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Hi Friends, Happy New Year! This week on the podcast we're rerunning three of my top podcast episodes focused on sales & marketing for wholesale. If wholesale is a revenue stream that you’re working to grow, I invite you to join me for Paper Camp. Head to prooftoproduct.com/papercamp to get all the details and join our waitlist so you're the first to hear when doors open. --------------- Big thanks to Kelly and Caroline for having me on their show. If you’re not already familiar with Creative Biz Rebellion, go check it out. Kelly and Caroline do an amazing job of supporting product based businesses through their programs and podcast. They were also guests on Proof to Product — visit the links below to find them over at Creative Biz Rebellion and here on Proof to Product. Links: Creative Biz Rebellion Proof to Product with Caroline Hull (Ep 45) Proof to Product with Kelly Parker Smith (Ep 56)
Today I am checking back in with Caroline Hull of Wild Home Podcasting. If you aren’t familiar with Caroline yet make sure to go listen to the other episodes of this series to hear her journey throughout this year. In our first and second episodes, we heard from Caroline about building her business, hiring a team and prepping for maternity leave. In this episode, Caroline and I discuss how her maternity leave panned out and the lessons it taught her as she came back to her business full-time. She talks about realizations she’s had around creating a more standardized process for her podcast editors and stepping into the CEO role with intention. She has some big plans for the fourth quarter and we dig into that together discussing some of the products and services she is planning to focus on. Caroline gives insight into why she’s setting the foundation for certain processes in her business and the bigger goals she is setting looking forward as she continues to scale her business. What’s in this episode: How the past three months have been for Caroline A check-in on her revenue, time and impact this quarter How she brought on clients while on maternity leave What she’s implementing moving forward after her break How to navigate standardization while accommodating client needs Her experience with her second season of her podcast Caroline’s plans for the fourth quarter of her business Connect with Caroline: Website | Instagram About Caroline:Caroline is a podcasting expert and owner of Wild Home Podcasting, a boutique podcast editing and production agency, and a homeschool mom who helps at-home podcasters launch their voices into the world. She discovered her intense love for podcasts after launching her own podcast with her biz bestie and in the process, finding her own confidence and voice. Caroline believes that everyone has a unique perspective and story worth sharing. She has a passion for helping others do this through their podcasts. Caroline has been featured in podcasts such as Generation.Mom, Proof to Product, Positively Creative, How to Fail, Day in the Life and Creative Biz Rebellion. She also shares podcasting tips and a peek into her wild life on her podcast, the Wild Home Podcast. Links:002: HOW SHE'S SCALING HER PODCAST PRODUCTION COMPANY WITH CAROLINE HULL PART 1 016: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREPARING FOR MATERNITY LEAVE WITH CAROLINE HULL Dubsado Enjoyed this episode? Then make sure to join us in my free Facebook Group so we can continue the conversation! Click here to request access. Want to know when new episodes are released? Subscribe on your platform of choice so you can learn all of the scaling strategies I’m implementing in my own business and with my clients. Let’s be friends. Send me a DM on, Instagram or Facebook.
Today I am excited to bring back Caroline Hull of Wild Home Podcasting. Caroline is a member of my mastermind program, The CEO Roundtable and has graciously agreed to be a part of a series on my podcast where we will check in every three months as she implements strategies to grow and scale her business. Caroline has had a lot of changes within her business since our initial conversation. Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, she has brought on two new hires and went from working twenty hours a week to around ten or less! In this episode, we chat about how her business has looked during the pandemic including what she did to retain clients (and even bring on new ones). She shares her big wins over the course of the past three months including preparing herself and her team for her maternity leave. Caroline also discusses the mindset shifts she’s had to make as she moves away from client work and how she is taking more ownership of her CEO role. What’s in this episode: The biggest wins she’s had in her business Why she brought on two new team members What she did to retain her clients during the pandemic How her time, money and impact has evolved over the past three months Caroline’s vision for where her business will be next quarter Mindset shifts she had to fully embrace the CEO role in her business Links: 002: HOW SHE'S SCALING HER PODCAST PRODUCTION COMPANY WITH CAROLINE HULL PART 1 Launch Intensives Connect with Caroline: Website | Instagram About Caroline: Caroline is a podcasting expert and owner of Wild Home Podcasting, a boutique podcast editing and production agency, and a homeschool mom who helps at-home podcasters launch their voices into the world. She discovered her intense love for podcasts after launching her own podcast with her biz bestie and in the process, finding her own confidence and voice. Caroline believes that everyone has a unique perspective and story worth sharing. She has a passion for helping others do this through their podcasts. Caroline has been featured in podcasts such as Generation.Mom, Proof to Product, Positively Creative, How to Fail, Day in the Life and Creative Biz Rebellion. She also shares podcasting tips and a peek into her wild life on her podcast, the Wild Home Podcast. Enjoyed this episode? Then make sure to join us in my free Facebook Group so we can continue the conversation! Click here to request access. Want to know when new episodes are released? Subscribe on your platform of choice so you can learn all of the scaling strategies I’m implementing in my own business and with my clients. Let’s be friends. Send me a DM on, Instagram or Facebook.
