Building your Brand

Have you ever thought about collaborating with other brands as part of your business and brand? It's definitely something I've been exploring and today on the podcast, I'm chatting to Phoebe Sherman, who I actually met through working with Adobe. In this episode, Phoebe shares her wealth of experience working with a variety of brands, how it has fitted into her business, and her top tips for finding collaborations, building relationships, and working successfully with brands. If you've been thinking about brand partnerships, or are just curious about how they work, I really hope you enjoy this episode! Key Takeaways Having multiple revenue streams can help your business navigate uncertainty and changes in consumer behaviour. Brand partnerships can be a significant revenue stream and you don't need a million followers or a service-based business to pursue them. Be prepared to pitch to brands, follow up multiple times (initial email and two follow-ups), and don't be afraid to negotiate your rates, especially regarding usage rights for your content. Finding brands to partner with involves understanding your audience, paying attention to the ads you see, and researching who to contact within a company (marketing manager, social media manager, PR email). It's important to align yourself with brands that share your values, but also be aware that this can be complicated and may change over time; trusting your intuition and being willing to say no to opportunities that aren't the right fit is key. Episode Highlights 00:01:07 - Phoebe shares the origin story of Girl Gang Craft and its evolution. 00:05:05 - Discussing the challenges of letting go of aspects of the business that are no longer working. 00:08:46 - Phoebe reveals the significant revenue generated from brand deals and her future goals. 00:12:58 - Practical advice on how to find and pitch to potential brand partners. 00:21:54 - Tips and insights on negotiating fees and understanding usage rights in brand collaborations. About the Guest You can find Phoebe on Instagram at @‌GirlGangCraft and at @‌PhoebeSherman. She is also on TikTok at @‌phoebe.sherman. Mentioned in the episode Adobe Express Beyond Nine (Beyond Nine pants) Boomerang (email tool) Phoebe's free brand script Phoebe's brand partnership class End credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast. I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I chat with Teresa Ferreira, founder of Ferrgood Studio, about the often-buzzwordy topic of sustainability in branding. Teresa, a brand designer herself, shares practical insights and steps businesses can take to build more sustainable and impactful brands. We discuss moving beyond the pressure of perfection and focusing instead on making consistent, small steps in the right direction. If you've been wondering how to integrate sustainability into your small business authentically, this episode offers valuable guidance. Key Takeaways Progress Over Perfection: Sustainability is a journey, not a destination requiring perfection. Focus on making incremental, 1% improvements rather than getting stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset. Pillars of Sustainable Branding: Truly sustainable brands are built on authenticity (living your story transparently), consistency (aligning actions with values across all touchpoints), and measurable impact (tracking the positive effect you have). Practical Design Choices: Sustainability can be woven into design through tangible actions like choosing eco-friendly printers and materials, opting for green web hosting, implementing dark mode on websites to save energy, and selecting digital platforms conscious of their energy use. Intentionality is Key: Be mindful and intentional about resource use, whether it's adopting AI tools thoughtfully or avoiding wasteful trends (like collecting endless tote bags). Aim to outweigh any negative impact with positive actions. Communicate Authentically: Don't be afraid to talk about your sustainability efforts, even if they aren't perfect. Be transparent about your journey, admit where you can improve, and own up to mistakes – this builds trust and connection. Episode Highlights 04:18: Embracing the "1% better" philosophy (inspired by James Clear) instead of aiming for unattainable perfection. 06:05: The three core values Teresa builds into her studio and client work: authenticity, consistency, and impact. 21:10: Using AI intentionally for efficiency, not letting it replace human creativity or using it trivially. 27:20: How to handle potential criticism when discussing sustainability efforts: focus on authenticity and transparency. 33:55: Using core brand values as a filter for opportunities, allowing for nuance rather than rigid blacklists.   About the Guest: Teresa Ferreira Teresa Ferreira runs Ferrgood Studio, crafting designs and brands for businesses aiming to create a positive impact. Website: ferrgoodstudio.com Instagram: @FerrgoodStudio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferreirateresa/   Mentioned in the Episode Patagonia 1% for the Planet World Land Trust Friends of the Earth James Clear (Author of Atomic Habits) Dieter Rams (Designer, 10 Principles for Good Design) Planet App (Shopify carbon-neutral shipping integration) Online Carbon Footprint Calculators   End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know1 on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode I chat with Nicky Borowiec about her journey from in-house creative roles to establishing her own business as a design and brand consultant specialising in the publishing industry. We delve into the advantages of being a sole creative when pitching against larger agencies, and we explore valuable insights into the pitching process, client communication, and pricing strategies. Key Takeaways: Being a sole trader can be a superpower, offering cost-effectiveness, specialised knowledge, and a more personalised client experience compared to larger agencies. Transitioning from a freelancer to a consultant mindset can significantly impact business growth and client interactions by shifting the focus from seeking approval to providing expert guidance. Automation and systemisation are crucial for streamlining business operations, saving time on administrative tasks, and allowing more focus on creative work. Episode Highlights: 00:01:00: Nicky discusses her 17-year career in creative roles in publishing, including marketing design, book cover design, and managing design teams. 