Building your Brand

Today on the podcast, I am chatting to my friend and voicenote partner in crime Nikki McWilliams. I always find it interesting when people run multiple different brands, and I love to hear how they manage it, how they do it all, and how it all fits together. Nikki not only has a solid personal brand, but she also runs two distinct online shops: one selling her famous biscuit-inspired homewares and another dedicated to stationery. In this episode, we delve into how she keeps it all clear in her head, how she juggles the workload, and how she maintains consistency across different businesses. We also discuss the massive shift in social media marketing—from the polished "flat lay" era to the rise of "scrappy" reels—and why having multiple "squirrel pots" of income is the key to feeling secure as a self-employed creative.   Key Takeaways: The "Squirrel Pot" Strategy: Nikki treats her different businesses and income streams as "squirrel pots." Having multiple streams provides security because when one area (like luxury cushions) ebbs, another (like affordable stationery) might flow Distinct Branding for Distinct Audiences: While both brands sit under her name, Nikki uses different visual vibes and colour palettes to separate them—one is luxury and gift-focused, while the other leans into nostalgia and necessity . Scrappy Content Wins: We discuss the mindset shift required to move away from perfectly polished content. Surprisingly, the posts that take the least time to create (like filming in pyjamas on a phone) often perform the best The Art of the Creative Pitch: Nikki shares a brilliant story about how she won a PR trip on a cruise by pitching with a physical, hand-made passport instead of just a standard email. Agility is a Superpower: As a small business owner, you don't have to stick to a plan if it isn't working. Nikki explains why she is currently leaning more into stickers and stationery because that is what is selling right now.   Episode Highlights: 01:00 – The origins of the Biscuit Shop (2010) and the rise of the Nikki Supply Store (2017) via the bullet journaling trend 07:00 – How Nikki balances a personal brand with two product-based businesses 15:00 – Why self-employment can actually feel more secure than a traditional job in the current economy 18:00 – How to pitch to brands and get paid properly for content creation 25:00 – The struggle of pivoting from high-production content to "scrappy" authentic video 37:00 – Nikki's future goals: YouTube monetization and designing a sticker book   About The Guest: Nikki McWilliams is a designer and small business owner based in Scotland. She is the founder of Nikki McWilliams, known for her iconic biscuit-themed cushions, and Nikki's Supply Store, a go-to shop for bullet journaling and stationery supplies. You can find her biscuit shop at nikkimcwilliams.com and her stationery shop at nikkisupplystore.com. Follow her on Instagram at @nikkimcwilliams and @nikkisupplystore, or search for Nikki McWilliams Design on YouTube.   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Are you building your business from alignment or from pressure? In this episode, I share 7 things I'm not doing in my business; even though the internet says I should. From posting daily and niching down further, to scaling faster and launching constantly, we're unpacking the online "rules" that often lead to burnout instead of sustainability. If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or small business owner feeling overwhelmed by business advice, today's episode will help you rethink growth, visibility, and success on your own terms. I talk about: Why posting every day isn't the only growth strategy The truth about niching down Depth vs scale in business Why constant launching can create pressure The danger of building from fear If you've ever felt behind, not strategic enough, or like you're not doing "enough" then this episode is your permission to pause and choose alignment over algorithms.   Key Takeaways Not all "shoulds" are aligned with your vision: Just because something works for someone else doesn't mean it's right for you. Strategy without alignment leads to burnout. Depth can be more powerful than scale: Bigger isn't always better. Building for impact, connection and sustainability may serve you more than chasing numbers. Consistency doesn't have to mean constant: You don't have to post daily, launch quarterly, or pivot with every trend. Intentional visibility can be more powerful than relentless output. Fear shouldn't be your business strategy: Many online "rules" are rooted in fear; fear of irrelevance, slow growth, or being left behind. Building from alignment creates longevity.   Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I'm questioning business "shoulds" 01:35 – Not posting every day 03:10 – Not niching down into something microscopic 05:00 – Choosing depth over scale 06:45 – Stepping off the launch treadmill 08:10 – Not chasing trends 09:30 – Not outsourcing everything (yet) 10:45 – Why I refuse to build from fear 12:00 – Final thoughts: Choosing alignment over noise   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Has the fear of being trolled ever impacted how you show up online? It definitely has for me, and sometimes I feel like I can't share all the things that I want to in case I attract hate. Today on the podcast I'm chatting to Rhiannon Louden, who is a brand and wedding photographer, all about an incident where she got trolled and exactly how she handled it. A big facet of this conversation is about values, and I love that it comes back to something that has been chatted about on this podcast so many times before: the importance of your brand values. Rhiannon shares a candid story about a reel featuring a trans wedding that attracted significant hate, and how she navigated that storm while protecting her clients and standing by her beliefs. We touch on personal branding, attracting the right clients, running your business with integrity, and why "going viral" isn't always the dream we think it is.   Key Takeaways: Viral isn't always a victory: Rhiannon shares how a reel hitting 5 million views brought a wave of hate rather than just "success". It serves as a reminder that visibility without the right audience can be damaging. Values act as a filter: Being vocal about your values (e.g., trans rights) effectively repels people who don't align with you. While the trolling was difficult, it ultimately solidified her niche and signaled safety to her ideal clients. Client care comes first: When the post blew up with negative comments, Rhiannon's first priority was her couple. She communicated openly with them and gave them the option to delete the post, prioritizing their mental health over the "viral" reach. Have a crisis plan: It is helpful to think about how you would handle trolling before it happens. Having a process—like warning clients or knowing when to turn off comments—can help you stay calm in the moment. Separating your brands: We also discuss Rhiannon's decision to run two separate brands (Rhiannon Neale for weddings/families and Rhiannon Louden for branding) to ensure her messaging stays clear and relevant to each specific audience.   Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Rhiannon's journey from journalism to photography and moving to Scotland. 04:00 – The decision to split her business into two distinct brands to clarify her messaging. 06:00 – The story of the viral reel: How a post celebrating a trans wedding attracted millions of views and a storm of hate. 13:00 – Handling the fallout: How Rhiannon communicated with her clients and gave them the power to decide the post's fate. 15:00 – The aftermath: Why repelling bigots is actually a business positive, and how it has led to more aligned inquiries from the LGBTQ+ community. 19:00 – The reality of viral fame: Why we need to stop romanticising the idea of "blowing up" online.   About The Guest: Rhiannon Louden is a photographer and brand mentor based in Scotland. She runs two businesses: Rhiannon Neale, focusing on alternative, documentary-style wedding and family photography, and Rhiannon Louden, where she offers personal brand photography and mentorship for female entrepreneurs. She is passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and helping business owners show up authentically. You can find her wedding work at https://rhiannoneale.com/ and her branding work at https://www.rhiannonlouden.co.uk/   Mentioned in this episode: Rhiannon's Viral Post: The reel discussed regarding the trans wedding (though comments are turned off!). I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I'm sharing four brands I genuinely love and feel deeply loyal to — not just because of their products, but because of the missions they're built on. Each one shows how having a clear purpose, strong values, and a quality product can create lasting trust, emotional connection, and long-term brand loyalty. Come tell me which brands you're loyal to and why; I'd love to know! Key Takeaways: Building your brand around a clear mission will attract loyal customers When your brand stands for something meaningful and consistently lives it out, people don't just buy once; they recommend you, return to you, and feel emotionally invested in your success. Pairing purpose with quality creates trust and longevity A powerful mission alone isn't enough; delivering a genuinely great product builds credibility, repeat business, and long-term sustainability for your brand. Telling human stories gives your brand depth and meaning When your brand highlights real people, real impact, and real change, it builds empathy, trust, and a deeper connection that goes far beyond features or pricing.   Episode Highlights: 00:24 – Why mission-led brands create strong loyalty and trust 02:38 – Madlug: how dignity and storytelling build brand loyalty 05:26 – Who Gives A Crap: sustainability, humour, and ethical business 08:29 – Manumit Coffee: employment, dignity, and social impact 10:33 – Tony's Chocolonely: ethical supply chains and purpose-driven design 13:31 – What mission-led brands can teach you about your own business   Mentioned in the episode: Madlug Who Gives a Crap Manumit Coffee Tony's Chocolonely   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Today on the podcast, I am welcoming back my good pal and friend of the show Andy Lambert, who was actually one of my very first guests back on episode 43! Since then, the social media landscape has changed dramatically, and Andy has gone from co-founding ContentCal to becoming a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe. In this episode, Andy gives us a veritable masterclass on LinkedIn, explaining why it is currently the single best platform to find your audience. We dive into the concept of "Social First" marketing, why personal profiles are outperforming company pages, and the data-backed reasons why consistency wins over viral hacks. If you have been struggling to make sense of LinkedIn or want to know where to focus your energy in 2026, this episode is absolute gold.   Key Takeaways: The "Social First" Approach: Marketing has shifted; social media teams are now the closest to the customer and should be leading the wider marketing strategy, rather than just being a distribution channel at the end of the process. The 95-5 Rule: Research from the B2B Institute shows that 95% of your potential buyers are not in the market to buy right now. Your marketing job is not just to convert the 5%, but to build memory structures with the 95% so they think of you when they are ready. LinkedIn is the place to be: Andy wagers that LinkedIn is currently the best platform for organic reach and precise audience targeting, especially for B2B and service-based businesses. Zero-Click Content: Social platforms no longer want you to link out to your website. The best performing content (like PDF carousels on LinkedIn) keeps people on the platform and increases "dwell time." Employee Advocacy is vital: People trust people more than brands. The most effective way to grow a company's reach is through the personal profiles of its founders and employees, not just the brand page.   Episode Highlights: 02:15 – Andy shares his journey from founding ContentCal to its acquisition by Adobe and his current role. 06:50 – What "Social 3.0" means and why social media needs to move from the "kids' table" to the boardroom. 12:44 – The "95-5 Rule": Why most marketing fails because it ignores the 95% of people who aren't ready to buy yet. 18:41 – A LinkedIn Masterclass: Andy breaks down exactly why LinkedIn is working so well right now. 26:24 – Understanding "Zero-Click Content" and why PDF carousels are generating huge reach. 36:12 – The importance of video and how to repurpose podcast clips for LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts.   About The Guest: Andy Lambert is the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe and a founding member of ContentCal, a social media marketing software that was acquired by Adobe. He is also the author of the book Social 3.0, which explores the future of social media marketing. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Andy is passionate about helping businesses understand the power of a social-first strategy. You can find Andy on LinkedIn (it's the best place to get a response!) or check out his book on Amazon. Mentioned in this episode: Social 3.0: Andy's book on the evolution of social media. Andy's Substack Social 3.0. Adobe Express: The all-in-one design and content creation tool. (Aff link) The B2B Institute: The think tank that researched the 95-5 rule. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's episode, I'm doing something a little different and sharing a few of the tools I've been loving recently. These are paid subscriptions I use to save time, streamline my content creation, and make video feel more sustainable and enjoyable. They're not "must-have" tools to run a business, but they are thoughtful investments that help me work smarter, stay creative, and focus my energy where it matters most. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Choosing tools that save time will protect your creative energy Investing in content creation tools that reduce friction allows you to show up more consistently, avoid burnout, and spend more time actually creating instead of wrestling with tech. Using automation with intention builds trust, not distance When you use automations in a personal, generous way; like voice notes or encouragement rather than constant selling; you deepen connection and make your marketing feel more human and aligned. Building a sustainable workflow makes growth possible Designing systems that make video and content creation faster and easier creates momentum, supports long-term growth, and helps you stay consistent without exhausting yourself. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I'm sharing the paid tools that help with content creation and save time 00:54 – How I use Superprofile for Instagram automations and voice note DMs 03:46 – Why Epidemic Sound is my go-to for music for YouTube, podcasts, and reels 05:48 – How I use Jitter to create quick animations for Instagram and video content 07:55 – How Frame.io helps with video feedback, collaboration, and client work 10:08 – Why investing in tools matters for sustainable video and content creation   Mentioned in the episode Superprofile (aff link) Epidemic Sound Frame.io Jitter  

