Creative Courage

Most creative business owners are measuring success the wrong way. It’s easy to get caught up in only measuring tangible outputs like how much revenue you’ve taken each month or how your team is performing. But what happens when you spend hours and hours on business development and those results don’t immediately show up? Does that mean you haven’t been successful? This fixation on the outputs is causing many creative business owners to feel stuck and demotivated because they’re overlooking the real indicators of success. The hidden indicators that, with consistency, would bring them inevitable results. In this episode, I’m going to help you to reframe how you view success. You’ll learn how to spot hidden signs of progress, so you can stay motivated and keep growing your business - even when the big wins don’t show up immediately. Covered in this episode: Why focusing solely on the tangible outputs can stall growth. How to identify and celebrate the ‘invisible’ success indicators. The key inputs you need to focus on to make reaching your targets inevitable. How consistency and celebrating small wins can transform your business. Why many creative business owners are taking their foot off the accelerator too quickly and missing out on success. Real-life examples of how inputs have led to major breakthroughs for my clients. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What would it be like if you could grow your creative business without having to find new clients? That’s exactly what the ‘realignment process’ can do for you. In this episode, I’m breaking down the powerful strategy I've been using with my coaching clients to raise prices and increase profits without signing any new business. Most creative agencies rely on repeat clients, but the stream of work can be inconsistent and it makes increasing prices difficult. By using the realignment strategy, you’ll be able to consistently deliver value, position yourself as an expert (not just a worker), and strengthen your client relationships, while breaking free from legacy pricing. If you’re not regularly realigning with your clients, relationships can easily fall out of sync. And if you’re like most creatives, most of your conversations with clients happen over email and are focused purely on projects. But if you want to unlock hidden opportunities and keep clients coming back, realignment is essential. Covered in this episode: How realigning with your clients is essential to growing your creative business. How to pitch the idea of realignment calls to clients so that they’re excited to be involved. Structuring the four elements of a realignment call. How to deliver value that positions you as an essential partner, not just a 'nice to have'. Ways of getting valuable feedback and uncovering new opportunities during realignment conversations. Why giving away your best ideas for free can actually drive more business. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  The Realignment Process free guide - https://doc.clickup.com/9016164712/d/h/8cpfgb8-12016/d5b6344464a29c7 Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What season of business are you currently in? This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself as a creative studio owner. I used to believe that there were good times and bad times in business, but what I came to realise is that these are just ‘seasons’. And like the seasons in nature, by understanding them and preparing for their arrival, you can weather the worst storms and benefit the most when the sun is shining. In this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast, I unpack the four seasons of business, and how each one impacts your projects, clients, and mindset. Knowing which season you’re in can reshape how you make business decisions and help you to avoid frustration and burnout. If you ever find yourself stuck as to where you should be putting your priorities, or your business tends to rapidly switch from ‘way too busy’, to ‘desperate for work’, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode:  What are the four seasons of business and which one are you in? How to avoid the cycle of burnout that traps many creative business owners. Why limiting your capacity can actually be a benefit to your business. How to avoid panic mode when the leads dry up. Why marketing is a year-round priority - even when you’re fully booked. When is the right time to seek outside support? How taking time to celebrate wins can fuel growth. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE Apply to work with Matt - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by your business that it feels like you’re on the brink of collapse? That’s exactly what Kai Cheng was going through after leaving a job at one of Taiwan’s top video agencies to start his own business.  Two years ago, Kai was taken to hospital because he thought he was dying. What was really happening was that he was experiencing panic attacks due to the extreme stress of running his own business alongside starting a family. Since then, Kai has gone from barely surviving to thriving, and in this episode, he shares the three strategies that allowed him to win huge clients like Bentley, stand out from his competitors and generate hundreds of inbound leads. For Kai, it was crucial to create a business that not only supported his family but also allowed him to do more meaningful, impactful work. After sending out thousands of cold messages and getting no response, though, Kai realised that something had to change. This episode is filled with actionable strategies that will help you to grow your creative business faster and more sustainably, so that you can find more fulfilment in your work while avoiding burnout. Covered in this episode:  Three strategies to take your business to the next level, while giving you more free time. How to position yourself to stand out in a crowded market. The crucial mindset shifts that transformed Kai’s business. The cold outreach technique that allowed Kai to secure Bentley as a client. How to use tools like ScoreApp effectively to generate hundreds of inbound leads. How to create a compounding pipeline that fills your sales funnel on autopilot. A strategy for creating irresistible ads targeted to your ideal clients. How to present your services as essential, rather than a ‘nice to have’. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE Apply to work with Matt - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator ScoreApp - https://scoreapp.com/  CONNECT  Kai Cheng on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akaicheng/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Would you love to work on more impactful projects, but the day-to-day running of your business gets in the way? Cey Sesiguzel was in the same boat, running a successful video production agency while eager to produce the documentary he’d dreamed of making. Five years later, Cey’s film is days away from its release in cinemas nationwide - and his agency's turnover doubled in just 12 months whilst creating his film. In this episode, Cey shares his journey of achieving his creative dream, without sacrificing his business. Cey opens up about overcoming the obstacles that stood in his way, and how he managed to raise a large amount of funding off the back of a single piece of content. As Cey was a past client of mine, I got goosebumps several times throughout this episode. Cey’s story of making his passion project a reality is an inspiration and for creatives looking to do more impactful work, I know you’re going to get a huge amount of value from it.  