Unemployed & Afraid

This business story is going to be deeply supportive to what I would argue is the most important aspect of working for yourself and building a business - the personal evolution you go through that really makes or breaks - learning to look at yourself in new ways and truly acknowledge all that you’re capable of that you may not have always thought you were. Eric Mirbach is Co-Founder and CEO of Berlin based creative services agency Very Good Looking, and in the sharing of his business journey you’ll hear about:   How lifestyle interests can steer you into new careers Discovering how to create a business in your zone of genius through the creation [and closure] of other businesses Finding a balance between providing value, positive influence, and achieving financial stability Navigating business partnerships Embracing the love of work in equal measure to that of a hobby And some really interesting chat around an approach to exercise and meditation that truly allows you to give your mind a real rest. If embracing your full self and all of your capability in business is on your bingo-card, this episode is for you.   Connect with Eric on LinkedIn @ericmirbach Check out his work at verygoodlooking.berlin   You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

Multiple passions can mean multiple businesses – so how do you do it, and be able to pivot with each as they grow? The answer could boil down to balancing both your professional and your personal growth efforts, but as always there’s more to the story. In this episode you’ll hear from the incredibly warm Rachel Smith who is successfully building multiple businesses by ensuring her measures of success are relevant, and flexible. She’s widely known as the founder of Rachel’s List a jobs board for freelancers, but as you’ll hear she has plenty more super engaging business feathers in her cap. In the sharing of her business building story, where we really get into both the practical and the personal journey of it all, you’ll hear about: Following a childhood interest into a lifelong career, and not being afraid to keep following its pivots Working through the retrospective build of an accidental business as it grows Some handy insights into pitching your writing to publications How to effectively work with your team of freelancers and how it differs to on-books staff members Experimenting in your small-business marketing to sometimes amusing outcomes The role your confidence growth plays in your business approach Monetizing multiple business streams at different stages And the impact of podcasting in the marketing of your business and in nurturing new parts of yourself in the process Business growth is equal parts professional and personal - we’re here for it all to inspire you to feel seen, supported, and excited to grow the business of your unique dreams. Some notes from the episode… We chat about some great insights from the episode of Unemployed & Afraid with Alexandra Senter, make it your next listen HERE Check out Source Bottle for contributor sourcing [and contributing to stories].  And make sure to connect with Rachel’s work via: RachelsList.com.au Thecontentbyte.com [The Content Byte Podcast] Thecontentbytesummit.com.au Lettertomyex.com You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

Creating a business in the field you’ve spent your career in as an employee is a unique experience, but when you’re aiming for a better fit lifestyle and to work on something that matters to you, it’s an experience worth taking. My guest today knows all about it – she’s a small business owner, naturally, this is Unemployed & Afraid after all and we’re all about those SME stories, and her business exists to support small business owners. Heidi Warren is Director of Law by Design and in this chat you’ll hear about:   Realising a glittering law career was less sparkly than you’d hoped Dropping your profession for something very different, only to pick it back up again as a business down the track Hitting go on a business as baby #3 “sleeps” The mental segmentation challenge that is running your own business Making the business you’d like to see exist, even if it goes against the grain of your profession Responding to the market need, after you’ve gotten started Stepping out from behind your brand in a way that suits you And some priceless info on legals for small business, whether that’s as a sole trader or business, selling a product or a service, or a course – we’re talking privacy policies, protection, insurances and Trademarking – and so you’re gonna want to stick around for that We’re always here for you listener to inject some real feels and inspiring connection on the journey that is building a business to make sure you have what you need to keep going – this episode delivers just that. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn Follow Law by Design on IG @lawbydesign.lxd Check out the Law by Design Website lawbydesign.com.au [and all the excellent templates and resources] You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

If you happen to be an employee currently deciding on if leaving to start your own business or simply explore something “else” is for you, this episode will be exactly what you need – we’ve both been there and are sharing some hard earnt lessons that will support you with whatever stage you’re at. My guest today is the warm and deeply intelligent Camey O’Keefe, Director of Gambol Creative, and she shares the moment her business seed was planted by the impact of a particular speaker, and after listening to this I think she might just be the person whose sharing you’ll look back on in a few years’ time as the seed to exploring your own thing… In this chat you’ll hear about the experience of: What happens when you just say yes Knowing when you’ve simply reached the end of the journey of working for others The moves that only make sense in retrospect Going into business when you never really wanted to go into business Formalising how you’ll monetize as you get going Relearning how to work on what you’re building - and that the business doesn’t work unless you do Navigating whether to develop a service-based business under your own name, or a brand name And realising there is rarely an end goal in the development of a business where everything feels “done” and ready to be shared Great choice hitting play on this episode, because it is really about to deliver some uplifting, inspiring, down to earth real feels on the experience of building a business. Connect with Camey on LinkedIn Visit her Website Gambol.com.au You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

Not all business owners feel comfortable sharing their journey at the early stages or until there’s some wins on the board - thing is, that’s where the absolute gold is for us all as business builders. If we never see ourselves in the stories of others we might just give up on something that could be amazing. So, I’m very excited to share with you my chat with Teresa, Founder of Your Season an online platform that organises third-party clothing items into seasonal colour analysis palettes which you’ll hear more about shortly, who’s right in that glorious early phase and so generous with her learnings. You’ll hear about: The random sparks that can cause a life-changing business idea The realities of a tech start up from idea to incubator, to grants, legals and ongoing financing Navigating the hidden costs in business Finding a workflow that’s manageable for when you have both a business to build and a supportive job to maintain. The ins and outs of building affiliate partnerships Dealing with rejection And trying to get started without proof points. There's so much gold to learn from each other here, no matter what stage we’re at, and so I know you’re going to love this chat. Check out Your Season at yourseason.co Follow them on IG @yourseason2023 You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

