Unemployed & Afraid

Absolute feels.

Just because we don't do a business (or a role) for our whole life doesn't mean it was a failure. What is it about sunk cost fallacy that keeps us doing what we're ready to move on from? I think about this a lot. Not just because I've battled through pivots and changes and all the head noise that comes with it, but because I've seen it in so many people I speak to who might be right on the edge of making a pivot / starting a business / trying something random (AKA my inbox, which I love, an awesome side benefit of the pod). Some people just have that give it a go energy - and it's something we should draw ourselves towards - Raechel Whitchurch is one of those people. She moved herself from a capital city (Sydney, my spiritual home) to regional living to chase her business building dreams - starting a talent booking agency called Sure Thing Agency and redefining her industry as she goes. When she talks about business you can hear her passion for it. She believes in: 💰Pricing your knowledge well (amen) 🌟 Hiring up as soon as you can 💡 Finding your niche by just getting started And so many more gems. Hear her business story and just try not to be inspired on Unemployed & Afraid - links in the comments as I've still convinced myself I can entice you to stop scrolling LinkedIn and listen right now, or at the very least add it to your podcast feed.

Thrilled to welcome so many new humans to the Unemployed & Afraid podcast, thank you for leaning into the real feels and unique insights from the brave people taking on self-employment and business building. This pod is here to inspire more people to back themselves in business; to start, grow, and work through the chaos that comes with it - because the personal growth you experience is like nothing else. As your host (the human writing this post, hi!) I am so proud to see this growth and see you enjoying the show. Podcasts are an extraordinary (and free!) resource. When they grow through your support it means you're gonna get more of the content you love as the show grows. If you've listened and it's provided you value, please tell your network about it, as although podcasts are often free to consume, they cost money to make, and I really want to keep making this one for you.

If uncertainty makes you squirm, being in business isn't for you, as you just never know what the next email is going to bring - good or bad. I got an email, well a DM actually, from an old friend Stacey Packer, Business Strategist. LinkedIn reconnected us and we caught up for a chat. She then introduced me to Andrew Griffiths. Andrew is one of the most thoughtful, experienced and insightful business owners out there - with his insights poured into 14 (yes, 14!) books on entrepreneurship. I'm currently reading his latest, "Someone Has To Be The Most Expensive, Why Not Make It You?" which is really delivering on the growth vibe, big recommend. We spent well over our allocated time on our first call together talking shop, before recording an epic podcast interview that delivered so many impactful learnings for all the brave business-builders dealing with the daily uncertainty. Learnings like: ·       The naysayers in your life you have to ignore ·       The underestimation of the simple things ·       Teaching from experience over expertise ·       Taking your personal brand seriously ·       And maintaining relevance in an evolving small business landscape That email from Stacey and all that came next was for sure one of the good ones, as was the generous feedback Andrew gave to me which I'll share at another date (this post is all about him). The uncertainty of going after your dreams is deeply invigorating, and also terrifying (hence: the name of this pod). But if you can learn to love it, to thrive within it, your opportunity for growth is unmatched. If you need some guidance and support in your business from people who really get it, this podcast episode is for you - you know what to do - get it in the comments or wherever you pod via Unemployed & Afraid

Here's an under-estimated habit you end up doing a lot of when building your own brand and business: The daily personal pump-up. This could look like cranking Teddy Swims or Keli Holiday tracks to max volume and sing your heart out to the point of almost losing your voice (my current pump-up routine). It could be spending some time with your favourite motivational read (or pod). Or just having a quiet word to yourself (aka a 1-person staff meeting, also a favourite of mine). However it looks, it takes ongoing pump-ups to get yourself in the headspace to tackle days that are often filled with hard, scary, mind-bending tasks, and do it day after day. Motivation is built, it's not a given. After 12 years in business, Kerri-Ann Hooper has this down to an art, and she knows the difference it makes. She’s a high energy human that exudes the positivity and commitment to self-mastery required to build a business that can withstand the inevitably changing market conditions - and the changing internal conditions - as we grow to become the person capable of achieving our dreams, whatever they are. In the sharing of Kerri Ann’s story of building Carnelian Projects Pty Ltd you’ll hear about: ·        Working through a slow cashflow cycle ·        Building a business by pounding the pavement ·        How to keep yourself motivated every single day ·        What it means to have no Plan B ·        And the power of colour in your personal branding If you need some uplifting, inspiring, vibey story sharing about going the distance in business, this podcast episode has got you. Links (drumroll........) in the comments. But if you're following Unemployed & Afraid you won't need them, so you should probably follow the pod wherever you listen (please and thank you).

SO very pleased to have Card.Gift supporting the show - they have an incredible range of gifting that keeps it personal, convenient and valuable. They believe in the brave humans building their business just as we do - it's a match made in business heaven - and how great is it to have such an amazing supporter of this show!

Reflecting over the last 6 years in business with the delightful Kim Kerton, it became apparently clear to me that in times of uncertainty I always went back to my WHY. WHY I started @muk.mat guides all decision for myself and my team. Thank you to Kim Kerton @unemployedandafraid for providing a platform where business founders can feel supported, celebrated and not alone on the rollercoaster of self-employment. LISTEN HERE https://lnkd.in/gmRFEa4i

"In fact, I'm saying I don't want to cook meth." It's not a common phrase for a podcast but I promise it made sense in context. I spoke to Kim Kerton from Unemployed & Afraid and it was a genuine blast (I know people always say that about podcasts but it actually was). In part 1 of 2 we talked about: - How burnout can lead to better things. - The cost of not prioritising marketing. - An honest look at the financial strain of building a business. - The emotion of change that business brings you. - And the role caring for ourselves physically plays in our entrepreneurial success. Check out the link in the comments if you want to avoid some of the glaring mistakes I've made in business and feel free to make fun of me for those in the comments.

Who's doing the dance this weekend?

Reflecting over the last 6 years in business with the delightful Kim Kerton, it became apparently clear to me that in times of uncertainty I always went back to my WHY. WHY I started @muk mat guides all decision for myself and my team.. Thank you to Kim Kerton Unemployed & Afraid for providing a platform where business founders like us can feel supported, celebrated and not alone on the rollercoaster of self-employment. I trust your listeners will relate to the highs and challenges, gain insights from the lessons I've learned along the way.... AND enjoy hearing more about my WHY. Odette Barry Simon Sinek Suzanne Hoyne