Seriously in Business: Brand + Design, Marketing and Business

When we're in those early stages of business (and throughout and whole business to be honest) there are TWO graphics I think are non-negotiables.Two graphics that we must have sorted to give us a professional, consistent and easeful business.1. A style guide: This is a guide to your style. Not only does it lay out your colours, and your fonts but also your brand elements... are you going to have collage style graphics? Or are you going to have minimal designs and colours? Or maybe watercolour and glitter! There is so much more to your brand than just the fonts or colours and the more we have this nailed the more recognisable and brand will be AND the easier it will be to vreate graphics for.2. Social media templates: Social media has got to be one of the things business owners dread the most. They don't know what to post or what things should look like... and this usually stops them from posting at all (or far less regularly than they should!). So, creating a set of social media templates that are already designed to match your brand can be a game changer! Now all you have to do is tweak some of the text or replace an image and you can put up a new post in minutes!Once you nail these two things in your biz design becomes a lot less daunting and maybe even enjoyable! If you'd like help with this I'd like to invite you to the Brand Slam on Thursday the 7th of April 2022. This is a 1-day online workshop to help you to create both your style guide and social media templates in a day full of inspiration, support and encouragement.BUY YOUR TICKET HERE: www.diydesignmybiz.com/brandslam

Writing a Sales Page can be SUCH a daunting task! Sales pages are those long form web pages that we use to sell something - most often, an online course or program.But there are SO many things to know...How do you know what to write?How long should it be?What do I need to focus on?All. The. Things! In this podcast ep copywriting genius, Nami, gives us some incredible insights! Including uncovering some of the biggest mistakes she sees entrepreneurs making in their sales pages.Listen now to get your sales pages actually SELLING!PS. Keen to join in on the Brand Slam on April 7th!? You're invited to join us in this 1-day online workshop to ace your brand style guide and smash your social templates so you feel confident in your brand to win dream clients. BUY YOUR TICKET HERE: diydesignmybiz.com/brandslam ABOUT NAMI:Nami Clarke helps course creators, coaches and consultants shake imposter syndrome and take their launch sales from beige to badass.The creative refined her magic toolkit of copywriting, sales, and content strategy while running a photography studio for 10 years in one of Melbourne’s fancy postcodes. What surprised Nami more than the fact that she made use of her Arts degree was realising she could support so many other business owners who dreamed of ditching the 9-5 grind to launch their own business too. Today she works with private clients worldwide, while her online course, Course Launch Confidence, is due for release in April this year.Along with the results she helps clients achieve in their businesses, Nami's written work has been published by Mamamia, Elephant Journal, Huffington Post, and more... but nobody likes a bragger. She lives in Bendigo, Australia. Connect with Nami:namiclarke.cominstagram.com/namiclark

Have you ever thought about designing your social media posts, or your business logo but felt overwhelmed and given up before you started?Or maybe you've created a design but you just can't bring yourself to post it anywhere coz you know it's not perfect...Or are you just too scared to even login to the Canva account you created 6 months ago and attempt to make something?Mindset can play a huge role in how well we can create graphics for our businesses - or if we even start!In this podcast episode I want to help you to get out of your own way in your journey to being able to create graphics that not only look amazing but create momentum and success for your business!We chat about:- What's hindering your creativity- How confidence impacts your skills- The myth of perfectionism- and allowing yourself space to create (and not copy)

The existence of my whole business is targeted at one thing - helping biz owners create their own graphics, posts and logos.But WHY should a business owner actually do it? Actually, get onto Canva and make their own graphics over hiring a designer?I firmly believe there's a place for both BUT in today's podcast episode I want to share with you my FIVE favourite reasons to know how to make your own incredible biz graphics.1. Gives you the control2. Can create any time3. Your graphics reflect you4. Can change in the future if needed5. Saves money and ongoing costsWant to learn more about creating your own *GOOD* biz graphics? Here are a ton of free resources to get you started: https://www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Selling can often feel kinda awkward and yuck... BUT one of the best ways I know of to sell authentically is to share stories.As humans we are so pulled to stories. They pull us in, make us feel things and often guide us to discover something new.And so to learn how to tell stories in our business can actually be a really powerful and natural way to sell.And it's NOT just in using your brand story - but almost ANY story can be used to somehow educate, entertain and connect with our audience.In this podcast episode I chat to storytelling expert, Sarah Beisel on how we can use stories in our business. We chat about where you can use stories and how they can be so powerful! As well as some tips to get you started on your storytelling journey! BIO:Sarah is a Copywriter and Storytelling Coach to Christian Entrepreneurs. She focuses on helping her clients promote themselves in a way that feels natural. Sarah teaches authentic marketing through storytelling in her program, the Authentic Storytelling Academy. Get started with her free story prompts at sarahbeisel.com/starthere Links:instagram.com/sarah.beiselfacebook.com/groups/authenticchristianentrepreneurssarahbeisel.com/starthere

Creating graphics for our business isn't about making "pretty things". Design is actually all about COMMUNICATION. Communicating our message.Communicating why people should work with us.Communicating how to take action.Communicating our value.Communicating how professional we are. And in this episode I want to talk to you about one of the biggest problems I'm seeing in graphics that business owners are DIYing.Graphics that they're making for their business but aren't quite hitting the mark - that aren't COMMUNICATING.It's quite a simple change but it makes a HUGE impact.Tune in to find out what it is and how you can make your own graphics stand out and COMMUNICATE!