If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between growing your business and pursuing something bigger, this episode will show you how it’s possible to achieve both. Covered in this episode:  How to get started on your passion project while growing your business. The strategies that helped Cey’s business grow while producing a feature film. How Cey was able to raise investment from his network and existing clients. The steps to getting a personal project off the ground and into cinemas. How to rethink money in a way that fuels your creativity and impact. The connection between sales, funding, and turning your creative vision into reality. A much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  The Divided Island - https://www.thedividedisland.com   Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Cey Sesiguzel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cey-sesiguzel-a88b9b22/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you’re like most creative agency owners, chances are most of your work comes through word of mouth and referrals. And that’s not necessarily a problem - referrals can be one of the best lead generators. But what I’ve discovered is that most people don’t have a referral strategy, leading to inconsistent results and a lack of control over the flow of projects. In this episode, I’m sharing an underrated strategy that can transform the way you win projects, giving you a steady stream of inbound inquiries without that uncomfortable feeling that you’re ‘begging’ people for work. We’ve implemented this strategy with our clients and it’s led to them paying for an entire year of coaching within 30 days of joining. And this can work for past clients and those you never ended up working with, too. I share the exact questions to ask that allows you to give more value, rather than take it and create a consistent referral machine. If you want to take back control of your project pipeline and become known in your network for delivering value, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: How to build a referral strategy that gives you control over your lead flow. Flipping the referral process so you’re giving, rather than ‘begging’. The questions you should be asking to generate more consistent referrals. How to demonstrate your value and keep clients coming back for more. How to position yourself as the go-to expert in your network. And more... If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you struggling to scale your business, without working longer hours? Are you feeling burnt out and unfulfilled, even though from the outside, your business looks like it’s thriving? That’s exactly where I was years ago - snowboarding in Canada, living the digital nomad lifestyle. I had friends messaging me, congratulating me on living the dream - but beneath the surface, it was a different story. I wasn’t happy. I was working with the wrong kinds of clients, feeling overwhelmed, and constantly stressed about money. But this all changed when the loss of a family friend forced me to rethink everything. I spent months reflecting on my business and what wasn’t working. I invested almost all the money I had in mentorship from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there, hoping to understand what they were doing differently. And it quickly became clear. In this episode, I share the game-changing lessons I learned to help you build a business that doesn’t just pay the bills but allows you to thrive and do more of the work that fulfils you. Covered in this episode: How to stop trading time for money and build something that scales without you. The three things that move the needle when it comes to doing more work that makes a positive impact and leave you feeling fulfilled. How to position yourself as a partner so clients stop asking for discounts and start respecting your true value. How to sell your services in a way that can double a prospect’s budget in one conversation. The key to standing out in an oversaturated market. How to make sure you're actually implementing your ideas. Real-world case studies of creative business owners who have transformed their businesses and lives with these strategies. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Case studies - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/success-stories  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you using design thinking in your business? If not, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that can help you land better clients with bigger budgets. In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Anderson, a design consultant with over 20 years experience in operational roles within some of the world’s largest corporates such as Virgin Mobile Australia. Many creatives struggle with the operational and logistical side of business. By leveraging design thinking, creatives can communicate the value of design more effectively, win higher-value clients, and ensure they’re addressing the real issues that people are facing. Matt shares actionable strategies to help you position yourself as a trusted partner to potential clients, and better communicate the value of what you do. If you even find approaching and communicating with corporate clients a challenge, you won't want to miss this episode. Covered in this episode:  What is design thinking and how you use it to grow your business. The keys to getting a foot in the door with big corporates. How to communicate the value of creative services to corporate clients. How to get clients to share their real challenges so you can offer the solutions that align with their needs. Building closer relationships with clients without them dictating the process. How to challenge clients’ assumptions without coming across as pushy And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Think Startup - https://www.thinkstartup.com.au/  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Anderson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattandersonaus/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you’re like most creatives, sales probably isn’t your favourite part of running your business. But what if you could change the way you think about sales - and the results you get? In this episode, I break down The 10 Commandments of Sales - key principles that have helped my clients close more deals and land higher-value projects, even if they haven’t had any formal sales training. These are fundamental principles that you can refer back to before any sales conversation that will make you feel more confident and get you better results. From how to get clients selling themselves to you, to making sure you never get ghosted again, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make sales feel lighter, more effective, and even enjoyable. Covered in this episode: 10 fundamental principles that you should take into every sales conversation. How to motivate prospects to get them excited to work with you. How to keep prospects from ghosting you after a sales conversation. Handling objections and getting value out of the “nos”. Identifying whether or not a prospect is a good fit. Why budget doesn’t matter and what you should be qualifying leads on instead. The exact questions to ask that make sales feel easier, without feeling pushy. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Would you believe me if I told you that with the right networking strategy, you could double your business in just 90 days? In this episode, I break down a strategy that will make networking easier and more effective, without feeling pushy or ‘salesy’.  But if networking events make you feel uncomfortable, you're not alone. Networking can open doors to valuable opportunities, but the pressure to make a flawless first impression and always be “on” can feel overwhelming - especially if, like many creatives, you identify as an introvert. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. We’re going to take a deep dive into how to present yourself and your business to others in a way that doesn’t feel canned. I share the questions to ask - and the ones to avoid - that get people to open up and share valuable information they haven’t shared with anyone else. And I give you my follow-up script that gets responses and ensures you continue building those relationships with your ideal clients. If you struggle with presenting yourself and winning clients at networking events, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: The 2 biggest mistakes people make at networking events and how you can avoid them. How to introduce yourself in a way that feels natural How to get people to remember you for the right reasons. The phrases and tactics you can use to become the most magnetic person in the room. Questions to ask that will help you identify the most valuable opportunities - and the questions to avoid. The follow-up script that turns prospects into clients. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam