SQUARING THE CIRCLE: Recent Episodes
Benjamin Film + Photography
We often don’t want to talk about it – but as creative business owners most of us would like to increase our profits through closing more sales. But how on earth do we do that without feeling grubby!?
My guest for episode 39 is Ian Genius and he believes improving your sales in your business is not about old school techniques and it’s not giving the hard sell. It’s about educating your clients so they make a better choice, getting tangible with numbers and not getting in our own way.
This episode is packed full of gems that you can take away and action in your business and ultimately will re frame what it means to sell.
Our conversation explores:
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Focussing on the solution that solves your client’s problem
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What having effective conversations in our business actually means
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Working out the ROI of your services and using that information to secure more work
You can connect with Ian on LinkedIn and through his website at www.iangenius.co.uk
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 38 we have the warm, funny and sage like music composer Michael Coltham!
We have a brilliant conversation and touch on these topics:
- Why everybody needs a battle to fight, an adventure to live and a beauty to save
- Learning to love the anxiety that comes from a blank sheet of paper
- When to bin your bad ideas and start again
- Running a value based business
You can connect with Michael online here:
@michaelcolthammusic on Insta
www.blacklabmusic.co.uk
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 37 of Squaring The Circle we have another, but very different Creative Collective Mastermind session. We recorded this during Mental Health Awareness week in May with the focus on how we support ourselves with regards to mental health but it just so happened that for the first time it was an all male group. Even with the seemingly progressive attitude towards mental health, I don’t think it is any secret that men still find it tough to chat openly about the subject. So we saw this as an opportunity to share our thoughts, the difficulties we face and coping strategies we use.
What you’re about to hear is a searingly honest conversation where we all put down the barriers and lend a listening ear to one another. We were hesitant about releasing this episode due to how private some of the shared thoughts were – but feel it is only with these kind of chats – gradually the dial is moved and the mental health stigma can be worn away.
A huge thank you to Martin Whiskin, Michael Coltham, Matt Read, Simon Wells, Quinton Quayle, Sean Anthony and Nick Field for contributing to what I hope is a valuable conversation.
Our chat explores:
- How we manage our mental health
- Getting lost in the process of life
- How being employed and self employed alters your mental health
- Using a community to aid your mental health
Also, a quick warning – due to the nature of the conversation - attempting suicide is mentioned and discussed
If you're struggling with your mental health at the moment the below charities are set up to help:
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Fresh from Glastonbury!!!! For episode 36 we have the wonderful duo of Bonnie and Pete AKA Good Habits!
We have a chat that touches on these topics:
- Making a living purely from touring
- The song writing process
- Life on tour as a couple
- Seeing a band as a micro business
You can connect with the band on Insta @goodhabitsband or www.goodhabitsband.com
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 35 I’m joined by actor and creative coach Corrie Legge!
Topics for our conversation include:
- The difference between a goal and a target for your creative business
- The benefits of an accountability partner
- Prioritising your passion projects
You can connect with Connie online here: www.creatingwithcorrie.com or on Insta @creatingwithcorrie
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 34 I have clothes designer, artist and owner of The Quarter Masters in Folkestone, Colin White.
Our conversation covers:
- The art of brevity
- Trusting your instincts
- What you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail
- The benefits of giving up alcohol
The chat also has a mention of Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares – which is something I never thought I would say in the show notes!!
You can connect with Colin on Insta @thequartermasters and you can check out his clothes at www.qm.clothing
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
We’re back with another Creative Collective mastermind session - a roundtable format where creative business owners support one another and talk openly and honestly about the challenges they face.
This episode features the powerful Dennis Lewis from Wise on Words, voice over artist Sean Anthony, business videographer Alex Durham, actor Nick Field, Alissia Clifton from Burnt Toast Solutions, Matt Read from Yesseo, Quinton Qualye from Quayle Industries and voice over artist Martin Whiskin.
We chat about:
- The biggest blockers in your creative business
- Confidence in your ability - as a creative
- Responding to the client that present the ‘red flags’
- Outsourcing as a freelancer
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 32 I’m joined by the wonderful voice over artist Liz Drury!
Topics include in our conversation:
- Harnessing natural talent
- How to improve your email marketing
- How to network successfully
- Dealing with the uncertainty of being unemployed
You can connect with Liz online here:
www.lizdrury.co.uk
Instagram - @lizdruryvo
LinkedIn – Liz Drury
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign up here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 31 my guest is multi-disciplinary artist Shanel Richardson!