Want to get a behind the scenes peek at what it takes to grow and scale a done-for-you service business? If you answered, “yes,” then you’re in for a treat! This episode is the first of a special series where we’ll follow my client, Caroline Hull, for a year as she grows her podcast production business! We talk about how she got over 10 hours a week back into her schedule and doubled her revenue within just 60 days of us working together. We discuss how she made the decision to hire support and she’ll give you some guidance on how to make that decision for yourself! She also shares how she’s built her marketing to support her business with a waitlist that continues to grow as her business does! What’s in this episode: How Caroline got into this business after starting her own podcast about being a creative business owner Her transition from a stationery business into a podcast production company How deciding to homeschool her daughter helped her to make this decision to transition her business When she realized she wanted to grow her business beyond just herself Getting used to exercising the muscle of getting support and knowing when is the “right” time to hire What changes Caroline implemented into her process to take back more hours in her day (over 10 hours per week!) Her experience of rebranding her business and how she’s set up her marketing to build a growing waitlist What Caroline’s focusing on for the next few months and deciding which revenue opportunities to pursue for company growth Her advice for someone who is considering getting support whether it’s from a coach, employee or someone else Connect with Caroline: Website | Instagram About Caroline:Caroline is a podcasting expert and owner of Wild Home Podcasting, a boutique podcast editing and production agency, and a homeschool mom who helps at-home podcasters launch their voices into the world. She discovered her intense love for podcasts after launching her own podcast with her biz bestie and in the process, finding her own confidence and voice. Caroline believes that everyone has a unique perspective and story worth sharing. She has a passion for helping others do this through their podcasts. Caroline has been featured in podcasts such as Generation.Mom, Proof to Product, Positively Creative, How to Fail, Day in the Life and Creative Biz Rebellion. She also shares podcasting tips and a peek into her wild life on her podcast, the Wild Home Podcast. Enjoyed this episode? Then make sure to join us in my free Facebook Group so we can continue the conversation! Click here to request access. Want to know when new episodes are released? Subscribe on your platform of choice so you can learn all of the scaling strategies I’m implementing in my own business and with my clients. Let’s be friends. Send me a DM on, Instagram or Facebook.
I am really excited about our topic and guests for this week because two of my team members, Caroline Hull and Brittney Lynn, are joining me for two special episodes about how to pitch yourself to podcasts. Caroline and Brittney both have experience working in the podcasting world. Caroline owns her own podcast editing company, Wild Home Podcasting, and Brittney Lynn specializes in PR management. Today’s we’re covering everything what to do and what not to do, how to prepare for an interview and what you can do to spread the word once the podcast airs. For some background on the amazing ladies who help me run Proof to Product, Caroline Hull has seen all sides of podcasting. As the co-host of the Creative Biz Rebellion podcast, she’s been on the receiving side of many podcast pitches. Caroline has also been featured on dozens of podcasts by other people, including Episode 45 of Proof to Product where she talked about the importance of taking a break in business. Brittney Lynn also knows the ins and outs of podcasting. As my PR manager, Brittney sees all the incoming pitches from people who want to be on Proof to Product. She also regularly pitches media opportunities to her clients for Podcasts and traditional media. You can hear more about the type of work Brittney does on Episode 66 of Proof to Product. We hope you enjoy Part 1 today and stay tuned for Part 2 on Thursday! ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The best and worst podcast pitches Advice to make your pitch really stand out Why you should always relate back to the listener How to personalize your pitch How to handle follow-ups Why you should know exactly who you’re addressing Tips for avoiding acting like a robot KEY TAKE-AWAYS: ”You can't just go in and be like, hey, my product is awesome and like you should have me on your podcast.” - Brittney Lynn “When I can tell that they've actually listened to the podcast, that’s a really huge thing.” - Caroline Hull “Businesses are built on relationships, so take a little bit more time to customize what you're saying to people and refine the ask.” - Katie Hunt “Include the topics of what you can talk about on that podcast and how you can bring value because that's really what's going to differentiate you from other pitches.” - Brittney Lynn “Keep it short and sweet and get to the point and go from there.” - Brittney Lynn “Come at it with the perspective that you’re communicating with another human being. How would you want to be communicated with?” - Brittney Lynn “Just because they come on the podcast doesn't mean that everybody's going to go run and buy their product because that's not what the purpose of our podcast is.” - Caroline Hull LINKS Caroline Website: https://www.wildhomepodcasting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildhomepodcasting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhomepodcasting/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wildhomepodcasting/ Brittney Website: https://brittneyllynn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyllynndotcom/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brittneyllynn/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brittneyllynn/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/brittneyllynn SPECIAL OFFER: 3 Free Months of Gusto! Gusto makes payroll, taxes, and HR actually easy for small businesses. Fast, simple payroll processing, benefits, and expert HR support all in one place. Gusto automatically pays and files your federal, state, and local taxes so you don’t have to worry about it. Plus they make it easy to add on health benefits and even 401(k)s for your team. Those old-school, clunky payroll providers just weren’t built for the way modern small businesses work. But Gusto is. Now is the best time to get set up for the new year. Don’t wait. Proof to Product listeners get 3 free months of Gusto when they run their first payroll. Try a demo and see for yourself at http://www.gusto.com/proof SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list. SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, Proof to Product has worked with thousands of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!
This episode is sponsored by Acuity Scheduling. Check out our Free 20 Minute Acuity Scheduling Training here.Today's episode is about running multiple businesses as someone who is a multipassionate.GUEST BIO: Kelly Parker Smith is the owner and designer behind Hello World Paper Co., a laser engraving company that sells and manufactures rubber stamps and laser engraved goodies. She is also the co-host of the Creative Biz Rebellion podcast where she and Caroline Hull mentor other product-based business owners through a weekly show, courses, and accountability groups. On top of that, Kelly is also an illustrator and Fabric Designer for Sweet Bee Fabric Company and her first collection just arrived in quilt shops! Obviously, Kelly can’t sit still and enjoys doing all the things, but don't worry she still sleeps! Kelly lives just outside St. Louis, MO with her husband, three boys, and their rescue kitten, Katniss. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading YA fantasy fiction, watching superhero movies, and soaking up every second of hanging out with her boys. WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website Creative Biz Rebellion PodcastCoursesInstagramPattern Design InstagramLINKS MENTIONED: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For our Thanksgiving break, we've lined up something special just for you. We'll be airing two episodes I recorded with my friends Kelly and Caroline at Creative Biz Rebellion. These ladies were kind enough to have me on their podcast, not just once, but twice. The first time we talked about all things wholesale, and then then invited me back to talk about trade shows. This week we're running both episodes over here on Proof to Product. Big thanks to Kelly and Caroline for having me on their show. If you’re not already familiar with Creative Biz Rebellion, go check it out. Kelly and Caroline do an amazing job of supporting product based businesses through their programs and podcast. They were also guests on Proof to Product — visit the links below to find them over at Creative Biz Rebellion and here on Proof to Product. Links: Creative Biz Rebellion Proof to Product with Caroline Hull (Ep 45) Proof to Product with Kelly Parker Smith (Ep 56) Have a wonderful week friends and thank you for listening to and supporting Proof to Product. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you! What if you could sit in a room with 30 other product makers who are doing exactly what you’re doing -- building a business they love! You could share resources, leverage each other’s experiences and learn from those who are where you want to be. Imagine the growth potential! Join us March 14-15th in Los Angeles for our Paper Camp Conference. Over 800 brands have attended Paper Camp. Brands that sell to stores like Target, Paper Source, Container Store, Anthropologie and independent boutiques internationally. This program is for you if you’re a stationery or gift company interested in selling wholesale, exhibiting at trade shows or looking to expand your outreach to wholesale customers. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and sharing everything we know. Get all the details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list. SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!
For our Thanksgiving break, we've lined up something special just for you. We'll be airing two episodes I recorded with my friends Kelly and Caroline at Creative Biz Rebellion. These ladies were kind enough to have me on their podcast, not just once, but twice. The first time we talked about all things wholesale, and then then invited me back to talk about trade shows. This week we're running both episodes over here on Proof to Product. Big thanks to Kelly and Caroline for having me on their show. If you’re not already familiar with Creative Biz Rebellion, go check it out. Kelly and Caroline do an amazing job of supporting product based businesses through their programs and podcast. They were also guests on Proof to Product — visit the links below to find them over at Creative Biz Rebellion and here on Proof to Product. Links: Creative Biz Rebellion Proof to Product with Caroline Hull (Ep 45) Proof to Product with Kelly Parker Smith (Ep 56) Have a wonderful week friends and thank you for listening to and supporting Proof to Product. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you! What if you could sit in a room with 30 other product makers who are doing exactly what you’re doing -- building a business they love! You could share resources, leverage each other’s experiences and learn from those who are where you want to be. Imagine the growth potential! Join us March 14-15th in Los Angeles for our Paper Camp Conference. Over 800 brands have attended Paper Camp. Brands that sell to stores like Target, Paper Source, Container Store, Anthropologie and independent boutiques internationally. This program is for you if you’re a stationery or gift company interested in selling wholesale, exhibiting at trade shows or looking to expand your outreach to wholesale customers. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and sharing everything we know. Get all the details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list. SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!
As my podcast Creative Biz Rebellion celebrates 100 episodes, I’m doing some reflecting on how our launch went and some things that worked really well for us. Launching can look different for everyone but there are creative ways to create excitement. Launching can be scary, but once you jump that hurdle, you will get into the flow. So get launched! Ready to start launching your podcast? Download my free Podcast Launch Checklist here. Want to take it a step further? Join my FREE 5 Day Launch Challenge! Want to be in the know when I launch my new challenge and Mini Podcast Launch Guide? Head here to get updates! Let’s Connect Learn more about me at www.carolinecreates.com Instagram @carolinecreates Rate, Review, Subscribe Want to ask me a question or learn more about my podcast editing services? Say hello at hello@carolinecreates.com
In 2005, Stephanie Meyer's YA vampire romance fantasy Twilight kicked off a four-book series, a blockbuster movie franchise, and generally a pop culture phenomenon. NBD. In Episode 17, podcaster and entrepreneur Kelly Parker Smith joins us to discuss all things Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, from the moodiness of Forks to the nature of their relationship… and, of course, we cover the age old #TeamEdward vs. #TeamJacob debate. Is Edward weirdly overprotective? Is it cool to be a vampire? We cover these questions and so much more! Check out Kelly's work at Hello World Paper Co. (www.helloworldpaperco.com), Creative Biz Rebellion Podcast (www.creativebizrebellion.com), and Creative Rebel Base (www.creativerebelbase.com). Follow Hello World Paper Co. (@helloworldpaperco), the Creative Biz Rebellion podcast (@creativebizrebellion), and Kelly's pattern designs (@kellyparkersmith) on Instagram, too!
You may be one type of person. You may be the type of person who, you are currently working in a job and you have that side hustle that you really enjoy, but it just kind of supplements whatever you do for a living right now, and you’re happy where you are. Or, you might be the person who is currently working a job and you have that side hustle, but you have a bigger dream, and you are pushing towards that bigger dream, and you just want that bigger dream to come true, and you are just paralyze. Maybe it’s by fear, or by second guessing your talents or yourself, and you’re just not quite there yet. You’re not quite at the point where you feel like you can take that leap, to pursue that dream full time. At what point do you think you’ll be ready? At what point do you feel like, ‘yes, this is the time, this is the day that I’m going to take my dream full-time, I’m going to turn my side hustle, into my main hustle,’? My guest this week is Kelly Parker Smith. She is the Founder of Hello World Paper Company. She is a rubber stamp designer, and manufacturer, who lives just outside of St. Louis in Belleville, Illinois with her husband, three boys, and rescue kitten Katniss. She has grown her shop, Hello World Paper Company, with the idea that great products become even better when paired with top notch customer service, a little surprise and delight, and of course the perfect packaging. But here’s why I loved Kelly’s story so much: she had a dream, and she set out with a goal to build a school with Pencils of Promise, a school through her business. Today we’re going to dive into her business, and her purpose behind her business, which is building this school and providing education for other kids. ON GIVING BACK FROM THE BEGINNING From Kelly’s own wedding gifts, to her very first client’s charity of choice, giving back has been a foundation of Kelly’s business from the very beginning. However, it was her career as a teacher that truly sparked her love for providing education to all children. Hello Paper Company has pledged to build a school with Pencils of Promise, donating a percentage of profits every month. ON BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR FULL TIME Kelly talks the difficulties of balancing a full time career, while having such a passion for her side hustle. Taking a leap of faith in making her business full-time allowed her to make more time for her family, while also making an impact. However, becoming an entrepreneur did not come without sacrifice, hard work, and a lot of faith in the vision for her company. ON CREATING QUALITY OF LIFE Sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a higher paying salary to have better quality of life. Kelly talks the importance of examining your happiness and well-being to decide if your career path is truly benefitting you. Investing in others to bring onto your team, others who may do certain tasks better than yourself, not only frees up space in your day, but also in your mind. ON BUILDING A SCHOOL WITH PENCILS OF PROMISE Pencils of Promise is an organization that builds, and staffs schools, in third world countries. Hello World Paper Company has pledged to raise $35,000 to build and staff a full school. Kelly talks about her passion for Pencils of Promise and how children in these countries are craving the education that we often take for granted. About Kelly Smith, Founder of Purpose Generation: Kelly Parker Smith is a rubber stamp designer and manufacturer living just outside St. Louis in Belleville, IL with her husband, her three boys and their rescue kitten Katniss. You can also find Kelly co-hosting the Creative Biz Rebellion podcast where she and Caroline Hull show other product based business owners how to build, maintain, and grow a profitable product based business through their podcast and online courses. Kelly has been interviewed on The Strategy Hour, All Up In Your Lady Business, Positively Creative and more. Hello World Paper Co products have been featured in Town & Country, Southern Weddings, and Saint Louis Magazine. CONNECT WITH KELLY Website: https://www.helloworldpaperco.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloworldpaperco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloworldpaperco/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/helloworldpaper/ Podcast: https://www.creativebizrebellion.com Courses: http://www.creativerebelbase.com Special thanks to CAUSEBOX for sponsoring this week’s Business with Purpose podcast. Use coupon code MOLLY for $15 off! Join my Purchase with Purpose Facebook group and let’s continue the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/purchasewithpurpose/ Subscribe to the Business with Purpose podcast (and I’d love it if you left a review** on iTunes!) Subscribe on iTunes** Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Radio Public Subscribe via Podcast RSS Feed **Want to know how to leave a review of the Business with Purpose Podcast on iTunes from your iPhone or iPad? Launch Apple’s Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter “Business with Purpose“ Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the Blue album art for the podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom. Enter your iTunes password to login. Tap the Stars to leave a rating. Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send.
On today's show, I have Kelly Parker Smith, Owner & Creative Director of Hello World Paper Co, located in Belleville, Illinois. Kelly and I started working together earlier this year and guys, this woman does it all! She not only runs a product-based business selling customized stamps and laser engraved goods, but she's also the co-host of the popular podcast Creative Biz Rebellion, designs fabrics and illustrations, runs online courses and workshops for creative entrepreneurs...the list continues! Kelly and I talk about how she started Hello World Paper Co, what it's like living with a chronic illness and how she manages her autoimmune disease while running a business, what she thinks people misconceive about being an entrepreneur and a whole lot more. Excited for you to tune in and hope you enjoy! Full show notes at: http://brittneyllynn.com/041 In today's episode, you'll find out: How Kelly started Hello World Paper Co and the steps she took to quit her full-time job as a teacher. How she balances all of the different projects she has her hand in and how to set up systems for your business (or life!). Advice she would give to anyone who wants to start a product-based business. The struggles she's had as someone living with a chronic illness and advice for anyone listening who currently struggles with having an autoimmune disease. What she thinks people misconceive about being a product based small business owner and an entrepreneur. Links mentioned: Kelly's Pencils of Promise fundraiser Follow Kelly: Website Etsy Shop Podcast Courses Instagram Art & Illustration Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or Google Play Leave an honest review on iTunes. The ratings and reviews help for two reasons: 1) Most importantly, I get to know you, the listener, and what content you enjoy the most. 2) The more reviews the podcast has, the better chance it has at getting in front of new listeners. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Join the Facebook group to interact with guests and other listeners Join the Day in the Life newsletter
aMy name is Caroline and I’m an introvert and I never thought I would have a podcast. I went from ballet dancer to podcaster and that long and windy road has led me here. Now I’m a podcast editor and producer for others. I love podcasting but the thing I love most is how I’ve found my voice and I love watching my clients find their voices too. When I started my podcast with my co-host called Creative Biz Rebellion, I never imagined how it would change my life. Not only has it totally changed my business, but it’s changed how I view myself. So this is my story about my journey and my perspective on podcasting in my life. Let’s Connect Learn more about me at www.carolinecreates.com Instagram @carolinecreates Rate, Review, Subscribe Want to ask me a question or learn more about my podcast editing services? Say hello at hello@carolinecreates.com
Kelly Parker Smith is a multi-talented business owner and creative artist. Kelly is a rubber stamp designer and manufacturer living just outside St. Louis. She has grown her shop, Hello World Paper Co., with the idea that great products become even better when paired with top-notch customer service, a little surprise and delight, and the perfect packaging! Kelly is also the co-host of the Creative Biz Rebellion podcast where she and Caroline Hull show other business owners how to build, maintain, and grow a profitable online shop through their podcast and online workshops. In her free time Kelly enjoys painting and drawing on her iPad Pro and is soon to release her second fabric collection with Sweet Bee Designs fabric company. On today’s episode Kelly is sharing how she juggles multiple arms of her business - manufacturing stamps, designing fabric and mentoring through her podcast. We also talked about time management, prioritizing profitable tasks and setting boundaries to protect our time. Kelly also share three strategies for enhancing your Etsy shop. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: All of the different arms of her business How she got started designing a fabric collection The benefits of trying something new and how it influences all areas of her business How Kelly balances all of the different aspects of her business The way that she maps out her week & how she prioritizes tasks The importance of setting boundaries and saying “no” The responsibilities of Kelly’s office manager and why she decided to hire her from the beginning Why she decided to have a secondary site in addition to Etsy Kelly’s tips on enhancing your Etsy listings Her advice for someone just starting out in a product based business What’s next for Hello World Paper Co. KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “When you feel stuck in one area of your life creatively, it's so important to try something new.” - Kelly Parker Smith “For me, money talks. What do I need to get done first? Who's paying me to do what that I have to get done? Then, when I have that scheduled out for the week, I look at what do I need to do to move forward in my business? Then, I schedule that out.” - Kelly Parker Smith “When our calendar gets so full it doesn't leave a space to breathe. It doesn't leave a space to think and to plan and to really execute on the high priority things.” - Katie Hunt “I don't have notifications on for my Etsy shop, I don't have notifications on my phone for my emails.” - Kelly Parker Smith “Every time I brought somebody on my team, my business grew, my revenue grew, and my sanity came back.” - Katie Hunt “Etsy is amazing. It's a great place to start, it's a great place to be. We'll never leave Etsy as long as it's there, but the thing is that you can't put everything you have into one platform, especially if you don't own it.” - Kelly Parker Smith “You have to think like a buyer.” - Kelly Parker Smith “I went in the direction that my business was telling me to go in. I listened to where the money was coming in, I was very meticulous in my bookkeeping, and I really looked at patterns and what was selling and what was making me profit and what wasn't. I just followed essentially what my business and my customers were telling me.” - Kelly Parker Smith LINKS:Lisa Congdon’s Creativebug ClassesPattern Camp with Jessica SwiftInkwell Press Planner CONNECT WITH KELLY: Website(s): http://www.helloworldpaperco.com http://www.creativebizrebellion.com http://www.kellyparkersmith.com Social Media Links: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/helloworldpaperco http://www.instagram.com/creativebizrebellion http://www.instagram.com/kellyparkersmith Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helloworldpaperco http://www.facebook.com/creativebizrebellion http://www.twitter.com/creativebizreb Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helloworldpaper Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/helloworldpaper FREE TRADESHOW WORKSHOP: If you’re gearing up for trade show season and need help creating a beautiful booth that doesn’t break the bank, I want to invite you to my free masterclass. I’m sharing my three secrets to maximize your trade show investment and keep wholesale orders coming in long after you trade show end. To join me for this free workshop, head to www.theboothblueprint.com to register! SUBSCRIBE TO PROOF TO PRODUCT: If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list. ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!
TSBC alum Caroline Hull is the founder of Caroline Creates. A designer and owner, Caroline has a background in music and was actually a ballet dancer at the University of Oklahoma before finding her niche in design and podcasting. Caroline has a passion for helping other small business owners like herself through her podcast, Creative Biz Rebellion. On today's episode, we're talking about switching gears in business, the benefit of taking a break to really reassess how you're feeling about things and she also shares how past experiences shaped who she is and what she's doing today. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Caroline’s career path and what motivated her to start Caroline Creates Her custom wedding invitation designs and how the word got out about her Etsy shop Making the transition from working Caroline Creates part-time to full-time How her move to Nashville impacted her business and her decision to transition to the wholesale market The pain points that made her realize she needed to make some changes in her business Her decision to homeschool her children and how that impacted her decision to pivot in her business Taking a break in her business to evaluate how she felt and what she wanted to change Transitioning her Etsy shop to all downloadable products or drop ship The start of her podcast, Creative Biz Rebellion and how she met her co-host, Kelly How community and professional development have impacted her business How Caroline became a podcast producer and editor The growth of her podcast business Caroline’s advice to anyone just starting a product-based business KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “The business itself started to feel more like a chore and a burden and it felt very hard and it felt like I was constantly having to fight to get to where I wanted to go.” - Caroline Hull “It's hard to make changes sometimes in our business unless we're forced to.” - Katie Hunt “I would not have that podcast [Creative Biz Rebellion] and the success of that podcast is having and the joy that it brings to me if I hadn't have had the business in a way that I had it.” - Caroline Hull “I think that is super important is to be able to say, ‘You know what, things aren't working. I need to take a step back and see how I feel.’” - Caroline Hull “These print-on-demand services and the drop shipping options, they're really great especially for people that work at home and are still at the beginning stages of their business or scaling back and don't want to have a whole manufacturing warehouse.” - Katie Hunt “When I could feel like my business was hitting a point where I needed to grow but I wasn't sure how to do it, that was when I knew that I needed to go do something and be around people who knew more than I do.” - Caroline Hull “I've become like this mini podcast launch cheerleader and helping people figure out all the pieces that they need to get going.” - Caroline Hull “Podcasting was a hobby and now it's my business and doing the shop and the design was my business and now it's gone back to being my hobby.” - Caroline Hull “It is so just amazing that by opening myself up and being open to new possibility that I've ended up with this business that I love that to me is so similar to the original thing I had set out to do when I was a young 18-year-old.” - Caroline Hull LINKSWebsite: www.carolinecreates.com Website: http://creativebizrebellion.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinecreates/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/carolinecreates JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY: Do you want to scale your business and add new revenue streams? Are you ready to get a handle on your cash flow and tuck money away for retirement? Maybe you are interested in increasing your visibility and fine-tuning your marketing outreach? Perhaps you have a team that you want to nurture or need help building your team? Our newest on demand program, Paper Camp+ can help you with all of these things and more. The program includes 5 keynote presentations and 2 panels from a wide range of business experts. You can watch what you need, when you need it most and revisit the videos as often as you’d like. This course was built for anyone running a product based business, and extends way beyond the paper industry. Enroll at www.tradeshowcamp.com/pcplus! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!
