Creatives On Fire® Podcast | Blogging & Online Business Growth Strategies

Melanie Ferguson

Episodes

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Aug 24, 2021 • 27min

22. LIVE SALE SUCCESS with Jennifer Hagenbuch

When the Covid 19 pandemic was putting so many brick and mortar stores out of business, Found For Home wasn't just surviving, it was thriving! How did it do it? My friend, Jennifer Hagenbuch, credits her business' growth to quickly pivoting and making genuine connections with her customers. She speaks with me today about how she made her Facebook Live events successful and the strategies she used to transition to the digital space. Jen also explains how she created an online community and her use of "micro influencers" to increase her site traffic. This episode is packed full of amazing tips and insights, so tune in! Jennifer Hagenbuch is the creator and President of Found For Home, a home décor store located both online and at physical storefront in Tallahassee, Florida. Before starting her business, Jennifer had been in banking for 20 years, working her way up from teller to senior management. Finally accepting that she had a talent for interior design, an eye for amazing pieces, and a way with people she opened her store in 2017. Although she started small and took her time growing, Jennifer was doing well with steady sales. Changes wrought by the pandemic forced Jen to get strategic and increase her online presence, resulting in the massive success Found For Home is today. Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode22 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Aug 17, 2021 • 20min

21. Painting Her Way to Success with Amy Sadler

From working for others to working for herself, my guest today is an inspired painter and entrepreneur. Amy Sadler believes in hard work, taking the initiative, and reaching out to make connections. These principles have served her well in creating her business, Amy Sadler Designs and her working group Mica Mixology. Amy has harnessed her gift for mixing paints and colors to create a successful online business that has recently expanded to in-person events. Today we're going to talk about how Amy started her business, the pivots it has taken, and her plans for the future.   Amy Sadler started out as a broke single mom in Missouri. After taking a few classes in painting, she quickly started getting jobs painting kitchens for people. Eventually she transitioned to the online space and started reaching out to make new connections. By believing in herself and taking risks, Amy has been able to expand her business by creating partnerships with brands and other artists and speakers. She now has a lucrative business and is writing a book on paint finishes and flipping furniture with the Michigan artist Rick Cheadle. Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode21 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Aug 10, 2021 • 21min

20. ABC Always Be Collaborating

"Always Be Collaborating" is our mantra for today's show. Working with a co-creator can produce amazing results for your business and your brand. In this episode, I'll be sharing 20 ideas (at least!) to help you grow your business by building collaborative partnerships with other Creatives. I have cooperative ideas for bloggers, product developers, podcasters and more. We'll also talk about giveaways, contests, and cross-promotion opportunities to grow your audience! You might be thinking to yourself, "Melanie, that all sounds great, but how do I find people to collaborate with?" Don't worry, I'll be giving you great tips for places you can go to network and expand your contacts. I also have some suggestions on who to approach as a partner when you're trying different strategies and initiatives. I'm also very excited to tell you about Creatives on Fire Insiders, a collaborative resource dedicated to the success of Creatives online. Great partnerships lead to great success, so get out there and get collaborating!  Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode20 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Aug 3, 2021 • 19min

19. Blogging for Profit with KariAnne Wood

If you're wondering how to make money from blogging, just ask my guest today KariAnne Wood. She is the creator of Thistlewood Farms, a blog focusing on DIY, home decorating, recipes and so much more! KariAnne has over a million people that follow her blog and she's here today to give us some amazing tips. She has some great advice on how to make money when you're starting your blog and how to grow your readership. She also shares some must-have organizational tools and strategies to help you make money.  KariAnne has been running the Thistlewood Farms blog for 9 years now. She has also written 5 books and has several different product lines. Although she was just trying to make friends and never intended to create a business, KariAnne has enjoyed huge success with her blog and it's extensions on other social media platforms. Looking to share her wisdom and good fortune, she also started a coaching group for only $10 a month. KariAnne has maintained her joy in writing Thistlewood Farms and has lots of great projects and collaborations planned for the future. In this episode, we cover: - How to get people to share your content. - The best days of the week to publish a blog.  - Where to meet like-minded bloggers.  - The importance of growing your email list. - Why you absolutely NEED an editorial calendar.  - How to make money when you're just starting your blog.  - Where to go to find out about new and exciting trends.  Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode19 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jul 27, 2021 • 24min

18. Grow Your Relationships & Business at Haven Conference with Kristin Stockdale

The Haven Conference is a place to celebrate the DIY spirit, learn new skills and build an online business! Entrepreneurs, makers and leading influencers gather together to share, teach, and inspire. Mingle with sponsors, try new products, and grow your brand. Most importantly, the Haven Conference is a place for community. Haven is more than just classes and hands-on demonstrations. There is time set aside to share knowledge, ask questions, and build relationships. The DIY/ home decor blogging niche is special, and we encourage you to form connections with those in it!  You are guaranteed to walk away from Haven refreshed and inspired. The people at this event are SO supportive and the collaborations and connections you make during this networking event, are huge! In this episode, we cover: - Where the idea for the Haven Conference came from and why YOU will want participate in the next one! - How Kristin's interior design business led her to creating special events - What it takes to put on an event that is so powerful and seamless - A new concept of having a mentor while attending a live conference - The concept "all ships rise up with the tide" - Implementing what you've learned after attending a live conference - Finding groups in your niche that will help support and grow your business - and, finding inspiration when things get tough Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode18 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jul 20, 2021 • 21min