I see people that look like me EVERYWHERE. In clothing shops, models, ads, in business, as mums... everywhere I look I feel like I'm a part of the conversation.. I'm included.. that I belong.But for so many other in our country (and the world) they don't see themselves represented. They don't see their skin colour or ethnicity shown.They don't see themselves in ads,or in the jobs they dream of,or on stages,or running successful businesses.And so in today's podcast episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Annie Gichuru. Annie is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach and she shares how we as business owners, can take steps to helping the world to be a more inclusive and beautiful place.A place where people of all colours are represented, included and seen.I know you're just going to LOVE this episode. Let it inspire you to action.ABOUT ANNIE:Annie is the founder of Uplifting Studios, a platform dedicated to supporting online business owners to build culturally & racially diverse, inclusive and equitable businesses.Annie has become a leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) coach & consultant for online entrepreneurs. Annie’s grace, gentle spirit and passion for a racially equitable world is setting her apart in the coaching and personal development industry as a compassionate educator with an incredible space holding ability.Jump into Annie's world via her instagram: instagram.com/upliftingstudiostv/REPRESENTED Course:https://www.upliftingstudios.com.au/represented

Wanna know what it's like to have your business transformed by YOU with the help of a designer? Then this episode is gonna be your cup of tea! Join me as I chat with 2 incredible small busienss owners, Nic Everist and Marie Vakakis. Nic and Marie just finished my coaching program, The Co+Creation Club where they worked on their own business graphics in Canva - but with my help. As a result they created incredible, professional brands while also having support to know that what they were creating was actually looking great, communicating with their audience AND saving them time, energy and stress! Marie and Nic designed social media posts, logos, podcast covers, flyers and SO MUCH MORE during their time in the club and boy did they SMASH IT. Enjoy hearing from these legends as they let you in on their experience and the transformation they achieved. JOIN THE CLUB! https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/clubDoors close Monday 21st Feb 2022. ABOUT NIC:Nic Everist is a visual artist and creative mentor working out of her studio in Geelong, Australia. Endlessly inspired by her travels and explorations, Nic loves to visit new places, discover new landscapes and delve into the stories behind them. Whether that be the story of the places she is visiting, or the connection or intrinsic stories that develop through these explorations. Nic also runs a 4 month Mentoring program and The Full Time Artist Podcast where she helps other amazing creative humans build their own unique, soul led, thriving creative careers. You can find Nic on instagram at @nic_everist_art or @nic_everist_mentoring Check out her work over at niceverist.com or join the community of amazing creative humans building their own thriving careers at The Full Time Artist facebook group and listening to The Full Time Artist Podcast. ABOUT MARIE:Marie Vakakis is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist, presenter, podcaster, and trainer. Her focus is on supporting adults to have better relationships with the teens and young adults in their lives. Marie facilitates programs for parents and carers in a safe, supportive environment in which she teaches skills to help build emotional intelligence and promote positive relationships between caregivers and young people. Through the delivery of innovative and engaging training workshops, clinical supervision groups and a successful podcast, Marie also equips mental health professionals to work confidently with young people. She is committed to improving mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention and early intervention in the field of mental health. You can find marie on Instagram: @marievakakis and @thetherapyhubcounsellingOr online at thetherapyhub.com.au

When someone works with your business as a solopreneur they work with YOU!It's so essential that your business not only looks great - but resonates with you.WHY?For 2 reasons:1. That your audience can get a real idea of what it's like to work with YOU. You are unique, the way you work is unique - let your brand channel that.2. So that YOU feel connected to your business. If you're trying to hide who you are and be somebody else in your brand you'll feel distant and aloof - line up who you are with your business and you'll find it so much more fulfilling!!This episode is a sneak peek of Day 1 in the Seriously in Business Free Challenge - a 3 day experience for business owners to start looking serious in their businesses!! This round is run on Feb 7-9 2022. It's not too late to join! Join the Seriously in Business Challenge 2.0 here:https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/SeriouslyChallenge

Have you ever thought "Hmm, I probably shouldn't really be using Canva for my graphics... it's not that professional".Sure, it doesn't do as much fancy things as Photoshop or cost as much as the Adobe Suite but friends - I use Canva for 95% of my own designs!! (AND my clients who run million dollar businesses).So, the clincher isn't Canva itself... it's something else.In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers I give the goss on why it's not Canva that's the real culprit (the THREE things actually).I talk to how these mistakes are hindering your success:1. Not having a brand strategy2. Not knowing how to communicate your message3. Not being in the know around good designLINKS:Website: www.whitedeer.com.auInstagram: www.instagram.com/whitedeergdHelpful Resources (Free): www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesThe Co+Creation Club Waitlist: www.diydesignmybiz.com/club

Most small business owners cringe at the idea of calling themselves a "CEO"... but should we really shrink away from the term so fast?In this podcast episode I interview Ellie, my business coach and client, on how thinking like a CEO is a non-negotiable for every business owner. Ellie is a mindset and marketing coach that has created MASSIVE results for her clients (including me!). We chat about the game-changing ways that CEO mindset can have on a business.Because let's be honest, we don't FEEL like showing up for our businesses every day. But sometimes we just have to do what we know is best for our business. Do what's best for driving it towards our goals. Best for growing it in the way that we dream of. Best for creating strong and sustainable income. And to do that, sometimes we've just gotta put on our CEO hat and GET. THINGS. DONE!Learn how you can put your CEO hat on and let it transform your biz from the inside out!Ellie and I also chat about the the skills she's seen over and over again in her clients that grow to have successful businesses, and how you can cultivate these things in your own business.Buckle up for an incredible episode!ABOUT ELLIE:Ellie Swift is a Mindset & Marketing Coach for high-performing women who are ready to build heart-driven, intentional and abundant online businesses.Using her signature Swift Marketing Method, Ellie helps service-based business owners connect with their customers, shine online, and create life-changing results (for both themselves & their clients).Ellie spent a decade working in marketing in London, Sydney, and Perth, achieving her goal of Head of Marketing Strategy by the age of 28 before making the transition into her business. She has built a million dollar business in 3 years and has supported her clients as they’ve created six and multi-five figure launches, tripled their income and completely transformed their businesses (and lives!) through both mindset and marketing.Ellie’s mission is to support soul-led women to experience the lives they dream of through entrepreneurship.ELLIE'S LINKSJoin the free challenge: https://www.ellieswift.com/thepowerquarterWebsite: https://www.ellieswift.com/Podcast: Shine Online with Ellie Swift: http://ellieswift.com/podcast/Instagram: @elliehswift

