Create to Convert Podcast

Send us a textBlack Friday is just around the corner, and while it's the biggest sale season of the year, it can feel overwhelming, especially for service-based businesses that aren't used to running promotions. If you're a brand designer, web developer, copywriter, or any other creative service provider, you might be wondering: Is a Black Friday campaign even worth it?In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of running a Black Friday campaign as a service provider. I'll help you weigh whether a promotion makes sense for your business, and if it does, I'm sharing 7 creative Black Friday campaign ideas designed specifically for service providers to help you increase value, protect your profit margins, and build long-term relationships with clients without burning out.Links and ResourcesGrab the Black Friday Toolkit for Creative Service Providers:  one6creative.com/blackfridaytoolkitTake the guesswork out of Black Friday with a campaign planner, financial calculator, email templates, and more. Everything you need to run a smooth and profitable sale!Want first access to my 2024 Black Friday sale?Join the early-bird waitlist to be the first to know when deals go live AND get an exclusive gift with every purchase as a waitlist VIP.Grab your spot here: one6creative.com/blackfriday

Send us a textHave you ever hesitated to pitch a client, ask for an opportunity, or send that cold email because you feared hearing "no"? Rejection can sting, but what if embracing rejection could unlock new opportunities and help you build a more resilient business?In today's episode, I sit down with Liz Mosley, a graphic designer with over 15 years of experience and the host of the Building Your Brand podcast. Liz shares her journey of launching a Rejection Challenge, where she actively sought out 100 rejections to push her limits, grow her business, and shift her mindset about failure. Spoiler alert: she didn't hit 100, but what she learned along the way was life-changing.Liz and I dive into how rejection can be an essential tool for business growth, what she discovered through her challenge, and how you can apply a similar strategy in your own creative business. Whether you're a service provider looking for new clients or a creative entrepreneur ready to take bolder risks, this conversation will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and see rejection as a stepping stone to success.Tune in and learn how to start your own rejection challenge and turn a "no" into your next big win!About Our Guest: Liz MosleyLiz Mosley is a graphic designer specializing in branding for small businesses. With over 15 years of experience in the creative industry, Liz is passionate about helping entrepreneurs feel more confident about their branding and marketing. In addition to running her design business, she hosts the Building Your Brand podcast, teaches branding courses, and is an Adobe Express Ambassador.Explore more of Liz's work:Website: lizmosley.netPodcast: Building Your BrandInstagram: @lizmmosleyOther Links Mentioned in the Episode:Jia Jiang's Ted Talk "What I learned from 100 days of rejection"Cuppa Catch Ups Strategy Workshop by Mai-kee Tsang (affiliate link)__

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever felt like your email marketing is more of a chore than a powerful tool in your business? Maybe you're struggling with what to say, how to say it, or even why you're sending emails in the first place. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers—opens, clicks, unsubscribes—and lose sight of the true purpose: connecting with your audience and driving meaningful results.But what if you could simplify your approach, remove the overwhelm, and create emails that not only build relationships but also boost your sales? Sounds too good to be true? Trust me, it's possible!In this episode, we explore the game-changing concept of Nurtured for Sales newsletters, a secret funnel that runs in the background of your business, helping you convert leads without the stress of constant live launches. And who better to guide us through this topic than Prerna Malik, a seasoned conversion copywriter and co-founder of Content Bistro. Prerna shares her expert insights on how to craft emails that resonate, nurture, and ultimately convert, all while simplifying your email marketing process.About Our Guest: Prerna MalikPrerna Malik is a Copyhackers-certified conversion copywriter and the co-founder of Content Bistro. With years of experience and a knack for crafting high-converting copy, Prerna has helped countless entrepreneurs turn their email lists into profitable, engaged communities. She's the strategist behind multiple million-dollar launches and six-figure evergreen sales funnels, and she's here to help you do the same.Explore more of Prerna's work: https://www.contentbistro.comUnlock the power of your email marketing with Prerna's insights: https://www.contentbistro.com/blogTune in and discover how to transform your email marketing from a source of stress into a streamlined, sales-driving machine.

Send us a Text Message.This episode is part two of my Summit BTS series, where I dive deep into your burning questions about planning and running the Creative Future Summit.From promotion and marketing to handling affiliates and feedback, I share everything I learned and what I'll do differently next time. If you're considering hosting your own event or just curious about the behind-the-scenes details, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons. Tune in to get all your questions answered and more!Here are the questions covered in this episode: (03:15) Why did I decide to create another summit?(05:11) How did I juggle managing the event, work and being a mom?(08:05) What aspects of the summit did I outsource and what will I outsource next time? (13:08) How did I approach sponsorship for the summit and what role did they play in the event success?(14:13) What were the marketing strategies and tools used to promote the summit?(23:18) What affiliate promotion strategies work best for driving signups and engagement?(27:02) How did I segment my marketing efforts to target different audience demographics and which segments responded the best?(28:48) How did I track the success of my marketing campaigns? (29:31) What tools did I use to plan, promote, and run the summit? (33:16) What was my favorite part of the summit and what was the favorite part for the audience based on the feedback you received?(37:14) Which sessions, activities, or features received better than usual feedback from attendees?(38:46) How effective were the different engagement activities, and what would you add or remove next time?(41:05) How did I track feedback from your attendees and speakers?(42:23) Do I already know what I definitely won't do next time?(42:52) What are the key takeaways, suggestions, or lessons learned from this summit?(46:38) What's next? Will I run the Creative Future Summit again, or was it a one time thing? And would I consider running any other events?

Ever wondered what goes into planning and executing a large-scale summit? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my first-ever Creative Future Summit, held from May 14-17, 2024. From the initial idea to the final numbers, I reveal the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're thinking about hosting your own event or just curious about the inner workings of summits, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. This is Part 1 – stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll be answering your burning questions in a Q&A format.** Episode Highlights ** The Inspiration: Discover why I decided to create another summit in the design industry and the unique gap it aimed to fill.Planning Phase: Learn about the planning process, including organization, pitching speakers, mistakes made, and lessons learned.Event Execution: Hear about the day-to-day running of the summit, including logistical challenges, surprises, and what went well.The Numbers: Get a transparent look at the financial breakdown, including registrations, conversion rates, total revenue, expenses, and overall profit.Future Plans: Reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and whether there will be another Creative Future Summit.** Resources Mentioned **Krista Miller's Launch with a Summit Accelerator [affiliate link]Creative Future Summit

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by your work that you start losing passion for it? Perhaps the deadlines seem endless, the expectations unrealistic, and suddenly, you're running on empty, stuck in a loop of frustration and isolation. We've all been there, right?Imagine stepping away from it all, not by quitting, but by intentionally incorporating rest and reflection into your daily grind. Sounds impossible? Trust me!In this episode, we dive into the BIG topic of burnout – its telltale signs, the societal pressures exacerbating it, and the lifelong journey of recovery. And I couldn't think of a better guest to guide us through this tough topic than Maegan Megginson. Not only does she guide mission-driven entrepreneurs in their battle against burnout, but she's also walked the path herself, rediscovering joy and balance along the way.**About Our Guest: Maegan Megginson**Maegan is a licensed therapist and business mentor who serves mission-driven entrepreneurs online and in person in Portland, Oregon. Maegan helps business owners recover from burnout and reignite their vision for their work and their lives by blending the emotional, psychological, and spiritual elements we need to become deeply rested and wildly successful. Check out Maegan's website: https://www.maeganmegginson.comGo from Burned Out to Deeply Rested with Maegan's free 10-day email/podcast series: https://maeganmegginson.com/recover-from-burnout/Tune in and take the first step towards reclaiming your time, energy, and passion.

So what's working in business right now? Is social media still IN or is it officially OUT? What does proactive marketing mean? And what are the marketing strategies that will never go out of style and ALWAYS bring you results? These are all the topics we're gonna discuss today with my guest Shannon Mattern of Web Designer Academy, where she provides strategic business, marketing and sales coaching for women web designers. She's also the host of the Profitable Web Designer Podcast, your go-to resource for mindset and mentorship to help you create a more profitable, sustainable and fulfilling web design business, and all-in-all an incredibly insghtful and experienced business owner whose journey I can definitely relate to. And I'm sure you will to! Important links: Connect with Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitablewebdesigner/Check out Shannon's website: https://webdesigneracademy.com/ 

Have you ever found it challenging to get yourself out there and you feel a bit lost on where to start or how to bring real value to the table? In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with Steph Wurton, Leadership and Visibility Coach, known for her rule-breaking approach and her dedication to living the "whole damn vibe" in life and business. Her expertise lies in empowering individuals to boost their self-assurance and achieve significant visibility without tethering themselves to their mobile phones.We're diving deep into the art of being seen, making authentic connections, and serving up real value.Steph's Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/stephwharton_/Steph's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RhvC3iM3L4x1ECAlB5kVD Steph's Visibility challenge: https://stephwharton.com/visibility-tour

