

Unemployed & Afraid
Kim Kerton
A business podcast for the brave self-employed.
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod
Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok
Growing your own business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. This is a weekly podcast for the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway.
We're for the full gamut of business experience - from Solopreneurs, Side-hustlers, Micro-business, Small Business, Medium business, Independent, VC backed, Bootstrapped and more - here for the real stories and priceless insights of it all, well beyond the PR headlines.
Join fellow business-builder and side-hustler Kim Kerton as she dives into the realities of starting something from scratch, helping you feel less alone in the lows and reminding you of the highs that make it all worthwhile. Hear real talk and raw feels from people right in the thick of it and feel seen as you listen.
Small business is tough - all business is tough - it will be one of the most intense things you'll ever do but it will also be the most impactful experience you can imagine. So surround yourself with a community of business owners willing to share with you their learnings, from those a few steps ahead, to many business milestones ahead, and even those just behind, and feel supported to build the business of your unique dreams.
This is a podcast built to support you to build your own small business, to tackle the statistics and keep more of us in business for ourselves. To say thanks, you can support this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod
Get in touch at unemployedandafraid.com.au to be part of the show or to become a sponsor (we would love the support!).
Connect on the socials @unemployedandafraid on IG and @unemployedandafraidpod on TikTok
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2024 • 13min
Everything is a season - why you shouldn’t be afraid to make a change
What happens when your business is trucking along, and then the opportunity to make a major change in the day to day comes along - what do you do? In this episode your host Kim Kerton is giving you food for thought around the structure of your business, why you should embrace making a big change to how you work, and why not being afraid of going from self-employed to employed and back again. If you need some encouragement to be kind to yourself and stay open through change, this episode is for you. Read the article Kim mentioned on Smart Company Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 2024 • 37min
“If you don't know, you can learn,” Founders of Solmates Caroline & Kelly
Don’t you just wish you could flash forward and know that everything will work out with your business idea? Self-doubt holds back so much potential in the early days, and our business builders in this episode know all about working through the pain. Caroline & Kelly, business partners in Solmates, share all of the things they wish they knew, how they’ve grown to establish a successful business in partnership and why it’s important to back yourself from the beginning. You’ll also hear about: How a desire for purpose kick started an adventure Finding a partner for the elements you need to make a business thrive The realities of designing and manufacturing a brand new product Managing the planning of a business when there’s no competitors to benchmark against The benefits of DIY when launching And the random skills you develop as a business owner If you want to learn from people who’ve gone before, but who are still in the thick of it, and feel some solidarity and support in your own business endeavours, you’re in the right place. Check out Solmates online via their website Follow them on the socials @solmatesau You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 2024 • 13min
What it really means to put you and your business in the room
If you’ve ever had nerves about showing up to a conference, a networking event, or any business event - this story is for you. In this episode your host Kim Kerton shares a personal experience of attending an industry conference, on the other side or the world, as a solo business operator - and the surprising outcome. Feeling nervous and pushing ourselves into spaces before we’re ready in business is all part of it. We will doubt our path, desperately want to hide away, and feel out of control a lot of the time - that’s exactly why this podcast exists. We’re a group of business owners learning from each other on a mission to start and stay in business, knowing that the experience is more universal than we think. Listen to the chat with Dr Marion Piper for her “getting in the room” story on this channel on Spotify or Apple Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid Newsletter for more business insights and small business stories at unemployedandafraid.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2024 • 44min
“It's the mental chatter that we need to control and let go of,” Maritza Barone, Founder of Guide Your Light Network
What does it mean to find your unique voice in business? And how does looking at your competitors get you further away? Maritza Barone, Founder of the Guide Your Light podcast network, is building her business, her way. In the sharing of her story you’re going to hear about: Exploring the curiosities that call to you Responding to the business opportunity that’s naturally there Moving through the unknowns of business development Turning away from competition When it’s time to stop consuming and start creating And challenging yourself to think bigger We’re here for all the small business stories and big business learnings to encourage you to build the business of your dreams. Listen to the Things You Can’t Unhear podcast Check out the Guide Your Light podcast network guideyourlightnetwork.com You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 2, 2024 • 59min
“The best business models reflect the business owner, in all shapes and forms,” Dr Marion Piper
Trust me when I say this business building story will be exactly what you need. Dr Marion Piper (aka Dr Maz) understands the importance of building a business that fits you – no matter how that looks and whatever needs to happen as it evolves. In the sharing of her story you’ll hear about: The process of rebuilding yourself through business Exploring newly understood neurodivergence Managing the constant context switching of business Reframing our approach to creativity for better outcomes The helpful role of “critical friends” Noticing when something new is coming through And building the business model that works for you Listen to Maz’s Podcast What Doesn’t Kill Us Check out her work online drmarionpiper.com.au You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 19, 2024 • 49min
“I'm taking everything I've learned in this day job, and I'm going to use it in this business that I can create for myself,” Jen Bishop Founder of Interiors Addict
Everyone will tell you that when business is challenging you need to diversify, but what does that actually look like in the day to day? Adding new services, shifting pricing models, putting yourself out there in new ways, getting to the other side of imposter syndrome, these are all the things we do for nothing else but the sake of our business being able to continue. If that’s where your head is at right now, we’ve got you. Jen Bishop is an incredibly engaging human, and in this chat about the building and diversification of her business Interiors Addict you’ll hear about: Creating a business where the potential isn’t obvious Getting comfortable with the sell Stepping into a new field based on passion Never closing off from diversification Task switching to an unprecedented level And being cautious of over-delivery (and over-discounting) in a contracting market. Every week there’s an episode for you listener, something that is designed to help you keep going and building a business you’re proud of. If you love it, make sure you’re following the show and tell someone else about it – it helps the show to grow and to continue showing up for you each week. Follow Jen on IG @interiorsaddict Delve into some glorious interiors content online theinteriorsaddict.com You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16, 2024 • 8min
Stay open to possibilities you can’t see
One day a conversation will change your life and your business. You won’t see it coming, it won’t be anything like what you thought would happen, but it will open a possibility that will be absolute magic. In this short episode your host Kim Kerton shares a shift in thinking that can help us get through the days (or months) that can feel like we’re wading through business mud on the path to a future we’ve imagined for ourselves. If you’ve ever found yourself over-thinking, over-planning, or just generally feeling like what you’re planning for doesn’t feel possible, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 2024 • 46min
“Sometimes it's not just thinking about expansion, it's ‘What's the model that works for me,’” Director of The Therapy Hub, Marie Vakakis
A portfolio business might not answer the annoyingly quick question of “what do you do?” but it could be the answer to your own personal and professional joy. My guest today is Marie Vakakis, Director of the mental health services business The Therapy Hub, and she has a powerful perspective on what it takes to balance leveraging an opportunity, with holding site of the bigger picture and the unique why we have behind being in business for ourselves. In this chat with Marie you’ll hear about: Developing a portfolio business Information overload and its effect on imposter syndrome Navigating new service offerings in a cost-of-living crisis Managing a personal brand business alongside a traditional business The impact of mental health care in business ownership And knowing when to stop scaling up. You will walk away with a sense of business solidarity and renewed belief in how to move forward in your own business, stories of others keeping it real do that for us. Listen to Marie’s podcast This Complex Life Check out the Connected Teens course Visit The Therapy Hub You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 2024 • 7min
Don’t quit before the magic happens
Feeling a “wobble” in business? You might be closer than you think. In this episode your host Kim Kerton shares some insights from the depth of a business wobble, how it feels, how normal it is, and what you need to remember in order to move through it. Feeling unsure about our path in business is all part of it. We will doubt our direction, desperately want to stop sometimes, and feel out of control a lot of the time - that’s exactly why this podcast exists. We’re a group of business owners learning from each other on a mission to start and stay in business, knowing that the experience is more universal than we think. Listen to this week’s episode with Jaz aka Your Pricing Queen and get inspired on Spotify, Apple or wherever else you're listening. Subscribe to the Unemployed & Afraid newsletter at unemployedandafraid.com.au And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , LinkedIn and TikTok Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 2024 • 28min
PART 2 “I believe that the best teachers are only two steps in front of you,” Jasmine Parasram aka Jasmine Designs & Your Pricing Queen
You don’t need a huge audience to make a huge impact - this episode will share insights into marketing multiple work streams, trading in value and dealing with tough clients, well. We left off Part 1 of this epic chat with Jaz hearing about the mindset shift to start charging what you’re worth – but this part is all about your making your business the best it can be, for you – and that’s all about creating longevity in your business. In Part 2 of this chat, you’ll hear about: Marketing effectively when you have a number of offers The magic of a small following Navigating rejection Creating a better relationship to self when dealing with tough clients Planning your potential And defining success through impact If you missed Part 1, make sure to give it a listen on the show feed. Connect with Jaz on IG @yourpricingqueen Check out her work on our special U&A page creativebusinesskitchen.com/afraid or just explore via creativebusinesskitchen.com/pantry You can find more show notes and transcripts at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , TikTok and LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group And show your support for this independent podcast and small business by shouting your host a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpod You can reach your host on email kim@unemployedandafraid.com.au on IG on LinkedIn or via unemployedandafraid.com.auSupport the show by shouting me a cuppa (or 2): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unemployedpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.