Main topics covered in the conversation are:
- The pitfalls of comparison
- How to handle the tough times in business
- Anxiety about your creativity evaporating
- Being a generalist rather than a specialist
Thanks to Shanel for being a positivity powerhouse! I came off the chat feeling like I could take on the world!
Connect with Shanel @ shandwich_artist online on all the main social media platforms!
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 30 of Squaring The Circle I’m delighted to say that Sean Tucker is my guest.
Anybody who has had any interest in creativity and photography will have seen Sean’s videos on YouTube and over the last 8 years he has gained over 500k subscribers for his channel. Sean has also recently released his book ‘The Meaning in the Making’ which explores a philosophy for a creative life.
However, this conversation is so much more than talking subscribers and book sales.
Topics we discuss:
- Making compromises in your creative business
- Having a ‘through line’ that underpins everything in your life and business
- How an artist can make a living from having 1000 true fans
- How big numbers doesn’t necessarily mean success
You can find Sean's YouTube channel @seantuck and his book The Meaning in the Making wherever you find books online.
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 29 we’re back with another Creative Collective mastermind session!!
Featuring the powerful Shelley Tahiri from Shelley at the Mic, Dennis Lewis from Wise on Words, Michael Coltham from Black Lab Music, Flee from Parka Boots Photography, voice over artist Sean Anthony, business videographer Alex Durham, voice over artist Simon Wells, Content Writer Nathan Locke and Actor Nick Field.
We chat about:
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The things you wish you knew when you started your business.
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Your value not being determined by your clients.
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The power of outsourcing.
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How to achieve true authenticity in your business.
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What ‘niching’ actually means.
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Welcome to episode 28 of Squaring the Circle – the podcast where I explore how creative business owners balance the art and the business.
Today my guest is social media expert Rob Kearsey.
Take aways from this chat are:
- What a successful social media campaign looks like
- What we as business owners can do to improve our social media practice
- Re - thinking imposter syndrome
- How to mentally deal with a quiet period in your business
Connect with Rob here:
Rob Kearsey on LI
www.rmkmarketing.co.uk
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today my guest is website designer supremo and branding expert Joe Gallant.
Conversation topics include:
How to reflect purposefully on your business
Being open to different mediums for inspiration
Dealing with being overwhelmed in your business
Developing creative confidence
Thinking differently with regards to growing your business
Joe’s book choices:
Brand Thinking – Debbie Millman - https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Brand-Thinking-Noble-Pursuits-Millman-Debbie/31441441086/bd?ref_=ps_ggl_2039220669&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_Tradestandard-_-product_id=UK9781621532477USED-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZolm12Je_99nfiQm8ZyIgqSuP7Rs3BnPubcLVmr1D_QemJ4YJ_XZF3xhoC9-UQAvD_BwE
Know Your Onions - Drew De Soto - https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/know-your-onions-drew-de-soto/product/HD_301310046?pscid=ps_ggl_OOS+-+Performance+Max+BOOKS+-+2022_&crm_event_code=20REUWWS08&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZolra4shtxZEhkZzzY27DYJuRq5FUygFyvMMa4_OFutKzoX5MzWiqnhxoC8RUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This Year Will Be Different – Monika Konakova- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26210847-this-year-will-be-different
Dear Client – Bonnie Siegler -
https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/bonnie-siegler/dear-client/9781579658335?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=18129456947&cq_con=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&gclid=CjwKCAiAmJGgBhAZEiwA1JZoltFCMZfwOnJmuoFh2zdLnrw9ubd_kxfnQmmeQ3N-2kpLgwidkmtOZBoCBSYQAvD_BwE#GOR009086840
Connect with Joe here:
Begallant.uk
This episode is sponsored by The Creative Collective – the online networking group for creative businesses. You can sign on here for free!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Welcome to Squaring the Circle….the podcast where I chat to creative business owners about how they balance the art and the business.
For episode 26 we’re continuing the collaboration with The Creative Collective . Some of you may or not know that myself and voice over artist Martin Whiskin run the creative collective which is a networking group for creative businesses. In 2023 and as an addition to the main group – we’ve launched a peer to peer mastermind group where once a month a few members get together support one another, generate ideas and to ensure accountability in our businesses.
So in this group we have Andrew from Yesseo, Flee Chavasss from Parka Boots Photography, business videographer Alex Durham , voice over artist - Simon Wells, Michael Coltham from Black Lab music and voice over artist Sean Anthony.
The conversation was so uplifting and motivating to the people in the room we wanted to release it as podcast in order for other people to hopefully get some value from the session.
Amongst many things we discuss – how we are going to thrive in 2023, what training we are embarking on and alternative ways to structure our working week.
Thanks for listening to this episode of Squaring The Circle – if you run a creative business and want to come to along to the creative collective online – you can book on for free here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Welcome to Squaring the Circle….the podcast where I chat to creative business owners about how they balance the art and the business.
For episode 25 we’ve done something a little different. Some of you may or not know that myself and voice over artist Martin Whiskin run the creative collective which is a networking group for creative businesses. In 2023 and as an addition to the main group – we’ve launched a peer to peer mastermind group where once a month a few members get together support one another, generate ideas and ensure accountability in our businesses.
In this group we have Andrew from Yeseo, Flee Chavasse from Parka Boots Photography, Nikita Dean Hart from NDH Productions, Voice over artist - Simon Wells and Michael Coltham from Black Lab music.
The conversation was so uplifting and motivating to the people in the room we wanted to release it as podcast in order for other people to hopefully get some value from the session.
Amongst many things - We discuss …. Balancing the creative and commercial in our business, being yourself on SM, apologising for making money as a creative, a discussion about how done is better than perfect and how small changes lead to big changes in your business.
Thanks for listening to this episode of Squaring The Circle – if you run a creative business and want to come to along to the creative collective online – you can book on for free here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today I’m delighted to say that my guest is actor, podcaster and voiceover artist Sally Vanderpump.
We have an enlightening and deep conversation about:
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Being the ‘queen of transformation’
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Lacking creative confidence
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Aligning your values with your personal brand
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Not listening to your inner critic
Thanks so much to Sally for being so open and honest about the ups, downs, swings and roundabouts of running a creative business. This chat will give you a window into how Sally negotiates the stormy seas of being self-employed in her own warm, charming and authentic way.
If you want more Sally in your life….and why wouldn’t you!?! Follow her here!
www.sallyvanderpump.com
@sallyvanderpump on Insta
or by searching her name on LinkedIn
Listen to Sally's brilliant podcast 'Creative Twist' by searching for it on Spotify and Apple podcasts.
For episode 23 of Squaring The Circle we’ve done something a little different.
I chat to personal trainer Dave Marsh about how prioritising your health can impact your business and life. Well, that was the plan anyway!......Doing these podcasts, you never know quite where the conversation is going to go and the second half of the conversation turned into something altogether different – it got a bit existential!
Our chat explores:
Why we shouldn’t rely on motivation to exercise
The myth of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time
Eating that frog!
The importance of thinking about your own mortality
Follow Dave @upersonaltraining on Instagram
We’ve reached episode 22 of Squaring The Circle! Today I’m joined by voice over artist Shelley Anderson – Tahiri.
Topics included in the conversation are:
- The voice over process from beginning to end
- How teaching at a Primary School was perfect training for voice over work
- Using past experiences to inform your current practice
- How to deal with the ‘feast or famine’ dynamic of being self employed
Follow Shelley @shelleyatthemic on Insta
Visit her website at www.shelleyatthemic.com
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
It’s official – Squaring The Circle turns 21!!!
To celebrate the milestone I have a wonderful chat with portrait and headshot photographer - Ivan Weiss.
We have an inspiring conversation about:
How a ticking clock is the enemy of creativity
Having zero work/life balance
Defining yourself by your work
The benefits of finding your niche in your business
Follow Ivan online at:
www.ivanweiss.london
@ivanweisslondon on Insta
Ivan Weiss on LinkedIn
We’ve reached episode 20 of Squaring The Circle!
And what better way to celebrate the landmark than to chat to Functional Breathwork Instructor - Tracey Howes.
We have a brilliant chat about:
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The power of nasal breathing
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How breathing can impact our creativity for the better
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Getting into the ‘flow state’ more often
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Why as adults, we should daydream more
Follow the incredible Tracey online here:
@traceymayhowes on Insta
Tracey Howes on LinkedIn
Her new website is coming soon!
Today my guest is award winning filmmaker Chris Wade. We have a brilliant chat about:
The benefits of separating your business into different genres
Avoiding creative burnout
The joy of low budget filmmaking
Stepping away from the camera to achieve balance in your life
If you can't get enough of Chris - Follow him online here:
Insta @the_kent_video_company and @dogbrainvideos
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
If you’re anything like me the Metaverse and Web 3 fills you with an equal amount of dread and excitement. So today I’m delighted to say that my guest is ‘Mr Metaverse’ Dave Mcoll.
We have a great chat about:
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What the Metaverse actually is
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What opportunities the Metaverse and Web 3 affords creative business owners
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The potential negative affects of the Metaverse on the environment
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When there will be mass adoption of the Metaverse and Web 3
Follow Dave for more Metaverse goodness!
Rhino XR Studios Website
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today my guest is the incredible brand photographer and teacher Flee Chavasse. We have a brilliant chat about:
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Whether phone photography is killing the photography industry
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The challenges of being a business women and a mum
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The client ‘red flags’ to be aware of
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Why Flee wishes she had 'networked' sooner
Follow Flee on Linked In @flee Chavasse
On Insta @parka_and_boots_photography
And check out her work @
Website www.parkaandbootsphotography.com
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today, I’m delighted to say my guest is........(drum roll!)..... Marketer extraordinaire Rachel Gray – Moon!
We have a great chat about:
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How marketing can change behaviour
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The key difference between marketing and sales
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The key differences between being employed and self employed
Follow Rachel online here:
www.brandspacemedia.co.uk
@brandspacemedia on Facebook
@brandspace_media on Insta
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today my guest is videographer, editor and content creator Nikita Dean Hart.
We have a brilliant chat about:
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Landing on the pricing structure that works for you
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How to ‘pre edit’ in your head
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Using social media to spark your creativity
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How to boost your creativity through organisation
Follow Nikita on:
Facebook - @NDHproductions
Insta - @ndh_productions_
Website – www.ndhproductions.co.uk
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
Today my guest is graphic designer, website designer, printer and networking supremo John Turner. We have a great chat about:
- Diversifying your work as a creative business owner
- Educating your clients
- How to combine social media and IRL networking
Follow John on Linked by searching his name!
Check out his work at www.simplydesign.co.uk
Attend his networking group at www.simplybusinessclub.co.uk
Also, some exciting news… this episode is sponsored by the Creative Collective – an online networking group for creative business owners that believes in collaboration not competition.
If you want to grow your business in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment, you can sign up here. The first 3 visits are totally free!!!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-creative-collective-tickets-299305188877
For episode 13 of Squaring The Circle I chat to author Andreas Loizou.
Whether you’re writing social media posts, blogs or website copy – the way you write for your business is crucial. So I was delighted to pick the brains of Andreas just before his book is released – ‘The Story is Everything’.
This conversation is packed full of tangible advice that will get you writing about your business in a fresh, authentic and engaging way.
Our chat explores:
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How to influence people when writing about your business
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‘Matchbox storytelling’
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How to think like a storyteller
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The importance of writing whilst visualising your audience
Like what you hear? Andreas’s brand new book – ‘The Story is Everything’ - can be found here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Everything-Mastering-Creative-Communication/dp/1913947947/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OG8NFNQLC5WC&keywords=the+story+is+everything&qid=1650531949&sprefix=%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1
Marketing ‘Yoda’ Lenny Wood has over 23, 000 hours of marketing experience. In this episode, he shares his knowledge and wisdom on all things marketing for creative business owners.
We have a brilliant chat about:
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When you should be generalist and when you need to ‘niche down’ in your industry
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Taking your own advice as a business owner
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A social media strategy that actually works
Lenny’s recommended book:
No Excuses by Brian Tracy - https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/no-excuses-the-power-of-self-discipline-by-brian-tracy-2012-hardcover/9781606711361?gclid=CjwKCAjw_tWRBhAwEiwALxFPoQZavJOqDP9qhuhUK1IY0nZbwttv20T5Da7GbWjTZjavFB1kRVUPqxoCqPMQAvD_BwE
Follow Lenny on LinkedIn by searching his name…..Lenny Wood!
And visit his website at www.marketingoutsource.co.uk
Today I’m delighted to say that my guest is commercial photographer Graham Baker. After meeting at a networking meeting, myself and Graham sat down for a chat to get to know each other – an hour later we were still waffling on, so I thought it best that I got him on the podcast to chat all things photography and business. However, this conversation was less about the ‘nuts and bolts’ of running a photography business, but rather a deeper dive into purpose, values and realising what’s important in life. Graham was extremely honest and open throughout the conversation and his observations and thoughts have really stayed with me.