I recently had a fantastic conversation with my client, Tarzan Kay, an email marketing expert, helping businesses owners generate sales using story driven emails.During our chat, Tarzan opened up about her rebrand journey, why she decided to give her brand a makeover, and the incredible impact it had on her business.She even spilled the beans on how she ended up choosing to work with yours truly!Now, if you're a business owner and the idea of rebranding has been on your mind, this conversation is tailor-made for you. And for all you fellow creatives and curious minds out there, this is your golden opportunity to dive into Tarzan's treasure trove of wisdom on how to attract clients just like her. Trust me, you don't want to miss this episode!

Some of the best lessons in life come from experience. Would you agree? I'm sharing the 5 things I would do differently if I had the chance to start my design career all over again. Trust me, I learned some valuable lessons along the way, and I'm here to save you from making the same mistakes.From getting clear on her offer to understanding my target audience, the golden nuggets I'm sharing with you in this episode are sure to inspire and provide actionable steps for anyone looking to start or revamp their own creative business. Plus, I'll be getting real about a major mistake I made when it came to sharing my work with the world. If you're ready to fast-track your success and avoid the setbacks, then you won't want to miss this episode. Get ready for some real talk, valuable insights, and a whole lot of motivation!

If you've ever wondered why you're not attracting clients despite working tirelessly, it might be because you're investing your time in the wrong areas.In this episode, I'm giving you five honest (and borderline brutal) truths about why your design business may not be doing so well. Spoiler alert: it's not the market.  It's what you're doing or failing to do that's impacting your business. Tune in to this episode as we dive into the potential roadblocks that could be keeping you from achieving success.Here's a glance at this episode: [01:20] Reasons why your business may be failing[05:21] #1 Poor positioning[07:46] #2 You're not promoting yourself, your business, and your offers[10:26] #3 No business plan or strategy[12:29] #4 Staying busy but not productive[15:18] #5 Impostor syndrome[17:29] How I handle Impostor Syndrome [21:04] Throwing in the towel way too early[24:47] Recognize momentary setbacks

Ever wondered how AI can supercharge your design business? In today's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the AI tools that are revolutionizing the way I work. From streamlining processes to automating tasks, AI is not the future—it's the now. But don't worry, this isn't a doom-and-gloom episode about robots taking our jobs. Instead, we're exploring how to leverage AI to work smarter, not harder. Tune in to discover the tools that are making me more efficient, and learn why now is the time to embrace the AI revolution.Psst – thinking of joining the next round of The Breakthrough Designer? Get on the waitlist as we're opening the doors in mid-October and I'll have a whole new bonus module on AI so you can learn how to use AI as a brand and web designer: www.one6creative.com/waitlist Here's a glance at this episode..[04:18] Understanding what's possible with AI[05:31] ChatGPT and its plugins[12:50] MidJourney[15:26] Merlin AI[19:23] Castmagic[20:22] Descript[21:50] Motion[25:11] Mayday[25:43] Fathom[28:01] Loom[28:50] Social Juice[30:00] ChatNode[31:41] SparkMail

Earlier this year, I collaborated with Ran Segall from Flux Academy to create a freelance course called Freelance Ignite as well as some content for their YouTube channel. I'm bringing some of that content to my podcast to discuss the five common mistakes designers make when trying to attract more clients, and how to avoid them in your own business.Even if you've made these mistakes in the past, it's never too late to pivot and improve your approach. Take this as your sign to make positive changes and increase your chances of landing your perfect ideal clients.Here's a glance at this episode…[02:55] #1 Stop expecting, start acting[04:12] #2 Relying on social media [05:04] #3 Cold Calling and Spamming [08:10] #4 Focusing on quantity over quality[09:22] #5 Not niching downWatch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6EQw-7kVVQ&t=32sCheck out more videos on the Flux Academy YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FluxAcademy

Picture this, you're having a conversation with your favorite client—the one who gets what you do, respects you as a business person, and appreciates all you have to offer. This isn't just a fantasy but a reachable reality when you focus on understanding your ideal client avatar (ICA). When you understand your ICA at its core, you're able to reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time and work with people you're perfectly aligned with. In this post, I'll be sharing how you can do that—and it all starts with the three things you absolutely must know about your ICA. That's what we're uncovering in this episode!

I'm really pumped to have Eva Couto join us in this episode! Eva is one of my very first Breakthrough Designer students. She's all about helping badass business owners stand out with branding that's both bold and strategic, making it 100% unique. Imagine being able to flaunt your business to the world, knowing there's nobody quite like you out there!Eva also got some practical tips and exercises lined up that you can totally use to bring out your own business's unique personality. So, get ready to take some notes!Here's a quick rundown of the episode…[00:04] In today's episode, we are joined by Eva, a brand designer & strategists from Portugal who helps business owners standout with bold, strategic & 100% unique branding.[03:19] Eva shares about how we met the first time.[06:11] Eva looks back at her past to know what she truly wants - finding her niche.[10:51] To become a business owner, you have to be unique - stand out and step out of your comfort zone. Eva always likes to ask her clients the things they hate in their own industry as this gets them think differently.[14:16] It's hard to identify something special about ourselves because to say something good (about ourselves) is hard.[15:20] Eva likes peeling layers off of her clients like an onion to dive deeper, get the frustrations and get to why they started a business.[16:17] The little decisions that you take after the major ones are the ones that count for who you are and what your business will become.[18:01] When you're starting out, getting inspired by other people is normal but as you progress into your career, you become more confident as an expert in your craft and really start showing up as you.[22:02] It's normal to outgrow your brand because you evolve as a person and so your business too.[24:34] Eva practices the exercise with her clients where she would ask them their personality. And when they struggle to describe themselves, she would tell them to ask others to answer for them.[29:04] You may not connect with every one else but there will be one or two who will based on your stories, experience and background.[33:17] The easiest way to translate your personality to into branding is through colors.[36:06] Continue experimenting until you feel what color/branding feels right to you.[44:04] Amplify your uniqueness by taking a look at things around you that you like. Think about what your values are in your business[48:05] If you don't talk about your brand, no one will know you exist.[50:28] It's not only about doing the internal work but also taking the internal work out and using it to promote business.[52:38] Eva shares about her personal unique trait and brands that embrace her personality___Learn more about EvaWebsite: https://www.evacoutodesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evacoutodesignLess Bland More Brand Challenge: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64d247dae7271772c0fcd339 

We're taking a trip back to February 2021, when I was celebrating five years on this wild business ride!I'm about to spill the beans on the 8 pieces of advice that, honestly, I'm pretty glad I didn't just nod along to. And it's all up to you, really – whether you want to take these and run with them.Here's a quick rundown of the episode…[00:05] This episode is from the Archives as I used to have a different podcast with a different name.[00:38] Even this was recorded in February of 2021, when I celebrated 5 years in business, this is still packed with so much value that you'll enjoy listening.[00:58] I've come to the realization that 5 years have already passed since I left my corporate job and started my own business journey.[02:20] Take note that since this was a past recording, some dates, mentions and resources may no longer be applicable. This episode is about the 8 business advice I'm glad I didn't listen to.[02:53] Just because I decided not to listen to this type of advice doesn't mean you shouldn't either.[04:18] The first advice I'm glad I didn't listen to is that you must gain traditional professional experience before starting your own business.[07:16] The second advice is that I shouldn't quit my current job until I have at least 6 months worth of savings.[10:00] The third advice is the need to niche.[13:23] The fourth advice is to go where the money is.[15:38] The fifth advice is to stop being emotional in your business.[17:45] The sixth advice is that you shouldn't give away your value for free.[20:45] The seventh advice is the client is always right.[22:12] The eighth advice is that great product will sell itself again.[25:25] Keep in mind that advice is rooted in personal experiences, so what worked for someone else might not work for you.

If you clicked on this episode, it's likely you're not feeling 100% confident about your prices. No worries, I totally get it! We all want a little validation and someone to tell us it's cool to up our prices.So in this episode, I'll be sharing six signs that'll tell you, "Hey, it's time to raise those prices!"Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[01:03] It's time to up your prices![02:01] Sign #1[02:47] Sign #2[04:29] Sign #3 [07:30] Sign #4 [10:05] Sign #5[11:52] Sign #6

Today we're talking about a topic that often feels quite taboo, but everyone loves hearing about - Money! At the beginning of my journey, money used to make me super uncomfortable but I quickly realized I needed to get comfortable with it in order to grow my business.So in this episode I talk about money mistakes that many designers make, the mistakes I made myself, and of course I share the lessons that came with it.Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[01:10] Let's talk money![02:35] Mistake #1[03:42] Mistake #2[04:48] Mistake #3[06:06] Mistake #4[08:04] Mistake #5[08:59] Mistake #6[12:03] Mistake #7[13:13] Mistake #8Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for The Breakthrough Designer Waitlist: https://one6creative.com/waitlist-breakthrough-designerSign up for a free trial of Yocory - your all-in-one business hub for freelancers and small business owners: https://bit.ly/ctc-podcast-yocoryProfit First - book by Mike MichalowiczFollow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.

If you're a service-based business then chances are, at some point or another, you thought to yourself: "How can I scale my business without working 24/7?"You're not alone my friend!As service providers, we get seriously involved in doing the best possible work for our clients, but the 1-on-1 model isn't always easy to scale. That's why in this episode, I'm sharing with you 5 different ways you can diversify your income and scale to a whole new level.Mentioned in this episode:The Contract Shop (Affiliate): https://thecontractshop.com/pages/l2fsummit?ref=yevgeniyadavarashviliThe Designer's Content Playbook mini offer: https://one6creative.com/designers-content-playbook Sign up for a free trial of Yocory - your all-in-one business hub for freelancers and small business owners: https://bit.ly/ctc-podcast-yocory___Follow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.

When was the last time you connected with your past client? When was the last time you asked them for a referral?If you're having trouble answering this question then this episode is for you! Your past clients are an amazing source of referrals but many business owners tend to forget about that because they're so busy chasing the next lead.In this episode, I'm sharing two simple scripts to help you ask your past clients for a referral and reignite the relationship.Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[01:00] One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your clients[01:40] A lurker vs. a nurturer[04:14] How to ask for a referral - a simple word for word script[05:36] My own email script___Mentioned in this episode:Get your free ticket to the Purpose To Profit Design Business Summit (Aug 22-26, 2022)Learn more about The Breakthrough Designer™ and how to become a confident designer AND business owner.Check out "Exactly What To Say" by Phil M Jones___Follow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.

The journey to becoming an entrepreneur and running your own business is a bumpy, rocky, and unpredictable road. And, if you've heard my story, then you know that I quit my secure 9-5 corporate job as a Marketing Director without any kind of backup plan...... and the result? Well, let's just say that I got to hit all those roadblocks and bumps pretty hard and learn these lessons the hard way. In this episode, I'm sharing with you the 7 things that I just wish I knew before starting my own business and I have no doubt that you learn some valuable lessons from it too.Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[01:54] Getting comfortable with money[04:40] The lesson I paid $10000 to learn[08:50] Becoming an expert at one thing[10:15] Activity doesn't equal growth[12:00] Why you should focus on client relationships[13:00] The 3 Ohs - Optimize, Outsource, Automate[15:00] Your business can be a blessing or a curse___Mentioned in this episode:Get your free ticket to the Purpose To Profit Design Business Summit (Aug 22-26, 2022)"Profit First" by Mike MichalowiczThe Contract ShopMy Trademark Lawyers___Follow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.

In this episode, I'm sharing with you my journey of how I quit my corporate career for... for nothing! I quit without a backup plan but with a strong feeling of what I wanted to pursue in this life: freedom.This is my imperfect journey, full of bumps and lessons learned, from undervalued "pixel pusher" to a confident agency owner, business educator and tech founder.Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[03:16] The beginnings of my entrepreneurial career[06:16] What I value most in life[07:32] My attempts at all the side-hustles[09:30] Starting from zero & the fear of judgment[11:15] “I am a fraud” / imposter syndrome[13:35] My light bulb moment[16:52] The transition to a conversion-led design agency[18:46] Don't compare your journey to someone else's[20:09] How my business looks like today___Follow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.

Welcome to the Create to Convert Podcast! My existing listeners will know that this isn't a new podcast, just a makeover. And for everyone who's new - thank you for being here, in this episode I will give you a quick introduction. I am Gigi, a designer, tech founder, mama and business educator and I am here to help you skip the years of trial and error and teach you the ins and outs of running a profitable business that you love.Here's a quick rundown of this episode…[01:42] A re-introduction[02:16] Not an overnight success[04:14] What I'm here for[05:23] What's to expect in the next episode___Follow & shareIf you find this podcast helpful, share it with a friend or your audience so more people can discover it and gain value from it.Come hang out with me on Instagram or check out our website.