Let's pull back the curtain a little. This Friday hubby and I are celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary. And as a little nod to that I thought what better episode to share with you than an interview and discussion with my lovely husband himself!Join us in this episode as we discuss:What it's really like to be married while running a small business each and parenting a toddlerThe uncertainty and financial instability of working for ourselvesHow we split up time between working, life and parentingAnd so much more! I hope you love this little peek into my life and marriage.LINKS:The Brand Upgrade: The coaching experience designed to upgrade your visual brand to match the new levels, pivots and experiences your business is going to offer.Purchase here: www.whitedeer.com.au/thebrandupgradeWebsite: www.whitedeer.com.auInstagram: www.instagram.com/whitedeergdHelpful Resources (Free): www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesThe Co+Creation Club Waitlist: www.diydesignmybiz.com/clubToph's website: https://livingitlive.com.au

If making graphics for your business feels hard right now... you're not the only one.But I want to let you know: Design does NOT have to feel hard.You don't have to feel overwhelmed when you know it's time to upload a post onto Instagram.You don't have to put off creating the slides for your presentation next week.You don't have to get stressed at the idea of making a flyer or business card.In this episode I want to share with you 3 different things you need to implement to get creating beautiful and EASEFUL designs.It doesn't happen by accident, but it can happen for you.LINKS:Website: www.whitedeer.com.auInstagram: www.instagram.com/whitedeergdHelpful Resources (Free): www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesThe Co+Creation Club Waitlist: www.diydesignmybiz.com/club

Want to know a sure-fire way stand out?Create your own league.Creating a business that is in its own league means you’re no longer treading water trying to keep up with your competitors, but you’re doing your own unique thing. One that no one can compete with because it’s YOU.The wonderful Sofia Bernadi joined me on this weeks podcast to discuss how signature frameworks and personal branding can give your business the edge it needs to call in just the right people.If you don’t have a point of difference and are just copying businesses around you, you’ll always be one step behind them.ABOUT SOFIA:Voted as one of the top 30 coaches to look out for in 2021 by the New York City Journal, Sofia Rose Bernardi is a Mindset & Business Coach helping new and rising coaches master their mindset, create an aligned and profitable strategy & grow a 6 figure business using The Rising Coach Method.Sofia has built a multi six-figure business at the age of 24, and credits her journey to the discovery of the power of the mind and the process she journeyed in her late teens and early 20s of overcoming her own personal trauma to recognise her greatness and potential. Sofia now helps people cultivate confidence through the power of mindset, and scale to $10k+ months in their businesses.LINKS TO SOFIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiarosebernardi/Website: http://sofiarosebernardi.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/risingcoachesPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2LpKL2G0TMT5jq16Lg8CZs

It's almost the new year! And what could be a better way to finish 2021 and start 2022 than with a collection of Nana's Nuggets!?If you watch my Instagram Stories you'll know that each day I share a screenshot of a message my nana, Shirley, has sent me with a pearl of wisdom for the day.So, in this episode I read out a couple of good ones to inspire you - short, sharp and powerful!Plus, I experiment with some sound effects... Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!Enjoy, and let these nuggets spur you on! Happy 2022!LINKS:Website: www.whitedeer.com.auInstagram: www.instagram.com/whitedeergdHelpful Resources (Free): www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Grace Howes. Business Mindset Coach and all-round-legend!Grace and I chat about some of the mindset block and hurdles we as business owners can face - and some steps we can take to move beyond them into deeper success and joy.We cover:• How we can learn to trust ourselves• Becoming self-aware and learning what our triggers are• How to stop getting in our own way• Things we can do to end comparisonGuest Bio Grace Howes is a Business Mindset Coach who helps soul-conscious women do their inner work to ditch the self-doubt so they can show up in their full power and create big external results in business.https://www.kgracehowes.com/https://www.instagram.com/kgracehowes/

50 Episodes! A baby, a group coaching program and some incredible interviews later and here we are... at episode 50!In this episode I wanted to celebrate with you (and THANK YOU). I'll be sharing the 5 things I've done that have been PIVOTAL to my success. I can guarantee each of these things has resulted in my business taking huge leaps - and even if I took away one of them, my biz would be in a different place than what it is today.I hope you learn so much from this episode and hopefully, if you implement these things sooner than I did your biz will grow even quicker!I cover how I:Learnt skills: podcasts, observing others, coursesGot support: coachingLeaned into who I uniquely amBuilt relationships: committed to different containers and experiencesGot visible: showing up and having a brand I'm proud ofPlus, I have a VERY exciting offer. To celebrate 50 episodes I'm re-opening doors to DIY Design My Biz or 50 hours only! Doors are open from Tuesday 14th Dec until 8am Thursday 16th. PLUS PLUS!! If you enrol in this window I will gift you a bonus 1:1 coaching call with me! Join now: www.diydesignmybiz.com

In business, we can't afford to not use our time well. We can't afford to waste time doing things that:1. Won't move our business forward2. Take us longer than they shouldAnd that's what this episode is about. I've taken a snippet from my workshop Supercharge Sales in Your First Year of Business + Beyond and am sharing with you how you can make sure that the graphics you ARE making ARE communicating!There's no point creating ANYTHING that's not going to stand out and communicate your value with your audience.Doors are also currently open for 2 more days to DIY Design My Biz - my online program designed to teach business owners how they can create their own standout brand and graphics!Enrol here: www.diydesignmybiz.com

It's a non-negotiable. If you want to *easily* create graphics for your business that not only look amazing, but stand out to your audience, communicate your value and reflect YOU - then you need to first create a moodboard. A moodboard is a collection of images that stem from research that can inspire you as you create your brand and graphics. It helps you to go beyond "that looks pretty" to "I KNOW what kind of graphic I need to make, and it's going to *work* to support my business". You see, once we have a moodboard we have a direction. We're no longer feeling around in the dark trying to work out what our next graphic will look like! We're instead feeling confident of the style of our business and how that translates into what our business looks like. In this episode I chat you through how business-changing a moodboard can be, as well as how to create a moodboard that reflects YOUR business and what to do once you've got a moodboard (and how you can practically apply it to your biz). If you want to learn more about creating a business that supports you, join me Friday the 3rd of December 2021 for a free online workshop: Supercharge Sales in Your First Year of Business and Beyond. Register here: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/register

So many of us running our own businesses love it. But we love it so much that it's often all we do. And when we're not working - we're doing all the errands, house jobs and planning. But I want to share with you something that I've done since I first started my business. Something I don't always WANT to do, but know I need to do if I want a sustainable, lasting and enjoyable business. This is quite a personal episode... I don't often share about my faith but I really believe this principle can be so helpful to all biz owners (and humans), not just Christians. It's the idea of "Sabbath" - one day a week where we STOP. From everything. And we just BE. I think we so often believe the lie that our worth lies in what we DO. How much we work, what we earn, what we own, what we can achieve... but what's left of us when we stop and just exist? When we stop trying to earn our place on this planet and just enjoy our present moment without striving or comparing or wanting something different to what we already have and who we already are. Once a week I take a day where I completely stop. Every single week. No matter what's happening - in the middle of a launch, or when life is ridiculously busy. Any time. And I choose NOT to do chores, to not do errands, to not consume social media, to not do work. And instead, I write myself an a la carte menu of things that I love and I do those! I read, journal, walk, eat delicious food, relax with family... anything that energises me! This day is one I look forward to every single week. It's often the highlight of my week. BUT it has to be a choice. It's HARD to stop. It's the opposite of what I naturally do.It's hard to get all the chores done before my day off. It's hard to trust that I'll be okay even if I don't hustle. But gee it's worth it. If what I want to do in my life can't be achieved in 6 days, then I'm doing too much. So, I'd love to challenge you - what might a "sabbath" look like for you? Are you willing to risk stopping? To let your worth be found outside of what you DO? Try is one day. Then try it again. And then again. And let it become a rhythm of your life. I also want to acknowledge that in our current, unjust and unfair world that this might not be possible for everyone. There is an element of privilege that comes with being able to rest. I firmly believe this SHOULD be for everyone, and could be... if we as humanity chose to really care for one another. But, if you, my friend are not in a place where stopping is possible - I pray you can find rest and rejuvenation in the little moments. You deserve it too.

Being the “expert” in our field is a RIDICULOUSLY daunting phrase. Yet, in business, we’re told so often to claim this word for ourselves.In this podcast episode, I chat with Rachel Kurzyp on what being an “expert” really looks like NOW. And it’s NOT studying for 10 years, practicing for 20 years, and wearing a tweed blazer that does it.Being the expert can be a simple as combining your unique passions together. As being one step ahead in the journey than your client.Let’s learn to claim our unique expertise and share with the world how we can help them.Rachel and I also cover 3 simple ways to claim your expertise:Knowing your leadership styleTalk about your results and how you support your clients (in a different way than everyone else is doing!)Share content that connects with your audience (even things that aren’t “business-related”!) Connect with Rachel:Instagram: @rachel_kurzypWebsite: rachelkurzyp.com.auPodcast: rachelkurzyp.com.au/the-rachel-kurzyp-show/

What does it take to carry a brand from just starting out to 7 figures? Well, SO many things... But one of them? A killer brand and graphics. Erika at The Queen of Confidence has been a client of mine for almost 3 years, and while I no longer take on 1:1 done-for-you clients Erika and I wanted to share with you how design has impacted her business. The Co+Creation Club has its doors open RIGHT NOW until the 15th of November 2021 (unless sold out prior - only THREE spots are currently left). The C+C Club is an intimate, 6 week group coaching experience crafted to catapult your business to the next level in professionalism, authenticity and growth through supported self design. Join now: www.diydesignmybiz.com/club Connect with Erika:Instagram: @thequeenofconfidenceWebsite: thequeenofconfidence.com