Let’s get deeply personal and under the hood of my business where, me, your host Kim Kerton, is dishing out the realities of building and monetizing a podcast brand, developing a consulting business and learning what to let go of when exploring new ideas.  I’m sharing with you:  Some recent, big, revenue stream let downs  The ins and outs of this pods financials  Deciding if and how I can continue to build my business What [free] platforms I’m using for marketing, how I’m using them, and what results they’ve delivered My struggles with courage in business What it's like when you really are the only person working on your business And being not so gently pushed in the direction you were always meant to go This episode is all about owning my story, your story, our story, no matter how unpretty it might be, and truly appreciating that small business is very, very big.    Listen to the Online Course development mini series “Business Within Your Business” HERE You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

The fear of sucking at something has killed more businesses [and more passions generally] than any other life variable. Thing is, being average and not knowing what you’re doing is completely unavoidable for anything new worth doing. Building a business is no different. We don’t get where we want to go without feeling challenged, confused, unsure and maybe even a little bit embarrassed while we try. But if you’re willing to sit with this pain, you’ll become unstoppable. And this episode will show you why. My guest is the celebrated painter Monique Fedor, and in the sharing of discovering her passion and following it through to a thriving business you’ll hear about: Pushing forward when you almost give up Embracing the title [and magic] of being of self-taught The dark side of Instagram How to find your crowd The constant battle with self-doubt we experience And the benefits of making new connections along the way So, if you’re holding yourself back in some way, I think you’ll be ready to push forward after hearing this business-building story. Follow Monique on IG @moniquefedor_ Check out Monique’s Website moniquefedor.com You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

The shift from being employed to self-employed is a unique experience that, quite simply, if you haven’t been through it’s almost impossible to explain the gut-wrenching, soul growing, soul destroying, exhilarating, terrifying feels it brings – but today’s guest really gets all sides of employment. Her name is Ali Killaly and she’s the founder of career counselling organisation Workpants, and her story of coming to build and now scale her incredible business will leave you feeling seen and inspired for wherever you’re at with yours. You’ll hear about: The less than linear path to finding your Ikigai in business Going full circle in your career path The experience of reframing your professional identity Developing the business you need in real time The role your ego plays in business and how to tame it Working through the uncomfortable yet exhilarating daily experience of building a business you’re passionate about The value of manufacturing a catalyst to push you to take the steps you need to What outsourcing can take away from you in the initial building phases of your business And learning to lean into your scrappy side Growing your own small-business can be one of the most gratifying, wonderful, life-changing experiences around. It’s also scary as hell. We’re here for you, the ones who have made the brave decision to employ themselves anyway. Connect with Ali and Workpants on IG @_workpants Check out the Workpants Website at workpants.com.au Listen to the Workpants Podcast wherever you pod You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

If you are joining me today at a time where you’ve been battling with a particularly frustrating business-building mindset, the one where you have a million things you want to accomplish, are unsure of exactly where to start, and have seemingly lost the creative and / or productive capability to make it happen – I see you! And this chat will be exactly what you need. Our guest today is Lisa Booth, Founder of Booken Blend, a business that is all about supporting individuals in the build of their passive, sustainable home – and there’s a beautiful synergy in the concept of building something sustainably that I want you to hold in the same space as your approach to building your business. in this chat you’ll hear about: Following an instinct, into an idea, into a business Developing a business that allows you to do work that can make a real impact on your own life and the lives [and wellbeing] of others The fear you experience when you start monetizing one of your passions Testing your ideas before over-investing in them Nurturing and genuinely serving your biggest fans Why practice makes perfect really is the key in building your own thing What it really feels like to pull the pin on a secure job for the insecurity of a growing business Shifting your known identity from one thing to another And knowing your creative limits on the days it doesn’t flow. Imposter syndrome is something we hear about a lot, because it can affect us all – regardless of what qualifications we have or the amount of market testing we do before creating something, there will likely still be this little voice saying “who do you think you are to do this” – if that little voice is driving you nuts and you want to put it in the bin, you’re gonna love this chat. Follow Lisa on IG @bookenblend Check out the Booken Blend website and its wonderful resources at bookenblend.com You can find the conversation transcript at unemployedandafraid.com.au/episodes. And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.

You’re about to hit play on Part 4 of the Business Within Your Business Unemployed & Afraid Mini-Series, and join your host side by side in the creation of an online course - an idea that could work fantastically well for your business too... So you build a course, but how do you get it out there? How do any of us market something like this?  In this episode I chat with Mia Fileman from Campaign Del Mar for some top notch advice on how to market a course, working with what you’ve got.   You'll hear about:  Setting realistic expectations Making your offering clear and convert-able The value of social proof Falling in love with your owned media assets The best methods for course awareness  And why you need to fall in love with marketing (if you’re not already) Us small-business folks tend to go it alone much of the time, but there is just so much goodness to be gained by asking for help so I’m doing just that for both of us listener. In this Mini-Series with Squarespace, we’re exploring all the questions and tackling the very real challenges along the way, so that YOU feel more empowered in making your own online course real.  Hidden inside your business, is another business, ready to be built on everything you learned to get you here. Be one of the first to access my online course on building your small-business a big branded podcast at goodsideofthebed.com.au  Check out Squarespace Courses at https://www.squarespace.com/ecommerce/online-courses And don’t forget to follow Unemployed & Afraid on IG , Threads 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.