00:07:00: Nicky shares her experience of pitching against bigger agencies and how being a sole trader can be a strength. 00:12:00: We explore strategies for pricing work, respecting your value, and charging your worth. 00:25:00: Nicky provides insights into automating business processes to save time and improve efficiency. 00:33:00: We discuss the use of AI tools to streamline business operations. About the Guest: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Mentioned in the Episode: Alison Jones (Website) Alison Jones (Episode) Katie Chappell (Website) Katie Chappell (Episode) Hannah’s book Adobe Express (aff link) British Library mentoring course I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast, and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

There's something about writing a book that seems so glamorous, so I'm always keen to hear from people who've actually done it and can give me an honest review of what it's like. So in this episode, I chat with previous guest, Alice Benham, about her experience of writing her bestselling book The Digital Marketing Handbook. We delve into the ins and outs of the book-writing process, the strategic reasons behind writing a book for your business and the impact it can have. Alice was super honest about the experience, including the challenges and legal issues she faced. If you've ever considered writing a book for your business, this episode is a must-listen!   Key Takeaways: Writing a book can be a strategic move for business owners, helping to elevate their brand and establish them as thought leaders. The book-writing process can be challenging and time-consuming, with unexpected hurdles such as editing, design and legal issues. Launching a book requires a different skill set than writing one, and it's important to have a strategy in place to maximise its impact. It is important to set your expectations, it might take over your life for up to two years.   Episode Highlights: 03:31 The Book Deal Journey 11:15 Editing Challenges and Lessons 19:30 Legal Issues and High-Level Problems 23:51 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Goals 33:39 The Challenges of Book Promotion   About the Guest: Alice Benham is a business strategist who helps people to take their big vision into their daily action. Website: alicebenham.co.uk Podcast: Starting the Conversation   Mentioned in the Episode: Buy Alice's book The Digital Marketing Handbook on Amazon | Bookshop.Org | Waterstones Meg Fatharly   End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Have you ever considered how your desk affects your productivity? Or if the background of your Zoom chats could be tweaked to reflect your brand? In this episode I chat with interior designer and podcast host Becca Mizzi-Harris about the impact physical spaces have on people's perceptions of a brand.  We explore how to create spaces that truly reflect a brand's values and intentions and Becca provides really helpful tips about how brands can use using design elements like colour, furniture, and layout to evoke specific feelings and enhance brand identity.  I'm already excited to have a desclutter and perhaps get a neon logo too ;)    Key Takeaways: The design of a physical space should align with the brand's values and desired customer experience. Colour plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere, but it's essential to consider factors like the building's orientation Furniture choices, including style, fabrics, and finishes, contribute to the overall feel and should complement the brand's image It's important to consider the practical use of the space and how it can be set up to support daily tasks and activities Attention to detail is crucial; small elements can significantly impact how people perceive and experience a space   Episode Highlights: 00:06:00 - How furniture choices reflect brand identity 00:07:30 - The importance of brand guidelines in the design process 00:11:40 - Tips for incorporating brand elements into a home office 00:19:50 - The impact of a room's orientation on colour choice 00:21:50 - The importance of consistency in wood finishes   About the Guest: Becca Mizzi Harris is a freelance interior designer specializing in commercial spaces such as shops, offices, cafes, and hospitality venues Instagram: @Stiwdio.mh LinkedIn | Website | Podcast   End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @lizmmosley or @buildingyourbrandpodcast, and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (www.lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!1

I really love trying new things for my business, whether that’s Reels, or AI or something else fun and shiny! And I REALLY love chatting to people who’ve managed to master something new so, in this episode, I chat with Felly Day all about using Threads for business. Felly has been using Threads consistently and has seen great success in attracting clients and getting people to sign up for her programs. It blew my mind how she approaches content repurposing. We discussed her experiences, what's been effective, and what she's noticed about the platform. It was a really interesting conversation and I'm excited to give Threads another go myself. If you're curious about marketing your business on Threads, you’ll find this episode super helpful. Key Takeaways: Threads is a great platform for "train of thought" marketing, allowing for quick, unfiltered sharing of thoughts and ideas. Engagement on other people's posts can be just as important, if not more so, than your own original posts. Don't be afraid to include links to sales pages in your Threads content. Authenticity and transparency are key on Threads – share your journey and build trust with your audience. Threads can be a valuable tool for repurposing content and validating ideas. Episode Highlights: 03:54 Train of Thought Marketing on Threads 07:25 Sales and Lead Generation Strategies on Threads 08:57 Engagement and Interaction on Threads 16:33 Balancing Multiple Platforms and Content Repurposing About the Guest: Felly Day runs a content repurposing agency. You can find her on Threads and Instagram as @‌FellyDay and on her website at FellyDay.com Mentioned in the Episode: Liz Mosley's Instagram: @‌lizmmosley. Building Your Brand Podcast Instagram: @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast. Podcast production by Lucy Lucraft: http://lucylucraft.co.uk . End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast, and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I chat with Frankie Tortora, the founder of the Doing it for the Kids community and fellow graphic designer and podcaster! Frankie shares her experiences, challenges, and rewards in building a thriving community for freelancing parents and, as I’m sure you’d expect, is super honest about some of the harsh realities of it. Whether you’re considering starting a membership or a community, this episode is a really juicy deep dive into what it takes to do it. Key Takeaways: Building a community is not as easy as it looks; it requires a lot of emotional labor and dedication. It is important to differentiate between building a community and building an audience, as they are not the same. Engaging with the community and modeling desired behavior is crucial for creating a positive and supportive environment. Dealing with churn is one of the biggest challenges of running a community. The rewards of building a community, such as seeing members connect and support each other, are invaluable. Episode Highlights: 01:47 Frankie's Journey: From Freelancer to Community Builder 04:09 Challenges and Triumphs of Managing a Growing Community 07:17 Transitioning to a Paid Community Model  09:52 Understanding the Difference Between Community and Audience 22:06 Balancing Community Management with Freelance Work  About the Guest: Frankie Tortora is the founder of the Doing it for the Kids community, an award-winning podcast, and a graphic designer. Community Website: doingitforthekids.net Graphic Design Website: francescatortora.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ftortora Mentioned in the Episode: Circle (community platform) Penny Wincer (writer) Steve Folland (co-host of the "Doing it for the Kids" podcast and founder of the Being Freelance community) End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Remember my rejection challenge?! Of course you do! Well last summer I recorded an episode about it which led to someone contacting me to be on the podcast as part of their own rejection challenge! So, in this episode, I have a coaching session with Sam from The Float Space. Sam is a career and life coach who specialises in helping working mothers. In this episode, we delve into some of my resistance to sharing my work online and explore how I show up. Key Takeaways: Identify your resistance to sharing your work online and explore ways to overcome it. Create a plan for how you're going to share your work online, starting with small steps. Be clear on your position of what you're going to do and actually do it. Highlights: 02:41: I discuss my resistance to sharing my work online. 12:52: Exposure therapy. 14:45: The challenge of creating content that is good enough to share online. 20:52: The Ladder Method About the Guest: Sam can be found on Instagram at @‌thefloat.space Sam's website: thefloat.space  End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft https://www.lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I chat with Hayden Burgess, a business coach who mentors creatives who know what they love to do but need help selling and growing their businesses. I love delving into marketing, so this was a really interesting chat and I came away from it feeling inspired and ready to market myself! Key Takeaways: Having good business acumen is crucial for creatives, sometimes even more so than just being good at their craft. Many creatives are resistant to marketing themselves, but it’s a necessary skill for business growth. Consistent effort and showing up are key to building a successful business. Reframing self-promotion as a way to help potential clients can make it feel less icky. Getting comfortable with discomfort is crucial for growth in business.   Episode Highlights: 02:44 Marketing Strategies for Designers 09:16 Balancing Client Work and Self-Promotion 21:40 Leveraging Skills and Networks 28:32 Overcoming the Fear of Judgement 36:25 Should You Display Pricing on Your Website?   About the Guest: Hayden Burgess is a business coach who mentors and coaches creatives. Instagram: instagram.com/haydenphypic Website: www.pitchr.biz The Kult Method: https://www.creativesuccessblueprint.com   Mentioned in the Episode: Adam Vicarel Threads Carol Dweck, author of "Mindset" Ask Method Bob Proctor, author James Barnard on Building Your Brand   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!    

This episode is brought to you by Riverside, an amazing platform that makes recording high-quality podcasts and videos super easy. Give Riverside a try—it's free! And if you love it as much as I do, use the code Liz Mosley to get 15% off when you subscribe. Back when I graduated Creative Boom was a huge source of inspiration on my graphic design journey so it was awesome (and a little surreal!) to chat to Creative Boom founder Katy Cowan. Katy shares her insights on how Creative Boom has evolved over 16 years, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing digital landscape. Key Takeaways: Embrace experimentation and be willing to adapt. Building a strong community is crucial for any business. Don't be afraid to monetize your passion project, but do so with integrity. Episode Highlights: 03:45: Katy discusses the early days of Creative Boom and how it started during the 2008 global economic crisis. 8:21: Starting a private community 23:48: The importance of branding and how Creative Boom has developed its own unique identity. 41:26: The challenges of shifting from a passion project to a business.  49:51: Personal branding and how Katy manages her own online presence. About the Guest: Katy's website Creative Boom Website Creative Boom Community Creative Boom on Instagram Mentioned in the episode: Riverside FM Wordpress Substack Plausible Samantha Wilkinson Uniqlo End Credits: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!