A topic I haven't covered on the podcast for a while is photography so when Olivia Bossert got in touch about coming on to chat about her 'IT Girl' philosophy, I knew it would be SUCH an interesting and different perspective on personal brand photography. I am a big believer in brand photography and how much it can do to enhance your brand. It really can impact the visual look and feel of your branding and give you heaps of confidence in how you show up in your business and online. In this episode, Olivia shares her fascinating journey from shooting for Vogue to pivoting into the personal branding space. We chat about why having a full team on set can transform your confidence, why you definitely don't need to know how to pose, and how she is reclaiming the term "IT Girl" to help business owners show up as their most authentic selves.   Key Takeaways: Pivoting after achieving the "dream": Olivia shares the honest reality of achieving her life-long goal of shooting for Vogue, only to realise it didn't bring the fulfilment she expected, leading to her pivot into personal branding. The "IT Girl" Philosophy: We discuss reclaiming the term "IT Girl" – it isn't about being a celebrity like Paris Hilton; it's about fully owning who you are, what you love, and showing up unapologetically as yourself. You don't need to know how to pose: One of the biggest fears people have is not knowing what to do in front of the camera. Olivia explains that on a high-end shoot, posing is the photographer's job, not yours. Treating your brand like a fashion editorial: Olivia applies her background in fashion to personal branding, using a full team (stylists, assistants, lighting experts) to create high-end, magazine-quality images for business owners. Confidence is a result, not a prerequisite: You don't need to feel confident before the shoot. The process of being looked after by a professional team and seeing the final results is what actually creates that lasting confidence boost. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – The "Vogue moment" and why achieving a big goal led to an identity crisis and a business pivot. 05:00 – How Olivia applies a fashion editorial mindset to personal branding to create a unique USP. 06:00 – A breakdown of what a full production team looks like (and why you might want a stylist and lighting assistant). 09:00 – Overcoming camera confidence: Why you don't need to be an influencer or model to look amazing. 16:00 – Redefining the "IT Girl" and why the term might feel jarring at first but is actually incredibly empowering. 28:00 – The debate on AI in photography: Why images hold energy and why AI headshots often miss the "spark" in the eyes   About The Guest: Olivia Bossert is a personal brand photographer, artist, and online business owner based in London. After a decade working as a fashion photographer for international publications and brands (including Vogue!), she pivoted to bringing that high-end editorial experience to female founders and business owners. You can find Olivia on Instagram @oliviabossert or visit her website oliviabossert.com. The It Girl Experience: https://www.oliviabossert.com/shoot  It Girl Studio: https://www.oliviabossert.com/studio I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I am beyond excited to be hosting my first ever Live Podcast Event this year! A goal I've had since 2024 and now is becoming a reality! If you're local to Cardiff/South Wales and want to be there in person you can grab one of the final tickets and come along (if there are any left!) Today on the podcast I am giving you a behind the scenes look into all that has gone on in the lead up to the event. I talk openly and honestly about the highs and lows and doubts and excitements! I'm always interested in behind the scenes of anything I've not done before so I do hope you enjoy this sneak peak behind the curtain!! Have you ever put on your own event? I'd love to know the bits you loved and the bits you hated! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Big ideas take time; and that's not a failure. Meaningful creative projects often require patience, alignment, and trusting the timing rather than rushing the process. Valuing your work invites others to value it too. Charging for events matters; not just financially, but as a way of creating commitment, respect, and space to deliver a higher-quality, more intentional experience for everyone involved. Real connection happens when we step into the room together. Live podcasts transform a solitary listening experience into real community, showing the power of bringing people together in person in an increasingly digital world.   Episode Highlights 00:00: Why I'm hosting a live podcast event (behind the scenes of podcast event planning) 02:30: How I planned a live podcast: mindset, logistics, and challenges 03:55: Ticket pricing strategy for events: early bird tickets, paid vs free events 07:30: Building community through live podcasts + future in-person event plans

I loved today's podcast chat and something I've been thinking about a lot recently is how so many of us creatives and business owners have these similar human experiences that we all have to go through. I think it is so powerful when we share those experiences openly and vulnerably. Today on the podcast, I am chatting to Emmi Salonen, who is a designer, artist, speaker and author of the amazing new book, The Creative Wellbeing Handbook. Emmi founded Studio EMMI in 2005 and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. In this episode, we talk all about the lessons she has learned as a creative, including her personal journey through burnout and taking a year-long sabbatical. Emmi has chatted to hundreds of other creatives about their struggles, and she shares those insights alongside practical exercises to help nurture your creativity. It was a gorgeous conversation full of little gems that I am definitely going to implement in my own practice! Key Takeaways: Creativity needs a pause: Emmi discusses the concept of the "Creative Ecosystem" and how vital it is to nurture different areas of your life—like connection, wonder, and rest—to sustain your creativity. You are not alone in self-doubt: Emmi's research found that 87% of creatives struggle with feeling "not good enough". We discuss how important it is to vocalise these feelings rather than internalise them. The power of a 'Solo Day': One of my favourite exercises from the book is the 'Solo Day' (or Emmi Day)—taking guilt-free time alone to do exactly what you want, whether that's visiting a gallery or just pottering around the house, to let ideas percolate. Financial stability protects creativity: We talk about the tension between passion and finance, and why having a financial buffer (if possible) is crucial for weathering dry spells or allowing for creative breaks. Slow design vs. industry speed: Emmi highlights the pressure to deliver ideas instantly and why she now factors in a "percolation period" at the start of projects to allow ideas to properly form. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Emmi shares her background working in studios in Italy, New York and London before setting up Studio EMMI 20 years ago. 06:30 – The story behind her book: How a severe burnout led to a year off and a deep dive into creative wellbeing. 12:00 – The three biggest challenges creatives face today, including balancing finances and the pressure of instant idea generation. 21:00 – How Emmi practically managed to take a year-long sabbatical (and how Stefan Sagmeister does it every seven years). 23:00 – Practical exercises from The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, including the 'Solo Day' and 'Craft Club'. 32:00 – Emmi's perspective on AI: Using it as a tool while protecting human creativity and kindness. About The Guest: Emmi Salonen is a Finnish graphic designer and the founder of Studio EMMI, a London-based design practice established in 2005. She is the author of The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, a guide designed to help creatives navigate the ups and downs of their practice. You can find more about Emmi's work at emmi.co.uk and explore resources for the book at creativeecosystem.org I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Last week I gave a talk at St Brides Foundation in London about some of the key moments from the podcast that have forever changed my brain chemistry. Today on the podcast I am sharing those moments with you. Hosting this podcast has added value to my business and in fact my life in ways that I never expected. I've listed all of the episodes mentioned so that you can go back and have a listen through for the full conversations.  I hope you find these moments as inspiring as I did! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and if there have been any moments from the podcast that have stuck in your mind aswell! So please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways "No" is not the end of the story Each rejection can give you valuable information to improve and come back stronger. Fear of success can hold you back more than fear of failure Sometimes we sabotage ourselves not because we're afraid of failing, but because we're afraid of what success might cost us. "Should" is the killer of joy When you catch yourself saying "I should do this," you're likely following someone else's path. Replace "should" with "could" to open up possibilities that feel more aligned. Expect initial rejection as a learning opportunity. Lean into and welcome rejection as a task of curiosity and information to further your goals Stop adding, start subtracting Before adding new habits, projects, or commitments to your plate, ask yourself: "What am I willing to give up to make space for this?"   Episode Highlights 2:32 Lesson 1: Kyle Webster's story - "No" is not the end 5:15 Lesson 2: Fear of success with Lois Seco and Hannah Istead 7:31 Lesson 3: Sophie Cliff - "Should is the killer of joy" 9:40 Lesson 4: Kyra Matthews - Expect rejection as your teacher 10:57 Lesson 5: Rich Webster - Don't keep adding, take things away   Mentioned in the episode Kyle T Webster Episode Fear of Success Episode with Liz Mosley, Hannah Isted and Lois Seco Sophie Cliff Episode Kira Matthews Episode Rich Webster Episode Laura Belgray Episdode and 750 words website