Our conversation explores:
The link between photography and improving your mental health
Running a thriving business in the age of smart phones
How to align your values and business
Graham’s recommended book
The Daily Stoic – Ryan Holiday
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Stoic-Meditations-Perseverance-translations/dp/1781257655/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=109405099808&gclid=CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu12YfIPTBjm8IYnf8CnHBkxS3tyVOFmVjo-oyrf5BaFceJ9sSbHN6qhoCvh4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=446799164127&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9045928&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11691890182715325736&hvtargid=kwd-108722732490&hydadcr=10776_1749359&keywords=the+daily+stoic&qid=1645366005&sr=8-1
Graham’s recommended resource
https://www.strongmen.org.uk/
Have a look at Grahams work @ www.grahambakerphotography.com and continue the conversation on Insta and social media @grahambakerphotography
For this episode I’m delighted to say that broken folk duo Lunatraktors are my guests.
One of the reasons I love doing this podcast is I get to sit down with people that are far more intelligent than me and pick their brains. This conversation with Clair and Carli was a great example of that.
Our chat explores:
How to cultivate a sense of community with your music
Playing for ‘exposure’
Why there is no such thing as the music industry
How musicians can stay true creatively whilst being commercially viable
Also, they were kind enough to send me their press package, so around halfway through the episode I’ve spliced in my favourite song called Lover Lover Lover from their new album The Missing Star.
Relevant links for this episode:
David Byrne – How music works - https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-music-works/david-byrne/9780857862525
Global Music Match - https://globalmusicmatch.com/
Tom Thumb Theatre - https://www.tomthumbtheatre.co.uk/
Follow Lunatraktors on social media @lunatraktors
And support them at www.lunatraktors.bandcamp.com/
Today I’m delighted to say that my guest is actor Alex Montagnani. Alex’s background is in martial arts but over the last few years he has jumped ship to pursue an acting career so I caught up with him to see how that transition was going. I was blown away by Alex’s honesty and openness about a wide range of topics
We have a fascinating conversation about:
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Speaking your truth as an actor
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Picking the right roles
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Playing the ‘long game’ in the acting industry
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The strain acting can have on your mental health
Relevant links to the conversation
Playing Sane (mental health support for actors)
https://www.playingsane.org/about/
Follow Alex here:
Insta @Alexmontagnani
For episode 8 of Squaring The Circle I’m delighted to say that my guest is freelance Poet - Henry Maddicott.
Myself and Henry have a conversation about:
- The journey from hating literature to being a full-time poet
- His new love for spreadsheets
- Finding your voice in your profession
- His process of writing
Also, Henry was kind enough to send me a new poem called ‘Houseplants’ so around halfway through the conversation, I’ve popped it in so you can have a listen to the his genius!
Henry's recommended book:
Book – Essays on the blurring of Art and Life – Alan Kaprow
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essays-Blurring-Life-Allan-Kaprow/dp/0520240790
Continue the conversation with Henry:
@henrymaddpoet on Facebook and Insta
Today my guest is freelance videographer Alex Durham.
I met Alex over a year ago through a networking group and was instantly struck by her passion and enthusiasm for what she does. Additionally, she seemed to be constantly pushing herself to get better and learn new creative skills which she could then transfer to her business.
Alex was a perfect fit for the podcast so I’m delighted to bring it to you today.
We have a brilliant conversation about:
Being a videographer, not a magician
The struggles of social media
Hunting for your USP as a videographer
Being stuck in a creative rut and how to get out of it
Alex’s recommended resources:
Podcast - Business Anchors - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-anchors/id1497329226
The TV Presenter’s Handbook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TV-Presenters-Career-Handbook-Presenting/dp/0415856981/ref=asc_df_0415856981/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311043780415&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11129929769784566482&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006916&hvtargid=pla-699009674311&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
Continue the conversation with Alex at:
Alex Durham on LinkedIn
Alex Durham Freelance on Facebook and Insta
www.alexdurhamfreelance.com
Follow the show:
@squaringthecirclepod on Insta
@squaringpod on Twitter
I’m Benjamin Bowles and welcome to Squaring The Circle.
The podcast where I chat to creative entrepreneurs to see how they survive and thrive as business owners AND as artists.
Now this episode is slightly different, I’m talking to LinkedIn expert Mike Roberts about how creative freelancers can use the platform effectively to increase sales and build ‘brand awareness’.
