I Made a Thing

Claire Robinson never imagined she would be so focused each day on bridging generational divides. But it's hard to imagine a more perfect fit. Although Claire started out working in Public Relations, her CV grew to include additions from tech giants Google and EA Games. Claire was also passionate about volunteering in South Africa and later Australia. But ultimately, it would be COVID that was the turning point for Claire and the start of Basic Tech. This education-based business focuses on empowering the senior demographic with the tech knowledge they need to be confident and independent in our digital world. “Overcoming mental blocks about your abilities, even when you have your own business can be particularly difficult. You've got to keep reminding yourself that you are running your own race and constantly reflect back on how far you've come.” Claire Robinson of Basic TechWhat we chat about Running your own race and dealing with imposter syndrome in the male-dominated tech space The importance and power of networking as a business founder  Balancing altruistic passions with a profitable business Working with a mix of one-on-one and group clients  Organising and raising money to start a business including utilising grants  The crucial act of making time for yourself to have fun when you're a busy founder “I know that volunteering will always take precedence over money for me. So it's not always easy to find the balance again.” Claire Robinson of Basic TechMore from Claire Robinson of Basic Techhttps://www.basictech.com.auhttps://www.facebook.com/BasicTech4U https://www.linkedin.com/company/basictech4seniorsMore from Host Sophiahttps://linktr.ee/sophiamartine_strategist Help like-minded people find us Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcast‍Connect with the IMAT communityHow did your path to business take an unexpected turn? Do you want to incorporate giving back to the community as part of your business model? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed.‍Speak soon,Sophia

Macchi & Matcha was born from both need and desire, Megan needed a business she could run from home while juggling study and family commitments. Megan also wanted to channel her passion for barista-quality beverages from the comfort of her home. Megan has created the e-commerce store Macchi & Matcha from her home in Karratha, Pilbara in Northern Western Australia. “The more you're able to make your brand around your ideal customer, the more of them you will attract.” Megan Pagel of Macchi & Matcha What we chat about Choosing a business idea when you've got lots swimming in your head Bringing different skills together to create a business  Finding and attracting the right customers when you don't live in a big city Articulating your branding with the help of ideal customers Deciding what products to stock when you love them but they're not right for your brand Practical and realistic tips for success with TikTok and Facebook groups. Shout out to Tyla TikTok Strategist @stylasocials  “There are products I look at and I think I'd love to stock this, but I consider is it in line with my brand? Is it going to be in line with what I'm doing right now?”More from Megan Pagel of Macchi & Matchahttps://macchiandmatcha.com/https://www.instagram.com/macchi.and.matcha/https://www.tiktok.com/@macchi.and.matcha More from Host Sophiahttps://linktr.ee/sophiamartine_strategist Help like-minded people find us Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcastConnect with the IMAT communityHow have you brought together unique skills to create a business? Did you start an e-commerce business in a regional part of Australia? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed. Speak soon,Sophia 

5: It takes a village with stylist Kerrie, Part 2Kerrie Carucci, a leading Australian stylist, is back on the IMAT podcast sharing style and business wisdom. Based in Brisbane, Kerrie gives us a glimpse into the day in the life of a personal and editorial fashion stylist. Missed part 1? Go back and listen before diving into this episode. In part 2, Kerrie provides detailed insights (with no sugar coating) into the realities of starting and running a styling business. Kerrie explains how fundamental her support network, both professional and personal, has been in business. Kerrie discusses why it was so important to reframe what success is for her life and business. And we go deep on practical methods for managing the sometimes toxic but unavoidable comparison trap for small business owners using social media.  “I'm under the firm belief, you can either do fewer things to an absolute, incredible level, or you do a lot of things that are just going to be okay” Kerrie CarucciWhat we chat about How a corporate career offers transferrable skills into a creative business Kerrie's ‘pricing mirror method' and how to use this same behaviour test for stying choices The comparison trap as a creative in the fashion industry and practical tips to manage it  The role of support and business mentors for Kerrie How Kerrie chooses to measure success  Kerrie's journey to developing a decision-making and leadership style “If you are listening to this and you're thinking about making the shift, there's no reason to tell you that it's all going to be rosy 100% of the time, it's really not. You're going to have face-down moments, and you're going to question why am I even doing this? Is this really something that I am purposely driven by? Am I passionate about it? Is this worth it?” Kerrie CarucciMore from Kerrie Website InstagramTikTok  More from Host Sophia Website Instagram LinkedIn   Help like-minded people find us Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcast Connect with the IMAT community Do you suffer from the comparison trap? Are you thinking about making the leap from a corporate career to a creative business? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed.   Speak soon, Sophia 

Effort trumps price with stylist Kerrie, Part 1Kerrie Carucci, a leading Australian stylist, is back on the IMAT podcast sharing style and business wisdom. Based in Brisbane, Kerrie gives us a glimpse into the day in the life of a personal and editorial fashion stylist. Kerrie shares her business tips for tapping into your purpose for an authentic and sustainable business. Kerrie explains how the four pillars of style help to define your professional style and business brand. The episode has been split into two parts, so subscribe on your podcast app or keep an eye out on Instagram @imadeathingpodcast for part 2. “When you are in alignment, you become magnetic because there is this authentic, raw passion that you speak.” Kerrie CarucciWhat we chat about The day in the life of a fashion stylist The magnetic power of purpose for a sustainable business Communicating how you want to be perceived with the help of style Kerrie shares the four pillars of style Price tags aren't as important, as effort is to your brand, business and style   “There are no rules around your personal style and there's no one size fits all. We're not shaped in a certain way because everyone is so beautifully unique.” Kerrie Carucci More from Kerrie Website Instagram  More from Host Sophia Website Instagram LinkedIn   Help like-minded people find us If you love what you're hearing on I Made a Thing Podcast, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. Thanks so much!   Connect with the IMAT community Do you struggle with your sense of style? How did you figure out how you wanted to show up as part of your brand in business?Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed.   Speak soon, Sophia Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Georgia's purpose Georgia never thought a panic attack would be pivotal in her business journey. Reflecting on how this confronting event and the 15 years working for a legal firm and real estate agencies ultimately shaped Georgia's virtual assistance business. IMAT podcast is proud to present our interview with Georgia Anne Virtual Assistant recorded in September 2021. “Even though you can work long hours in your own business, I wanted a kind of freedom and flexibility that you can only get when it's your own. I saw the opportunity, and if I can work this hard for someone, then imagine what I can do for myself.” Georgia Anne Virtual AssistantWhat we chat about Overcoming networking nerves and making connections online and in-person How to engage the right virtual assistant Core skills you need if you want to be a professional assistant  Coping with the comparison trap when you spend a lot of time online Building your pricing confidence and understanding your worth  “Start talking to people and ask questions. Because it's not the courses or programs that I've done. It's surrounding myself with the right people that has helped me the most in business.” Georgia Anne Virtual AssistantMore from Georgia Linkedin InstagramMore from Host Sophia WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn Help like-minded people find us If you love what you're hearing on the i made a thing podcast, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. Thanks so much!   Connect with the IMAT community How long did it take you to find and connect with your purpose? What advice would you give someone starting out? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed.   Speak soon, SophiaSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Whitney Hartmann has a niche in the beauty industry; natural brow restoration. But before specialisation, Whitney had a dream that she thought would bring her happiness, money and maybe even fame.

Kerrie found her magic and now helps her clients to do the same with the power of style, clarity and confidence.

Do you set aside time to reflect on the year passed? Do you believe in the seasons of business? Is it ever OK to quit? And when should you listen to your ego?

Is the client always right? Should you go above and beyond to keep your clients happy? Is it ever OK to fire a client?

What impact does age have for small business owners and women in business? Can you use your age as an advantage? Should you keep your age a secret?

How do we make decisions? Is decision making harder for women in small business? How does decision making impact your success?

Who is an expert? How do you choose an expert? How do you avoid wasting your time, money and energy on the wrong expert?

Do you need to do all the things to be successful? Do women experience added pressure? How can you stop yourself from falling into the comparison trap?

Do you have to be popular to be successful in business? How can you use your influence for good? Do you need to be liked to be respected?

Is charging what you’re worth a valuable measure? Are there formulas and systems you should be following? Why is everyone so damn secretive of their pricing?

What does being professional look like for a small business? Is professionalism more than the way you dress and talk? How can you be professional but still show up in a way that feels right for you? Topics discussed in this episode: - How do we define professionalism? Is it different when you’re running a business? - How the idea of professionalism has developed over time - You don’t have to ‘look the part,’ you have to be the part - Why putting aside time to improve your expertise, skills and knowledge is important - Practical ways you can look, act and be professional - Why women are judged on their appearance and how this is not OK Help like-minded people find us If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment. Thanks so much! Check us out www.imadeathingpodcast.com

Do you need passion to be successful in business? How do you find your purpose? Is this whole passion and purpose talk all just a fad? Topics discussed in this episode: - How do you define your purpose? Does passion play a role? And what's the difference - Why are we seeing a rise in “passion and purpose” driven businesses? Is this a fad? - What is passion burnout? How can passion burnout occur? - What should you do when you don’t know your purpose? - Is it OK to build a business or have a career that isn’t based on your passion and purpose? - What are ways to determine your purpose? How do you use your purpose as a framework for your business? Help like-minded people find us If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment. Thanks so much! Check us out www.imadeathingpodcast.com

Join Sophia Colquhoun and Rachel Kurzyp as they talk about that time they started a business and didn’t know what to do next. Topics discussed in this intro minisode: - How we met and our biz love story (Rachel gets a little emotional :P) - How we fell face first into our business - Why we started the i made a thing podcast - Who we are and what we do outside of the pod BONUS: Hilarious bloopers just in case you thought we were total professionals ALL. THE. TIME. Help like-minded people find us If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment. Thanks so much! Check us out www.imadeathingpodcast.com