Do you ever get sucked in by all the messaging online about growth and what that looks like? For a while, I have known that I don't want to grow my business to be an agency or to have a big team, but sometimes it feels a bit frowned upon to stay small and keep your business lean I was so excited when Maggie Patterson got in touch and suggested chatting on the podcast about staying small on purpose. This chat was totally up my street! We talked about the "trust recession", AI, how we price and package our work, and so much more. I hope you will come away feeling encouraged, but also given a confidence boost about building a business that feels right for you. Key Takeaways: You don't need to scale to succeed: The majority of businesses are actually one-person operations, yet most business advice focuses on scaling up. You don't have to hire a team if you don't want to; staying solo is a valid and ambitious choice. Charge for strategy, not just tactics: A common mistake for creatives and consultants is charging the same for strategic thinking as they do for tactical implementation. If you don't highlight and charge for your strategy, clients may overlook you for big-picture projects. The "Trust Recession" and AI: We are currently in a market where buyers are skeptical and price-conscious, often referred to as a "trust recession". As a solo business owner, your superpower is your ability to offer genuine human connection and build personal relationships, which builds trust faster than faceless brands can. The "Real Life Rule": Your business must work for your actual life, otherwise you will end up resentful and burnt out. When planning growth, you must consider your actual capacity—not just time, but energy and the season of life you are in (like having small children).   Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Maggie introduces her book, Staying Solo, and why she wrote it for the majority of business owners who don't want to manage a big team. 10:00 – Why pricing is the first place to look when refining your business, and why most service providers are undercharging. 13:00 – The "Strategy Stack": understanding that pricing doesn't exist in isolation from your positioning, packaging, and promotion. 20:00 – Discussing AI, the "trust recession", and why solo owners have an advantage in building genuine connections. 39:00 – Maggie's "Real Life Rule" and why we need to stop trying to build fantasy businesses that don't fit our reality.   About The Guest: Maggie Patterson is a consultant who has spent years working with micro-businesses and solo service business owners, such as creatives, consultants, and professional service providers. She is the author of Staying Solo: Your Guide to Building a Simple and Sustainable Service Business, which launched in April 2025. You can find Maggie at bsfreebusiness.com Staying Solo Book Staying Solo Podcast Brave Boundaries Workshop I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I dive into how branding impacts the way you show up for your business. I open up about my own experience with outdated branding and how it actually stopped me from promoting my business because I was embarrassed to send people to my website. I talk about why visual identity matters so much in our content-saturated world and how we make split-second decisions based on what we see. If your branding feels off or isn't serving your current stage of business, I'd love to chat about working together this year. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Branding directly impacts business confidence and consistency. When branding feels misaligned or outdated, business owners often stop marketing themselves and avoid directing people to their website or social media, which stalls business growth. Aligned branding creates a transformation in energy and output. Clients who invest in branding that truly reflects their vision often experience a surge in ideas, renewed belief in their mission, and more consistent, confident communication. Visual decisions happen in seconds. In a world saturated with visual content, people make split-second judgments based on colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic before even engaging with the actual content—making strong branding essential for attracting the right audience.   Episode Highlights 0:02 - Branding as a uniform you choose 1:40 - My personal experience with outdated branding and how it held me back 4:01 - Client transformation story: renewed confidence and vision 5:46 - Why visual identity matters in a content-saturated world     Mentioned in this episode: Studio Cotton

Today on the podcast, I am chatting to Kat Nicholls, the Brand and Integrity Manager at Happiful. If you haven't come across Happiful before, it is a network of mental health and wellness directories as well as a monthly magazine. I loved chatting to Kat about how the brand came about and what it stands for, but we also dive deep into how to maintain your integrity as your brand grows. We cover some of the mistakes they have made and how they navigated them, along with brilliant advice on remaining true to your values and ensuring those values are communicated effectively across a growing team. For most of us as small business owners, integrity is so important, so I am sure you are going to find this episode incredibly helpful.   Key Takeaways: Defining Integrity: For Kat and Happiful, integrity is really about honesty and authenticity. It involves admitting when you make mistakes and learning from them, while ensuring you are "practising what you preach" regarding your values and how you treat your employee. The "Proof Policy": To maintain high standards, Happiful uses a "proof policy" to ensure that any professional advertising on their directories reaches a certain standard of training and adheres to a code of ethics. The Power of Saying No: Sometimes maintaining integrity means turning down press opportunities or partnerships that don't align with your values, even if they would provide significant brand exposure. Handling Mistakes: When things go wrong, such as publishing misinformation, the key is to apologise sincerely to those affected, investigate why it happened (often human error), and implement training to prevent it from happening again. Navigating AI with Integrity: Happiful has developed an AI policy that requires transparency; members must disclose if AI was used, and content cannot be fully AI-generated because human connection is vital in the mental health space. ‌   Episode Highlights: 01:00 – Kat explains her role as Brand and Integrity Manager and the mission behind Happiful. 09:03 – We discuss the definition of integrity: honesty, authenticity and admitting when we get things wrong. 11:59 – The challenges of maintaining integrity and considering your impact on the environment and employees as a business grows. 19:53 – How to handle mistakes and course-correct when content doesn't align with your values. 30:52 – Developing an AI policy that balances technological tools with human connection and transparency..   About The Guest: Kat Nicholls is the Brand and Integrity Manager at Happiful, a company that owns a network of online directories for mental health and wellbeing support, as well as a monthly magazine. Her background is in content writing, podcasting, and coaching, and she now focuses on ensuring the brand maintains its authentic, value-led approach. You can find out more about the magazine and directories at http://happiful.com I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's first solo episode of the year, I'm sharing the one resolution I'm committing to in 2026; writing! I'll be honest I've already stumbled a few times, but I'm learning to let go of my all-or-nothing mindset and embrace consistency over perfection. I talk about why I've always told myself I'm "not a good writer," how I'm using the 750 Words website to build a daily writing habit, and why this practice is going to transform my business. Plus, I'm opening up about my goal to write a book this year

Happy New Year and welcome back to the Building Your Brand podcast for 2026! I am so excited for what I have in store for this podcast this year. To kick things off, I'm thrilled to welcome back a returning guest for her third time on the show: Alice Benham. Alice is the perfect person to start the year with because I love how she thinks about goals and working on your business rather than just in it. In this episode, we demystify the difference between those two concepts (because I honestly get confused all the time!). We also discuss why it is so important to make time for big-picture strategy, even when it doesn't feel urgent, and how to create a vision that actually motivates you. I hope this episode serves as a lovely motivational start to your year and helps you make a plan to grow your business in a way that feels really good to you.   Key Takeaways: The difference between "on" and "in" the business: Working in your business is employee mode (admin, client work) where you notice immediately if it stops. Working on your business is CEO mode (growth, strategy) where the impact is seen months down the line The urgency trap: We often neglect working on our business because it lacks the immediate urgency and dopamine hit of client work, but it is essential for long-term growth. The AB Method: Alice breaks down her strategy into three key habits: casting vision, setting goals, and tracking progress Hold the vision tightly, goals loosely: Your vision is the ultimate destination or feeling you want, while goals are just the vehicle to get there. It is okay to change your goals if a better path appears Track what matters to you: Don't just track arbitrary numbers like revenue if they don't serve you. Create a "scorecard" with 3-5 metrics that align with your specific goals, such as how aligned your work feels or revenue from a specific offer   Episode Highlights: 02:27 – Alice explains the "Dummies Guide" to the difference between working on and in your business 11:59 – Why documenting and tracking is vital to stop you from being led purely by emotion 18:41 – The danger of "vanity metrics" and why Alice recommends a simple scorecard with a maximum of five data points 23:25 – How to avoid "goal distraction" by ensuring your goals are actually your own and not just what you see others doing 30:08 – Why vision work is like taking a spatula to the inside of your brain to scrape out ideas   About The Guest: Alice Benham is a business strategist who helps business owners grow by working on their business, not just in it. She is the founder of the "On It" programme, which provides the structure and space for business owners to set goals, track progress, and cast their vision. You can find Alice on her website or Instagram.   Mentioned in this episode: On It: Alice's programme for business owners to work on their business. Use code LIZ10 for 10% off I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this final episode of 2025, I'm reflecting on how the format of two episodes a week has been and sharing exciting plans for 2026. From hosting my first live podcast event in Cardiff to pursuing more public speaking opportunities and even writing a book, I'm opening up about my goals, my philosophy on holding plans lightly, and why I love doing more of what's already working in my business. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and I'd love to hear about your 2026 goals too! So please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Consistency Pays Off – Running both guest and solo episodes weekly since October has strengthened my personal branding and supported consistent YouTube content creation. Hold Goals Lightly – Sometimes better opportunities emerge than what you planned. Being flexible allowed for speaking at Adobe Max instead of the original podcast event timing. Goals Need Strategy – It's not enough to just set goals; you need a concrete plan and actionable steps to actually achieve them. Do More of What You Love – Growth doesn't require radical change. Focus on expanding the parts of your business that bring you joy and fulfillment. Community Matters – Whether it's self-publishing, podcasting, or building a brand, surrounding yourself with supportive people and communities makes ambitious goals more achievable.   Episode Highlights 0:00 – Welcome & reflecting on the twice-weekly podcast experiment 1:39 – 2026 public speaking goals and the live podcast event announcement 2:46 – Details about the February 24th Cardiff event with Gavin Strange and Hannah Isted 5:03 – The scary but exciting goal: writing and self-publishing a book in 2026 7:39 – Philosophy on goal-setting: holding plans lightly and being open to better opportunities  

I am so excited to have today's guest back on the podcast after recording an episode with her a long time ago about my rejection challenge. Yes, it is Katie Chappell, who was the original inspiration for that challenge! However, we are not talking about rejection today. Instead, we are talking all about Katie's incredible business as a Live Illustrator. Honestly, I love chatting to her; she is a total business powerhouse with so many brilliant ideas. In this episode, we discuss how she runs her Live Illustration business, the membership and jobs board she has created to share overflow work, and how she manages her time and boundaries. I came away from this conversation so inspired, and I know you will too.   Key Takeaways: The pivot to online-only: Katie made the strategic (and initially terrifying) decision to stop doing in-person events and focus exclusively on online live illustration to better manage her stress and family life. Sharing the wealth with a jobs board: Instead of just turning down the inquiries she couldn't take, Katie created a paid jobs board on Substack to pass that overflow work on to other illustrators, creating a win-win for everyone. Dealing with negative comments: Katie opens up about the backlash and trolling she received regarding her jobs board and how she now views it as a "rite of passage" and a sign of increased visibility. The power of the decision tree: To avoid decision fatigue, Katie uses a "decision tree" managed by her assistant to automatically filter inquiries—if a job doesn't meet her specific criteria (like being online and within school hours), it goes straight to the jobs board. Live illustration is thriving: Despite doom and gloom in the wider illustration industry, Katie explains why live graphic recording is still a high-value, premium service that corporate clients love. ‌ Episode Highlights: 02:11 – Katie explains exactly what live illustration looks like and how she captures visual notes during events.‌ 07:59 – How Katie discovered graphic recording in the library during her master's degree and realised it was like being a war artist, but for meetings. 14:26 – The moment Katie realised she needed to scale back her agency model and set a deadline to go online-only. 15:28 – How the "Jobs Board" was born from an abundance of inquiries she couldn't fulfill. 25:59 – Navigating "mild trolling" and the emotional process of dealing with negative comments online. ‌   About The Guest: Katie Chappell is a live event illustrator who makes visual notes for online events. She is also one-third of The Good Ship Illustration, where she runs courses for creatives, and she manages a popular jobs board for illustrators. You can find Katie on her website or say hi on Instagram.   Mentioned in this episode: The Good Ship Illustration: Katie's course business with Helen Stephens and Tanya Willis. Katie's Jobs Board: A Substack for illustrators to find work. Rich Webster: Previous podcast guest who discussed business as a self-development tool. Katy from Creative Boom: Discussed as someone who handles online visibility well. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this solo episode, I reflect on my journey through 2025; celebrating the goals I achieved, the lessons I learned, and the growth I experienced both personally and professionally. From speaking at Adobe Max and launching new projects to working with dream clients and growing the podcast, I share honest insights about what went well, what didn't, and how I'm setting the stage for an even more intentional 2026. Join me as I look back on a year of progress, pivots, and proud moments. I would love to hear all about your reflections and achievements of 2025. I hope you've enjoyed this episode. Come talk to me on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast  If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Progress isn't always linear. Sometimes the goals you don't achieve one year become your biggest wins the next. Keep moving forward and celebrate every step. The quality of your work and relationships matters more than the quantity. Focus on attracting clients and collaborators who truly align with your values and vision. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities. Pivoting, trying new projects, and sharing your authentic self can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment.   Episode Highlights 0:56 I look back at my Instagram post from the end of 2024 and review the goals I set for that year. 3:11 I reflect on working with clients this year, feeling especially aligned and fulfilled by the people I collaborated with. 6:25 I summarize my progress on all my goals, noting that even if I didn't achieve them in 2024, I made real strides in 2025. 9:45 I talk about the way my personal brand has been affected this year 10:10 A moment to celebrate the podcast  

In this episode, I really enjoyed picking the brains of Niki Hutchison, a marketing strategist who is passionate about online businesses marketing themselves like pros. We discuss moving away from amateur ways of doing things to ensure you are marketing like a professional. Even though I am not a trained marketer myself, I have loved learning about it over the last decade of running my business. Niki and I delve into many interesting areas, including demystifying what a 'strategy' actually is, the importance of a multi-channel approach, and the massive impact public speaking can have on your business growth.   Key Takeaways: Marketing strategy doesn't have to be complicated: Niki explains that strategy is often over-complicated, but it is simply about starting with your business objective and deciding how to use different channels to achieve it. Don't rely on a single channel: One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is relying on just one platform; instead, you should leverage your own channels (like your email list) alongside partnerships and other people's audiences. The power of in-person connection: Niki shares that speaking on stages and building real-life connections is currently the most effective way she is growing her audience and establishing trust quickly. Consistency creates trust: A major issue is 'ghosting' your marketing; disappearing and reappearing makes it difficult to establish trust with your audience, so it is vital to find a sustainable rhythm. From Overlooked to Fully Booked: Being 'fully booked' isn't about having zero white space in your diary; it's that confident feeling that you are winning at business, clients are coming in, and momentum is building.   Episode Highlights: 02:59 – Niki demystifies the word "strategy" and explains why it is actually quite simple. 07:59 – The danger of relying on just one social media channel and the importance of partnerships. 12:54 – Why in-person speaking and events are Niki's most exciting marketing tool right now. 20:19 – How to build reciprocal partnerships to help spread the word about your launches. 34:23 – Niki's top tips for creating a marketing plan that fits into your actual life without leading to burnout.   About The Guest: Niki Hutchison is a marketing strategist who helps business owners and brands take a multi-channel marketing approach to market like a pro. She runs two businesses: her personal brand teaching business owners how to market and grow, and an agency specialising in launching for organisations. You can find Niki on Instagram @nikihutchinson, where she basically lives in her DMs, or connect with her on LinkedIn. You can also find out about her in-person events at her website.   Mentioned in this episode: Adventures in Marketing: The event Niki hosts in Edinburgh with her friend Abby. Enterprise Nation: Niki is an advisor and trainer for this platform. Adobe Express Scheduler: The tool Niki uses to schedule her content. Habit Share: An app Niki uses to keep on track with her tasks.   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

We're in December and I am naturally getting reflective. In today's solo episode I am chatting through my business model and doing a little bit of an audit. I talk about why I've made certain decisions in my business in the way that I run it. I hope you find this episode helpful and insightful. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and these solo episodes in general so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Intentional Small Business: Growth is focused on income and impact, not on building a large team or agency.  Work-Life Blend: Achieving a healthy blend (not necessarily balance) between work and personal life is a priority, with flexibility and breaks built into the schedule. Personalized Success: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to business growth; success is about building a business that feels right for you, not following external expectations.   Episode Highlights 01:29: Pros and Cons of Employment vs. Freelancing: I chat through the benefits of traditional employment and explain why freelancing feels safer to me, especially after seeing redundancies in tech/design. 03:41: Mindset Challenges & Uncertainty: I discusses the freelancer mindset, dealing with uncertainty, and how evidence of continued work helps ease anxiety. 05:46: Work-Life Blend & Taking Breaks: I talk about the challenge of switching off, the joy of my work, and the importance of scheduling breaks. 07:32: Growth Goals: Income vs. Team Size   Mentioned in the episode Paul Jarvis' Book Company Of One

Today on the podcast I am chatting to Josephine Hatch, who is an Innovation Director with over 20 years of experience in foresight, cultural strategy, and brand innovation. Now, you might not totally know what any of that means, but basically, we are talking about trend forecasting! One of the things that really struck me during our chat is that, as creatives and small business owners, many of us do this instinctively without having the formal language for it. This conversation gave me such a good framework for being more strategic about looking at culture and making plans for my business and honestly, Jo's perspective gave me such a boost regarding the value of human creativity.   Key Takeaways Foresight vs. Fads: While "trends" are often associated with fast fashion or fleeting fads, foresight is about spotting signals and understanding the macro forces that impact human behaviour. Human Truths Remain: Technology and context change, but fundamental human truths—like the need for connection or joy—stay the same. Successful brands understand how to tap into these enduring feelings. The AI Counter-Movement: As generative AI adoption grows, there is a strong counter-trend towards the "human." People are increasingly valuing imperfections, analog hobbies, and genuine human curation. Look Outside Your Bubble: Real innovation rarely comes from looking at your direct competitors. Instead, look to other industries, art, and culture for inspiration to disrupt your own category.   Episode Highlights 02:51 – Joe explains her background and how an Alexander McQueen runway show sparked her interest in how fashion mirrors society. 06:49 – We discuss why "trend" has become a dirty word and the difference between short-term fads and long-term foresight. 12:56 – Joe shares incredible free resources and tools that small businesses can use to spot cultural shifts. 20:23 – A fascinating look at AI, including why the "human touch" is becoming a premium and the rise of analog hobbies. 33:17 – Simple habits you can adopt to become more culturally curious, including how to document the things that inspire you.   About the Guest Josephine Hatch is an Innovation Director at The Otherly, an innovation and brand agency that works with global brands and small businesses to help them defend their space and grow with intent. She has spent 20 years working at the intersect of trend forecasting, cultural strategy, and innovation. Website: The Otherly LinkedIn: Josephine Hatch   Mentioned in this episode The Otherly https://theotherly.com/ Andres Colmenares, Responsible AI expert and IAM festival co-founder Link to a google drive of trend reports https://bit.ly/2025trending  via Global Cultural Strategist Amy Daroukakis. Note that a new set of trend reports will come out around December 2025 Free platform for trends, updated daily https://www.trendhunter.com/ Dezeen, The Dieline and Lovely Package (both good for packaging), Campaignlive https://secondhome.io/culture/   SJ from The Akin's substack is a great read for what's happening in culture https://theakin.substack.com/ Emma Jane Palin's Our Curated Abode https://www.ourcuratedabode.com/  and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ourcuratedabode/#   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this solo episode of the Building Your Brand podcast, I take you behind the scenes of one of my favorite recent client projects. I share insights into my branding process, the importance of collaboration and communication, and what I think makes for a dream client relationship. I give a candid account of how I work and what I value most in my client partnerships. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways Collaboration and Communication Are Essential: The most successful branding projects happen when there's open, honest communication and a true sense of collaboration between designer and client. Clear feedback and regular updates lead to better results and a more enjoyable process for both parties. Client Involvement Builds Confidence: Involving clients at every stage; from initial mood boards to final design tweaks, helps them feel confident in their new branding and ensures the end result truly fits their needs. Clarity Is Kindness: Direct, honest feedback from clients (even if it's blunt) is invaluable. It allows the designer to make the right adjustments quickly and creates a trusting and productive working relationship.   Episode Highlights 1:15: The client project: rebranding for Sally Webster and creating a physical journal 4:30: Lessons learned about the importance of communication in client work 7:00: The value of client collaboration and honest feedback 11:00: Step-by-step breakdown of the branding process 12:50: How to get in touch if you want to work with me in 2026   Mentioned in the Episode Sally Webster: Love How You Eat   If you're looking for branding or a rebrand in 2026, I am taking on new clients so do get in touch with me and we can book a discovery call  

