are some of the things I recommend you do instead of setting yourself goals that are only making the stress levels go up.
I don’t teach marketing; I switch light bulbs on in your head
This time last year I had just started my new coaching business. And hey, I am pretty proud of my achievements so far! But while I first thought my coaching was going to be just about marketing, I have realised that clients are coming to me for something very different. They seek a fellow creative buddy, who helps them organise all the ideas in their head, make a game plan, and holds them accountable. You see, working with me means fully investing in yourself, your self development and uncovering the awesome creative person you are. Nevermind business, let’s meet the real you and your big why.
Why most web copy does not convert and what you can do about it
What is your web copy like? Are you proud of it? Does it work hard for you and bring you clients? Or has it been on your list of things to do for a while, and are you feeling embarrassed to share your website with anyone? Writing web copy is not something that comes easy to everyone, mainly because we tend to overthink it, and get the tone of voice wrong. But also, because not everyone knows that there are a few simple tricks to create web copy that reads better and converts well. Today I am sharing something you could try to improve your own web copy.
How to get your business noticed by sharing your human side
“Stop lying to yourself, Nina!”, my coach told me on our weekly call. I was a bit taken aback by her comment, as it hit a nerve. I usually feel quite confident and in control, and I am not often critisised like that. But I knew exactly what she meant, and I deserved it. I was lying to myself, and I needed to start speaking my truth. What my coach was saying to me, was this:”Show me more of the real you, not the person who you think you should be.” And even though this was something I knew already, and in fact, is something I teach my own clients, I knew I was guilty of hiding myself behind a veneer of something I believed my audience wanted to hear and see. I always thought I was a pretty confident human being. What was
Is what you sell still giving you joy? How letting go can help you grow.
I had two powerful client calls earlier this week, with creatives who I am coaching/mentoring for 3 months just now. It is funny how often you see the same patterns occurring in these calls with clients, despite their businesses being very different (one is a visual artist, the other a graphic designer). This Monday both calls were around fear, and how to overcome this to grow a sustainable business, and to follow your real purpose. In those blog post I will share the story of one of my clients, who is a visual artist, and what happened to her when she had a eureka moment.
Celebrating one year of The Creative Business Coach!
I always tell my clients to celebrate their wins, because they are important milestones in our journey to success. And today it is my turn to celebrate something fabulous: The Creative Business Coach is ONE! One year ago I decided to launch my new venture to support creative entrepreneurs in their business, and it has been a blast! A lot has happened in just one year, and I am so grateful for all my followers, clients – and my family, who have been very supportive. What has been happening over the past twelve months, and what have I got planned for you next?
Case Study: helping a lawyer launch a quirky events business
Emily, in California, contacted me in September this year. A dream client; someone who is still stuck in the world of full-time work (she is a lawyer), but with her inner creativity eager to burst out, she was yearning to launch a quirky business of her own: Sweet Orange Adventures. A small business, based around a bright orange 1970s VW camper van, which Emily wants to offer as the perfect backdrop of unique events on the Californian beach. And Emily had a head full of ideas, but had no clue where to start. And she was very scared. She came to me for help, and this is what we did…
Why cookie-cutter style business coaching is not helpful for creatives
I am an artist at heart. Not even just at heart, I am an artist in my bones! Still, for most of my adult life, I have been supporting other artists and creatives as a marketing expert. I was a marketing manager and consultant for arts centres for years, and produced a zillion press releases, brochures, web texts and other material to shout about their fabulous offers, build their reputation, and up their sales. And now I am a business coach for creatives and small businesses. No, I am not a traditional business coach. I do not offer a cookie-cutter style program to support you in your business. So what makes me suitable for this work, then?
You’re a fraud! No, you’re a fraud! Fighting the impostor syndrome
I know nothing. What do I have to offer? I am not as good as any of the others. Look at them, and how well they are doing, I see their posts constantly. Not like me, struggling to make it all work. Here I am, staring out of the window of my office again, a deep sigh. Not knowing what to do next, even though I have jobs to finish. Am I even cut out for this running-your-own-business stuff? Maybe I should get a job. I’ll probably fail at this anyway, so I may as well. They’ll find out soon enough that I’m no good at this, and I don’t actually know what I’m doing. I’m a fraud, really. Does this sound familiar?