Friends with Business Benefits: Recent Episodes
Charlie Swift & Franky Shanahan: Creative business owners
Friends with Business Benefits hosted by Charlie Swift and Franky Shanahan is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support.
Hello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the southwest of England.
Franky runs a copywriting business called Love Audrey, helping brands and creative businesses find their voice and tell their story online. As a business mentor to creative mamas, Charlie supports women to build their businesses alongside raising a family.
For the last 5 years, we’ve been meeting for regular co-mentoring sessions. Working for yourself can be lonely at times, but through our monthly meet-ups, we’ve found the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives.
Through our podcast, we hope to continue these conversations, share what we’re learning and also learn from you, our listeners.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the Wheel of the Year, a seasonal cycle of eight festivals, or sabbats, that mark the passage of time through the year, connecting with the Earth's natural rhythms and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Charlie explains the significance of the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, describing some of the symbols and traditions associated with them. We also discuss different ways you can use the Wheel of the Year within your creative business.
From seasonal projects and activities to intention setting, this episode contains lots of resources and ideas to help get you started with this seasonal framework.
Links and Further Reading
Wheel of the Year on Google Calendar (add the one titled Pagan/Wiccan Holidays)
Brand Seasons
Katherine May
Creating Everyday Rituals
Everythinglooksrosie
Are you familiar with the Wheel of the Year? Is it something you use in your creative business? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
Inspired by a recent conversation during one of our real-life co-mentoring sessions, today we’re asking whether a picture is REALLY worth a thousand words. Spoiler alert - Franky doesn’t think so!
We’re constantly told we live in a visual world, especially when it comes to doing business online, but are headshots, logos, and brand colours really the most important thing? Listen as we explore this topic, chatting about ocularcentrism, the perils of neglecting your website copy, audio branding and more.
Links and Further Reading
Emma Dabiri on How to Fail
The Ultimate Guide to Sonic Branding with George and Luke from Hear Me Out
What do you think about the relationship between words and visuals? Is one more important than the other? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
When it comes to your business, how much self-belief do you have? In today’s episode, we’re answering this question and exploring why self-belief is so important when you work for yourself.
As well as discussing how our relationship with self-belief has changed over the years, we dive into the differences between inner work and external validation. We also share some of the things we’ve tried to boost our self-belief.
Links and Further Reading
The Art of Requesting, Receiving and Giving Feedback
Transform Your Business with Co-Mentoring
What Gives Us the Business Scaries
Is self-belief something you need to work on? Or are you already nailing it? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 1 and looking ahead to Quarter 2 in our respective businesses. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.
We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of 2025 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the next time we have this chat.
Links and Further Reading
Elise Joy
One Year Without Social Media
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Phone by Erik Winkowski
Studio Gently
Through The Gentle Lens by Anna Considine
Join us on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode in the comments. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q2… we’d love to cheer you on!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
After six years of podcasting, we thought it was about time we shared an updated episode on our specialist subject - co-mentoring. For those who don’t know, Friends With Business Benefits wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t started co-mentoring first.
As well as sharing our co-mentoring origin story, we answer some of your most common questions. What is co-mentoring and what can it do for your business? What makes a good co-mentor and how can you find your own? We also share tips and advice to help you establish a consistent co-mentoring practice.
As we head into Q2, it feels like the perfect time to lean into this transformative habit. Good luck!
Links and Further Reading
Finding Your Own Co-Mentor
5 Things I’ve Gained from Co-Mentoring
Things That Make Our Business Worlds Better
Are you tempted to give co-mentoring a go? Already a fan? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
It’s the perfect time of year to spring clean your rhythms and routines, so that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode.
While some things will naturally shift as the seasons change, certain areas of life and business require us to be more intentional. Listen as Charlie walks us through her process, explaining how she supports her mentees to do the same.
From figuring out what’s working and what’s not to adopting new habits and overhauling your working week, we discuss everything you need to know about refreshing your daily rhythms.
Links and Further Reading
Weekly Rhythm Worksheets
Are you refreshing your rhythms or routines for spring? Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about it. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
When is a pivot not a pivot and how do you know when it’s time to evolve?
This week, we’re answering both these questions and more, digging into the practicalities of switching things up in your small business.
We cover the realties of being solely responsible for you own professional development, reasons you might want to evolve, and the steps you need to take in order to do so. We also share evolutions we’ve been through as business owners in the past and where we hope innovative thinking might take us in the future.
Links and Further Reading
Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on evolving in business. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead.
As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools!
Links and Further Reading
The 6 Minute Success Journal
Lunar Planners by Nikki Strange
CEO of My Own Life Planner by Ella Iconic
How to pronounce Leuchtturm 1917
Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your own planner plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2025, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.
Links and Further Reading
The Power of Play
Larking About
Content Creatives with Charlie Swift
Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
In our final episode of the year, join us as we run through some of our non-business related faves.
As well as our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, we chat about the habits and experiences we’ve enjoyed the most. It’s an episode filled with recommendations, just for you!
Thank you for listening throughout 2024 and merry Christmas from both of us to all who celebrate!
Join the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts and fill us in on some of your own favourites. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
This week, we’re chatting about the power of play and what happens when you choose to prioritise and embrace it.
Franky describes the transformative journey she’s been on this year after choosing ‘play’ as her guiding word. We discuss the impact it’s had on her mindset, her business and her life outside work. Charlie also shares what play has looked like for her over the last 12 months, and we both share tips to help you embrace all things playful in 2025.
Links and Further Reading
@artgurl on Instagram making “bad art”
Junk Journal January
Get Messy
Larking About
Join the conversation on Substack to tell us how you feel about play and doing things ‘just for fun’ alongside running a creative business. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
This week we’re tackling a huge topic - the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the small business world as a whole and on us as individuals.
Charlie talks about using AI as a collaborative tool, highlighting some of the benefits, while Franky is very honest about how she thinks ChatGPT is already affecting her bottom line. We dive into some of the ethical issues surrounding AI and contemplate a future where more and more of the content we consume is created by robots.
Links and Further Reading
Yuval Noah Harari on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
Join the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on AI and tell us about your own experiences using (or avoiding) ChatGPT. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
This week, we’re chatting all things email marketing.
To kick things off, Franky shares a personal dilemma about whether or not she should move her mailing list away from Mailchimp and/or start a Substack. As well as covering the pros and cons of various email marketing platforms, we also discuss strategy, consistency, outsourcing and AI, what we write about and how we come up with ideas.
Links and Further Reading:
What Makes a Good Email Lead Magnet?
Are You Going to Start a Substack?
How Are We Showing Up On Substack This Year
Flodesk (affiliate link)
Boatman Admin Services
Plotting by Katie Sadler
Liz Mosley
Hi Communications
Join the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode and tell us about your own email marketing in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
As we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone.
Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year.
Links and Further Reading:
The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Wintering by Katherine May
M&S Thermal Leggings
Franky’s Wrist Warmers
Charlie’s Autumnal Playlist
Join us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
We’re back from our summer break and ready for a big catch up! In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.
We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of 2024 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the year.
Links and Further Reading
Are You Going to Start a Substack?
How Are We Showing Up On Substack This Year
What is EFT/’Tapping’?
EFT/’Tapping’: Becoming a Channel for Creativity (Releasing Creative Blocks)
Join us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!
