Elizabeth Cairns’ Post

This is the number 1 mistake many entrepreneurs make. ↓ They assume. →They assume that people won’t care about their story So they don’t share it. →They assume that podcast shows won’t connect with them because ‘they have nothing to offer.’ If they don’t know you exist and if you are not connecting, why would they? → They assume that building their brand will feel overwhelming. If you are not seeking help it will feel that way. If you want opportunities, you have to create them. Assuming won’t help you build your business, brand, or impact. ⇢That’s why I created a 12 week roadmap that shows you how to: Uncover your story Build your brand Create powerful content And leverage your knowledge. This is the roadmap I use with my clients. And they have discovered the benefits of connecting who they are with the transformation they offer.

“At that point in my career, I had never designed anything on my own. It had always been through a studio, for studio clients, and no one had ever asked me to design anything on my own, but I have some pretty wild ideas about what I think the world should look like.” - Vanessa Watts In this episode, Dan sits down to talk with a fiery design duo who have overcome new business challenges and thrived in the interior design industry. They are the co-founders and current partners of Watts & Dray: Vanessa Watts and Erika Dray. The two provide insights into their journey from creative director and fashion designer into partners who built a company from scratch. Take a listen and hear their story, as well as some valuable insights! 🏨 Don't wait for the perfect moment or perfect plan to start. Begin your entrepreneurial journey with the understanding that learning and adjustments are part of the process. 🏨 Allow room for wild and innovative ideas, and don’t be afraid to pursue unconventional projects. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #entrepreneur #podcasting

Here’s how to do it ⬇️ Want to create a tagline for your brand? Something like ‘No Gatekeeping Smart Girls’ or ‘OOO Entrepreneurs’? Your Identity Architecture should capture the essence of your perfect people. It should make them say “that’s so me!” Speak to them like you would in real conversation. No fluff, just real words. On the Unschool podcast (out now!) part 3 on Identity Architecture will walk you through the exact steps on how to do this. Before you begin ask yourself: + Who do you want to help? + What are their biggest needs? + Why is it important that those needs get solved? Then play with opposites of unexpected combinations when putting words together. You can do this when naming products, your brand, or creating a community mantra. Here’s a few accounts that do this well: @dupephotos - the name itself is so good! @thegoldenbrandco’s course name “No More Bad Photos” @lazymillionaire’s entire persona 🫰🏼 🧠 Comment “157” to get AI prompts for brainstorming, and to hear more in this episode of The Unschool podcast. 🎧 Remember: the best names are always memorable & relatable. Think about what’s going to really resonate and leave a lasting impression. This process should be fun. Don’t be afraid to play around and experiment! 💌 Comment “157” in my Instagram Reel to get the episode sent to your inbox! Here's the Instagram Reel: https://lnkd.in/gRQKTtvF

🚀💬Excited to share my latest podcast appearance on the Business Bros show with Hernan Sias! Join us as we dive 🗣️👥into my education, experience, and journey of working with various businesses. Discover valuable insights and lessons learned that can help you excel in your entrepreneurial endeavors. Tune in now to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration! #Advertisement #digitalmarketing 

Why are you playing it small, afraid to show people who you really are and do what you actually want to be doing in business when all you really want is to be authentically and freely yourself? We've all been there and I'm going to get into what you can do instead to have more purpose and profit in your business as a Virtual Assistant or DFY Service Provider. Here’s what I see from VAs way too often - “I help you save time” accompanied by a pic of them holding a mug and looking at their laptop. Yawn. Listen I have been guilty of this too, but the more you are unapologetically you, the more you attract your actual ideal clients and have a flourishing business instead of getting lost in the sea of sameness. I literally just recorded a podcast episode with a brand and web designer who was telling me about her brand photoshoot that involved fishnets and her baring a lot of skin (stay tuned for that episode, because it’s GOLD). And guess what? She attracts clients she is obsessed with because she shows up as herself. The same goes for YOUR BUSINESS. I see so many DFY VAs & OSPs who feel like they have to operate within the confines of some imaginary box they think they are held in while they are suppressing their actual passions and stuffing down those intuitive hits begging them to do that bigger thing. By making themselves small & limiting their offers to what they think they have to do, they are giving up on that bigger vision they are too scared to go after. I am here to invite you to be yourself, stand tall, follow your intuitive hits, and create a business beyond what they say you “have” to do. The more you are authentically you and do what you’re passionate about, the more sustainable success you will have. P.S. if you are feeling that pull toward a deeper vision, let’s chat - my DMs are open💕 #scalingstrategist  #spiritualbusinessstrategy  #businesstrategy  #businessstrategyconsultant  #bizmentor #soulpreneurs  #freedompreneur  #businessstrategycoach  #smallbusinessstrategy  #shepreneur  #businessstrategist  #smallbiztips  #businessgoals  #buildyourbusiness  #growyourbusiness  #businesscoach  #businessbuilding  #businesscoaching 

3 mistakes founders make with their personal brand strategy... ❌They build on ONE platform. Take it from someone who has had accounts shut down... This is a DANGEROUS place to be.  I recommend at least ONE social media platform you go all in with, one back-up, an email list AND a podcast.  Yes. That's a lot.  But... it matters. ❌They don't position themselves. They think sharing family photos and an occasional thought here and there is going to cut it.  It's not. Your messaging, your content strategy, your intentionality is EVERYTHING. ❌They don't take their personal brand seriously. Then... Sales slow down and they scramble.  Or... They want to start something new, and it is a MASSIVE struggle. The truth is, your personal brand is the one thing that you will carry with you through all of your ventures, companies, and big moves. Cultivate it wisely! Credit: Danielle Cevallos

In this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with the dynamic design duo, Vanessa Watts and Erika Dray, co-founders and partners of Watts & Dray. From their beginnings as a creative director and fashion designer, to building a thriving interior design firm from the ground up, their story is packed with inspiration and invaluable insights. 🌟 Embrace the journey without waiting for the “perfect” moment or plan. Entrepreneurship is about learning and evolving along the way. 🌟 Encourage creativity and innovation. Don’t hesitate to pursue those unconventional projects that can set you apart. Tune in to the full episode and be inspired by their journey and wisdom! Links to the full episode and more are in the comments. #hospitality #entrepreneurship #design #podcast #hospitalitydesign

3 kids, 1 business, and a 20x revenue increase. How does this DTC founder balance it all? We took our client from $20k/month to $400k/month in 8 months. I recently launched my podcast and couldn't find a better guest to start with than her. Here's everything we discussed about running a business as a DTC founder: Guest Background: Amanda is a mother of three, and the founder of Bijou Build. [1] Running a business and a family at the same time is hard. If you don't have good family support, it can take years to scale. In her case, her parents live a mile away, so they took care of the kids in the early days of the business. [2] Find your "do not disturb" time. She worked early mornings and late nights (after her kids were asleep). Carve out at least 2-3 hours where you can do the work that will move your business forward.        [3] Your brand name can make or break your business. If you plan to build an international brand, ensure the word vibes well in other cultures. You don't want to offend foreign cultures in any way. Pick a name that you can trademark. [4] Doing what you love also takes hard work. The narrative that you can do something you love and not work a day is false. You'll have to do a lot of work you don't like just to do what you love. [5] Luck stops when you stop. You have to keep playing the game. You can get lucky, but if you're not there to land it, you lose the chance. When you start your brand, you must believe in what you are doing. If you do, you will be unstoppable. Listen to the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/d-vMYDce What point do you relate to the most as a founder? Share your experience in the comments below!

Hot New Podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire 🔥🔥🔥 In this episode I talk about the numerous takeaways from attending RESACON 2024. Even though I have been in the staging business since 2005, I am always excited to learn from others and share with my coaching clients and listeners. RESACON 2024 did NOT disappoint! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eqefsBXJ You will learn: • How to build a maintain a robust client pipeline • How to build a compelling social media following (hint-it takes time) • What data you should be sharing on social • How to stay top of mind with Real Estate Agents • How to ask for and get the best reviews • How to easily add design services to your menu • The “go to” trade and retail services stagers are using • The negative impacts of discounting our prices and value and how it impacts long term viability • The importance of knowing your numbers in order to stay profitable • How to compete with low priced stagers • What biophilic and fractal design is and how it informs wellness • Why the trades are much more favorable to stagers now • Tips on streamlining your processes and leveraging time when doing a staging • Favorite software of top stagers • Ten things that are non negotiable for successful entrepreneurs

I mentioned in my profile that I love sharing stories about inspiring brands. Last month, I made a list of my favorite ones, and I'm sharing a glimpse of it in the picture below. 👀 It's a diverse collection, more of a brainstorm than a neatly organized ranking. These are just a few brands that came to mind when I thought about the products I use or see daily and what makes them special. What I love about these brands is their clear identity, thoughtful design, and smart marketing. They don't just sell products—they tell stories and share their values. One standout brand on my list is Otta.com, designed by Ragged Edge. I love how clear and engaging the app is, making job hunting a more approachable and even enjoyable experience. I'm also inspired by what Sam Franklin discusses on the "Riding Unicorns" podcast. His insights into entrepreneurship, building experiences and how his team addresses the challenges of job search. You can listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/dfKt9bbE