Let's find out your unique flavour! If you don’t know your vibe you’ll feel constantly unsure about your brand. Second-guessing yourself all the time.And the worst bit? Your audience can smell it.If you aren’t sure about your brand, you can bet your audience is even more unsure. This leads to confusion about what you offer...your audience are unsure if your business is for THEM and if they get confused you can bet they'll be navigating away from your business because it just doesn't make sense and they don't have the time to try work it out.And if you’re like me - that is the LAST thing we want. We don’t want customers edging away from us and never buying from us. We want the opposite! We want to be drawing in the RIGHT people who feel aligned with us, sure of what we offer and excited to purchase.So in this episode I share with you a sneak peek into DAY 1 of the #SeriouslyInBusiness challenge as we look into how YOU can uncover YOUR unique brand.Join in on the challenge free here: www.diydesignmybiz.com/seriouslychallenge

Join the Seriously in Business 4-day FREE challenge HERE.I was chatting with a business owner recently, asking her why she believed design was so important to a successful business...and she replied with a phrase that I LOVED. She said,"Because it looks like you're seriously in business.”So. Spot. On!It painted the picture so perfectly.There's SUCH a difference between those businesses that look like a little side-hustle and the ones that you CANNOT wait to work with.🍉Between those businesses that look like they aren't in it for the long run and the ones that look like they've been around forever (in a good way).🍉 The ones you are nervous about working with and the ones you seem to just trust immediately.🍉 The ones that look like they don't know what they're doing and the ones that look like they're seriously in business.And it often all comes back to how the brand looks.As consumers, we are making split-second decisions about whether a business is right for us... if we trust them to deliver what they promise. 🤞🏻Does your brand look like you're seriously in business?In this episode I chat through 4 ways that you can really look serious in business:Know your vibeLearn to stop the scrollGet serious about thinking like a designerSet up for success with templates and processesJoin the Seriously in Business 4-day FREE challenge HERE to really take action to up-level brand so 2022 can be your best year yet.

You open up Canva or Pinterest and all you see are SO MANY PRETTY THINGS and you're overwhelmed by choice. Too many options. It's all so distracting and confusing. PLUS all you want to do is use that new pretty font you found or that super cute colour. NO. STOP. Getting distracted has no wins for your business. The key instead is to KNOW your brand. Take time to nut it out in a way that you are solid on what your biz is about, who you serve, the core message of your brand and how that is represented visually. Once you KNOW what your brand looks like (and you're proud of it) - you know there's no need to get distracted by everything else. You have YOUR look, and you stick to it - anything else is you getting stuck outside your zone of genius and procrastinating the real work. PLUS, I want to remind you that no one else is getting sick of your branding. No one else sees it every day. Rest in the fact that if you're getting sick of your brand then that might be a good thing because at that point you know that you're using it so consistently that everyone else is beginning to form a loyalty and connection with your brand and recognizing it when they see it in the wild #WIN. PS. Using the same visual brand doesn't have to be boring. You can still have fun. Promise. Get confident in creating graphics that connect with your audience: Download the "7 Mistakes that Make Your Business The Last Choice" free guide now.

Selling can feel so yuck - but to have a successful business chances are we're gonna need to sell (I KNOW! Shock horror!). So what's a small biz owner to do? Thankfully, there are actually methods we can use to sell in a way that doesn't come across pushy or rude but has service and care at its heart. You see if you believe in the product or service that you sell, then you believe it will be able to help people...so? Well once you switch your mindset to knowing that you're HELPING people, you can remember that when you're "selling" you are actually giving people all the information they need to be able to decide if you're offering can HELP them. And you know what? If you choose to keep quiet and "not sell" then the people you want to help with your offering will never be able to find you. (Don't worry, I'm preaching to myself here too). In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers I'm chatting to guest expert Merit Kahn. Merit is an expert on helping businesses to stop selling, and instead, helping their clients to "sell"ect them (see what she did there!!). There is a TON of little nuggets of wisdom in this episode. All things ranging from emotional intelligence, creating appropriate offers and SO much more. ABOUT MERIT:Merit Kahn, CSP, is the CEO of SELLect Sales Development, author of Myth Shift: Challenging The Truths That Sabotage Success, co-host of The Smarter Sales Show podcast... and... writer, producer and star of the one-woman inspirational comedy show, "Book of Merit."With more than 20 years of sales, sales management, coaching, training, consulting, writing and speaking experience, Merit has worked with thousands of clients across multiple industries with one goal in mind... grow sales and influence. She is certified in Emotional Intelligence and earned the highest designation in The National Speakers Association, one held by less than 12% of professional speakers worldwide, The Certified Speaking Professional, CSP.Merit's work experience and certifications in both Emotional Intelligence and cultural transformation give her a unique perspective for hiring, onboarding, selling and retaining top talent.CONNECT WITH MERIT:For FREE resources: http://meritkahn.com/podcastNeed a speaker for your upcoming event: http://meritkahn.com/Ready to stop selling and start getting SELLected by your top prospects? https://www.sellectsales.com/Connect with Merit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meritkahn/Email Merit: [email protected]

It's no secret design can do HUGE things for your businesses success. But HOW? Well if you're making some of your own graphics I want to let you know of 3 different ways that design can help you save time, attract clients (or customers) and feel proud of your business. 1. Create a style guide. This is a document that outlines the fonts, colours and graphic style of your visual brand. No longer will you have a mismatch of branding and feel overwhelmed every time you start a new graphic - instead the key design elements are already decided! All you have to do is refer to your style guide. 2. Know who your audience is. It goes without saying almost, but even I forget this sometimes. Learn who you LOVE working with and who you BEST serve and create graphics that appeal to them. 3. Use margin and space in your designs. Creating space is one of the EASIEST ways to up the professionalism of your graphics. Leave room around your graphics where the key design elements stay away from the edges. Make sure to also leave room for the eye to "rest" as you create your graphic. Don't feel like you need to squish everything on and into every gap you see! Want to see this visually explained and get a recap of these points? Head here to download a freebie outlining it all now.