Connect With Us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
In today’s episode, we’re introducing our summer series. For the very first time, we’ll be taking a proper planned break from recording and rereleasing some of our best episodes while we’re away.
Before we switch off for the summer, we’re also chatting about how we’re going to approach the next six weeks in our businesses. We cover everything from travel plans and taking time off to juggling childcare and showing up online.
We hope you enjoy listening to some of our back catalogue over the next few weeks. We’ll be in your ears again with a brand new episode in September!
Connect with us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to our mailing lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
This week, it’s Charlie’s turn to mine Franky for some expert advice! After neglecting her business blog for a VERY long time, she’s wondering how to get back into the habit of posting. More to the point, should she even bother trying?
As well as explaining the benefits of blogging, Franky shares practical tips and lots of motivation to help you create more long-form content and bring new potential customers to your website.
Connect with us
Friends With Business Benefits on Substack
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Subscribe to our mailing lists
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.
We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the summer.
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
This week, we’re chatting about in-person networking. Although it was something we both leaned on heavily in the early days of freelancing, the pandemic had a huge impact on its role in our businesses. As Franky recently attended her first in-person event in almost 5 years, it seems like a good time to explore this topic and discuss what networking looks and feels like in 2024.
As well as sharing tips to help you get the most out of in-person events, we cover different forms of networking and touch on the issue of accessibility and inclusivity. We also wonder out loud about hosting an in-person networking event of our own…
Links and Further Reading
Spark Social
Doing It For The Kids
Being Freelance
Maddy & Pip
Rules of Engagement
Prior Shop
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
How do you feel about Instagram trends? New trends, old trends, emerging trends, micro trends - love them or hate them, the app is full of them!
In this episode, we’re discussing Instagram trends in-depth, examining their impact, weighing up the pros and cons, and exploring how you can figure the ones to avoid and the ones you should jump on. From trending audio to tiny mics, we cover a lot of ground! As well as venting about the trends we hate, we chat about the ones we love and share tips to help you make familiar trends your own.
Links and Further Reading
Liz Mosley on Auditory Branding
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
In today’s episode, we’re asking whether ‘everything is content’. This popular mantra is a phrase we’ve used and repeated ourselves, but is it true? How helpful is this approach and are there any pitfalls to avoid? Thinking critically and adding some much needed nuance, we explore content buckets, boundaries, protecting other people’s privacy and more.
Links and Further Reading
Embracing and Creating Video Content
Friends with Business Boundaries
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
In this mini episode, Charlie poses a question she originally asked on Instagram - do you make time for non-business activities during your working week?
After discussing things that might fall under this banner including life admin, self-care and creative dates, we explore why it might be hard to dedicate time to these activities when you could be working. We also share tips and advice to help you overcome these barriers and be the best boss you’ve ever had!
Links and Further Reading
How to Do Life and Run a Business
Our Current Working Routines
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Are you feeling overwhelmed by Instagram? Are you overthinking your content and struggling to show up? Franky was. Having spent the last couple of years hiding on Instagram Stories and rarely posting to the grid, she finally realised something had to change. Luckily, her co-mentor happens to be an Insta-expert who gives excellent creative pep talks!
Listen as we discuss how Franky’s been feeling about Instagram, why she wanted to change her relationship with the app in 2024, and the advice Charlie gave her to get unstuck and start showing up. We recorded this episode in early February and since then Franky’s stuck to her posting schedule and even had a reel go {a little bit} viral! If you’d like to move past the overwhelm, stop overthinking and start taking action, the tips in this episode can help.
Links and Further Reading
Book an Instagram Audit with Charlie
Overcoming Instagram Stumbling Blocks
Embracing and Creating Video Content
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
In this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.
We discuss how Franky has been showing up on Instagram and her brush with having a Reel go viral, and also talk through Charlie's relationship with consistency in content creation in this season.
We also chat about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far, plus we dig into our plans for Q2 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of June.
Links and Further Reading:
www.instagram.com/rachaelrenae
Work With Us:
Book an Instagram Audit with Charlie
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
In this mini episode, we’re sharing ideas and inspiration to help you sneak more creativity into your daily life, especially if you’re short on time and/or caring for small children.
From finding the magic in the mundane to portable crafts you can do in front of the TV, there’s a mix of practical advice and gentle encouragement, all based on personal experience and our belief that creativity can be a powerful form of self-care.
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
This week we're revisiting the topic of Substack. We disscuss whether or not the platform is a part of our content plans in this season, and what we're feeling called to consume and create there.
Charlie shares how she is showing up on Substack this year and Franky touches on creating for the platform as a copywriter.
We also breakdown the differnt ways you may engage with Substack content as a reader and talk about the various features and models the platform has to offer.
Charlie's Substack: 'Intentonal Creatives'
Sparkle on Substack resources and membership
We celebrated 100 episodes of Friends With Business Benefits and five whole years of podcasting by going live on Instagram to record this episode.
Having hit such a big content creation milestone, we made that the focus, answering listener questions about creating and sharing content for your business. We cover podcasting, productivity, brainstorming ideas and more! Whether you’re an OG listener or a newbie, thanks for supporting our podcast!
Links and Further Reading
Watch the live episode here
Our most downloaded episode
Trello
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Inspired by Gretchen Rubin, we’ve both adopted the habit of compiling a list of aims at the start of a new year. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but for us it’s never a business-focussed list. Instead, we both include fun, playful things we want to prioritise. We’ve found it’s a great way to identify what we want the year to hold. In this episode, we’re sharing our ‘24 for 2024’ lists in the hope that it will make you want to compile your own.
Links and Further Reading
Gretchen Rubin’s 24 for 2024 Trifecta
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead.
As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools!
Links and Further Reading
Lunar Moon Diary
The 6-Minute Success Journal
LSW Morning Notes
Habit Daily App
The Circle Planner
The Ultimate Daily Notebook
The Five Minute Journal
Leuchtturm1917
We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2024, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Join us as we run through some of our non-business related 2023 favs. We chat about our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, as well as discussing the purchases we've made, habits we've followed, experiences we've enjoyed and places we've been. An episode full of recommendations for you!
Thank you for listening throughout 2023 and a very merry christmas from us both!
In this mini episode we’re jumping on a TikTok trend and sharing a list of things that make our business worlds better. From daily habits and wellbeing rituals to clever software and our favourite tech, there’s plenty of inspiration for everyone.
Links and Further Reading:
Franky's favs...
'What is Comentoring' podcast episode
Boatman VA services
Circle planner
Charlie's favs...
Trello 101
Get 50% off Flodesk (aff link)
Lunar diary by Nikki Strange
In this episode, we’re talking about putting your prices up. It’s a topic we originally planned to discuss this time last year, but when we came to record, neither of us felt up to discussing money on mic. Not only is it a tricky subject to broach - increasing your prices can be a tricky thing to act on in your business.
12 months later, we’re finally ready to explore this subject with you. Franky shares what she’s learned from increasing her prices at the start of the year and Charlie talks about her desire to focus on the money side of things more in 2024. As well as discussing where we are with our own pricing, we share tips and advice to help you with yours.
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Inspired by Halloween earlier this week, we’re sharing things that give us the business scaries!
For Charlie, it’s overcommitting, public speaking and talking to camera, while Franky struggles to share her professional expertise on Instagram and record voiceovers for reels. As well as discussing where these fears come from, we explore ways in which we might be able to overcome them.
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
In this episode, we’re going over some Instagram basics and sharing tips to help you overcome common stumbling blocks and avoid overwhelm.
As well as things like writing the perfect bio and using your pinned posts effectively, we cover stats and data, content ideas, trends and more. We also discuss mindset in relation to the app and run through a few ways to prevent it from sucking the joy out of running your business.
Links and Further Reading/Listening
Embracing and Creating Video Content
How We Use Instagram Stories for Business
What Happened When Charlie Went Viral?
How to Stop Hating on Instagram
When and Why to Mute and Unfollow on Instagram
Work With Us
Book an Instagram Audit with Charlie
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
- Q3 Reflections, Q4 Intentions
In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of 2023.
Links and Further Reading
Being Freelance
Visibility Talks
Sparkle on Substack
Work With Us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
The online world is fast paced. There’s always something new to discover. New software, new social media platforms, new types of content. When it comes to trying new things in your business, do you tend to feel overwhelmed or excited?
Today’s episode was recorded back in July when we were both in the early stages of trying some new things. Charlie was experimenting with the recently launched social media platform, Threads, and Franky was posting to a brand new crafty account on Instagram. Our experiences inspired a broader conversation about trying new things in general.
You’ll hear us discuss ‘shiny new thing syndrome’, the pros and cons of being an early adopter, and whether being ‘late to the party’ is actually a good thing. We also chat about the power of FOMO and how we figure out when to embrace new things, when to bide our time and when to sit things out completely.
Links and Further Reading
Episode Are You Going to Start a Substack?
Franky’s crafty Instagram account
Charlie on Threads
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Inspired by a recent video from Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, today’s episode is dedicated to one of the app’s older features - Instagram Stories. It may not be as shiny and new as Reels or Threads, but it’s still a valuable marketing tool, not to mention Franky’s favourite place to hang out online!
We chat about how we use Instagram Stories, the pros and cons of the platform, and the types of content we share. We also discuss the role of DMs and share some tips for showing up and telling stories of your own.
Links and Further Reading
How the Algorithm Works
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As we head into what should be the warmest, sunniest part of the year, we’re sharing how we embrace and survive the summer season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this episode for everyone.
As well as discussing how we’re planning to juggle work and childcare during the six-week summer break, we’re sharing some of our favourite seasonal rituals and lots of advice to help you get the most out of this time of year.
Links and Further Reading
The Cosy Episode
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Franky’s Mailing List
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In this chatty episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the summer.
Links and Further Reading
Maddy Shine’s Visible Vibes Community
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When you’re working towards a specific business goal or dream, how do you get on with self-imposed deadlines? Do you find them easy to stick to or do you avoid setting them in the first place?
In this episode, we’re responding to a listener's question, digging into the subject of deadlines and sharing everything we know about getting things done. As well as discussing different types of deadlines and different strategies for meeting them, we touch on what it might mean if you keep dodging the deadlines you set.
Links and Further Reading
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
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In this episode, we’re approaching the topic of feedback from a few different angles.
For Franky, asking clients for feedback is baked into her working process. As a copywriter, she produces drafts for clients to review. The quality of the feedback she receives can have a huge impact on the final product. Over the years, she’s worked hard to ensure this happens in a thorough and efficient way. She’s also learned a lot about moving through the discomfort that can come from inviting criticism.
Although Franky’s examples are fairly specific to copywriting, there are useful takeaways for anyone considering outsourcing things in their business. Charlie offers her perspective too and considers whether she’s missing any opportunities for requesting feedback and improving her services.
Links and Further Reading
The Power of Testimonials and Reviews
Friends with Business Boundaries
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After a year of regularly creating and sharing reels on Instagram, Charlie recently had a video go viral. In this episode, we’re chatting about her experience and what it feels like to suddenly have so many eyes on your content. As well as digging into the reasons why this particular reel seems to have done so well, Charlie explains what she’s learned and how she’ll be approaching future content creation as a result.
Links and Further Reading
Embracing and Creating Video Content
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
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In this episode, we're discussing what makes a good email lead magnet. We share our differing stances on having lead magnets in our businesses, chat through the pros and cons of differnt types of lead magnets and how to choose one that aligns with your strategy.
We also share what to do once you have your lead magnet in place, how to buil an email nuture sequence and how to make the most of your content.
This week, inspired by Charlie’s recent experience launching three new services, we’re talking about naming things within your business. We know this can be a huge obstacle when you’re creating new products and packages. After all, if you want to sell something, you’ve got to know what it’s called!
Franky offers a copywriter’s perspective, sharing tips and advice to make the process a little easier. As well as describing different ways to approach naming things, she explains the importance of clarity and highlights a few things to avoid.
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
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It’s that time again! We’re reflecting on Quarter 1 and sharing what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since our last check-in. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months and discuss what we’re hoping to achieve before the end of Quarter 2.
Links and Further Reading
The Best 90 Days Ever (affiliate link)
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
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This week we’re responding to a listener request and diving into the popular topic of routines. We’re sharing how we approach the working week and juggle running a business alongside other responsibilities like looking after our children and managing a chronic health condition.
As well as describing our morning and evening routines, we’re chatting about what our working weeks look like, how our rhythms and routines have changed over the years and why we strive to keep things nice and flexible. We’re in very different seasons of life, so there should be something useful and/or inspiring for everyone in this episode!
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charlieswift.com
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Seasons of stress and overwhelm are nothing new, especially if you run your own business, but has our ability to cope been impacted by the pandemic and other world events over the last few years? It certainly looks that way from where we’re standing.
In this episode, we’re chatting about our current capacity for stress and how we think our resilience has been affected by everything we’ve lived through since March 2020. We’re also sharing our go-to methods for coping with overwhelm, including radical prioritisation, single tasking, self-compassion and simple practices to calm your nervous system.
Links and Further Reading
Is Stress Inevitable When You’re Self-Employed?
Some Thoughts on Dropping Balls
Why We Love Ta-Da Lists
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charlieswift.com
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Franky’s Mailing List
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Does promoting your products and services make you feel a bit… uncomfortable? Do you struggle to show up and sell your stuff? Well, you’re not alone. As well as experiencing this ourselves, it’s something we hear all the time from clients.
In this episode, we’re chatting about why selling can be hard and sharing our advice to make the whole process easier. We cover a lot of ground, including what is and isn’t ‘hard selling’, the mindset shift you might need to make more sales and our new mantra - ‘you are allowed to sell your stuff and make money’.
Links and Further Reading
How to Create a Seamless, On-Brand Customer Experience
Liz Mosley
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Franky’s Mailing List
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Although working from home can provide the perfect opportunity to eat well, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. Eating at your desk, skipping lunch completely and surviving on caffeine and biscuits.
Before we were business besties, we bonded over our love of food. In this episode, we’re talking about the things we cook and eat while working from home. As well as being a love letter to lunch breaks, it’s the encouragement you need to start building some nourishing habits into your work days.
Links and Further Reading
Glucose Goddess
Dr. Tim Spector
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Franky’s Mailing List
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Have you heard the Japanese phrase ‘techo kagai’? Roughly translated, it means ‘planner meeting’ - taking the time to review your previous year's planner and journals and decide what you’ll use for the year ahead.
In this episode, we’re holding our own techo kagai and sharing our planner plans for 2023. From bullet journaling fails to the notebooks and diaries we’re investing in this year, it’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools.
Links and Further Reading
Ella Iconic
Pretty Post
Nikki Strange
Lethally Her
Katiekplans
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Franky’s Mailing List
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We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t as we get a little honest and vunerable about finding 2022 a tough year. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2023, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.
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charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
In this episode, we’re sharing a list of things we’ve loved this year. From books and films to our best business investment, small habit and more, you’ll find lots to inspire and excite you as 2022 draws to a close.
Books...
Sorrow & Bliss
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
Outlawed
TV Shows...
Dopesick
The Dropout
The Bear
The Sandman
Movies...
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Westside Story
The Father
Albums...
First Aid Kit - Palomino
Wet Leg - Wet Leg
Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Porridge Radio - Diving Board, Ladder To The Sky
Shopping small...
Note & Wish
OffOn Clothing
Food accounts...
@mississippivegan
@mob
The Hatch Cabin
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charlieswift.com
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
We LOVE a list, so why not dedicate a whole episode to the simple, yet powerful practice of list writing?
In this chatty episode, we explain why we find lists so helpful and how we use them, covering those we rely on for work and the ones we use more generally in our personal lives. As well as obvious things like monthly/weekly/daily to-do lists and meal plans, we share some creative ideas like Franky’s ‘greatest hits’ list and the simple, seasonal bucket lists Charlie shares on Instagram each month. We close with some top tips to help you get the most out of your lists and make sure they’re more than just words on a page.
Links and Further Reading
Emma Cossey on Sunsama
Why We Love Ta-Da Lists
Bradshaw & Sons
Gretchen Rubin ‘22 for 2022’
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charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
If you want to create and share long-from content, Substack seems like the place to be right now. Is it just ‘shiny new thing syndrome’ or should we all be jumping on board?
In this episode, we’re discussing the newsletter platform in detail, explaining how it works and sharing whether we think it has a role to play in our marketing efforts. We dig into the pros and cons, chat about paid content and subscription models and share whether we see ourselves using Substack in the future. Charlie’s pretty keen, Franky has some reservations, but never say never!
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Love-audrey.com
charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
As we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re sharing how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone.
Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year.
Links and Further Reading
The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Wintering by Katherine May
M&S Thermal Leggings
Franky’s Wrist Warmers
Charlie’s Autumnal Playlist
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charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Does your business have a niche? If not, should it? And how do you figure out what it is if so? These are the big questions we’re addressing in this week’s episode.
As well as explaining what a niche is and why defining yours could benefit your business, we discuss our own experiences of niching, and in Franky’s case, letting that niche evolve into something new. We also chat about the different types of niches and share some simple tips to help you identify your own.
Links and Further Reading:
Listen to our interview on The Building Your Brand Podcast
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love-audrey.com
charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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Franky’s Mailing List
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Given the cost of living crisis, perhaps many of us have been thinking about how sustainable it is to run a creative business. In this mini episode, we’re going through some things to consider in those moments you feel like jacking it all in.
We chat about the importance of checking in with yourself and getting clear on what stumbling blocks you are facing and figuring out if issues are related to life or business (or both). We discuss pivoting your business to adapt, adopting a hybrid business model and some things to think through if returning to traditional employment is feeling appealing.
Links and Further Reading...
When your successful business isn't what you want, Hashtag Authentic podcast with Jane Lindsey.
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charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
We’re back from our summer break! In this chatty episode, we’re reflecting on Quarters 2 and 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of 2022.
Links and Further Reading
We Can Do Hard Things
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
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As we’ve touched on previously, there’s a lot of negativity out there about video right now, specifically in relation to Instagram and TikTok. But however we might personally feel about the rise of video content, there's no denying it’s become an integral part of the consumer journey.
In this episode we're exploring how we might shift our mindsets a little and see video as an opportunity for creative play.
We chat about what we enjoy about creating video and share lots of practical tips for filming your own content and discuss the time and investment involved.
Links and further reading...
Xanthe Berkeley film courses
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Is your content working hard enough?
In this mini episode, we’re reminding you to repurpose the marketing assets you spend so much time and energy creating for your business. We explain the benefits of this approach, the things we do to extend the lifespan of our content, and share some quick tips to help you repurpose your own.
Links and Further Reading
Wavve.co
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charlieswift.com
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We can’t be the only ones who’ve noticed a lot of negativity and hate in relation to Instagram recently. This week, in a follow-up to a popular episode from last year, we’re digging into some of the most common frustrations.
From the rise of reels to the demise of organic reach and engagement, we approach the topic with a mix of empathy and tough love, sharing tips and advice to help you improve your experience on the platform and regain control of its role in your business. Because whether we like it or not, Instagram has changed, so our mindset and the way we use it need to catch up.
Links and Further Reading
What Would Your Business Look Like If Instagram Disappeared?
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charlieswift.com
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@loveaudrey83
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In this mini episode, we're chatting about rituals and sharing the ways in which we both bring a little ritual to our everyday. We talk about how rituals help cultivate moments of mindfulness, connection and calm and the benefit this can have for business owners.
We also get a little deep when discussing how rituals foster a reverence for life and help us to feel gratitude for the little things.
Running a home and running a business are intrinsically linked. What goes on behind-the-scenes can have a huge impact on your ability to work, serve others and be creative.
This week, we’re sharing the basics we rely on to keep our lives running smoothly so we can show up fully in our respective businesses. From meal planning to cleaning schedules, discover what we’ve outsourced, automated and simplified to make our lives just that little bit easier.
Links and Further Reading
The Organised Mum Method
Friends with Business Boundaries
Plugging Energy Leaks
Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
Work with us
charlieswift.com
love-audrey.com
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@loveaudrey83
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You know those outstanding tasks you can feel hanging over you? The things you never get around to doing but spend a lot of time thinking about? Whether business, personal or domestic, they’re probably draining your mental energy. In this mini episode, we’re sharing some quick tips to help you tackle the tasks you keep putting off. From brain dumps to being your ‘future friend’, find out how to plug those energy leaks and free up headspace for more important things.
Links and Further Reading
The Slow Home Podcast - Rituals: Brain Dump
Sarah Starrs on Plugging Energy Leaks
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@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
In this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.
We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far. After sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for Q2 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of June.
Links and Further Reading
Friends with Business Boundaries
Franky’s Mailing List
Charlie’s Mailing List
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Circle of Pines
Little Stories of Your Life by Laura Pashby
Elise Joy
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@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
When was the last time you received a testimonial or review? More importantly, when was the last time you asked for one? In this mini episode, we’re discussing how to gather testimonials and what to do with them once they start rolling in. Given how powerful they can be, there’s also a brief reminder to leave testimonials and reviews for the products and services you use, love and enjoy {including podcasts!}.
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@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
This week we’re chatting about healthy boundaries. What are they? Why do we need them? And how do you establish and enforce them? As well as sharing the boundaries we lean on in our own businesses, we discuss some of the challenges involved in upholding them. Franky describes dealing with the discomfort that can arise when a client doesn’t like hearing the word ‘no’ and Charlie reflects on building boundaries as a busy working mama.
Links and Further Reading
Creating a Seamless, On-Brand Customer Experience
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@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
When was the last time you curated your Instagram feed? In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the power of muting and unfollowing accounts. Discover what usually prompts us to hit the mute button, the potential benefits and why we think life’s too short for ‘hate follows’. We also touch on some upcoming changes to Instagram and share a few questions to ask yourself the next time you open the app. Links and Further Reading 'What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?' - Listen to Episode 54 to hear more of our thoughts on using Instagram to promote your business. Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift
This week, we’re chatting about Franky’s mission to find a new hobby and what she’s learned since she started pursuing a different kind of creativity. As well as describing the perils of monetising your passions and interests, we discuss nurturing your inner child, exploring curiosity peaks in adulthood, and what it feels like to be a beginner for the first time in years. We also cover how to find time for hobbies, the many benefits, and the big difference between creative work and creative play. Links and Further Reading The Artist’s Way Make36 by Elise Joy Why I’m Picking Up a New Hobby This Winter
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@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the benefits of writing a regular ta-da list and encouraging you to give this simple practice a go. Discover what a ta-da list is, why Franky is so passionate about them, and how to start writing your own. Don’t forget to tag us in your ta-da lists on Instagram! Links and Further Reading Ta-Da Lists on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
Friends with Business Benefits is back! We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2022, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Links and Further Reading
Charlie’s word of the year
Franky says hello to 2022
‘Wintering’ by Katherine May
Find Us On Instagram
@loveaudrey83
@_charlieswift
We love Instagram, but are we guilty of putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to marketing? This week, we explore what our businesses might look like if Instagram disappeared and ask whether we’re giving it more focus than it deserves. This episode includes:
The dangers of becoming a slave to the algorithm and why trying to ‘beat’ it might mean we’re focussed on being good Instagramers rather than good business owners.
Other mediums for communicating with your audience and why some content might work harder away from Instagram.
Thoughts on marketing with intention.
What this means for business owners who started out on Instagram and ideas for getting out of the Insta bubble.
Links
Being Freelance Facebook Group
The Freelance Lifestylers Facebook Group
In this chatty episode, we’re delving into intentional living and how intention setting can benefit creative business owners.
Charlie takes us through some practices for becoming more intentional in our work and life. We discuss seasons in business and why it’s so important to set goals and intentions that align with the season you’re currently in.
This episode includes:
Intention setting as part of a meditation practice.
Journaling for intentional living.
Navigating seasons in business, life and parenthood.
Intention setting practices for your year, month and week.
Links and further reading/listening:
Jen Carrington on living and working in seasons.
Tara Swiger on seasons in business.
Sas Pertherick on goals and intentions.
Gretchen Rubin’s Happier at Home book.
A short Yoga Nidra meditation.
Drawing on knowledge gained from over decade spent working in retail, Franky chats all things customer service and shares how she applies many of the same principles in her online business. As well as discussing why it’s so important to create an intentional, positive customer journey or experience, we dive into different approaches and methods to help you shape yours.
This episode includes:
-
Why the customer journey is important for building brand loyalty.
-
Different approaches to customer service and how they can be applied to running an online business.
-
Why you need to focus on how you want customers to feel.
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Using the five love languages to create a positive customer experience.
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Templates, automation and client gifts.
Links and further reading/listening:
Babes on Waves: How you can apply the 5 love languages your business to build relationships.
“The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass.”
Inspired by this Nora Roberts quote, we’re discussing the difference between dropping balls and intentionally placing them down. As well as sharing ways to strip things back in business and life to survive the current lockdown, we talk about tapping into your support network during tough times. We also ponder what becomes of our business goals and dreams when circumstances beyond our control are forcing us to put things on hold.
Professional Copywriter Franky covers why an About Page is so important and shares her advice to help you fill yours with engaging copy. And before you ask, yes, people will read it!
The episode includes:
- Why there’s no one-size fits all approach to creating copy.
- The importance of telling a story.
- Creative ways to showcase your personality and build a connection with potential clients.
- Why your About Page needs to be a stepping stone, not a dead end.
- Why a headshot should be your one non-negotiable
- Why readability is more important than overall word count.
- Lots more tips and advice!
It’s time for our annual reflection as we say goodbye to another year. In a year that has of course been overshadowed by a global pandemic, we’re discussing our highs and lows in business during 2020.
We’re discussing what worked well for us, struggles we faced, what they taught us and the habits that help get us through the tough times. We also chat about our words of the year and share our “Big sexy goals” for 2021.
As we reach the end of a tough year, we’ve noticed the topic of resilience coming up regularly in conversations we’re having and content we’re seeing.
In this episode, we delve into what it means to show resilience as a creative business owner and ask how we can cultivate more - during a global pandemic or otherwise.
Using an article from Psychology Today as the basis for our conversation, we chat through the ‘seven skills of resilience’, discussing how we might apply them to running a business and touching on things like support systems, mindset and more.
The seven skills of resilience:
1: Cultivate a Belief in Your Ability to Cope
2: Stay Connected With Sources of Support
3: Talk About What You’re Going Through
4: Be Helpful to Others
5: Activate Positive Emotion
6: Cultivate an Attitude of Survivorship
7: Seek Meaning
Links and further reading/listening:
Seven Skills of Resilience
After an extended hiatus, we’re back with season four. Kicking off with a bit of a reintroduction, we chat about what work looks like for us both right now in our respective businesses and share a little about what’s lighting us up professionally.
This podcast was recorded in person - socially distanced, of course - before the second lockdown happened in the UK.
The episode includes…
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A reintroduction from Charlie and Franky and an overview of our respective businesses.
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A brief chat about comentoring and the origins of our podcast.
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A passionate conversation about creativity, small business and working with clients that ‘get you’.
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The things we would create if we had unlimited time to do so.
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What success means to us right now.
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Our focus for the last couple months of the year.
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Ideas for managing your energy as we end this crazy, exhausting year.
Links and further reading/listening:
Previous episode - What is co-mentoring? (And why you need a co-mentor in your life!)
Work with us...
charlieswift.com/creativebusinessmentoring
https://www.love-audrey.com/services
We’re back for our first episode since March, catching up and sharing what life and business has been like for us both during lockdown.
During this midyear check-in, we chat about finding a balance between taking bold leaps in business and working slowly but surely towards long-term goals.
This episode includes…
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A quick check-in with our 2020 goals.
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Our thoughts on letting go of disappointment and canceled plans.
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Advice on approaching goal setting within our “new normal”.
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The pros and cons of chipping away at long term goals vs taking leaps.
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Ideas to help you tackle new opportunities with less perfectionism.
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Our plans for creating digital products before the end of this year.
Links & further reading/listening...
Tara Mohr on taking leaps.
In this episode, Charlie and Franky catch up about life during the lockdown. We discuss how we’re feeling, how things have changed for us in life and business and chat through the things many of us are dealing with right now.
We cover homeschooling, showing up online during these strange times and the positives we're finding in the situation. Plus, Franky shares some insight on bringing her business back from the brink and why it's ok to be surviving not thriving
In this episode, Charlie and Franky catch-up and discuss how 2020 is treating them so far.
Off the back of Franky’s less than perfect start to the year, we’re deep-diving into surviving rough patches and challenging times in your business. With a new month and season upon us, we’re also thinking about pressing ‘reset’ and discussing why March is the perfect time for a fresh start.
This episode includes…
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Advice on coping with a rough patch in your creative business.
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Some great tips from our community for regaining self-confidence when it’s taken a knock.
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How to have a fresh start whenever you need one.
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Self-care strategies during stressful times.
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How we create rhythms that prioritise the things that are most important to us.
Links & further reading/listening...
Slow Home Podcast on Rhythms
Seedling podcast on Self-Worth
In our first episode of 2020 we take a look back at our highlights of 2019, the lessons we learnt along the way and how these are shaping our goals and intentions for the coming year.
Charlie discusses learning to be less hard on herself and her conflicting feelings around impending maternity leave. Franky shares how she’s hoping to bring more joy into her work this year and what that might mean for her business offering.
We’re chatting about the current big-picture visions for our creative businesses and some of the things we’d like to make happen in 2020. We also share our ‘words for the year’. We finish by setting some actions for January which we will check in with next month on the show.
This week, we’re getting personal and discussing that tricky topic of what to charge and how. It’s something Charlie is particularly struggling within these early days of running her business and we’re sure she’s not alone.
We cover finding the confidence to market yourself at the “right” price point, what to do if your dream clients can’t afford you, overcoming money hang-ups, and lots more.
Are you good at responding to your own intuition? Do you let your gut guide you as a business owner? Is it easier to know when something feels wrong rather than right?
In this episode, we discuss all things intuition, attempting to define what it is and sharing some of the tools we use to help us listen to its signs and signals. We cover journaling in all its forms, meditation, mindfulness, tarot and manifestation.
Although we use different methods, we ultimately agree it’s important to find practices that work for you and give yourself time and space to check in with your intuition.
Does it feel like everyone around you is working harder and being more productive? Boy, can we relate! Productivity is a topic that comes up regularly on the show, but today we’re talking about comparing your output to others.
Franky starts by describing a recent bout of comparisonitis. We talk about how we’re programmed to equate our self-worth with our productivity and share tips to help you shift your mindset. We also discuss the importance of rest and our shared desire to make it a core part of our respective businesses.
Are you feeling festive yet? This week, we’re talking all things seasonal content with an emphasis on staying true to yourself and putting a personal spin on familiar seasonal tropes.
We discuss how to up your game if you’re planning for a busy sales season or the kind of value you can provide if this isn’t typically a key time for your business.
As well as practical advice for planning your marketing in the run-up to Christmas, we share our tips and tricks for content planning all year round.
Links and further reading:
Joanne Hawker’s Meet the Maker Week
We’re back with an update after our unplanned hiatus. Find out why the podcast has taken a backseat over the last couple of months.
We also talk about adapting when you realise your priorities need to shift. When life gets busy, what can you scale back on or let go of to lighten the load?
Links and further reading:
Listen to Charlie interviewed on the Being Heard podcast.
We’ve shared plenty of wins on the podcast, but what happens when things ‘fail’ or fall short of your expectations? In this episode, we discuss the best way to handle business setbacks and share our top tips for transforming them into something positive.
We chat about the importance of mindset and trying to prepare for all eventualities. We also tackle the challenges and heartache setbacks can bring and discuss our process for working through them.
Links and further reading:
Experimentation episode
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Our chat this week was inspired by a recent email from Paul Jarvis in which he asked ‘do we have to love what we do?’
Our gut reaction is yes, we want to love our jobs. But how do you sustain that love over time?
Franky comes up with an analogy that likens running a business to being in a long-term relationship. As always, Charlie champions prioritising the creative work. We also discuss embracing experimentation, trying new things in your business, and keeping it fresh.
We also acknowledge the potentially toxic side of seeking fulfilment in our work and ask whether it might be easier if we didn’t love what we do.
This episode was recorded on back-up mics, so please excuse any sound issues!
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Links and further reading:
Sara Tasker on her recent business break.
In this bumper episode, we chat about our feelings towards Instagram and how we’re currently using it as a tool for business.
We cover a wide range of topics including personal content vs business content, Stories vs main grid and the importance of showing up consistently. We also ask whether Instagram is the best place for our best content.
We round things up with a series of {definitely not} ‘quick-fire’ questions like how to deal with the dreaded follow/unfollow trend and how to create content when you’re not working on your business.
Today we’re talking about the things we do and don’t miss about traditional employment.
We share our workplace experiences before becoming self-employed, chatting about office politics, collaborating with a team and the obvious social aspect.
We also discuss elements we really miss like external validation and not having to wear ALL the hats. Finally, we talk about how to recreate all the best bits of a traditional workplace as a self-employed business owner.
Links and further reading:
The Co-Working Club
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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We’re back for our third season and kicking things off with a quick work/life update. As well as sharing what we got up to over the summer, we chat about how we’re easing ourselves into a new season.
Charlie has some big news and Franky describes how she’s feeling ahead of juggling her business with a long stretch of solo parenting.
With this in mind, we touch on what it means to have a ‘lifestyle’ business that can adapt to whatever the universe might throw at you. Finally, we share some tips to help you approach the new season if you’re not yet raring to go.
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In the final episode of Season 2, we look back on the last few months of podcasting and discuss how the year’s been shaping up for us so far. We also look ahead to September and share our excitement for that inevitable ‘back-to-school’ feeling.
We hope you have a wonderful summer filled with work, rest and play! If you’ve enjoyed this season, please leave us a review on iTunes or share with your community. See you in September!
This week, we’re chatting about what it’s like to be a perfectionist.
Franky describes how perfectionism showed up for her at an early age and shares the horror she felt when she realised she might be passing it on to her kids.
We chat about the pros and cons of being a perfectionist in business and beyond. Plus, we discuss the role social media plays in shaping our idea of what perfection might look like.
Links and further reading:
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Perils of Perfection
We’re tackling another hot topic today - purpose and values.
We share our own business values and discuss whether they’re separate from our personal ones. We chat about the danger of overthinking these things and the pressure we can feel when we compare our values to other people’s.
We also ask whether you need to have it all figured out. Has running a ‘values-led’ business become something of a trend? Finally, we talk about values in relation to marketing.
Today, we’re diving into a huge topic - stress.
We start by discussing how it shows up for us, touching on both physical and mental manifestations. Charlie chats about the ebbs and flows of each month and Franky describes how easily the delicate balance of her family’s lives can be thrown off by issues unrelated to work.
We talk about perspective and the danger of thinking we should be able to cope with whatever life throws at us. We also chat about stress in relation to the financial uncertainty that comes with being self-employed.
Finally, we ask whether there’s currently too much emphasis on ‘self-care’. Could we reduce stress and overwhelm if our communities pitched in?
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As Charlie launches something new and exciting for her clients, we’re talking about experimenting in your business and trying new things.
We chat about when to experiment and how it can benefit your business at different stages. At the same time, we discuss when NOT to try new things.
We also talk about devising a formula or process for your experiments and how embracing the spirit of experimentation can make trying new things less scary.
Links and further reading:
Join Charlie for her group mentoring session
We Are Stardust owner Agnes on her ‘secret sketchbook’
This week, we’re chatting about what happens when you face your fears and do scary things.
Franky reports back after her first public speaking gig. She shares what she’s learned from the experience and the advice that helped her through. Charlie describes being braver about showing up and marketing herself online.
We talk about building things up to be bigger and scarier than they really are and discuss how it feels to overcome self-imposed barriers that stem from fear.
The episode is packed full of tips and inspiration to help you deal with whatever fears you’re facing in your own business.
Links and further reading:
Charlie’s brother Joshua Coombes speaking about #dosomethingfornothing at The Do Lectures 2017
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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This week, we share why we think taking breaks is so important when you work for yourself.
Charlie talks about how she managed maternity leave and Franky explains why she’s made regular time off non-negotiable, describing her approach to scheduling work around the academic year, planning holiday childcare, and putting money aside to cover additional costs or any shortfall in her income.
We talk about systems and processes that allow you to step away, managing client expectations, and how taking breaks could become part of your business model.
We also chat about working with the seasonality of your industry and how to overcome the fear of missing out on opportunities that might land in your inbox while you’re away.
Links and further reading:
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In this episode, we’re tackling a topic we’ve wanted to talk about for a while. Speaking candidly about our own experiences, we share what it’s like being freelance while also raising a family.
We chat about the highs and lows, the challenges we’ve faced, and what it feels like when you come up against ‘The Patriarchy’.
We describe different seasons of parenting, what it feels like being pulled in multiple directions, and the importance of setting boundaries.
We also talk about finding time to work, division of labour in the home, and dealing with feelings of guilt. Finally, we consider the need for more role models, sharing places you can find fellow freelance parents online.
Links and further reading:
Freelance Mum
Doing it for the Kids
Work like a Mother podcast
Make Motherhood Diverse
Having recently pivoted her business, Charlie shares her current struggles with marketing herself online and talking about her services on platforms that, up until now, have been predominantly personal ones.
We discuss finding the balance between personal content vs business content and talk about the difference between sharing our passions in the moment or being more strategic and intentional.
We also touch on the importance of showing up to get feedback from your community and potential clients. Finally, we chat about marketing your own way to make it more creative and fun.
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With Franky preparing for her first proper speaking gig, we dive into a conversation about expertise. What makes someone an expert and will we ever feel like experts ourselves?
As well as discussing qualifications and the absence of external validation when you’re self-employed, we also examine imposter syndrome and all that goes with it.
Mailing lists have been at the forefront of our minds as we both (finally) launch our own newsletters. In this episode we dive into the subject together, exploring the role of email marketing in our respective businesses.
We ask why mailing lists are important and how they can work as part of a broader content ecosystem. We discuss our plans for our own mailing lists and chat about potential challenges like consistency and accountability.
We also share how we plan to judge the “success” of our letters, touching on analytics and receiving feedback from readers.
Finally, we discuss list building and lead magnets before sharing the emails we enjoy finding in our own inboxes.
Links and further reading:
Ruth Poundwhite’s Email Challenge
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
http://friendswithbusinessbenefits.co.uk
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In this episode, we discuss a hot topic - visibility. We start by chatting about how we show up online and ensure we’re visible, as well as what we struggle with in relation to this.
We dive into the differences between introverts and extroverts, discussing which label we most identify with. Franky shares her struggles with networking despite being an extrovert and we go off on a tangent about small talk and the art of good conversation.
Finally, we talk about Brené Brown’s recent Netflix special, ‘The Call to Courage’. We discuss how and why it resonated with us and ask each other whether we feel courageous. Finally, we get pretty deep about vulnerability.
Links and further reading:
Watch ‘Call to Courage’ on Netflix
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In today’s episode, we discuss blogging and the key role it’s played in our careers so far. As well as sharing how we got started, we discuss what blogging looks like for us now.
Touching on SEO and content planning, we talk about blogging for business, describing how posts can function as part of a broader content ecosystem.
As business owners who started out as hobby bloggers, we also describe trying to find a balance between sharing more personal content and blogging as a marketing tool. Finally, we share a few of our favourite blogs.
Links and further reading:
You can find our blogs at love-audrey.com/blog & charlieswift.com/blog/
Field & Nest’s post on The Year of the Blog
Our favourite blogs…
Fire & Joy
Our Story Time
Reading My Tea Leaves
Homesong
J for Jen
A Beautiful Mess
Studio DIY
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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We kick-off season 2 with an in-depth chat about productivity, asking why something so simple often feels so hard.
As well as sharing things that impact our productivity in positive and negative ways, we discuss the relationship between productivity and creativity. We also chat about the powerful link between our ability to be productive and feelings of self-worth.
Franky shares her philosophy on being productive from a place of rest and Charlie describes her strategies for mastering to-do lists. We talk about ‘getting in flow’ and what we’ve learned from Gretchin Rubin’s ‘The Four Tendencies’. Finally, we talk about redefining productivity on our own terms.
Links and further reading:
Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies quiz
Brooke McAlary on having a shorter to-do list
Our morning routines
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In the final episode of the season, we spend some time reviewing the first 3 months of 2019. Echoing our real-life co-mentoring sessions, we reflect on the goals we discussed back in January and share our progress so far.
We talk about our words for the year, how they’ve been showing up for us, and where we’d like them to take us next. We also discuss how we’re feeling as we head into spring and some of the things we’re planning for Q2.
Links and further reading:
Mailing List Q&A Episode on Letters From A Hopeful Creative
8 Reasons Why You Need To Build That Email List
Thank you for listening to Friendswith Business Benefits. If you've enjoyed listening we'd be so grateful if you'd like to leave a rating, review or share the podcast with a friend.
In this episode, we’re talking about growth, what it looks like, and whether it’s something that motivates us.
We reflect on the different seasons of business we’re currently in. Charlie talks about growing hers alongside growing a family and Franky describes reaching a tipping point and having to consciously think about growth for the first time. We also discuss why growth can be scary.
Finally, we talk about Instagram growth or lack thereof. We describe how it feels to not be gaining followers and chat about the perils of measuring our self-worth on the basis of our follower count. We also consider the perks of staying small and why we don’t need to wait until we have a big following to do things.
Links and further reading:
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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When we asked you what you wanted to know about co-mentoring, the overwhelming response was how to go about finding a co-mentor of your own.
In today’s episode, we talk about how we met and started co-mentoring. We also share the stories of three other co-mentoring duos, touching on how they found each other and how co-mentoring has benefitted their businesses so far.
Finally, we chat about the boundaries you might want to set with your own co-mentor and discuss the difference between co-mentoring and paying for a business coach or mentor.
Links and further reading:
Episode One of Friends With Business Benefits
Blogtacular
Being Freelance
Our fellow co-mentors...
Jo @ocheandflax & Camilla @slowfarmingcompany
Steve @sfolland and Frankie @doingitforthekids_
Katie @katiemorwenna and Jen @sillyheartco
In an episode dedicated to podcasts, we’re chatting about how we first discovered the medium and how our listening habits have changed over the years.
Discussing the rise of creative business podcasts, we explain why we wanted to start our own. Charlie explains how we make Friends With Business Benefits and what she’s learned from the process. We also chat about podcasts as content marketing and share some of our favourite shows.
Links and further reading:
Lucy Lucraft’s Courses
Blogging or Podcasting - Which is Better for Your Business
Explore Your Enthusiasm with Tara Swiger
Desert Island Disks with Trevor Sorbie
Charlie interviewed on What She Said
Franky interviewed on Being Freelance
Franky interviewed on Work Like A Mother
Franky interviewed on Shoot Edit Chat Repeat
Franky interviewed on Ask The Therapist
In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that’s very close to our hearts - self-care. We share what self-care means to us personally and what it looks like in our lives and in our businesses.