The conversation is full of practical advice anybody can follow and Mike was so generous with the amount of knowledge he passed on.
We chat about:
- The benefits of LinkedIn for creative business owners
- How to hack the LinkedIn algorithm for more engagement on your posts
- And how we can cut through the ‘digital pollution’ of social media
Mike also shares a story about his ‘salesman’ days that had me in absolute hysterics. So much so I had to heavily edit the audio of me cackling!
Mike’s recommended book for the episode is:
Rehumanize Your Business – Ethan Beute and Stephen Pacinellli
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rehumanize-Your-Business-Accelerate-Experience/dp/1119576261
Continue the conversation with Mike:
LinkedIn – Mike Roberts – Email Encryption
Website – www.mikedroberts.com
How do creative entrepreneurs balance the art and the business? Welcome to Squaring The Circle.
On this episode I speak to freelance writer Dawn Gibson - Fawcett. We have a great chat about:
- The benefits of working for someone else to learn your craft
- The difference between working ‘on’ and ‘in’ your business
- Transparency in your pricing
- The value of saying NO
Continue the conversation with Dawn here:
LinkedIn @dawncreativemedia
Facebook @dawncretivemedia
Instagram @dawncreativeme
Continue the conversation and follow the podcast on social media here:
Instagram @squaringthecirclepod
Twitter @squaringpod
On this episode I speak to singer, band manager and podcaster Paul Waller. We have a great chat about:
-
Using jealousy to fuel your art
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How to sustain and cultivate passion in your work
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Why Spotify and other streaming sites are not the enemy to the music industry
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Paul's recommended resource from the episode:
Profitable Podcasting - Stephen Woessner.
https://wordery.com/profitable-podcasting-grow-your-business-expand-your-platform-and-build-a-nation-of-true-fans-woessner-9780814438282?awc=9111_1636896921_3a751e3d7664474e9663e9eac9c1fd8b&utm_source=AWIN&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=639029
Continue the conversation with Paul here:
@wallernotweller on Insta
@NotWellerPod on Twitter
Continue the conversation and follow the podcast on social media here:
Instagram @squaringthecirclepod
Twitter @squaringpod
Today, I’m delighted to say that my guest for this episode is voice over artist Martin Whiskin:
We have a brilliant chat about:
- Drawing out your creativity as a professional
- How to create the social media strategy that's right for you
- The importance of 'story' in your business
- The benefits of networking
Martin's recommended resource from the episode:
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy -
https://bookclub.66books.co.uk/products/eat-that-frog?_pos=1&_sid=a3423c3bc&_ss=r
Continue the conversation with Martin here:
https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/
Linked In - Martin Whiskin
Continue the conversation and follow the podcast on social media here:
Instagram @squaringthecirclepod
Twitter @squaringpod
Today, I’m delighted to say that my guest for this episode is portrait photographer Nina Carrington.
We have a brilliant chat about:
- How creativity is problem solving
- Building your business as an introvert
- The benefits of making time….to be bored
Nina's recommended resource from the episode:
Creative Live - https://www.creativelive.com/
Continue the conversation with Nina here:
https://www.ninacarrington.com/
@ninacarringtonphotography on Insta
Continue the conversation and follow the podcast on social media here:
Instagram @squaringthecirclepod
Twitter @squaringpod
Today, I’m delighted to say that my guest for this episode is actor, performance artist, podcaster, professional wrestler and personal trainer Philip Bedwell.
We have a brilliant chat about:
The highs and lows of being self employed
Having your finger in a lot of pies
The importance of consistency
Structuring your day
Philip's recommended books from the episode:
Dan John - Never Let Go - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Let-Go-Philosophy-Learning/dp/1931046387
David Lynch - Catching the Big Fish - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catching-Big-Fish-Meditation-Consciousness/dp/B000M8NLV0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2DU0XC7J18C7H&dchild=1&keywords=catching+the+big+fish+david+lynch&qid=1634040368&s=audible&sr=1-2
The Golden Rules of Acting - Andy Nyman - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Rules-Acting-Andy-Nyman/dp/1848422539/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=golden+rules+of+acting&qid=1634040444&s=audible&sr=1-1
Continue the conversation with Philip here:
https://philipbedwell.com/
@philipbedwell on Insta
Continue the conversation and follow the podcast on social media here:
Instagram @squaringthecirclepod
Twitter @squaringpod