When you first start thinking about running Facebook ads for your business it can feel overwhelming...Because you know what? It is! There's a lot of things to know!So, in this episode I bring you a special guest expert, Natalie Alamio.Natalie is a pro in all things Facebook ads and she comes sharing so much good stuff!We chat about:• What you can use ads for in your business• Why "organic" posts are still important in your business strategy• How knowing your businesses numbers and conversion rates will help you save money on ads• How thinking about how YOU buy will make you a better advertiser• What to do if you only have a small budget (hint: Facebook ads can be expensiiiivveee)• What you need to know around all the Apple updates and how they affect your ads. ABOUT NATALIE:Natalie Alamio is a FB Ads Manager and Funnel Strategist for course creators. Natalie uses ads to help businesses scale and get their message into the lives of more clients and students. She knows that sharing their message is what allows business owners to create impact, achieve freedom and unleash their magic.Natalie has spent 12+ years honing her strategic and technical skills in the Facebook World of digital marketing. Natalie mixes this strategic superpower and real-world experience with intuition and meaningful data to create ad + funnel strategies that fit her clients personality and business (because THAT’s when the best results happen). Natalie loves coffee, building Disney Lego and tap dancing, along with cuddling up to her husband Dean, and driving her son to skateboard lessons in sunny Gold Coast, Australia.CONNECT WITH NATALIE:WEB: nataliealaimo.comINSTA: instagram.com/nalaimoFACEBOOK: facebook.com/nataliealaimo

Sometimes we look around at the businesses around us and feel like they're moving ahead in leaps and bounds faster than us.And I've gotta admit, sometimes it's true and sometimes it isn't.But for those times that it is true, it's often because a fellow small business owner has decided to take a leap. They've made decisions in their business that might seem scary but that elevate their professionalism and confidence to new levels.In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers I want to chat about one of the key areas I see business owners failing to leap forward and the effect that takes on their business.We can't always play it safe.Where are you putting off taking the leap in your business?Is it your design? Are you just muddling along with graphics that look just OK and that are yelling to your dream client, "I'm not a proper established business, you can work with me but at your own risk."?You and your business need to put your best foot forward. How are you being perceived? How does your business come across? Does your website look schmick but your socials appear second rate?Aim higher my friend, getting left behind isn't an option.Download your free guide HERE for the 7 mistakes that you're making in your graphics that are making your business the last choice.

You know you’re different to everyone else… so why do you try do business the same?In this episode, I chat with CliftonStrengths™ coach, Amy Pettingill, all about how we can curate a business that works to OUR STRENGTHS!Our way of relating to others, of managing time/energy…our way our doing business, so that we can lean into our best and serve others out of that place.How cool!?About Amy:Using the CliftonStrengths™ Assessment, Amy Pettingill helps individuals & teams unlock, understand and unleash their natural born gifts and talents. With a bold vision to live in a world where EVERYONE knows their strengths, Amy lives, loves and leads using her own strengths to encourage others to do the same.In a previous life, Amy was an Event Manager and it was during one of her Event Management roles in which she discovered the CliftonStrengths Assessment, instantly falling in love with it’s impact and thought “I would love to be a CliftonStrengths Coach one day”. Fast forward to the start of 2020 and Amy decided to do just that, hanging up her event manager hat and diving straight in to CliftonStrengths coaching.Amy is an empath, a visionary, a life-long learner, an optimist & a natural born cheerleader of people and if there is one thing Amy knows for sure, it is that discovering her strengths transformed her life for the better and for good and she knows it will do the same for others too!Connect with Amy:Website: www.amypettingill.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amypettingill/CliftonStrengths Assessment store: https://store.gallup.com/c/en-au/assessments

You've worked really hard on your business to create an incredible product or service - but what if it's getting lost? In this episode I want to share with you 4 ways you can make sure that when you communicate your awesome offer that people can actually read and understand it.We need our potential clients to be LOOKING at us, then UNDERSTANding what they see, and then ENGAGING with us.If people can't read what you have to share, they won't ever work with you! So let's use these practical design tips to get your offer seen and understood.I have a free guide that gives visual representations on what I teach in this episode. You can download it here: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/7mistakes

The statement “less is more” couldn’t be more true about design - so much so that following the idea of “less is more” around these three areas I discuss could save you time as well as give your graphics a higher chance of not just looking good but connecting with your audience!In this episode I chat about why you really want to make sure you don't get caught up using too much:• Text• Fonts• Fancy elementsYou see, sometimes we just wanna say so much stuff! Other times we see a super pretty font, or a cool sparkle or an awesome glow effect - and next minute we have a cluttered and confusing design.Instead, learn that most of the time, less is more. Not overwhelming your audience with EVERYTHING but focussing on just what they need.Tune in to learn why and how you can make sure to use 'less is more' in your DIYed graphics.

Good design isn't the only thing that costs our businesses - it's BAD design we need to watch out for! What is bad design costing your business? In this episode join me as I discuss what damage bad graphics are doing to your business that could be causing you to:• Lose clients• Lose conversions• Lose value• Lose connection• Lose to your competitors I also chat with one of my DIY Design My Biz students, Monica, on how my design course has changed things for her as she creates GOOD graphics for her own business using the skills she's learned from me! Follow Monica on Instagram at: @monica.d.r Find out more about DIY Design My Biz at: www.diydesignmybiz.com - I can't wait to have you join us!