 Something that really inspires me in the small business world is how many turn their hands to teaching online, myself included. I remember teaching my very first workshop online to over 350 people around the world during lockdown and absolutely LOVING it. Since then I've taught lots more and created group courses that I'm so proud of which is why I was thrilled to chat to Patricia van den Akker, director of the Design Trust, business advisor, trainer and coach. Patricia's worked with thousands of creatives over the last 20 years and she's recently written a book called Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online. So if you already teach as part of your business or it's something that you are interesting in adding, then I think you're gonna find today's episode so, so valuable where we talk all about how to host workshops and teach really, really well.    Episode Highlights 05:06 Patricia shares a tip for online teaching and workshops: "launch before you're ready" to stop procrastinating, noting that getting paid increases commitment 11:59 Discussion on why teaching is beneficial for creative small business owners, including the reality that services are often currently easier to sell than product 16:59 Patricia discusses the psychology of pricing, noting that "when people don't pay, they don't value it" and that charging can actually increase student commitment . 30:00 Patricia outlines her framework for teaching by asking three key questions: "Why do you want to teach?", "What do you teach?", and "How do you teach?" . 39:56 A discussion on facilitation and the realization that often "we teach what we need to learn," and that students frequently learn more from each other than from the teacher . About the Guest: Patricia van den Akker Patricia van den Akker is the Director of The Design Trust, a creative business advisor, trainer, and coach. She has over 25 years of experience working with craftspeople, designer-makers, and applied arts professionals. Book: Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online Website: http://thedesigntrust.co.uk Instagram & Facebook: The Design Trust ‌ I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's solo episode I am chatting about the levels of discomfort we can step into in our businesses to activily pursue growth.  'Get out of your comfort zone' isn't always a helpful phrase when there's no nuance added to the context. I chat through what has now become the normal signs and signals for me that I am in that sweet (horrible) spot of discomfort that is just right for me - uncomfortable but not totally out of reach. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!  If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   Key Takeaways: "Capacity for Discomfort" is More Useful Than "Comfort Zone" Instead of fixating on leaving your comfort zone, focus on gradually increasing your tolerance for discomfort in ways that are healthy and sustainable. Growth Happens in Manageable Steps You don't need to leap into the deep end; taking one step at a time, with realistic self-belief, leads to more sustainable progress. Discomfort is a Sign of Growth, Not Failure Feeling nervous or uncomfortable is normal and often means you're on the right track. Over time, what once felt scary becomes routine. Everyone's Journey is Unique Your capacity for discomfort, the risks you can take, and the support you have will look different from others. Comparing yourself to others isn't helpful; focus on your own path.   Episode Highlights: 0:31: The Problem with "Get Out of Your Comfort Zone": I discuss why the phrase can be unhelpful without nuance and context. 3:57: I share my own journey with my comfort zone  7:07: The Value of Discomfort: I talk through how discomfort signals growth and how repeated exposure reduces anxiety over time. 12:00: I talk about the importance of accepting both positive and negative emotions in business and life.   Mentioned in the episode: Charlotte Lewis Speaking Confidence 

Have you ever thought about becoming an influencer, or perhaps working with creators to grow your brand? This week, I chat to Jason Tamou, formerly a Social Media Manager at Adobe, who has an incredible wealth of knowledge on the creator economy and influencer marketing. Jason shares his journey from being a videographer and photographer to growing a viral food TikTok brand to working with massive brands like Adobe. He explains why big brands invest heavily in creators and how small businesses can utilise influencer marketing, even without a huge budget. Plus, Jason offers brilliant advice on how you can start building your personal brand and land paid partnerships. Episode Highlights 02:40 - Jason's viral journey: hitting 2 million TikTok followers in 18 months by creating recipe content and being called an "idiot sandwich" by Gordon Ramsay. 06:55 - Why big brands like Adobe rely on influencers, who act as "life consultants" to guide people across niches like finance, fitness, and creative editing. 13:00 - Advice for smaller businesses: starting with UGC (User-Generated Content) is the most cost-efficient way to get creator recognition without paying for their platform's reach. 20:15 - The power of enthusiasm: Jason shares a story of a creator landing a partnership not because of their large following, but because of their consistent effort, passion, and involvement in the community. 24:55 - Why influencer fees are justified: creators wear a minimum of ten hats, including editing, business management, and community engagement. You're paying for years of audience-building, not just one video.   About the Guest: Jason Tamou Jason Tamou is a former Social Media Manager for Adobe (UK channels) and is currently working as a freelance editor and social media consultant, helping small businesses and individuals build their personal brands and confidence in social media. Instagram (Creator Account): @‌jasontamou LinkedIn: Jason Tamou I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's solo episode I start the conversation around our identities within our businesses and how our job titles and professional labels shape our sense of identity. I get personal and reflect on navigating multiple roles, the pressure to define myself by a single career, and the freedom to choose my own narrative.  I'd really love to know what you think about the labels and titles we give ourselves and whether or not you can resonate with my slight identity crisis! Come let me know your thoughts over on instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast. I really hope you enjoy this episode   Key Takeaways The Changing Nature of Careers: Careers are no longer defined by a single job or title for life. It's increasingly common to have multiple roles, pivot between professions, and build a career from diverse income streams. This shift can create identity challenges, but it also offers freedom to redefine yourself over time. Personal Branding: Choosing Your Narrative: You have the power to decide how you present yourself to the world. Personal branding isn't about sharing everything—it's about strategically highlighting the aspects of your identity that feel authentic and meaningful to you. Giving Yourself Permission to Claim a Title: You don't need external validation to call yourself a designer, writer, or any other title. If you're doing the work, you can claim the label. Overcoming imposter syndrome often starts with giving yourself permission to own your chosen identity.   Episode Highlights 0:53 Rich Webster setting the scene for my identity crisis 1:23 Titles we give ourselves in our businesses and how we draw identity from them 4:13 How titles and career paths have changed in society over the years 5:14 Who gets to decide what the labels are? 6:06 Personal takeaways 7:16 Why we use labels and titles and why maybe we sometimes shouldn't   Mentioned in the Episode Rich Webster's Episode - Build your brand by working less Christine Gritmon's Episode - Why you need a personal brand more than ever   If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I was so inspired when I heard Laura Belgray speak earlier this year at the Atomic Con conference in Newcastle, I just had to have her on the podcast! Laura is the founder of Talking Shrimp, and her mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses find the words and the chutzpah to make their business a perfect expression of their personality—what she calls the "holy grail of work". In this episode, we dive into all things email marketing, a practice which has been hugely beneficial for my business, but can sometimes feel challenging. Laura is an expert at making complex things simple, and she shares her incredible advice on: Why "conversational is the new professional" in copywriting. How to write like you talk, even if you were conditioned to write formally. Her genius tips for crafting subject lines that drive curiosity and get opened. How to find "Story Goldmine" in your everyday, mundane life. Redefining "value" in marketing. Her thoughts on AI, the dangers of its style, and its helpful uses. I really hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did! ⏱️ Episode Highlights 02:00: Laura's windy career path from TV promos to becoming an email marketing expert and launching her first course, Inbox Hero. 04:41: The number one piece of advice for writing great copy: read it out loud to ensure you're writing like you talk. 08:29: Why subject lines should not be like article titles and the best way to get people to open your emails (HINT: think like a text message to a friend). 13:16: How daily journaling of small, mundane details can help you discover 'micro stories' that can be turned into great emails. 33:57: Advice on how to find your voice and inject personality into your writing, including keeping track of your specific expressions and using the 'Coat of Arms' exercise.

If you've ever considered writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the thought of it, this is the episode for you! Perhaps you're sitting on a bunch of content and don't realise it could form an amazing book or worry self publishing is costly and stressful? Writing a book is a (secret) goal of mine which is why I wanted to interview Amy Warren, an author, ghostwriter, and book coach about how she helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants transform their ideas into books. Amy shares how self-publishing is changing, why a book is an invaluable asset for your business, and practical steps to get started, even if you don't consider yourself a "good writer". This episode is designed to inspire you to take the leap if writing a book has been on your goal list!   Key Takeaways A Book is a Powerful Calling Card: A book can literally transform your career and business by introducing you to a wider audience without you having to be physically present. It serves as an epic lead magnet and an attainable way for people to access your expertise. Repurpose Existing Content: If you have a podcast, you are sitting on a huge asset that can be turned into a book by identifying core themes and using clips and recordings to back up your written arguments. This is an exciting way to break down the mindset block that a book must be completely new content. The Goal is the Outcome: Before starting, define the purpose of your book by completing this sentence: "I will write a book that will...". This goal will inform the book's content, ensuring it gives value while leaving readers wanting more, potentially leading them to your higher-cost services.   Episode Highlights 02:11 - Discussing the huge historical stigma around self-publishing and the increasing difficulty of securing traditional publishing deals due to reliance on social media following. 05:00 - Amy shares her personal story of how self-publishing her first book, after initial rejection, led to a full book deal, ghostwriting Sunday Times bestsellers, and a whole new business. 07:50 - How to turn a podcast into a book using AI to sift recordings and identifying overarching themes to create a structured narrative, rather than just a tedious transcript. 13:20 - The benefits of being an author, including becoming a recognised expert or "thought leader", using the book as a high-quality "calling card" to pitch to prospective clients, and boosting your professional bio. 23:50 - The vital first step in writing a non-fiction book: creating an outline to map out the chapters, their contents, and the reader's entire journey or arc.   About the Guest: Amy Warren Amy Warren is an author, ghostwriter, and book coach who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants turn their ideas into commercially viable books. She also helps people self-publish their books through a 'publishing partnership,' where the author retains all rights and control. Website: thewritinghouse.co.uk Instagram: @_thewritinghouse LinkedIn: The Writing House (Amy Warren) I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!  

