Weekly-ish notes on navigating big change

Podcast

Retreat organizer and knitwear designer Varian Brandon

Today I'm delighted to be talking to retreat organizer and knitwear designer Varian Brandon. She shares how she got started designing, what a normal workday is like, and how she deals with the Comparison Trap. Varian's a member of the Starship (which is open now!) and we discuss how it's shaped how she thinks about her business. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast99/

Today I'm delighted to be talking to retreat organizer and knitwear designer Varian Brandon. She shares  how she got started designing, what a normal workday is like, and how she deals with the Comparison Trap. Varian's a member of the Starship (which is open now!) and we discuss how it's shaped how she thinks about her business. If you loved this episode, hang out with Varian on Periscope!

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

There's no transcript for this episode since it's an interview, but you can sign up below to get transcripts of all the other podcasts!

Be the Captain of your ship

When you own a business, it's on you to be the captain of your own ship. But what does that mean? It means you choose the course, you plan the action, you take responsibility. If you'd like to join a community of other biz owners who are captain-ing their own ships, The Starship is now open! Learn more at TaraSwiger.com/starshipbiz.

The Starship is now boarding!

The Starship is called the Starship because it a space full of people who are interested in being the Captain of their own ship. But what does that mean?

To be the Captain of your business and life: 

  • Take ownership
  • Set a course
  • Choose the tools
  • Sail your own ship

We discuss exactly how to do that in this episode!

Got a question you want to ask me about my business, podcast, life, or do you want to get my answers to your business questions? Call and ask me! Your question may make it into episode 100! Just call  (567) 393-8272 THIS week! 

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

Singer, designer, intentional living guide Lynn Hershberger

Today I'm thrilled to be talking to singer, Intentional Living Coach for creatives and Starship Captain Lynn Hershberger. Please note that the Starship isn't open now..but it will be in just a few days! Find out more at TaraSwiger.com/starshipbiz

Today I'm thrilled to be talking to singer, Intentional Living Guide for creatives and Starship Captain Lynn Hershberger. Please note that the Starship isn't open now..but it will be in just a  few days! Sign up here to learn more!

We discuss: 

  • How she combines multiple creative income streams 
  • How she manages to work on all the different areas of her business
  • Makers have a LOT of supplies – how to deal with the clutter
 
Links

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

There's no transcript for this episode since it's an interview, but you can sign up below to get the transcripts for all the other podcasts!

Yarn shop owner and Craft Wars survivor, Esther Hall

On today's podcast I'm interviewing yarn store owner and Craft Wars veteran Esther Hall. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast96/

At Midwest Craft Con, I was delighted to meet Esther Hall, owner of Yarn It and Dash in Columbus. After about 5 minutes of talking to her, I blurted, “Oh my goodness, my listeners would loooove to meet you! Can I interview you for my podcast?”

After teaching all day, we snuck into the “trade show” space, set up my phone, turned on Periscope, and started recording.

We discussed: 

  • What it was like to be on TLC's Craft Wars (with Tori Spelling! Ahh!)
  • How she researched and put together a business plan for her yarn shop (there is so much to learn here!)
  • How she chooses indie vendors to work with

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

Interview podcasts don't come with transcripts, but you can sign up below to get the transcripts for all the regular podcasts!

Fit all of your marketing pieces together

Blogs, newsletter, Twitter, Instagram… does your marketing work together, or is it random and fractured? In today's episode you'll learn: What most people are doing wrong with their marketing How to make your marketing both easier and more effective An example, from a real student, of fitting it together.

Blogs, newsletter, Twitter, Instagram… does your marketing work together, or is it random and fractured? In today's episode you'll learn:

  • What most people are doing wrong with their marketing
  • How to make your marketing both easier and more effective
  • An example, from a real student, of fitting it together.

Remember – we're going to be diving deep into this TODAY in the webinar. Register here.

 

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

4 steps to sound like a human, connect with your customers (and sell more stuff)

Do you feel nervous about sharing your work on social media or your blog? Do you worry about sounding too sales-y and end up sounding too much like a robot? You're not alone. Welcome to Explore Your Enthusiasm episode 94, with me Tara Swiger In today's episode you'll learn: Why it's important to sound like a human online The two mistakes people usually make with social media 3 steps to sound like a human and connect with your customers (without getting too uncomfortably personal). Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast94/

Do you feel nervous about sharing your work on social media or your blog? Do you worry about sounding too sales-y and end up sounding too much like a robot? You're not alone. Welcome to Explore Your Enthusiasm episode 94, with me – Tara Swiger.

In today's episode you'll learn:

  • Why it's important to sound like a human online
  • The two mistakes people usually make with social media
  • 3 steps to sound like a human and connect with your customers (without getting too uncomfortably personal)

 

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

The Difference between Arrogance and Confidence

There's a difference between arrogance and confidence, and your confusion about the two might be hurting your business. Today, inspired by the participants of the Biz Confidence Challenge, we're going to talk about the difference between being arrogant and being confident in your business and your product and why it's important for you to be proud of your work. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast93/

There's a difference between arrogance and confidence, and your confusion about the two might be hurting your business. Today, inspired by the participants of the Biz Confidence Challenge, we're going to talk about the difference between being arrogant and being confident in your business and your product and why it's important for you to be proud of your work.

You can join the totally free 6 week Biz Confidence Challenge at TaraSwiger.com/bizconfidence + you can participate in the community by using the hashtag #bizconfidencechallenge.

 

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

Inspiration isn’t enough.

Inspiration isn't enough. In fact, on its own, it can be dangerous. Today we're talking about the power, magic, and challenge of Inspiration. Listen in at https://taraswiger.com/podcast92/

Inspiration isn't enough. In fact, on its own, it can be dangerous.
Today we're talking about the power, magic, and challenge of Inspiration.

Inspiration is wonderful. It feel GREAT while you're feeling it, right?

But then: What?

What comes after Inspiration?

To join the (free) Biz Confidence Challenge, head here. 

How to listen

Why you’re afraid of setting a goal

Choosing is hard. But to move your business foward, you need to set goals and work towards them. But what if you don't have a goal? What if you can't seem to narrow it down and pick one? Last week Lynn asked me, on Periscope, "What if you're afraid of setting a goal?" I know Lynn's not alone, because last week I worked through the Map-Making Guide with The Starship. The first step (spoiler alert!) is setting an endpoint for the map – the specific, measurable goal you want to reach in the next 3-6 months. It was this step, the most obvious starting place, that caused the most distress. In this episode, we'll discuss why it's hard to choose a goal, and how to do it anyhow. More at TaraSwiger.com

Choosing is hard. But to move your business forward, you need to set goals and work towards them. 

But what if you don't have a goal? What if you can't seem to narrow it down and pick one?

Last week Lynn asked me, on Periscope, “What if you're afraid of setting a goal?”

I know Lynn's not alone, because last week I worked through the Map-Making Guide with The Starship. The first step (spoiler alert!) is setting an endpoint for the map – the specific, measurable goal you want to reach in the next 3-6 months.

It was this step, the most obvious starting place, that caused the most distress. In this episode, we'll discuss why it's hard to choose a goal, and how to do it anyhow.

 

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

 

The 8 Best Books for your Creative Business

There are so many great books for creative business owners out there, but everyone needs to read something different, depending on where they are in their business journey. Today on the podcast I'm sharing the 8 best books I can think of for every stage of business. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast90/

What are the best books for your creative business?

Today I decided to share the best books for your specific situation. Listen in to find out what I suggest for where you are in your business journey!

 This topic was suggested by Ana on Periscope. I broadcast these podcast recordings a whole week early, on Periscope. If you’d like to get early access, follow me at Periscope.tv/TaraSwiger. I also publish a video version of this podcast on YouTube along with a new lesson every week!

 

Resources:

 

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

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