After a period of burnout and poor health, Franky describes how self-care now helps her cope with chronic illness. Charlie chats about prioritising self-care from the beginning of her freelance career, having worked in offices where well-being was often an afterthought.
We also discuss wider perceptions, asking what constitutes self-care and why some aspects of it are considered frivolous.
In this episode, we’re chatting about services and offerings. Charlie has been getting to grips with her new creative mentoring packages and trying to figure out exactly what she’s selling.
Franky shares her experience of writing multiple sales pages for numerous clients and outlines the questions she takes business owners through when she’s developing their copy.
We talk about avoiding the comparison trap and the importance of knowing what sets us apart. As well as coming back to our ‘why’ and what it is we want to be known for, we agree offerings can and should change over time, so we shouldn’t get too hung up on perfecting them from the outset.
Links and further reading:
Playing big by Tara Mohr
Our own service offerings...
Charlie's Creative Business Mentoring
Franky's Copywriting Services
Fueled by a few glasses of prosecco, we’re discussing workshops as Franky celebrates selling out The Wedding Sessions in one day. Sharing her experience of organising 3 in-person workshops, she compares what it feels like to sell out, and what it feels like when you don’t.
We discuss how we define, share and perceive success on social media and Charlie shares her experience of having to cancel an event due to poor ticket sales. We also chat about the ‘comparison trap’ and how to deal with ‘failure’.
Links and further reading:
The Little Wedding Helper
The Wedding Sessions
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In this episode, we chat about different ways of finding new clients and winning their business. Charlie talks about the beginning of her freelance career, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of existing ‘real life’ connections.
We discuss incidental networking, community building, and why we think it’s vital to keep voicing what you do, either online or in-person. We also cover the question of working for free and how starting out as a freelancer can feel messy and uncertain while you’re still in the thick of it.
Links and further reading:
Play at The Forge
Grow With Soul Ep. 23 with Susannah Conway
Charlie’s blog on four struggles she faced in her first year of business
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What happens to your creativity when you build a business off the back of it? In this episode, we discuss why Franky’s been struggling to make time for creativity beyond the realms of paid work, and Charlie talks about managing to find time to be creative after becoming a mum.
We also discuss what it means to live a creative life, and how redefining what creativity looks like can help us make more space for it. Finally, we challenge ourselves and everyone listening to find time for at least one moment of creativity every day.
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Curious about how we got started as creative business owners? Wondering what we did before we went freelance? In this episode, we interview each other, sharing details of our careers so far to give future conversations a little more context.
Franky details her journey from high school dropout to freelance writer via a brief career in retail and a return to education with kids in tow. She also describes the serious illness she experienced in 2016 and the impact of her subsequent Chronic Fatigue diagnosis.
Charlie talks about her journey into the world of social media, her varied industry experience, and how two redundancies ultimately led to her becoming her own boss.
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In this episode, we’re talking you through the simple planning process we use to start a brand new year in our creative businesses.
Charlie explains why she’s raring to go while Franky describes her slow start to 2019. As well as sharing the questions we ask ourselves to reflect on the previous year, we discuss different types of goals - from big picture business bucket lists and scary financial targets to softer intentions and guiding words designed to carry us through each season.
Finally, we demonstrate how we end our real-life co-mentoring sessions by setting ourselves simple, achievable tasks to complete before next month.
In this mini-episode, we’re sharing our businesses and personal highlights of 2018. We discuss how making time for creativity has been important to Charlie in her first full year of motherhood and Franky tells us how much she enjoyed running The Wedding Session workshops during 2018.
Both of our personal highlights involve family travels. Charlie reminisces about taking her baby to his first music festival and Franky shares about her family’s very special summer holiday to Thailand.
Happy new year listeners and a big thank you for all your support. Launching Friends With Business Benefits has definitely been a huge highlight and we’re excited to share more with you in 2019.
Links and further reading:
The Wedding Session workshops
thisiswomb.com
Franky’s Thailand blog post A family friendly mini-guide to Koh Samui
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
http://friendswithbusinessbenefits.co.uk
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In this episode, we’re letting you listen in on one of our co-mentoring sessions. As Franky shares her thoughts about approaching a crossroads in her business, we discuss what upscaling could look like and the pros and cons of the options available.
Our chat delves into outsourcing, adjusting our offering, and navigating growth and change as a creative business owner. When’s the right time to upscale your business? How can you grow sustainably while maintaining the personality and heart that make your small business a success? How do you balance creative projects with the work that pays the bills? We don’t have all the answers, but together we try and figure things out.
Links and further reading:
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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Is the pen mightier than the keyboard?! In this episode, we have a friendly debate about the merits of analogue vs digital when it comes to systems and processes.
As we discuss the day-to-day running of our respective businesses, Franky declares her love for paper and real ink while Charlie sings the praises of shared calendars and Trello boards. We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter…
Links and further reading:
How to Trello
Franky’s favourite fountain pen
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In this episode, we chat about everyone’s favourite social media platform - Instagram! We discuss how we got started on the app, how we use it now, and where it sits within our businesses.
Charlie shares how she uses Instagram as a creative outlet, how the platform was the catalyst for becoming self-employed, and how talking to camera stresses her out. On the other hand, Franky explains why she’s wholeheartedly embraced Instagram Stories and shares some excellent advice about using it to connect with your community.
Links and further reading:
Sara Tasker’s Instaretreat
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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In this episode, we share our morning routines. Despite our very different family situations, we have a lot in common when it comes to how we like to start our days.
We discuss how and why we try to make time for things like journaling, reading and meditation, as well as delving into the benefits of a screen-free bedroom and how scrolling social media affects us in the mornings. How do you start your day? Let us know…
Links and further reading:
Destination Simple by Brooke Macalary
Franky’s beloved Lumie alarm clock
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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Money. It’s a topic that comes up over and over again in our co-mentoring meetups. There’s much to discuss around pricing, money mindset, and charging your worth, but in this episode we get specific about our attitudes towards the affordability of our services.
Charlie shares how she’s learning not to make assumptions about what her clients can and cannot afford, and Franky reveals a great strategy for handling that awkward situation when a potential client asks you to lower your price.
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
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Our first episode is all about co-mentoring - what it is, how it works, and why finding a co-mentor might be the best business decision you’ll ever make!
We share how we came to co-mentor each other and why our monthly meetups have provided the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives. You’ll also hear our tips and advice to help you go about finding your own co-mentor.
Links and further reading:
Franky’s post on five things she’s gained from co-mentoring
Kristabel Plummer post on her blog meetings
Follow us: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
http://friendswithbusinessbenefits.co.uk
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Hello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the south-west of England. Friends With Business Benefits is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support. Franky runs a copywriting business called Love Audrey, helping brands and creative businesses find their voice and tell their story online. As a business mentor, Charlie helps clients find clarity and confidence in their creative work. We are friends with benefits…business benefits. For the last 18 months, we’ve been meeting for regular co-mentoring sessions. Working for yourself can be lonely at times, but through our monthly meetups we’ve found the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives. Through our podcast, we hope to continue these conversations, share what we’re learning and also learn from you, our listeners.
For show notes and links visit: http://friendswithbusinessbenefits.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram: @_charlieswift @loveaudrey83
Charlie & Franky x