Today on the Podcast, Guest Caroline Hull: If you've ever been guilty of doing #AllTheThings than you know what it's like to be running on empty. Maybe you find yourself taking on too many projects, doing tasks you have zero skill or interest in, and chasing goals that aren't actually aligned with your values or longterm vision. But, like too many, you pound more coffee and pull more late nights. Why? Because you're a hard worker; maybe even a "helper." You want the best for everyone and you have a hard time saying, "No." Still, deep down, something's screaming at you: "STOP this train! I want to get off." The workload isn't sustainable; the lifestyle isn't satisfying; the support isn't there. You think, "What am I doing wrong?" Beat Burnout Before Burnout Beats YOU: You, me, WE can all get overloaded at times. Especially in those first 1-3 years of creative entrepreneurship where there's not, yet, enough cashflow or hands on deck to do all the jobs. Once the excitement and novelty of "launching" wears off, and the banal day-to-day operations kick in (if you've even mapped out what those are), it's easy to lose steam. No wonder you find yourself wearing 3,000 different hats, with 25 half completed projects, jumping from course to course, trying to DIY your marketing + your design + your website + your social media + your sales + your offerings. Of course, you feel "behind."Anyone would. You've forgotten who you are, what you want, why you started. Truth? Until you get clearer — clearer with your time, your money, and your energy — this spinning of the wheels won't quit. AND, without realizing it, you'll bury your business right into the ground. Ooh, ouch. I know. Designing Your Year Helps: That's why, last spring, when I started pre-production on the Dreamcatchers District Podcast I knew better than to do it myself. In the Fall/Winter of 2016, I had already mapped out project goals for Q2 and Q3 of 2017. I knew what I wanted more of, what I wanted less of, why, and what my role(s) would be in creatively directing that vision. I designed a plan and it felt goooood. Did it all go exactly without a hitch? That's adorable. Of course not! That's why systems, structures, strategies and emotional support are so dang important. Then, at least 70-80% of the time, things can go pretty smooth sailing. You know where you're going, you know how to get there, and you know why it's worth it. When the wind changes? You can steer that baby back to shore. While I "technically" could have done many of the tasks associated with editing, publishing, distributing and marketing a podcast — it was clear to me where my time, money, and energy was best spent. Given my stage of business, I knew exactly where to focus my strengths and how to produce revenue generating activities. And learning audio editing? That sure wasn't it. Enter My Podcast Producing Partner in Crime ... Caroline Hull of Caroline Creates. Now, if you’re running an online products based business, you're most certainly familiar with Creative Biz Rebellion; the podcast she co-hosts with Kelly Parker Smith of Hello World Paper Co. But what you might not know is the behind-the-scenes story of how this mamapreneur transitioned from ballet dancer to designer to dedicated podcast producer. Down the road we'll be hosting a future episode on How to Launch a Podcast, confessing all the mistakes we made along the way. But today's conversation is all about changing careers and discovering who you want to be. May we all be as warm, funny, and resilient as this woman. My producer, my friend, my Sweet Caroline. In this Episode We Talk About: • Why worshipping the Ballet God had become her whole identity • How she healed poor body image and a full blown eating disorder • The permission she gave herself and how she pivoted from dance to design • What it really felt like to chase something that wasn't working • When she was finally done with licking envelopes at 4am • The myth of Time Management (side note: this will be a future episode) • The Naptime Hustle vs the Pinterest mamapreneur fantasy • Why she chose to homeschool and the costs that had on her business • The 2 titles that are most important to her • Why doing #AllTheThings is the fast track to burnout • The truth about why most creative entrepreneurs procrastinate • What makes her joint venture with Kelly Parker Smith so fun • What she believes the Universe is trying to tell you • When she shifted priorities and hit up against values conflicts • Why podcast editing is the perfect fit for her introverted heart • How Flow and Grit are opposite sides of the same coin • The way she came to see failure and the lessons she's learned Get Ready to Hear All The Behind-The-Scenes Stories & Insights from Caroline Hull Mentioned in this Podcast: • Follow Caroline Hull: Twitter , Instagram , Facebook • Podcast: Creative Biz Rebellion • Quote: "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." ~ Einstein • Past Episodes: Listen to Episode #006 to hear when is the right vs wrong time to take on a creative project • The Dreamcatchers District Creative Direction: For Your Beliefs and Business, Ask Me How This is Not a Monologue, Chime In! Rate, Review and Subscribe. Share this with your friends. Listen with your team. Send it to yo mama! • Got a question you want answered on the podcast? • A guest you want interviewed? • Email your biggest challenges, aha’s, and guest nominations to info @ DreamcatchersDistrict.com . (I read 'em all, ya'll!) • Or if you're on the Anchor App, "Call In" to our Anchor Radio Station and ask your question there!
Dorothy speaks with Carolyn Keating of Wholesale for Creatives, which offers support, strategy, and systems for product based business owners. We dive in with wholesale pricing, working with rep groups, and chat about how many products you need to start a wholesale line. For more information: http://wholesale4creatives.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewholesalecollective/ On Today's Show: (6:00) how she started in the retail world (13:00) is your business set up for wholesale? (14:00) Wholesale for Creative's offerings (14:30) Perfect Your Pricing Course (16:00) Wholesale Pricing (19:00) Wholesale Terms to Know (32:00) How many items do you need to start wholesale? (35:00) Wholesale shows and walking them first (43:00) Working with Rep Groups (51:00) Sourcing (58:00) Nicole Schwartz - lawyer for product based businesses, Heather Crabtree's Savvy Group, Creative Biz Rebellion
On today's episode Dorothy speaks with Kristin Vermilya on product photography, brand photography, on launching her podcast, How to Fail, and on blogging tips. Through her photography she helps connect your brand by sharing your personality with your dream audience and your communities. http://www.kristinvermilya.co/ http://www.howtofailpodcast.co/ https://www.instagram.com/kristinvermilya/ On Today's Show: (7:00) her photography tiers on product photography (8:00) on figuring out your brand (9:00) how to set up a DIY product photoshoot (10:00) seamless paper a continuous white backdrop (11:30) how to edit photos on your iPhone (12:00) a color story app (16:00) her take on flat lay photos and donuts (17:30) Planoly, an app that plans your Instagram photos! A MUST NEED! (18:00) brand photography (22:00) DIY stock photography for artists and makers (24:00) How to Fail! Podcast (28:00) one of Kristin's recent failures (30:00) on Instagram following (37:00) Creative Biz Rebellion (42:00) blogging tips, Think Creative Collective, Femtrepreneur (52:00) Reina and Co, Emily McDowell, Lara Casey Cultivate What Matters
Join Dorothy as she chats with Kelly Parker Smith and Caroline Hull about their new podcast, Creative Biz Rebellion. They dive into various topics for product based businesses in their weekly episodes, from having an Etsy Action Plan to goals and resolutions. Listen in on how Kelly and Caroline run the podcast and their respective creative companies from their homes, Hello World Paper Co. and Caroline Creates, all while being moms! "We want to have, not balance, but harmony in our lives." - Kelly Parker Smith Follow along for more Creative Biz Rebellion: www.creativebizrebellion.com www.instagram.com/creativebizrebellion https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativebizrebellion/ Follow along and join the Positively Creative Community: www.positivelycreative.net www.instagram.com/positivelycreativepodcast www.facebook.com/groups/positivelycreativepodcast On Today's Show: (4:00) Caroline Creates (5:00) Hello World Paper Co. (6:00) How Caroline & Kelly met - Creative Founders (7:00) The start of the podcast (9:00) On just starting the work (10:45) Dana Malstaff's Trello Course (14:30) Etsy Action Plan (17:45) On having a positive attitude (18:45) Rock Your Shop Summer Challenge Free Course (21:00) Easy Shop Calendar (21:00) Rock Your Shipping Mini Course (22:00) Resources (23:00) Creative Biz Rebellion's Guests (27:00) Work from home Mom life (45:00) On podcast advertisers (53:30) Paige Poppe (54:00) Lara Casey (55:00) On trying to simplify (1:00:00) Inkwell Press (1:05:00) Jessica Swift Pattern Camp (1:06:00) Kelly's Patterns