17. How to Grow Using Evergreen Content on YouTube with Lori Jacobs

Are you looking to grow your following on YouTube? Do you want to make money doing it? My guest today, Lori Jacobs, was able to leave her full time job for her YouTube crafting channel within two years of posting her first video! On this episode, Lori shares some great advice with us about how to be successful on YouTube and how she makes sure that she's reaching the right audience. She also talks how to monetize your YouTube channel and why doing the work you love is so important.  Lori Jacobs is the creator of the Hard Working Mom channel on YouTube and it's sister sites on various social media platforms. Lori was a CPA for 25 years and the CFO of a hospital before she decided to make the move to an online career. With children and her parents to take care of, she was looking for more flexibility in her job and she found it on YouTube. Lori now has a career she loves, sharing her crafty creations and business tips with her followers online and she's making great money while doing it! In this episode, we cover: - What to do when you're nervous about recording - How to make a personal connection with your customers - The number of subscribers and watch hours you need to make money on YouTube - How easy it is to Evergreen your content on YouTube - The differences between Facebook and YouTube followers - The best time to start your YouTube channel - How long it takes to start making money on YouTube - Finding Groups on Facebook to share your YouTube content Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode17 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jul 13, 2021 • 22min

16. Teach and Inspire Your Way to Success with Heidi Easley

My guest today, Heidi Easley, has a true zest for life and adventure! She believes not just in existing, but in living life wide awake. In this episode, she shares with me how she started her now million dollar business, Texas Art & Soul. Heidi talks about how she found the courage to go into business for herself and getting over her fear of failure. We also discuss how she learned to be consistent with her marketing, seeking out opportunities that will generate income, and making focused decisions that are in line with your personal and business goals. Heidi has an amazing and inspiring story. About ten years ago after her husband lost his job, Heidi and her family fell on some rough times in Florida. To supplement the family's income, Heidi started hand-painting surfboards and selling them for a profit. Moving back to Texas where surfboards weren't in demand, Heidi pivoted to teaching at paint parties. She was so successful at building up this side business that she took the next logical step: opening her own business teaching paint party teachers. By chasing her passion, Heidi is now running a lucrative business and helping other people to find their own hope and success. In this episode, we cover: - Harnessing your future self in your present. Borrowing some of the self-confidence you know you'll have in your 60s and 70s. - Making it about "them". How to make Live streams and any type of performance about the person that's watching and not about yourself.  - How Heidi transitioned from her regular day job to her side-hustle full time.  - The importance of diversifying your revenue streams. - How being too scattered and trying to chase ALL of the opportunities presented to you will slow down your business growth.   Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode16 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jul 6, 2021 • 19min

15. Finding Confidence in Unexpected Places with Sarah Williams

Whether it's a present to yourself or one for someone else, a subscription box is the gift that keeps on giving. My guest today, Sarah Williams, has been dubbed the Subscription Box Queen by her mentors and peers. Not only did she start her own subscription box company, but now she teaches others how to do it too. Sarah shares with us the story of starting her businesses and the set-backs she faced trying to launch and develop them. We also discuss getting over self-consciousness when you're marketing online, having an accountability partner to keep you on track, and determining a direction for your business.    In this episode, we cover: - Bringing your presence and personality into an online space to attract a wider customer base. - The power of a good blow-out. What doing little things to boost your self-confidence will bring to your business.  - Making sure you pick a time that is convenient for you to engage in marketing activities (particularly when it comes to Facebook Live). Consistency is key! Make sure you stick to a schedule. - Subscription boxes as a way to create exclusivity and a VIP experience for your product-based customers.  - Identifying what you're doing that is the most profitable and the least time-consuming to start becoming a specialist.  Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode15 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jun 29, 2021 • 23min

14. Ways to Profit from Creating Products for Your Audience with Kim Demmon

Who is your audience and what do they want? If you're following your passion, then odds are good that your readers are people just like you, so write about what you find interesting! This is just some the amazing advice my guest Kim Demmon, creator of the Today's Creative Life blog, has for us. In addition to her tips for new bloggers, we also discuss some of the technical aspects of running a successful blog including organization to ensure that it's user friendly and scaling down to improve site recognition and searchability. As a savvy business woman that has been blogging and growing her business for years, she knows that doing what inspires you and educating yourself is key. On today's episode, Kim shares some of that hard-won wisdom with us.   In this episode, we cover: - Finding the balance between keeping an eye on current trends and staying true to yourself and enjoying the products that you create.  - How to monetize the parts of your site that are getting the most positive feedback and highest traffic. - Paying attention to your followers requests and questions. If they're asking you how to do something or how to make something, there's a product there! - Focusing on branding to attract readers and making sure that your branding reflects who you are now with room to grow in the future.  Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode14 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!
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Jun 22, 2021 • 26min

13. How Having a Mission Can Fuel your Growth with Miriam Illions

Sometimes the audience you set out to capture is not the audience you end up attracting. No one knows that better than my guest today, Miriam Illions, the founder of Hometalk, the world's largest DIY home and garden platform. In this episode, Miriam gives us the details of how she pivoted her business to align with her audience and provides some helpful advice for bloggers and other content creators just starting out. She also shares her start-up story and how the success of Hometalk has allowed her to branch out to pursue other passions.    In this episode, we cover: - The importance of listening to your audience and being flexible enough to pivot your business to service the audience you have and not the one you originally set out to snare - Making intelligent partnerships with bloggers and other content creators to to the benefit of both - How to stay focused on the niche you've chosen when there are different options coming at you from all directions while staying open to potentially lucrative opportunities - Setting OKRs: Objectives and Key Results to keep you and your business on track to achieve your goals - Carving out time dedicated to working towards your objectives Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! Content Planner for Creatives Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner FUEL Group Creatives on Fire™ FUEL https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode13 SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps  the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!

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