Business can either grow slooowwwww or we can supercharge it to grow at a more exciting pace. I know that for my business I would be in a totally different spot if I hadn't done this one thing. I think I mightttt still be in business but I'd be nowhere near the point I am today. The secret? Investing in myself and my business skills. And not necessarily investing when I'm ready, but investing when it's scary! In this episode, I chat about the 4 reasons why I believe investing in learning and support is the quickest way to grow your business. 1. Helps us commit - there's no backing out after making a scary investment.2. Feedback, community and support - Business is lonely, invest in a program that gives community of like-minded people, to give you feedback on your learning and your business, and support in your growth.3. Simplifying ALLLLL the information - there is SO much information out there, invest in a program that has done the hard work, can save you Googling and teaches you the one way to do what you need to do. Take bold steps in your business and INVEST in your growth. It's the quickest way to move forward. Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or join the waitlist for DIY Design My Biz at www.diydesignmybiz.com

Marketing is sneaky. We think it's just one little part of our business until we realise it actually encompasses almost EVERYTHING we do.How we want to be perceived, the language we use, the designs we create, our price point, our product/service, our advertising, our social media... you get the idea!In this episode, I sit down with Trish from Chromatical and she gives us all the goss on marketing and what it means for our businesses.I pick her brain on all things from:• Why marketing underpins all we do in business• How to not copy other businesses, but be inspired by how they make us feel• Why we can't just look at someone's social media or emails and do the same thing• How to communicate just how valuable your product/service is• Connecting with your customers as a HUMAN• What to invest in in your businessJoin the club here: chromatical.com.au/chromatical-club or follow Trish on Instagram @chromaticalclub

In this episode I chat with the incredible brand photographer, Fi Mims.Brand photos are almost a non-negotiable for small business owners!We cover why you need brand photos, how they can help grow your business and build confidence, as well as make creating your own graphics a thousand times easier!Connect with Fi on Instagram at: @fimimsphotography or at www.fimimsphotography.com.au

There seems to be a lot of pressure to have a "pretty Instagram grid" - meaning a perfectly curated Insta page that looks incredible.But is it all it's chalked up to be? In this episode I'll chat about when it's important and when it's NOT important to have a perfectly curated grid.Is it something your business needs to worry about or something you can totally forget about?Here's a designer's take!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design resources at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

What's the perfect way to let people know that you know your stuff? How can you build trust, connection PLUS grow your email list? The answer is a "Lead Magnet". If you've been in business for a little while, chances are you know what this is and have created your own. But if you're new in the biz world and have no idea what I'm talking about - stick around. A "lead magnet" (or freebie or opt in) often comes in the form of a PDF document that you give your audience for free in exchange for their email address. You create a document 👉 share it on your socials (or elsewhere!) 👉direct people to your website 👉they enter in their email address 👉and your email platform automatically sends it through to them. Voila! It's a way for you to share with them something that is helpful to them, whilst at the same time being able build a connection and set yourself as an expert in your field. Plus, growing your email list is a great business move (that's a whole other kettle of fish!). SOME TIPS:✅Only target YOUR niche - your lead magnet should attract the people that you want to serve in your business with your paid product or service. ✅Share your knowledge in an area that meets a current pain point of your audience - maybe even something that's good for them to get sorted before they work with you. SOME EXAMPLES:✨ If you're a jewellery maker - How to measure your ring size at home.✨ if you're a photographer - What outfits to wear in a photoshoot.✨ If you're a coach - How to get the most out of a coaching session. There's NO POINT in creating something that never gets read. You have so many more important things to do my friend than waste time like that. But what if you create an awesome lead magnet/freebie for your audience to download... And people actually download it (YIPEEEEE!!!)... BUT they don't read it. They open it up, scroll through it and CLOSE it almost immediately after. This NOT what you're after - you created this freebie to help your audience with a struggle of theirs PLUS you wanted to show off your expertise. Design plays a massive role in how much people interact with what we create. Next time you create a long form document think about these things:✅ Separate your content out over multiple pages✅Leave lots of "white space" on each page - there's no need to fill every space with text. Let the eye breathe!✅ Create "hierarchy" on each page with clear headings, and pull outs of interesting information to capture attention.✅Include lots of branded images and visual elements that support your message.✅GET TO THE POINT and don't write toooo much. Respect your audiences time. (Bonus: This also makes your document easier to design). I have my own freebie (go on, stalk how I've designed it 😉) that goes into a few more design tips that can make all the difference to your businesses success: www.diydesignmybiz.com/7mistakes

It's easy to feel like no one sees or cares about your business.Please firstly know - you're not alone.Secondly, in this podcast episode I wanted to provide a few tips on how your branding can help combat this.You and your business are totally unique - when we let our branding and design reflect this we can begin to stand out, even in a crowded marketplace.