For this week's solo episode of the Building your Brand podcast I've recorded a little mid-event review at Adobe MAX 2025 in LA. I talk about the features revealed in the Opening Keynote, my favourite bits of the conference as well as some things that might not be what you'd expect. Join me for a chat about the thoughts in my head and a little bit of a behind the scenes at Adobe MAX LA. I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think! Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast to let me know and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Episode Highlights 0:34 My first time at Adobe MAX 4 years ago 01:25 The Keynote  02:00 My favourite new feature and some more AI thoughts 03:35 What I love about Adobe MAX 05:33 The format behind my talks/LAB at MAX 06:52 Content of the conference and BTS of what happens at MAX   Mentioned in the episode Andy Lambert Premiere Pro Mobile App Oak Feld Keynote Adobe MAX 2023 Adobe MAX 2025 My LAB with Andy Lambert  

I am really trying to cover all different aspects of branding and marketing with this podcast so today I'm diving into something I haven't covered much: how to attract your dream clients through your brand messaging. I chatted with Kierian Cameron, a graphic designer, brand consultant, and the founder of the UK's first premium print-only business newspaper for brand-obsessed founders and entrepreneurs, Brand Cult. Kierian shares her incredible 'squiggly' career journey—from psychiatric nurse to winning the lottery and starting an education company, which eventually led her to graphic design and launching her newspaper. We delve into brand messaging—what it is, how to be strategic and intentional with it, and what tweaks you can make to attract higher-paying clients. If you've been stuck trying to attract the right clients, this is the episode for you.   Key Takeaways Brand Messaging is Your "Cult Doctrine": It's not just about what you say, but what you stand for, including your brand's vision, mission, and the cause you're behind. Be Intentional and Strategic: Instead of throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks, make a conscious decision about what you will and will not talk about before you speak. This prevents you from diluting your brand. Attract the Right People: When you show up authentically, unapologetically, and say things with intention, you will attract the people that resonate with your message, which gets you results quicker. Develop Branded Soundbites: Create five to eight short, core soundbites or clips of your messaging that you can use over and over again—in your social media, elevator pitch, and all brand touchpoints—to reinforce your message. Convey Confidence to Attract Higher-Paying Clients: Higher-paying clients are looking for confidence and expertise.   Episode Highlights 01:40 - Kierian describes her 'squiggly career' and how she went from psychiatric nursing in NYC to starting a business in Hong Kong. 09:59 - Kierian explains what brand messaging is and the importance of having a 'villain' in your brand's story. 13:34 - The critical connection between strategy, intentionality, and not diluting your brand. 25:47 - Kierian recommends a book for those who want to attract more affluent clients. 28:33 - Discussing Liquid Death and American Eagle as examples of brands with spot-on or intentionally controversial messaging.   About the Guest Kierian Cameron is a graphic designer, brand consultant, and the founder of Cult, the UK's first premium print-only business newspaper. Website: brandcult.uk use discount code: CULTMYSTERY Instagram: @‌brand.cultuk    Mentioned in the Episode Book: The No BS Marketing to the Affluent by Dan S Kennedy Concept: Ikigai (The Japanese philosophy of finding one's purpose)   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

The topic of AI can be confusing and contenious for small businesses. I wanted to have a chat through the ways in which we need to be aware of how using Generative AI can affect our small business and brand. I look at ways it can harm our brand and ways we can use it that keep us true to our brand. I'd love to know if you've thought about making a statement around your AI usage in your business? If you have already or have a totally different position to me on it I'd love to hear your thoughts. Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast to let me know and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways To build a successful business you need to build trust with your audience. Building trust with your customers is similar to building trust in relationships - you need to do the things you say you're going to do. If you use AI to produce an expected outcome for your customer there will always be discrepencies between that and the real outcomes when it comes to what you need to deliver for your clients If you rely on Generative AI for visuals or copy for your brand then your clients aren't going to be able to disguinish between what is truly you and what is AI If you don't do your due-diligence fact-check ChatGPT you could be spreading mis-information   Episode Highlights 0:58 I talk about the foundation for my thoughts on AI for small businesses and branding and why trust should be at the forefront of your brand 03:58 I talk through how AI is potentially damaging brands more than we realise 07:00 Examples of how to use AI effectively in your business that doesn't damage your brand 11:28 Final thoughts   Mentioned in the episode Hannah Isted  Adobe (Aff link)

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that YouTube is something I've been trying to do more regularly and that's why I was so excited to chat with the brilliant Jade Beason for this week's episode. In our conversation, Jade shares so many practical tips on how to grow your YouTube channel, and she also speaks with such honesty about her own experience—how she got started with no editing skills, what she learned along the way, and the mindset shifts that led to her success. I honestly had a million more questions I wanted to ask her! Whether you're just thinking about starting a channel or looking to get more consistent, this episode is packed with valuable insights.   Key Takeaways Start with Value, Not Gear: In the beginning, your only focus should be on consistently delivering valuable content to your audience. Set a "Commitment Goal": To overcome the initial period of low views and slow growth, set a "commitment goal". Evolve Before Your Audience Gets Bored: A content or thumbnail style that works brilliantly now will likely cause audience fatigue in about six months. Create for Your Audience, Not Yourself: To build a brand or community, you have to switch from creating content for yourself to creating content for your audience.   Episode Highlights [07:00] Jade shares the catalyst for starting her channel: watching her husband go from idea to a published video in just 48 hours made her realise it wasn't as hard as she was telling herself. [15:00] Jade walks through her specific, manual process for researching and identifying trending video topics that have a high potential to be pushed beyond a creator's existing audience. [23:00] Why thumbnails are "incredibly important" and act like an advert for your video . A low click-through rate tells the algorithm that people aren't interested, and it will stop recommending your content. [39:00] Jade's quick-fire advice for anyone starting out, including how often to post , how long videos should be (and the 8-minute monetisation rule!) , and what basic kit you actually need.   About the Guest Jade Beason is a content marketing expert who helps creators build sustainable businesses. She started her YouTube channel in November 2020 and grew it into a full-time career within six months. She is the founder of the creator community The Creator Project and the new agency Social People. YouTube: Jade Beason Instagram: @jadebeason Website: http://jadebeason.com The Creator Project: creatorproject.com Social People Agency: socialpeopleagency.com   Mentioned in the episode Editing Software: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro Project Management: Asana Video Collaboration: http://Frame.io Equipment: Elgato, DJI, Neewer People: Liz Wilcox, Andy Lambert   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

2025 seems to have been a tough year for small business owners so today on the podcast I am giving us all a little pep-talk and a reminder about why it is absolutely brilliant to keep showing up as best we can in and for our businesses.  I'd love to know how things are going for you and if any of this has been helpful and encouraging. Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast to let me know and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways As small business owners and creatives it's often when we are under pressure and things feel difficult that creativity grows. Pressure often pushes innovation If you're a small business owner, you're a problem solver, you are a creative, you will find a solution that will help you and help other people As a small business owner, some of the small business magic is that you can be agile and pivot in a way that large companies can't. You have something unqiue to sell or offer as a small business owner because it's YOU who are doing it and there is no-one else like you Where AI is offering us ‘perfect' and ‘slickness', showing your audience the messy reality of your humanity within your business will cultivate deeper connections, authenticity and trust in your business. Be intentional in the ways that you want to impact the world because you have influence and that impact will grow and spread   Episode Highlights 1:30: I talk about how amazing things can happen under when we're pressure as small business owners 3:21: I talk about the magic sauce behind being a small business owner 5:25: I talk about the beauty of being uniquley you withint your industry and ways to lean into that 7:40: I talk about embracing our humanity as a positive within our small businesses 10:25: Final thoughts on the imapct we have on the world

One of the things I love most about building a brand is the opportunity to explore creative projects beyond my core offering. Whether it's a podcast, a book, or a YouTube channel, these projects allow us to share our work in new and exciting ways.  That's why I'm so excited to share my conversation with Izzy Poirier and Caroline Sarrette, the brilliant minds behind the Ottawa and New York Design Clubs. In this episode, we go behind the scenes on their latest collaborative project: a beautifully designed zine. We discuss the entire process, from the initial idea during the pandemic to navigating difficult printers and securing sponsorship. Izzy and Caroline share candidly about the struggles of managing a huge project with lots of collaborators, but also the incredible benefits and sense of community it has brought them. If you've ever thought about launching a creative project to showcase your work, you're going to love this episode.  Key Takeaways Passion Projects Fuel Your Brand: Running the design club and creating a zine has been a huge undertaking, but it has directly influenced Izzy's business, helping her define her niche in community building and bringing her new client work. Embrace the "Silent Work": A finished zine or a successful event looks effortless, but it's built on a mountain of unseen work, from endless email outreach to speaker rehearsals and logistical planning. It's the underlying passion for the project that keeps you motivated through the long hours.  Challenges Build Resilience: Every hurdle, from finding the right speakers to navigating a tense negotiation with a printer that changed a quote by 50%, is a lesson. Overcoming this friction is what improves your processes and makes you stronger. Print Creates Tangible Community: The zine began during the pandemic as a way to archive creativity happening during lockdown. It has since become a tangible way to showcase artists, create conversations, and even help contributors land jobs. Episode Highlights 05:47: Izzy explains how starting the Ottawa Design Club at the exact same time as her freelance business was a strategic move to build a network and find her niche. 10:04: Discover how the zine began during the pandemic to create a repertoire of the amazing creativity happening in isolation, and how the first edition sold out in just three days. 17:10: Caroline discusses the specific challenges of building a community in a city like New York, including cutting through the noise to find speakers and sourcing affordable venues. 27:53: Izzy shares the incredibly intense story of a sponsorship deal with a printer going wrong, how she navigated a tense negotiation, and the importance of standing your ground for your community. 34:59: Learn about the theme of the latest zine, "Pivotal Moments", which explores the career-defining shifts that creatives experience and aims to inspire readers to embrace change. About the Guests Izzy Poirier is a brand designer and strategist and the founder of the Ottawa Design Club. Caroline Sarrette is a graphic designer and art director who runs the New York chapter of the Design Club. Izzy Poirier: Website Instagram Caroline Sarrette: Website  Instagram Mentioned in the episode Pivotal Moments Zine Adobe Live I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!  

Context collapse online is a huge reason why people can end up misunderstanding or misinterpreting content that you create; small business owner or not! It's also just so easy and lazy to make a comment without first looking for deeper context ourselves. On todays's solo episode I am talking about some negative comments that showed up on a video that I made for a brand and how I felt about them and have used them to move forward in my own personal development. I'd love to know what you think about the comment culture online. Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast to let me know and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways When we are building visable brands we do expose ourselves to other people's opinions There's often a context collapse when you post snippets of your life online We don't need to justify the way we spend our time just to fit other people's expectations of what holds value or productivity When someone makes a comment bringing you down, it often has more to do with how they are feeling about their own lives than what you're actually doing.   Episode Highlights 1:12 The story of how I got trolled 5:09 The trolling comments 7:04 Talking through my initial response 8:15 The signs of when something is bothering me when I thought it wasn't 10:32 Challenging myself to not over-explain or justify my decisions 11:58 How being trolled has helped me   Mentioned in the episode Jo Hooper - Get Wildly Free Instagram My Adobe ad - The Day In The Life

On this week's episode, I chat with Paul Ince, also known as Biz Paul, about his experience running "Marketed Live," an event he started to help build his brand and business and one I attended as a keynote speaker! We dive into the behind-the-scenes insights of organizing an event, discussing everything from finding a venue and selling tickets to the importance of customer service and food. Paul shares how running an event has significantly boosted his personal brand and offers invaluable advice for anyone considering hosting their own event.   Key Takeaways: Running an event can significantly benefit your personal brand and overall business reputation, even if it's not a huge money-maker on its own. Prioritize the attendee experience by investing in quality food, excellent customer service, and thoughtful details that surprise and delight. Carefully consider your audience and what they would find most valuable. You don't always need big-name speakers if you provide genuine value. Explore alternative sponsorship opportunities, such as tapping into a company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget to fund initiatives like social ticket funds. It's okay to let go of an event or project if it no longer serves your business goals or personal capacity. Sometimes, saying "no" to one thing allows you to focus energy on more profitable or fulfilling ventures   Episode Highlights: 03:15: Paul shares the origin story of "Biz Paul" and how his content marketing consultancy, Like Mind Media, came about. 05:07: Discover why Paul and his friend Tim decided to create Marketed Live and their vision for the event. 09:20: Paul explains how Marketed Live became a valuable asset for Like Mind Media's clients and boosted his personal brand. 17:35: We discuss the unexpected challenges of running an event, including the difficulties of selling tickets and venue issues. 28:06: Paul reveals a clever strategy for securing sponsorship by aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets. 37:05: Paul talks about the decision to pause Marketed Live and the importance of knowing when to pivot your business focus.   About the Guest: Paul Ince, also known as Biz Paul, is a marketing strategist and the founder of Like Mind Media. Website: bizpaul.com Social Media: @‌BizPaul (on all platforms) Like Mind Media: likemind.media   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast I hope you enjoy this episode This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I recently did a Q+A box over on my instagram and today's episode is me answering the questions that came up. It's so great to be able to answer specific questions from listeners and I hope you enjoy discovering the answers to the questions asked too! If you have any other questions for me, or if the answers sparked more questions come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I'll keep a list for the next Q+A episode.  Episode Highlights 0:32 Exciting news for the next season of the podcast 3:27 What would have to happen for me to stop podcasting? 5:14 What is your least favourite podcasting task to do? 6:36 You have a client deadline and a podcast deadline clash, which one wins? 10:12 What hasn't worked that you've tried before? 13:30 What's the kindest thing someone has said about the podcast? 14:24 Why haven't we had a live podcast recording/show yet? 15:48 Do you sell products with your hand-lettering on?   Mentioned in the episode My YouTube Channel (please subscribe if you enjoy YouTube content!) Waitlist for the Live Podcast Event If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

It can be hard to know what to invest in and when in your small business. Today I am sharing the recent investments I have made, why I made them and how they have helped me level up in my business. Have you made some recent upgrades or investments in your business? I'd love to know what has really supported you and given you a good ROI? Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast to let me know and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways Needing hi-tech equipment shouldn't be a barrier to entry for things in your business: start with what you have and build as you go Upgrading your equipment or spending money on support for your business can remove the friction for you   Episode Highlights 0:32 Why it helps to invest in your business 0:56 Leveling up my video tech and why 2:58 The things I have invested in - camera 4:03 The things I have invested in - microphone 5:09 The things I have invested in - teleprompter 7:09 The things I have invested in - coaching 8:53 The things I have invested in - portable camera   Mentioned in the episode Sony ZVe10 camera  Rode podmic USB  Elgato teleprompter Zencastr Paul Ince Business Coaching Osmo Pocket 3

Want to know one of the most clarifying and helpful things you can do for your small business? Define your mission statement. I've come across many small businesses who are doing great things but don't seem to have a clear direction they are going in simply because they missed a step when starting out, which is to determine their mission statement.  On today's solo episode I chat through what a mission statement actually is, we look at big companies' mission statements and look at what's needed to define your own mission statement. I think you're going to find this episode helpful even if you already have a mission statement - it's always a good time to check in and make sure all areas of your business are going in the direction you actually want them to! Let me know if this episode resonated with you. I'd love to know your mission statement too. Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways A mission statement is an achor and a guiding light in your business When you're clear about your motivation and values it translates well accross in your business and can help you make the right decisions for your business Money as the sole motivator for your business wont help you be clear on the bigger purpose of your business and it will be easy to get lost along the way.   Episode Highlights 0:29 The difference between a mission statement and a vision statement 3:30 Big brands' mission statements 5:56 How to breakdown what a mission statement is so that you can create one 7:56 Making money as your mission statement, is that good or bad? 9:02 My advice for what to think about when writing your mission statement

If you didn't already know, I've been trying to get to 100 Rejections for the last two years. Today I am chatting through the update of how it's all going (spoiler alert - I am failing!!!). I have been learning valuable lessons along the way and as I share them in today's episode I hope you find them helpful too.  If you want some support in your Rejection Challenge Journey, or simply would like to have a list of ideas of what you could pitch for then you will want to get your hands on my latest resource - The Rejection Challenge Prompts Package; 30 prompts for you to challenge yourself with, daily or at your own pace.  Let me know how your rejection challenge is going if you're doing one or what the first thing you will pitch for if you're about to start! Come find me on instagram where I am @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways You have to learn to trust that you will be able to handle the rejection and move on Very rarely is anything a ‘forever' no Pursuing rejection gets you more comfortable with discomfort and helps you to learn how to move on quicker when rejections do come   Episode Highlights 1:00: Let's get rejected - a new product to help you with your rejection challenge 1:37: the story so far and why I'm failing 3:15: A new challenge to help me get to 100 5:15: Dream clients as a motivitaion 6:44: Things that hold me back in the rejection challange    

Have you ever felt like there's a bit of a blockage between what you're doing now and where you want to be in marketing your business? Are you watching other people show up for their brands and their marketing in ways that just seem beyond what you feel naturally comfortable in doing and you don't even think the content they're producing is that good but they seem to be doing well...? Well today's episode is for you!  I was having a chat with my friend who works in fundraising for a Charity and our converstation inspired today's episode. Join me as I talk through and encourage us all to lean a bit further into our discomfort and what feels 'cringe' and why that's a great move for your branding, marketing and business in general. I would love to hear your thoughts on what has helped you overcome the cringe and what you're planning to do to grow your personal discomfort in your business Come let me know on instagram where you can find me @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways The most successful people are not necessarily the people who are the best at what they do. It's often the people who are prepared to put themselves out there. The people who are willing to work through 'the cringe' are the ones who are getting their businesses and products infront of clients and making the sales In order to grow our businesses we need to grow our capacity for discomfort A huge part of success is the willingness to show up and risk failiure   Episode Highlights 0:42 The story behind today's topic 1:53 Who is winning at being successful? 2:46 Being 'cringe' online 3:21 How to grow your business well 4:27 Why people get held back in their businesses 5:25 Things you can do to help you push through the discomfort 7:59 How to stand out in your industry 10:23 A round up of lessons learned  

It is so tempting to jump on trends when it feels like 'everyone is doing it', and the creative direction is right in front of you but does it actually help or hinder your business? Today I chat through my thoughts on whether or not following trends is good for your branding and if you do follow trends how to know which ones work for you and which ones don't. I would also love to hear your thoughts on how you feel about trends and whether or not they work for you.  Come let me know on instagram where you can find me @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways Trends don't last for very long; if you create branding based on a trend, within a year the trend will have moved on If you change your branding regularly you risk breaking trust with your audience and clients If you jump on a trend at the right time, it can have a good imapct and work well Some trends can get boring really quickly and become oversaturated   Episode Highlights 1:14 Trends in visual branding 2:10 why rebranding frequently causes problems 4:10 Ways to use trends in your small business visual branding 6:41 trends within your visual content 9:35 Questions to ask yourself before jumping on a trend   Mentioned in the episode Trending reel with Liz Mosley and Hannah Isted

Over the last 5 years of running my business I have set myself various creative challenges. I never really went into them thinking about the impact that they might have on my business but every single one of them has had a really significant impact and they have often led me to other very exciting opportunities.  In this episode I share with 4 of those challenges, what I learnt from doing them and the other opportunities that came my way as a result, and I encourage you to think about the impact creative challenges might have for you.  I would also love to hear your thoughts on what my next creative challenge should be!  Come let me know on instagram where you can find me @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeways Creative challenges can speed up your learning process and your progress Creative challenges increase your discipline and consistency Creative challenges exercise your playful creative muscle Trying a different format or limiting yourself on purpose increases creativity   Episode Highlights 1:38 My first creative challenge experience 2:03 What I love about a challege 5:15 The Pattern Challenge 7:44 The Rejection Challenge 8:33 Unexpected results and opportunities from challenges 9:26 40 Lessons Challenge   Mentioned in the episode Hannah Isted 30 Day reel challenge final reel Rejection Challenge Podcast episode How persuing rejection transformed my business blog

This episode is sponsored by Astute Graphics who create powerful plugins for Adobe Illustrator. Access your free trial here (Aff link) This wasn't an episode that I was planning on recording but I suddenly felt the urge to chat about it as I see more and more of this sort of thing online. There are loads of tools now where you can upload hours of your voice or video content of you and make an AI avatar of yourself that looks pretty realistic. I can see how there might be some benefits to this and I discuss that in the episode but I have decided that this is not for me and I share the reasons why. I would love to know what you think - is this something you have thought about? I would love to carry on the conversation on social media so come let me know your thoughts. You can find me @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways AI is never going to replace human interaction and authentic connection AI avatar may be usual for helping you show up online for your business, but weigh it up for yourself ‘Perfect' isn't as interesting as ‘authentic'   Episode Highlights 0:30 why I wanted to cover AI as a subject 1:30 my immediate reaction to having an AI avatar 3:20 Versions of AI tools available 4:56 The pressure to present 6:00 The appeal of an AI Avatar 8:20 A warning for using an AI Avatart   Mentioned in the episode Biz Paul

This episode is sponsored by Astute Graphics who create powerful plugins for Adobe Illustrator. Access your free trial here (Aff link) Have you ever considered what your brand values are? Whenever I teach clients and students about branding I always bang on about how important your brand values are as part of your brand foundation and strategy. They aren't hard to work out and are often very similar to your personal values especially if you're a small business owner. In this episode, I share what my brand values are, a super simple excersize for working out what yours might be, and I also share some stories from pals on social media who shared with me how their values have impacted different situations they have found themselves in in their business! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways Our values are often passed down to us and become formed over time. Having brand values helps you to make better decisions for your business Brand values help you to steer your business in the right direction Brand values help you maintain your integrity in your business Brand values are like boundaries for your business - lines you draw that you do not cross As you change as a person, your brand values will change. It's good to check in with brand values to make sure they are aligned with who you are   Episode Highlights 0:49: What are brand values? 3:10: My Brand values 6:48: Exercise to figure out your brand values 11:10: How brand values look and work in your business 12:33: Real life examples of how brand values work   Mentioned in the episode rode pod mic Brand Values Cheat Sheet Flash Sale - Design your Own Branding

This episode is sponsored by Astute Graphics who create powerful plugins for Adobe Illustrator. Access your free trial here (Aff link) In need of a brand but don't yet have enough budget to hire a professional? On today's episode of Building your Brand podcast I am giving you my top tips for DIYing your own branding. Whether its because you're a creative and want to do your branding yourself or you need some branding to bride the gap between now and when you can afford to outsource your branding, this episode is for you. I am also putting my course Design Your Own Branding ON SALE as I will be retiring the course after this round. Get it now while it's still available! I hope you really enjoy this episode and find it useful. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways If you have a small budget but not enough for branding hire a photographer; it's the most valuable use of your money at this stage Your brand values will be similar or the same as your personal values It's important to keep asking yourself 'What do I want my customers to feel' all through the process of develioping your branding   Episode Highlights 2:32 Deciding on brand values 3:12 Defining a mission statement 4:22 Brand personality 6:20 How to create a moodboard that helps you 7:31 Bare minimum elements needed to create branding 9:38 File formats needed 10:02 Colour guidelines 12:07 Fonts for branding 13:50 How photography can help 14:56 Adding illustrations to your branding   Mentioned in the episode colour.adobe.com - accessability checker My blog post: recommeded brand photographers Hannah Bacon templates Flash Sale - Design your Own Branding

This episode is sponsored by Astute Graphics, who create powerful plugins for Adobe illustrator. Access your free trial here (aff link)  I am continuing the summer series of solo episodes and on today's episode I share with you my tips and experience of growing a personal brand. I go over what a personal brand actually is, the buzz words around it and why it might be really significant for you to think about growing your own personal brand too. I give a six step breakdown of lessons I've learned along the way I hope you really enjoy this episode and find it useful. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!   Key Takeaways: If you're going to have a personal brand, you need to be strategic about it If you want other opportunities outside of your core offering, personal branding can help with that - people buy from people A fun way to raise your profile is by borrowing someone else's audience: guest appear on other people's podcast Having a personal brand helps people to talk about you when you're not in the room Ask for what you want; don't wait for people to notice you Know your values and get comfortable with saying No   Episode Highlights: 0:55: What is a personal brand? 2:20: Do you need a personal brand? 5:36: How I have grown my personal brand 11:12: Six lessons I've learned about building a personal brand   Mentioned in the episode: Astute Graphics (Aff link)   This episode was written, recorded and edited by me. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!  

Today I am starting a 12 week series where I chat about all things small business, behind the scenes and answer questions that have been sent in by you the listeners.  This first episode is a deep dive into the story of how I came to partner with Adobe. It's a behind the scenes look at the ins and outs of being an Adobe Express ambassador and the path that it has led me down in growing my business, broadening my experience and raising my profile as a designer.   Key Takeaways: You never know who's watching: exciting opportunities can happen at anytime in your business   Episode Highlights: 1:25: How I started with Adobe 3:34: What it's like being an Adobe Express Ambassador 5:13: My shift and growth within Adobe 5:45: BTS with Adobe Live 8:10: How I have benefited from working at Adobe 11:40: What it was like speaking at Adobe Max 13:12: How working with Adobe has changed my business plan 14:22: Restrictions of working with Adobe 16:46: Is working with Adobe intimidating? 18:29: The cons of working with Adobe   Mentioned in the episode: Adobe Express (aff link) Adobe Live Nikki McWilliams Apply to be an Adobe Express Ambassador I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and edited by me. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Celebrating the milestone of 200 episodes of the Building your Brand podcast!

This episode is sponsored by Riverside. Head to https://creators.riverside.fm/lizmosley to check it out and use the code lizmosley for a 15% discount. This week, I'm excited to share a slightly different episode of the Building Your Brand podcast. I was joined in the studio by two previous guests, Hannah and Lois, for a candid conversation about a topic I don't think is discussed enough: the fear of success. It turns out this fear has a name – the Jonah Complex – and it can show up in all sorts of sneaky ways, from procrastination to self-sabotage. We delved into what the fear of success looks like for each of us, how it holds us back, and what we can do to start working through it. We touch on everything from the pressure of maintaining success to how our relationships can change and the stories we tell ourselves about what success even means. This was such an insightful and inspiring chat, and I hope it gets you thinking about your own relationship with success.   Key Takeaways: Define Your Own Success: Success isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. 3It's crucial to get clear on what success looks and feels like for you personally, rather than chasing a version of success defined by others or society. Embrace the Process: The journey towards your goals is just as important as reaching the destination. We often adapt to achievements quickly, so finding joy and value in the day-to-day process is key to long-term fulfilment. Challenge Your Internal Stories: We all have narratives in our heads about what success entails – that it's stressful, that it requires sacrificing time with family, or that it will make people dislike us. It's powerful to question these stories, unpick our judgements of others, and intentionally decide if we're making choices out of fear or true desire. Get Comfortable with Discomfort: Pushing towards something new will inevitably feel uncomfortable because it's something you haven't done before. Learning to tolerate this discomfort is essential for growth, and it's different from being mean to yourself.    Episode Highlights: 03:31: The topic for today's episode is the fear of success, which came about after a conversation between the three of us. 08:08: Lois shares her fear of niching down into the wrong thing and how coaching helped her reframe her perspective on success and capacity. 11:05: I talk about how my most significant moments of success were defined by the feeling of security they gave me, not the achievement itself. 23:20: I discuss the fear of the stress and responsibility that can come with a certain level of success, like being a CEO, and Hannah challenges that assumption. 39:18: We discuss what steps we can take away from the conversation to work through our own fears of success.   About the Guests: Hannah runs Hi Communications, where she helps small business owners with their marketing. She is also the author of The Best 90 Days Ever. Hannah's website: https://www.hicommunications.co.uk/ Hannah on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hicommunications_/ Hannah on Building Your Brand: https://buildingyourbrand.net/episode/hannah-isted-book/ Lois is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and workshop host who helps people discover their creativity and grow in their creative confidence. Lois' website: https://www.loisseco.net/ Lois on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loisseco/ Lois on Building Your Brand: https://buildingyourbrand.net/episode/lois-seco/ Mentioned in the episode: The Episode Where Liz Gets Coached by Theresa Heath-Wareing Build Your Brand by Working Less with Rich Webster I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Today on the podcast, I am joined by Andreas Tzortzis, a former journalist who has written for the likes of Newsweek, Monocle, and The New York Times. For the last 15 years, he's worked in brand strategy and storytelling at places like Red Bull and Apple, and for clients through his consultancy, Hella. He recently co-authored the book, Not a Playbook: The Art of Building a Brand, with Damien Bradfield, the co-founder of WeTransfer. In this episode, we chat all about how brands can grow without sacrificing their integrity, prioritising creativity and trust to build brands that will stand the test of time. I really hope you enjoy the episode and come let me know what you think. You can find me on Instagram at @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast.   Key Takeaways A Brand is its People: A brand's culture is a reflection of the people who work there. WeTransfer's success came from hiring people from non-traditional backgrounds and fostering a culture that encouraged experimentation and didn't have layers of approval. The Power of Instinct: Especially in the early stages of building a brand, instinct is invaluable. Relying on instinct over-analysing data can lead to more authentic and compelling brand decisions. Build with Intentionality: Brands that endure are built with a purpose beyond just profitability. WeTransfer's intention was to inject a moment of joy into a utilitarian task and to champion the creative community they served. Embrace Unpredictability: While consistency is important, the brands that truly cut through the noise are those that are unpredictable. This is achieved by having a clear, ambitious vision from the start which gives you the license to experiment and do the unexpected. Trust is Everything: Building trust is a cornerstone of a successful brand. This extends from creating a trustworthy product to empowering collaborators, like artists and creatives, by giving them freedom and respect.   Episode Highlights 06:53: Andreas shares the story behind his book, Not a Playbook, and the unlikely origins of WeTransfer, a tech company founded by designers. 13:58: A brand is simply the people who work there. Andreas explains how WeTransfer's culture of hiring individuals from non-traditional marketing backgrounds was fundamental to its success. 19:58: The significance of intentionality in branding. Andreas discusses how WeTransfer was built with an intention that went beyond profit, aiming to serve and celebrate the creative community. 27:05: How can brands be more creative? By articulating a vision that is bigger and more ambitious than the specific product or service they currently offer, using Apple as a prime example. 41:51: Andreas reveals the five key themes from the book that frame the WeTransfer story, reflecting the best qualities of an artist: intention, trust, faith, instinct, and serendipity.   About the Guest Andreas Tzorkis is a journalist, brand strategist, and co-author of Not a Playbook. Book Website: notaplaybook.com   Mentioned in the episode Book: Not a Playbook Companies: WeTransfer, Red Bull, Apple, Creative Boom, HubSpot Film: The Long Goodbye by Riz Ahmed Newsletter: The Hustle I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!