Digital Discussions: Unfiltered

It can feel really nerve-racking to show up online and post your thoughts & feelings, promote your business and try to sell more stuff. I get it. We've all been there. The confidence coach, motivational speaker & recovering agency owner, Kirsty Hulse joins me for this episode to share her wisdom around confidence. She's the lady in the know when it comes to this stuff and share some incredibly insightful nuggets of information including that around self-esteem, confidence & the fact she thinks that there is no one person on this planet that doesn't have confidence. As I mention in the episode, if you do nothing else, give Kirsty a follow on Instagram as her stories will always bring a smile to your face! Find a follow Kirsty: https://www.instagram.com/kirstyhulse/ (Instagram) | https://www.everybodyroar.com (Website)

Being "too salesy" is such a hang-up for so many of us in the small business world. However, in this episode, we wanted to share the ways to get over the ICK of trying to sell yourself, your products, or your services. We get that it can feel scary, but perhaps you may find there's a lightbulb moment within this episode that you can take away and into this year and all the years to come. In this episode, we share snippets such as: → Not getting caught up on the customer avatar stuff that you find online, but more delving into the psychographics of your potential customers. → how to become creative with diversifying your marketing → getting over the fact that you may piss some people off, but you may also not. Don't be scared to repeat your message. --------- We'd love to get your take on the subject, so please do drop us a DM on Instagram to let us know your thoughts & feedback! Liane's previous guest episode, her area of expertise & get to know her - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c36b38-357a-478f-86d9-e86e98a7d8ae (Episode #55 - SEO & Shopify with Liane aka The Content Creator) Find & follow Liane - https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thecontent.creator/ (Instagram) Find & follow Lorna - https://www.lornascully.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram)

Did you know it costs you about 5 x times as much to entice a new customer in to your business than it does to encourage a repeat buyer to buy again? No? Well you do now. Whether that's through actual money spent on advertising, energy on marketing or anything else - it all costs your and your business something. So in this episode I share 3 quick ways to encourage repeat business from your previous customers to get them to keep coming back time and time again. If you have any questions about is https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator) you can email me on hello@lornascully.com or come & join in the conversation over on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

As a generalisation, the decision stage can be summed up by the word trust. If there is something stopping them from hitting that big old BUY NOW button, it's because fundamentally, they're missing an element of trust from your brand. In this episode I cover 4 of the biggest mistakes I see Small Businesses making when it comes to ticking off those all important buying objections. If you have any questions about is https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator) you can email me on hello@lornascully.com or come & join in the conversation over on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

In part four of this min-series giving you and insight in to the wildly successful group programme that is https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator), we're exploring the key areas that I find many small businesses don't focus on. And that is keeping & developing the INTEREST and relationship with their new audience. The messages we send to someone who has never heard of us before will likely be slightly different to those who have shown an interest. So, in this episode I cover: what interest could, and generally looks like in product based businesses why it's important to keep sharing a consistent message a deeper insight in to 2 of the 4 main areas we focus on improving when it comes to developing that interest Have these got you thinking about changes you could make to your own content? Come and join in the conversation over on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

Customers cannot buy from us if they don't we exist, right? So we have to first make sure we're getting in front of enough 'eyeballs' aka. potential customers in order to be able to move them along through the customer journey to buying. In this episode I share not only why getting awareness is important but the realities of what that looks like. AND other ways you can get started with reaching MORE people (that isn't instagram). Awareness is what we work through during week 3 of https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator). The group programme built for product based business owners to work on how they can create a repeatable, feel-good customer journey to help them sell more stuff.

Planning is critically important when it comes to running your small business. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." We've all heard that famous quote, and it's true! If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, burnt out and like you're absolutely winging it then I hate to say it, but you're probably the root cause of that. You need to have an idea of what you'll be doing, launching or promoting in 6 months time. You don't need to have all the answers, but having an idea will help alleviate some of those feelings. We cover planning during week 2 of https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator), including all of the numbers & data that will help you do that. During this episode I wanted to give you an insight (and some homework) to get started on this process yourself. How did you get on? Did you create the spreadsheet? Did anything surprise you? Come and join in the conversation over on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

With the launch of the third round of https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (The Ecommerce Accelerator), I thought I'd give you an insight into each of the weeks topics. Plus, some actionable tips & prompts to get you started. First up, it's about finding clarity. As a small business owner your needs, your happiness and your goals are important. And we can't work out how to get somewhere unless we know what we're working towards. So in this episode I share some prompts & questions yo ask yourself to find out what YOU really want. Why you do what you do and what success looks like to you. If you feel like being brave, come and share your realisations on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

Christen Gilchrist, a Mindset Coach for Purpose-Led Business Owners who works with you on your STATE and your STRATEGY. She's on a mission to help 'Change You. Then The World.' In this episode me and Christen cover things like: → Imposter Syndrome - what is it and why we get it → What is confidence → 3 top things to go and DO to help you with imposter syndrome & your mindset Find & follow Christen: https://www.instagram.com/christen.gilchrist.coach/ (Instagram) | https://www.christengilchrist.com/ (Website)

The overwhelming word that is "strategy", in this episode we walk through some of the elements of what that means. For you, your business and how to start creating your own strategy. In this episode we chat about; → what it means to get to know your ideal customers → how to find & understanding values of your target audience → the important of market research and what that looks like Find a follow Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amy_mangoandwildmarketing/ (Instagram) | https://mangoandwild.com (Website)

At the start of a new year it can be tempting to take a punt and start your own business, and hey, don't let this sound like we're trying to discourage you - go for it! However, to kick off a new year of podcast episodes, myself and Liane (aka. @thecontent.creator) bring the tough love of the realities of how much it costs to run a business. Because it does. If you just want to and expect to run your business and it not cost you a penny, you may have a rude awakening. There are many things that add up quickly and yeah, some are not critical but they may save you time, energy & sanity! In this episode, we open up about costs within our own businesses including things such as: Marketing Accountancy Insurance Business banking Outsourcing --------- We'd love to get your take on the subject, so please do drop us a DM on Instagram to let us know your thoughts & feedback! Liane's previous guest episode, her area of expertise & get to know her - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c36b38-357a-478f-86d9-e86e98a7d8ae (Episode #55 - SEO & Shopify with Liane aka The Content Creator) Find & follow Liane - https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thecontent.creator/ (Instagram) Find & follow Lorna - https://www.lornascully.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram) https://www.lornascully.com/the-ecommerce-accelerator/ (FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ECOMMERCE ACCELERATOR [TEA])

Alex Williams, the founder of The PCOS Collective and WIT (Weight Inclusive Training) membership joins me for a slightly different episode this week to share her experience with starting a business without feeling like she knows how to run a business. In this episode I dug deep with Alex around the topic of starting a business and simply 'going for it'. We cover things like: → Her 3 biggest challenges only having been in business for less than a year → What made her launch a membership → Ways she's found best to market her service-based business I absolutely loved this truly transparent, open and frank conversation with Alex. She's clear very passionate about helping people with PCOS, and she's very openly shared her journey in building a sustainable service based business, a membership to help her industry Find & follow Alex: https://www.instagram.com/pcos_collective/ (Instagram PCOS Collective) | https://pcoscollective.co.uk (The PCOS Collective) | https://www.weightinclusivetraining.co.uk (Weight Inclusive Training Website) | https://www.instagram.com/wit_cpd/ (WIT Instagram)

From not knowing what you want to do with your life, to making hard decisions and going against the 'norm' after university and taking a punt on yourself, that basically sums up the lovely Maddy! Maddy Russell, the founder of https://www.paivcreative.co.uk (Paiv Creative), the branding designer who is on a mission to build brands that feel like home has a story that doesn't sound like everyone else's. When I asked Maddy to be a guest on the podcast it was because I was very aware of her work, especially for the likes of SheCanSheDid and The Parent Education Company. And in our pre-recording call, we chatted about the topic we could discuss. Having heard how she got to where she is, not following the status quo after university, sitting I those rooms and being told that she literally needed to be louder, to change herself to be successful, she said hell no to that and created a business that works for her. She attributes a lot of her success to simply knowing what was and wasn't for her. Clarity, such a powerful thing! I absolute loved chatting the Maddy and I hope you can resonate with her story. And as cliché as they may have seemed, be sure to check out what would Maddy of 2021 say to Maddy from 3 years ago - all stellar advice! Find, follow and work with Maddy: https://www.paivcreative.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/paivcreative/?hl=en (Instagram)

It's your second episode in the Tough Love Tuesday series, the monthly collaboration with Liane aka. The Content Creator. Once a month, we're going to be sharing our (and yours) gripes which we think some people just need to hear. We're officially dishing out the tough love. In this episode of TLT, we're talking about the icks and irks of webinars. From the overpromises, the over pretentious titles & the misinformation, all the way to the format of the webinars and pricing. We talk about; why we think people host webinars in the first place what we think you should do instead if you're going to host your own webinars what do look out for as a consumer who is looking at signing up for these webinars --------- We'd love to get your take on the subject, so please do drop us a DM on Instagram to let us know your thoughts & feedback! **The audio isn't the best, I apologise for this. However, as mentioned in my Season 2 announcement, I've decided to upload the completely authentic version of this episode - they're not edited. We tried a certain piece of software and will be switching to provide better sound moving forward. Liane's previous guest episode, her area of expertise & get to know her - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c36b38-357a-478f-86d9-e86e98a7d8ae (Episode #55 - SEO & Shopify with Liane aka The Content Creator) Find & follow Liane - https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thecontent.creator/ (Instagram) Find & follow Lorna - https://www.lornascully.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram)

Quirky Card Queen, Sasha Gupta, founder and face of Cheeky Zebra THE quote cards for real life joins me for this episode to share the real life stories behind running a small, product-based business. She did not disappoint! In this episode we covered; → overcoming family pressures & acceptance → big lessons she's learnt from running paid campaigns & trying new product launches → what 3 things she would say to past Sasha → her opinion on using platforms like Etsy, Amazon & eBay It was honestly such a joy to get the perspective of a small business owner who shows up, is in the thick of running her business, designing her products and riding the waves of growing a brand & business online. Find, follow & buy from Sasha at Cheeky Zebra: https://www.cheekyzebra.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/cheekyzebradotcom/ (Instagram)

Does all the chat of funnels just freak you out? Is it because of your ad or your offer? In this weeks episode I spoke to the incredible Jackie Muscat, the woman in the know when it comes to helping course creators and coaches sell more. We discussed → the importance of language → persuasion triggers within your copy (both in ads AND landing pages) → the biggest mistakes Jackie sees on the daily. I personally learned a lot from talking to Jackie and it's helped me make changes to my own business so I just know you're going to love this episode. Whether you're thinking about running paid social media ads or wondering why you're not converting those who arrive on your landing page, this episode will give you some great tips & starting points! Join the conversation! Let me know what you thought about todays episode over on Ihttps://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (nstagram - @LornaScullyUK) And you can find, follow & work with Jackie: https://www.jackiemuscat.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/jackie.muscat/ (Instagram)

Therese is a sales pro who is in the know when it comes to getting your products stocked on the shelf in stores. Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to packaging & pricing your products to make sure they are shelf ready, but she has a clear passion for helping small businesses get there. During this weeks episode I chat to Therese about all things wholesale. I've found it forever fascinating and I think you will do. We cover; → the importance of pricing your products right to make sure you can wholesale → some of the biggest mistakes she sees on a day-to-day basis → plus she breaks down the process of getting you and your business ready If you own a product based business, this episode is for you! It was wonderful to chat to Therese and really learn something myself. We also touched on the topic of putting ourselves out there more and so much more. Get involved in the conversation and let me know what you think/what you learned from this episode over on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram - @LornaScullyUK) Find, follow and work with Therese here: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ (Instagram)

Welcome to the first instalment of our brand new, monthly collaboration called 'Tough Love Tuesdays'. Once a month, we're going to be sharing our (and yours) gripes which we think some people just need to hear. We're officially dishing out the tough love. In the first TLT, we're talking about why people use the term 'WE' rather than 'I' when you're simply running a business on your own, why it's a gripe for us & other perspectives from our community on Instagram. We'd love to get your take on the subject, so please do drop us a DM on Instagram to let us know your thoughts & feedback! **The audio isn't the best, I apologise for this. However, as mentioned in my Season 2 announcement, I've decided to upload the completely authentic version of this episode - they're not edited. We tried a certain piece of software and will be switching to provide better sound moving forward. Liane's previous guest episode, her area of expertise & get to know her - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c36b38-357a-478f-86d9-e86e98a7d8ae (Episode #55 - SEO & Shopify with Liane aka The Content Creator) Find & follow Liane - https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thecontent.creator/ (Instagram) Find & follow Lorna - https://www.lornascully.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram)

Starting season 2 with a bit of a bang. The purpose of this podcast is to open up conversations that just aren't had enough. Over the last month or so we suffered the loss of an incredible human being, a family member of mine. And yet when it came to having to continue running a business that pays the bills and cope with grief at the same time, it felt impossible. I had no clue how to deal with it. Why? Because it's never talked about. And yet, death is inevitable. If you're a business owner for decades, it's highly likely that you are going to have to deal with the loss of a loved one. Whether it's a parent, a friend or a pet - you are entitled to grieve in whatever way you need to. Pain is pain. Grief is grief. You're allowed to, just know that. Your business will not die. The world will not stop turning. You're going to get through it, I promise. And this episode I just wanted to share my experience in the hope it would help someone. Because it's a reality of being a business owner. If you ever want to talk to someone, you want to get involved in open discussions, be a guest, whatever - Let's chat! We're all human and we all need to support each other. My DMs and inbox are always open. Find me on Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (@lornascullyuk)

In this episode, I speak to the lovely Emma Buchan who is a transformation coach after having been there and done it herself and now helps others gain more confidence and self-belief in themselves and their abilities. And today's she's going to chat to us all about mindfulness, why it's important and how we can incorporate it into our busy, online, daily lives. Emma gives us a quick grounding exercise to go through together which will bring us back to being aware of our surroundings; we chat about paying attention with purpose; how it can relate to running your business day-to-day and so much more. If you found what Emma was talking about interesting, you can find her: https://www.emmabuchan.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/p/CQeBtxinw70/ (Instagram)

One of the most common questions I get is 'Which platform is best'? And now, I'll be upfront, you might not like my answer. BUT, in this episode, I share some personal opinions (yes we all have them!) about at least 5 different Email Service Providers (ESPs), the pros and cons of each including pricing and my experience of using them. Plus, if you're just starting out / if you want to jump in feet-first, my personal recommendation for which platform to pick. If you found value in this episode, any shares or feedback is always welcome, please drop me a DM on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK) Plus you'll get an insight into some of the changes coming to the podcast, my thoughts and feelings on why aaaaand just a nosey into my business at the minute!

In today's episode, I talk about how you can start using segmentation within your email campaigns. It's pretty important. 89% of business currently do not use segmentation within their email strategy and that's crazy! I cover what segmentation is, why it's important and some examples of how it could drive some real results for your business. Ps. Don't be like ASOS. (You'll have to listen to the episode to find out what I'm talking about

Emily Mumford is the brains behind the fabulous brand that is Inkpot & Press. The copywriting pro is a countryside-dwelling, English graduate with over 15 years of copywriting experience. She clearly has a passion for helping value-led brands level up their words across all digital platforms. Whether it's a sales page, product descriptions or Instagram captions you need help with, Em is your girl! In this episode we chat about; → Emily's background and how she became such a fabulous copywriter → A brief (potentially controversial) rant about the new 'lockdown' social media managers → If you're struggling with selling and feeling 'icky', how copy writing is the easiest way to inject some commerciality → How and why to evoke emotion → Em shares a bloody brilliant analogy - 'the drinks party' → She does a live critique of my Instagram bio and gives you a simple template to follow to make yours the best it can be. I'm pretty miffed that the audio isn't the best it could possibly be during this episode, but it was too good to throw away. I hope you find great value in it - if you do make sure you leave a review or screenshot and share to your Instagram Stories and tag myself (@LornaScullyUK) and Emily too! Find Emily: https://www.inkpotandpress.co.uk (Inkpot & Press Website) | https://www.instagram.com/inkpotandpress/ (Instagram)

Lone Owl Studio is the incredible brand that today's lovely guest, Sarah Woollen has created. It's a clothing and personalised gift brand that creates products that are proudly vegan and free of any animal-derived materials and adhesives (right down to the recyclable packaging). And also donates monthly to animal charities too! In this episode we chat about: → The book that helped Sarah jump from her marketing manager position in to the full-time business owner → The challenges she faced whilst creating her brand, including the worries around the community she wants to be apart of → Why she loves running a small business → How she first got into collaborating with other business owners and some tips if that's something you'd like to do → Her opinion on Etsy, from an Etsy seller And so much more. If you're a small business owner, I think you'll gain a lot from listening to Sarah chat about her fabulous business. It just goes to show that sometimes when we think we're not doing okay, or we should be doing a certain way - we're not alone. Make sure you pop and give Sarah a follow on Instagram and check out her personalised products too - I'd personally recommend them, the quality is insanely good! Find Sarah: https://www.loneowlstudio.com (Lone Owl Studio Website) | https://www.instagram.com/loneowlstudio/ (Instagram)

When you first start out in business, sometimes we just have to get things done, right? None of us knows everything. Or do everything we're 'supposed' to do. SEO is generally one of those things. In today's episode, I invited my pal Liane Abrams aka. The Content Creator to come and give us the DL on how we can get started with SEO, specifically for Shopify websites. Now, don't get me wrong, we covered A LOT in this episode, so even if you haven't got a website on Shopify, you'll likely pick up a thing or two from Liane's knowledge bombs. And as always, if you find this episode useful then please do make sure you share it on socials, spread the word and tag me and Liane and we'll be sure to share your wonderful comments. If SEO is something that you would like to learn more about and improve for your business, especially if you have a website built on either Shopify, Wix or Squarespace, then make sure you https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk/zero-to-seo-hero (register your interest for the Zero to SEO Hero Course launch on Liane's website). You can find Liane on: https://www.thecontentcreator.co.uk (The Content Creator Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thecontent.creator/ (Instagram)

We're carrying on with the Q&A from my Instagram Stories where I'm answering all of your questions about email marketing. Today I'm answering the question 'How do I build my email subscriber list?' In this episode, I give you an explanation about value exchange, what that actually means, why it's important and what it could look like for you. Plus, give you some of the best spots with examples of where you can be promoting your email list! Are you ready to get on top your email game? The Email Challenge > Sign Up - https://www.lornascully.com/product/the-email-challenge/ (https://www.lornascully.com/product/the-email-challenge/)

Answering your questions, one by one, about email marketing. In this episode, I share my personal thoughts and feelings about building a business on a 3rd party selling site. BUT more importantly, how you can start to build your own database of fabulous email subscribers if that's where you're at right now. The Email Challenge, 5 prompts in 5 days: https://www.lornascully.com/product/the-email-challenge/ (Get your ticket!) Episode 52: https://digital-discussions-unfiltered.captivate.fm/episode/how-often-should-i-email-my-subscribers (How Often Should I Email My Subscribers?) https://digital-discussions-unfiltered.captivate.fm/episode/behind-the-scenes-of-xoxo-designs-by-ruth (Episode 26 with Ruth from XOXO Designs) Use a link shortener: http://bit.ly (try bit.ly) 31 email content ideas: https://www.lornascully.com/emails/ (https://www.lornascully.com/emails/) Share your thoughts or send me your question on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

Answering your questions, one by one, about email marketing. If you're looking for a quick fix answer to this question, then this episode probably isn't for you. However, I do give some ideas and questions for you to think about to be able to answer this question for yourself in a way that works for you and your business.  Get the 31 content prompts mentioned in the episode > https://www.lornascully.com/emails/ (https://www.lornascully.com/emails/) Share your thoughts or send me your question on https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram @LornaScullyUK)

Fi Grayson, the absolute powerhouse behind the fabulous brand that is She Can. She Did. The brand going through a complete overhaul currently, but with a continuous, empowering mission. Fi and her lovely team are on a mission to help female business owners in the UK. She's created the first benefits programme to do just that.  In this episode we chat about: → The journey of She Can. She Did. so far → How she pivoted and what that looked like for a business like SC.SD. → How the launch of the UK's first female-focused benefits programme didn't quite go as well as she'd planned → Reflection on pitching for investment and the lessons she learnt → An insight into the 5 part open letter to female business owners that Fi so carefully and eloquently put together back in January → All things Instagram and business - the good the bad and the ugly. → Judging, cancel culture and begin afraid to speak our truth and so much more... As I mention in the opening, Fi was one of the very few I felt comfortable reaching out to when I first started my self employed journey in April 2019. Having her as a guest has been a dream of mine, and I'm so thrilled I could share her wisdom and just incredible outlook with you. If you found this at all useful, all the shares and passing it on to pals that you think may like it would mean the world to me. Find Fi: https://www.instagram.com/shecanshedid/ (Instagram)

I asked, you answered. I wanted to know what you wanted to hear from me for episode 5 - maybe not a milestone to many, but it feels like it for me. So in this episode I share 7 (possibly ramble lessons) I've learnt in creating 49 podcast episodes. And I think each and every one of them could probably be associated to some other area of business or even life in general. If you make it all the way through, there is a cheeky little giveaway at the end. You've got to be in it to win it! Don't forget to share and tag me @LornaScullyUK to be in for a chance of winning. Entries close Wednesday 21st April. Good luck

After running a poll on my https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram Stories) ask you what you'd like episode 49 of the podcast to be, Converting More Customers on You Website came out top! So here we are. In this episode I quickly cover 3 of the common things to look in to/consider if you feel that you're not converting enough visitors on your website. If you found this episode useful then please give it a share on social media and tag me https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (@LornaScullyUK) - I'll be sure to share each and every one. Plus, If you listen to the whole episode you'll get a sneaky peek in to what's coming next week!

Today I'm sharing my conversation with the wonderful Carmela Elizabeth. She's the Founder of Belvedere Marketing (spelt like the Vodka but not based on it at all!) And she's on a mission to take a full 360° view and create eye capturing content that will stop the endless scroll of followers for small businesses on social media. With a passion for helping female-led, product businesses with their social content, especially Instagram, I knew I just had to get Carmela on the podcast. During our conversation we chat about: ✨ Challenges she's faced with starting a business during a pandemic ✨ Why she doesn't want to be known as an agency ✨ Why having a face behind your brand is important  ✨ Most common challenges she sees with clients  ✨ Her advice when it comes to showing up on camera, Instagram stories etc.  ✨ What ‘value' means - especially to product based businesses ✨ Do small businesses have unrealistic sales goals? ✨ Top 3 tips to be aware of to help growing your business on Instagram If you find this episode useful, please do share and tag myself and Carmela and we'll be sure to share them! Find Carmela: https://www.belvederemarketing.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/belvederemarketing/ (Instagram)

Personal branding has been a terms that's been used A LOT in the last couple of years and to me, this guy is THE Personal Branding Guy. Meet Ash Jones, the Founder of Great Influence, the personal branding agency behind the UK's Biggest CEOs & Founders including;  Steven Bartlett (Founder, Social Chain) Oliver Cookson (My Protein), Umar Kamani (Pretty Little Thing) Dom McGregor (Founder, Social Chain) Katy Leeson (MD, Social Chain) Carrie Rose, (Rise At Seven) I think you'll agree with me - the guy knows a thing or two when it comes to building personal brands right - they're some bloody incredible names!  In this very open and honest episode we chat about;  → What actually IS personal branding  → How Ash got in to it in the first place → And insight in to how it became a thing at Social Chain, and what lessons he learnt from that → The emotional journey that personal branding makes you take and how to ride the rollercoaster → He also shares two of the key things you need to if you're thinking about starting your own personal branding journey I hope you found this conversation useful, I know I did. If you did make sure you share it with your audience as you never know who it may help. You can find Ash: https://www.greatinfluence.co.uk/ (Website) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-jones-85363975/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.instagram.com/_ashleybjones/ (Instagram) 

The pandemic has had an affect on all of us in one way or another. But for todays guest it literally put a halt on one business, and changed the immediate direction of the other. In this episode I'm chatting to Laura Hopkins, founder of Elegant Designs Ltd. & The Wedding Emporium. Laura is a client and a great friend, and when I shared screenshot of her analytics after we worked on her Instagram strategy in January, I just HAD to get her on the podcast. The amount of DMs I received was crazy! You all wanted to know HOW she did it. Now, don't be fooled, Laura did a lot of work, which is just one of the tings we discuss during this episode. We also chat about: ✨ How Laura has started not one, but two wedding businesses ✨ How the global pandemic has affected her business and how she's dealt with that ✨ What it took to grow her Instagram account from 1500 to 15k followers in 3 months - and WHY that was important to her ✨ What she's working on for the wedding industry to support supplier and soonlyweds ✨ What other challenges she's faced along the way If you find this episode useful, please do share and tag myself and Laura and we'll be sure to share them! Find Markie: https://www.eventsemporium.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/the.wedding.emporium/ (Instagram)

Markie Reeds, from Digital Reeds, has made it her mission to help small, local, independent business be visible in the online world. In this episode we chat about: ✨ The big differences between corporates & small business   ✨ The common challenges and mistakes small businesses are making online ✨ Where local businesses should start if they're going online for the first time If you find this episode useful, please do share and tag myself and Markie and we'll be sure to share them! Find Markie: https://digitalreeds.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/digitalreeds/ (Instagram)

Every day this week, I'm giving you a simple, actionable tip in 10 minutes all about email marketing. It's one of those channels that can seem daunting to small business owners and it really doesn't need to be. For the free download mentioned in the episode, head to https://my.captivate.fm/dashboard/episodes/www.lornascully.com/emails (www.lornascully.com/emails)

Every day this week, I'm giving you a simple, actionable tip in 10 minutes all about email marketing. It's one of those channels that can seem daunting to small business owners and it really doesn't need to be. For the free download mentioned in the episode, head to https://my.captivate.fm/dashboard/episodes/www.lornascully.com/emails (www.lornascully.com/emails)

Every day this week, I'm giving you a simple, actionable tip in 10 minutes all about email marketing. It's one of those channels that can seem daunting to small business owners and it really doesn't need to be. For the free download mentioned in the episode, head to https://my.captivate.fm/dashboard/episodes/www.lornascully.com/emails (www.lornascully.com/emails)

Every day this week, I'm giving you a simple, actionable tip in 10 minutes all about email marketing. It's one of those channels that can seem daunting to small business owners and it really doesn't need to be. For the free download mentioned in the episode, head to https://my.captivate.fm/www.lornascully.com/emails (www.lornascully.com/emails)

Every day this week, I'm giving you a simple, actionable tip in 10 minutes all about email marketing. It's one of those channels that can seem daunting to small business owners and it really doesn't need to be. For the free download mentioned in the episode, head to www.lornascully.com/emails

Leticia Collins, started out as a content creator, now helps female entrepreneurs show up, be more visible AND make sales through content marketing strategies.  And what a fabulous job she does too! In this episode we chat about: ✨ Comparing ourselves to big-time entrepreneurs   ✨ Are you posting to grow a following? Or to build your business? ✨ How to find a balance between sales posts and brand building posts - so it doesn't feel like you're constantly selling!  ✨ The psychology behind people buying products - using storytelling to sell more.  ✨ Leticia's journey with burnout and what impact it's had on her business  ✨ Her thoughts on mindset - the shift from thinking it's all BS to working on it. ✨ Self awareness & journalling and what impact that's had on business  ✨What success means to her I feel like this was a very open and frank conversation that many will be able to relate to, I know I definitely could. Please do share and tag myself and Leticia if you give it a listen! Find Leticia: https://leticiajcollins.com/ (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/p/CLeaeEgjbye/ (Instagram) | https://leticiajcollins.com/freebies (Leticias Free Lesson)

Laura, more commonly known as The Pocket VA (and in my head, the Queen of the Gram), helps small business owners use Instagram to grow and show up online in a way that feels right for you and your business! And what a fabulous job she does too! In this episode we chat about  ✨ How The Pocket VA came to be and the changes she's been through ✨ The common struggles and challenges both service-based and product-based business go to Laura with ✨ How to change your mindset around using Instagram to promote your business ✨ 5 of the most common mistakes you're likely making on Instagram (watch out, I felt absolutely SEEN and called out at this point) ✨ Laura shared her very clever and succinct explanation of what 'value' means - especially for product business ✨ Examples of how to create content when you're showing up as a brand and not as an individual I hope you gain some takeaways from Laura and this episode, I know I sure did! Instagram can be an overwhelming place and if you're struggling to make it fun or know what to post, I would highly recommend investing in Laura, she is definitely the lady in the know!  Please do share and tag myself and Laura if you give it a listen! Find Laura: https://www.thepocketva.com/ (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/thepocketva/ (Instagram) | https://the-instagram-pocket-shop.myshopify.com/ (The Pocket Shop)

TW: Chat about death due to COVID-19 Last week I had a bit of realisation around the terminology of what I call myself and what others see me as when they work with me. It started as a real open string of Instagram Stories, turned in to an IGTV (because frankly I didn't feel like I could communicate that again the morning after!) And then when I asked if followers would like to listen in to my though process and if they wanted a solo podcast episode, it was a resounding YES! So here we are. Even thought I've been scared to in the past, my diary episode and reflections on last year got so much incredible feedback that I wanted to kind of give a bit of an update on my diary. And this is where I have to tell you that I do get a little upset in this episode and if you are affected by death whatsoever, please do not put yourself in to any distress by listening to this episode. Unfortunately I got news of an incredible man, an old colleague passing away last month and I wanted to share, as sad as it is that it takes something like this for this wake up call, what I was currently thinking and how it's affected me. Because in all honesty it has. As always, if you do listen to this, resonate in any way or just enjoy it, please do leave me a review wherever you're listening (it will help more people find it) and make sure you share it either on your stories or anywhere else and tag - I promise I'll share them! Thanks so much for listening to me babble, I hope it helps in some way shape or form. I hope you find some comfort in it. And please, please look after yourself. Take Care, Lorna x

Stacey has been on my list of potential guests for the podcasts for many reasons. One being I LOVE her products and the other being I just think she has such a lovely aura about her the way she conducts her business. One that I think many small businesses could take notes on. Stacey is the founder of Darwin & Gray, the beautiful handmade, designed and painted products perfect for your home. With a range of quirky yet relatable banners from "Don't be a dick" and "Piss off I'm busy" to family keepsake banners like "Twas the night" that will no doubt be in the family for years to come. All the way to patches, decals and glassware too! In this episode we chat about ✨ When and how Darwin & Gray started ✨ The challenges of running a handmade business and sending out orders during the Christmas period, during a pandemic (AND getting hate mail!) ✨ Having a digital detox and the impact that's had ✨ A brief chat on planning content for the likes of Instagram  ✨ I finally get my question answered about how her open/shut website concept works ✨ The most challenging times she's faced ✨ And from lows to very much highs - what it felt like to be nominated and be a finalist in The Independent Awards with Holly Tucker ✨ What's coming next for Darwin & Gray  I hope you find some value in this episode, Stacey has definitely faced some challenges whilst building her business which I think many of us can relate to. If nothing else, know that if you're in the lows right now, you're not alone, it's totally normal & the highs are coming! Please do share and tag myself and Stacey if you give it a listen! Find Stacey aka. Darwin & Gray: https://www.darwinandgray.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/darwinandgray/ (Instagram)

Beth Lavin, a London based Personal branding photographer, and not just a photographer, but a friend. She's on a mission to help female entrepreneurs like you grow your confidence as well as your business. I think it's safe to say Beth, like many of us is bored of the BS we see in the online world and so I wanted to firstly, get her take and opinion on that (I have no doubt you'll agree with her on many of them!) But also to help YOU. In this episode we chat about ✨ How she got to be a photographer (and all the wonderful jobs she had before!) ✨ Her proudest achievement ✨ Going back to employment after she took the jump to go self employed ✨ How she found her clients & the people she surrounded herself with  ✨Why photography is SO important for all types of businesses ✨ 3 top tips for getting the best photos if you're going to take them yourself  ✨Advice Beth would give to any aspiring photographers I absolutely loved chatting the Beth, and feel like I could've for hours! I hope you find some value in this episode too. Please do share and tag myself and Beth if you give it a listen! Find Beth: https://www.bethanylavinphotography.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/bethlavinbranding/ (Instagram)

Emily McGuire, the sassy copywriter who in her own words is "not like a regular writer, I'm a cool writer", is sharing her knowledge and expertise about all things copywriting in this episode. When I saw her personality throughout her social channels and website, with references to Devil Wears Prada and The Breakfast Club, It really solidified why copy is so important. We're all evoked by emotions, but commonalities and I certainly had some of those with Emily. During this conversation we chat about: ✨ How Emily came to be a copywriter and her background ✨ How she mainly attracts her clients - practicing what she preaches ✨ Some examples of some amazing brands we both love that use the power of words to attract their tribe ✨ Her biggest challenges as a small business - We can ALL relate to this one!  ✨ 2 common mistakes she sees small businesses making and how you can change them ✨ The perfect example of what a tone of voice IS and how to create one.  I loved chatting the Emily, she really knows her stuff and I can hear the passion in her voice for helping small businesses get better with words. I hope you find some value in this episode too. Please do share and tag myself and Emily if you give it a listen! Find Emily: https://www.emilymcguire.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/emilymcguire.co.uk/ (Instagram)

Jo Hooper, the Biz Mentor for Mad Minds, as she so gently puts it, is a real hero when it comes to mastering your mental health alongside your work. After working in the corporate world, having two breakdowns and everything in between, Jo now spend her time helping other people manage their mental health at work and make work, work for them. And what a bloody good job she does too! During this conversation we chat about: ✨ Where the name Mad and Sad Club came from & how the business came to be ✨ The transition from corporate to self employment  ✨ How she uses her lived experience to impact organisations & individuals  ✨ Dealing through pivoting her business through the pandemic and finding coping mechanisms when it comes to consuming news etc. (top tip, we both love the Instagram account @simplepolitics) ✨ Biggest challenges in terms of running a business - a relatively new business (under 2 years) ✨ Jo introduces us to the world of neuroplasticity and neural pathways  ✨ We get a behind the scenes peak at what she's looking forward to over the coming weeks & get excited for her too!  It was an absolute joy to chat to Jo, I love everything that she stands for and teaches and empowers others to do. I hope you find some value in this episode too. Please do share and tag myself and Jo if you give it a listen! Find Jo: https://madandsadclub.co.uk (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/madandsadclub/ (Instagram)

Natalia is a pro when it comes to all things copywriting AND content writing, and yes I know what you're thinking - what's the difference? WELL, you're going to have to give this episode a listen, because that's just one of the questions I ask Natalia. Natalia, the fabulous mind behind Storylign is based in Dublin and has always had a passion for stories: reading them, telling them, writing them. And now works with brands to craft copy that will WOW your audience! During this conversation we chat about: ✨ Her REAL identity

Cat Byrne is a branding and web designer who also dabbles in a bit of coaching. Having always had a passion for all things creative helps amazing creative business owners to push their brand and create beautiful and functional websites. During this conversation we chat about: ✨ Looking back, did she always want to be a web designer ✨ The mistakes she's learnt along the way ✨ What business looks like for her now (and her amazing new work/life balance) ✨ And some of the things that got her to where she is today It was an absolute joy to chat to Cat and it's been so lovely to watch her business grow to where she's at now. I think we could all learn a thing or two from her. Find Cat: https://www.gattoweb.com (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/gattoweb/ (Instagram )

Let me just start by saying I wanted to do 20 reflections in 2020. And at first I struggled. Who would've thought it. And then I went for a walk, and BAM, I had to shorten this list. But I'm all about not abiding by the unwritten rules, if I want to share 23, I'll share 23! So in this solo episode, join me for an hour long look in to my brain ad the 23 (only some of!) the lessons I learnt this year, some of the thinking I've done as we approach a brand new year and some things that may just get you thinking. I would absolutely love it if you could share your thoughts on this episode, share with your community or if any of my points made you think then let me know in my https://www.instagram.com/lornascullyuk/ (Instagram DMs). And if I don't talk to you before, Happy New Year

Holly Bray is a business coach, podcast host and productivity queen! She started out blogging about all things lifestyle and over the 7 years has transformed her business and the businesses of her clients! During this conversation we chat about: ✨ Journey from starting a blog to business coach  ✨ Her original dream job ✨ The importance of data and reviewing your analytics as a business owner ✨ How to work out what your ‘needle moving' activities are, plus some examples ✨ What business may look like with a newborn baby and sharing how to take time off (to start a family or just a break) ✨ Biggest challenge when starting and growing her business ✨ Her top 3 tips if you're just getting started. Find Holly: https://abranchofholly.com/ (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/abranchofholly/ (Instagram )