Have you actually thought it through properly?I know I hadn't.There's more to running your business than performing your product or service.A key factor in long-lasting business success is thinking the real stuff through...Do you KNOW your audience?How do you want your business to grow?WHY does it exist?What makes you different from your competitors?Thinking things like this through is really the OPPOSITE of a good time for me.I'm more of a "dive right in and figure it out later".But I've come to learn this stuff is actually necessary and it can make for a more solid business - and in particular - a stand out, successful and long-lasting business.So, before you design. Before you open Canva. Before you even decide on your business name...take some time to sit down and think. And dream. And plan.In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers I sit down with my first international guest, Tasha from Duraca Strategic, as we discuss what you need to think about before you start designing graphics for your business.We discuss:• Most important things to think about when starting your biz.• How to approach design and what to think about BEFORE you begin.• How to avoid wasting time rebranding.• Not comparing yourself to others. Connect with Tasha at her website here: duracastrategic.comOr follow her on Instagram: @duraca.strategic

Life gets busy, funds are tights and you're caring for a little tacker - how do you manage upskilling for your business at the same time!?In this episode I chat with Photographer Peta on her experience of what it's been like to invest in herself and in her business to learn design.Peta joined my course, DIY Design My Biz, at a busy stage in her life but somehow still made it work! And what beautiful graphics she has now to prove it.Follow Peta on Instagram at @capturedbypeta or join the waitlist for DIY Design My Biz to join other incredible business owners taking control of their business at diydesignmybiz.com

Opening up Canva to see a white space staring you in the face is wildly confronting!How are you meant to fill it and make it look 1) Pretty, 2) Branded and 3) Communicative?! There's so much to consider and how do you know where to start?Finding inspiration is my best piece of advice - it gives you ideas to fill the space.In this episode I'll share with you my top 4 ways of finding inspiration...PLUS give you some pointers on what to look out for when viewing said inspiration.You see, it's one thing to find a pretty picture - it's another to know HOW to look at that picture for guidance on what you could create.

Being a new mum is THE single biggest learning curve of my entire life. Throw that in with trying to keep a business running (and GROWING) then you have quite the challenge.In December 2020 I was so blessed to welcome our baby girl, Mahlie, into the world...Almost 6 months later I want to share with you a snippet on how that's looked and what it REALLY looks like to run a business with a newborn.I'll touch on how I prepared my business coming up to her entrance, how long I had off and what life looks likenow.I'll also share with you a few lessons I've learnt along the way around what my values are for evening owning this business, how rest isn't so bad and why I need to be fussy on any new projects I take on.Being a mum is both the hardest but most incredible thing I've ever done.Some days it's all I want to do (boycott workingggg!!) and other days I just want to bail.But that's the rollercoaster of parenthood.Connect with me on Instagram: @whitedeergd or checkout my offerings and website at: www.whitedeer.com.au

It's the age old question... at least in the graphic design world."When is it time to rebrand?"Is there a wrong time? Am I allowed to? When is best? How much should I change things?In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers we'll chat about the FEW reasons that make it okay to rebrand...Yep, there's not many reasons you should!We'll also chat how to keep your brand recognisable and the biggest reason people rebrand for the WRONG reason.

I gotta tell ya, it's one thing to learn design from a designer...It's another to hear a real experience from a fellow-non-designer.Listen to my interview with Laura to hear what's practically helped her in her business as she's tackled her own design.We chat social media, perfectionism, control over your business and designs, and so much more!!Doors for DIY Design My Biz are opening soon - if you'd like to grow in design and business like Laura, join the waitlist here: www.diydesignmybiz.com (the only way to find out when enrolments open) xxConnect with Laura:Website • Instagram • Podcast

This podcast is part 3 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform. Part 3 is all about Instagram Posts - the head honcho of Insta. Inside we’ll chat about:💪🏼The power of Instagram posts🏦How content pillars support your brand🙋🏻‍♀️The importance of infusing YOU into your feed🎨Is it worth having a "pretty" grid?🌱How perfection is holding your business back🎛 Patterns are your best friend#️⃣Overview of hashtags👩‍💻How to create a good post design💬What to know about captions

Lemme help (even just a little). This podcast is part 2 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform. Part 2 is all about Instagram Stories!! (I promise they're not that scary). Inside we’ll chat about:❓What are Instagram stories!?⏰ How often to share stories💼 Whether to be polished and professional or real and relatable🎨 How to brand your stories📷 Learning to show up as YOU💬Why you NEED captions🙋🏻‍♀️ Using interaction to connect with more people✏️ What to use "highlights" for Tune in next week for part 3 for the head honcho - Instagram POSTS!

Calling all people confused about Instagram!! 🙋🏻‍♀️Lemme help (even just a little).This podcast is part 1 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform.This ep is part 1 for a reason - it’s all about the setup!Inside we’ll chat about:⏰If you should bother with Insta💼My new definition of “professional” and what that looks like for you🏷Your “handle” and why not to change it🖼Choosing the perfect profile picture🧲Writing your “bio” in a way that attracts people to follow🔗What a “link in bio” is and what to do with yours.Stay tuned for the next poddy for my tips on your Instagram posts and grid!

There are always certain roadblocks that hold us back when get to creating our own graphics so today I want to debunk a few and give you my 4 favourite design mantras to pin up on your desk to keep your focused and confident. Mantra #1: Helps you build loyalty with your audience and save time as you create your graphicsMantra #2: Let's you know that it's okay to not be a design wizMantra #3: Reminds you just to get your stuff out there and not hold your business backMantra #4: Keeps you from feeling too frustrated and putting out graphics that no one understands Tune in to learn each mantra and keep it ready as a reminder when you're in the thick of it! Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Yesterday was International Women’s Day so to celebrate I thought I’d change things up a bit and interview one of my most favourite women, my mum.As I’ve reflected over the years I’ve come to realise how much Mum has shaped my view and modelled to me what it looks like to be a strong woman in business.Growing up I saw her rise in her position to being the only female partner in a large accounting firm. I watched her stand her ground, lead confidently and be bold in her role.For me, it was normal for a woman to be the boss. It wasn’t an anomaly or strange - it was reality.In this interview I chat to mum about the challenges she faced, the importance of seeking out mentors and being bold to ASK.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies