エピソード

  • Where Are You in Your Creative Journey? A Mid-Year Check-In for Creative Entrepreneurs

    Where Are You in Your Creative Journey? A Mid-Year Check-In for Creative Entrepreneurs
    2026/08/31

    Takeaways:

    • Transitioning from a W2 job to full-time entrepreneurship requires careful planning and commitment.
    • Diversifying income streams is essential for creative entrepreneurs to achieve financial stability.
    • Embracing AI technology can enhance creativity rather than replace it, as it offers valuable tools.
    • Collaboration among creative professionals can lead to shared resources, reducing individual burdens and increasing opportunities for success.
    • Participating in structured challenges can guide entrepreneurs toward predictable income and business growth.
    • Understanding one's current position and future goals is crucial for successful entrepreneurship and navigating challenges.

    Links referenced in this episode:

    • Credit Savant IO

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • FIFA
    • Mind of my Creative business
    • MMC
    • Creative to CEO
    • Credit Savant
    続きを読む 一部表示
    28 分
  • Rigidity Is the Death of Opportunity: A Brand Strategist's Guide to Getting the "Yes"

    Rigidity Is the Death of Opportunity: A Brand Strategist's Guide to Getting the "Yes"
    2026/08/24
    What if being creative had less to do with what you make and more to do with how you build your life and business?In this episode of Minding My Creative Business, Ron and Shai sit down with brand strategist, marketing leader, creative entrepreneur, and North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee CMO Noelle LeVeaux for a conversation about what it really means to think like a creative entrepreneur.With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Noel shares how a background in mathematics and analytics shaped her approach to creativity, why flexibility creates opportunities, and how creative entrepreneurs can stop thinking only about deliverables and start solving bigger client problems.The conversation also explores how Noel assembles teams, gives people autonomy, evaluates high-profile opportunities, manages capacity, and keeps her personal values aligned with the brands she represents.What You'll Learn In This EpisodeCreativity Is Bigger Than Your CraftBeing able to create something doesn't automatically mean you're approaching your life creatively.Noel challenges creative entrepreneurs to apply the same imagination they bring to their craft to how they find opportunities, build careers, solve problems, and structure their businesses.Sometimes the opportunity isn't through the obvious door. Creativity means being willing to find another way in.Flexibility Creates OpportunityRigidity can quickly turn a potential opportunity into a "no."Whether you're presenting creative concepts to a client or navigating your career, being too attached to one solution limits what can happen next.Instead of taking an idea too far before receiving feedback, Noel recommends creating room for collaboration early in the process.Stop Selling. Start Solving.Clients aren't talking to you because they want another sales pitch.They have a problem.The job of the creative entrepreneur is to listen closely enough to understand that problem and then demonstrate how they can solve it.Sometimes the solution goes beyond your own expertise, which is why having trusted collaborators can dramatically increase the value you bring to a client.Build the Solution, Not Just the AssetA beautiful logo, video, website, or campaign asset isn't necessarily valuable if the client doesn't know how to use it.Creative entrepreneurs can create more value by thinking beyond the deliverable.Who else needs to be involved?Where will the creative be used?How will it be promoted?What actually needs to happen for the client's objective to be achieved?By assembling the right partners, a creative can move from delivering one asset to providing a much more complete business solution.Build Teams That Can Own the WorkNoel doesn't stay organized simply by adding more project management tools.She builds teams around people who can take ownership.Her approach is to give capable team members autonomy and empower them to make decisions without constantly waiting for approval.Instead of every decision flowing through the founder, each person can operate almost like a "mini CEO" over their area of responsibility.Don't Let Specialization Become a LimitationExpertise matters, but defining yourself too narrowly can close doors.Noel values people who have a primary expertise while still being capable of operating across different responsibilities when necessary.Knowing exactly what you do is useful.Constantly telling people what you don't do can become a limitation.Capacity Is a Strategic DecisionMore business isn't automatically better business.When Noel accepted the opportunity to work with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, she knew it would require significant capacity.That meant intentionally scaling back other client work.Sometimes a strategic opportunity may even produce less money in the short term while creating credibility, experience, and access that can open much larger doors later.How Noel Evaluates OpportunitiesNot every opportunity should be evaluated purely by its paycheck.Two of Noel's biggest considerations are:1. Brand and exposureDoes the opportunity create meaningful positioning, experience, or access?2. AlignmentDoes she actually believe in the organization, product, or mission she's being asked to represent?If an opportunity conflicts with her values, a large paycheck isn't enough to make it worthwhile.Your Mission Makes Saying "No" EasierMission statements aren't only for nonprofits.Knowing what your business stands for creates a filter for opportunities.When money is attached to something, saying no can become difficult. A clearly defined mission helps determine which opportunities actually belong in your business.Personal Brand and Business Brand Aren't Completely SeparateIn a world where clients, employees, audiences, and partners can see more of our lives than ever before, maintaining completely separate identities becomes difficult.Noel's advice is simpler:Find one version of yourself that feels authentic in both spaces.Your...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    55 分
  • How She Built a Marketing Agency from Scratch | The Systems Every Creative Business Needs

    How She Built a Marketing Agency from Scratch | The Systems Every Creative Business Needs
    2026/08/17

    What does it actually take to grow from a solo entrepreneur into a real business owner? Many creatives start with a skill, some turn that into freelance work — but only a few build a company that can run beyond themselves. In the Season 7 premiere of Minding My Creative Business, Ron and Shy sit down with Sammy Bivens, Founder and CEO of Digital Marketing Maven & Associates, to trace her path from selling handmade jewelry to leading a full-service marketing agency — and why systems, relationships, adaptability, and continuous learning became the foundation of her success.

    What You'll Learn
    • Your first business doesn't have to be your forever business — Sammy's jewelry company taught her customer service, marketing, and confidence before the agency ever existed.
    • Stop waiting until you "need" systems — documentation for onboarding, delegation, and quality control has to exist before growth creates chaos, not after.
    • Discovery comes before strategy — her team never leads with tactics (social, website, ads) until they understand a client's goals, audience, and capacity.
    • Digital marketing is bigger than social media — SEO, email, CRM, Google Business Profile, analytics, and automation are all part of the ecosystem most creatives ignore.
    • Relationships still win — networking, partnerships, and community have driven more opportunity than any platform or algorithm.
    • AI doesn't replace marketers — it improves efficiency and workflow, but not critical thinking or strategy.
    • Build a business that can pivot — algorithms change, platforms disappear, and the businesses that survive are the ones willing to adapt.
    • Hiring isn't about replacing yourself — it's about protecting quality while the business grows past your personal capacity.
    • Community creates confidence — no entrepreneur grows completely alone.
    • Leadership requires continuous learning — Sammy still invests in programs like Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, even years into running her agency.

    Key Quotes
    • "Start how you want to finish."
    • "You don't know what you don't know."
    • "Community has been one of the biggest contributors to my growth."
    • "Social media is only one part of digital marketing."
    • "If I don't pivot, my business won't survive."
    • "AI is a tool — not the strategy."

    Links referenced in this episode:

    • digimarketingmaven.com
    • creditsavant.io

    Website: https://www.mmcbpodcast.com

    Join the Creative to CEO Challenge:

    • https://www.creativetoceochallenge.com

    Closing Affirmation

    "All it takes is intention, consistency, and laser focus to mind my creative business."
    続きを読む 一部表示
    47 分
  • Season 6 Recap: The Biggest Lessons Every Creative Entrepreneur Needs to Hear

    Season 6 Recap: The Biggest Lessons Every Creative Entrepreneur Needs to Hear
    2026/08/03
    This podcast episode serves as a comprehensive recap of Season Six, wherein we delve into the transformative journeys of creative entrepreneurs who are determined to shift from mere survival to thriving within their craft. Central to this discussion is the invitation to engage in the Creative to CEO challenge, a five-day live coaching experience designed to cultivate a mindset that fosters both purpose and profitability. Throughout the season, we have highlighted the significance of collaboration over competition, emphasizing that true success often emerges from partnerships that elevate all involved parties. We reflect on inspiring conversations with notable guests, including those who have exemplified the power of community and innovative thinking in their respective fields. As we conclude this season, we encourage our listeners to revisit the episodes that resonated most deeply, ensuring they glean the invaluable insights shared by our esteemed guests.Six Episodes. Six Experts. One Clear Message.Season 6 of the Minding My Creative Business Podcast wasn't just another season—it became a blueprint for creative entrepreneurs looking to build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and scalable.In this special recap episode, Ron and Shy revisit the biggest insights from every guest and every solo teaching episode, connecting the themes that defined the season:Collaboration over competitionLearning through rejectionBuilding businesses with characterEliminating revenue leaksBecoming media readyCreating scalable offersIf you've missed any episode—or simply need a refresher—this recap ties the entire season together.What You'll Learn In This EpisodeEpisode 42 — Collaboration Is Your Competitive AdvantageThe season began with one powerful mindset:Everybody wins—or nobody wins.Featuring Ramon Ray and Dominique Damas, the conversation challenged creatives to stop viewing collaboration as competition.Key lessons:Collaboration multiplies opportunities.Advisors are valuable collaborators too.The biggest limitation in your business is often how you view partnerships.Protect your ideas—but don't isolate yourself.One quote summarizes the episode perfectly:"Alone we can do so little."Episode 43 — Rejection Is Market ResearchIsabelle Bora completely reframed rejection.Instead of chasing "yes," she intentionally pursued 100 no's because every conversation helped her refine:pricingpositioningnichemessagingRather than seeing rejection as failure, she treated it as customer research.Her persistence eventually helped her build a premium bridal business charging thousands of dollars for specialized services.Lesson:Every conversation is data.Episode 44 — Character Is Part of Your Business StrategyCindy Beasley shared how witnessing toxic leadership in Hollywood pushed her toward entrepreneurship.Instead of accepting the industry's culture, she decided to build something different.Key ideas:Leadership creates culture.Character becomes part of your business model.Build the table instead of waiting for a seat.Communities create opportunities faster than individuals.Her work with Creative Cipher and XL Fest shows how ecosystems help creatives grow together.Episode 45 — The Hidden Places Your Business Is Losing MoneyOne of the biggest takeaways from Season 6:Most businesses aren't losing money because of poor marketing.They're losing money because their client journey is leaking revenue.Ron and Shy explain seven stages where businesses commonly lose profit, including:slow inquiry responseonboardingfulfillmentreferralscustomer experienceEvery stage should intentionally move customers toward greater value.Episode 46 — PR Doesn't Create a BrandWith Brianna Gatling (Swank PR), the conversation focused on a common misconception:PR is not the foundation.PR amplifies the foundation.Before investing in publicity, businesses need:a clear messageconsistent positioningsystemsoffers that actually workVisibility only accelerates what's already there.Episode 47 — Branding Is More Than AestheticRay Christine explained that beautiful visuals don't automatically create memorable brands.Real brands are built through:strategypositioningresearchconsistencycustomer perceptionShe also demonstrated how turning her own strategic process into a framework allowed her business to scale beyond one-on-one client work.Episode 48 — More Clients Won't Fix a Broken OfferPerhaps the biggest lesson of the season.When revenue drops, creatives usually think:"I need more clients."But that's often the wrong diagnosis.An unclear offer only creates:more confusionmore delivery problemsmore unhappy clientsmore burnoutInstead, creators need offers that are:clearrepeatablescalablevaluableThe episode also introduces MMCB's CRAFT Method, a framework designed to help creative entrepreneurs build signature offers that can grow with their business.The Biggest Themes Across Season 6Although every guest came from a different industry, they all ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
  • More Clients Won’t Save You: The Offer Problem Creating Chaos in Your Business

    More Clients Won’t Save You: The Offer Problem Creating Chaos in Your Business
    2026/06/29
    Your revenue didn’t drop because you need more clients. It dropped because your offer is broken.

    In Episode 48 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron break down one of the most dangerous beliefs in the creative space:

    “I just need more clients.”

    But the truth is:

    More clients + unclear offer = more chaos.

    This episode dismantles the “volume trap” and replaces it with a system that actually scales — the CRAFT Method, a framework designed to help creatives turn scattered services into structured, profitable offers.

    If you feel stretched, underpaid, or constantly chasing leads…

    this isn’t a marketing problem.

    It’s an offer problem.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • The Volume Trap: Why “More Clients” Makes Things Worse
    • Why Unclear Offers Destroy Your Business
    • The CRAFT Method (How to Build a Real Offer)
    • Why High Value > High Volume
    • How to Turn Scattered Services Into One Offer
    • Why Custom Work Is Killing Your Scalability
    • Why Pricing Must Be Defined (Not Flexible)

    Quotable Moments

    “More clients plus an unclear offer equals more chaos.”

    “Doing more feels productive — but it’s reactive.”

    “You don’t need more clients. You need a better offer.”

    “Freelancers ask what to charge. CEOs define the outcome.”

    “High value beats high volume.”

    “Clear offer equals better clients.”

    Connect with MMCB:

    • Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043
    • Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Website: www.mmcbpocast.com

    You Have the Creativity. Now Build the Business Around It.

    Every creative has a story — but talent alone is not the business. Structure is what turns ideas into income, consistency into growth, and creativity into something sustainable.

    That is the work behind the Creative to CEO Challenge. In five days, Ron and Shy will help you clarify your signature offer, price it with confidence, and build a 90-day plan that gives your creative business direction, focus, and momentum.

    If this episode reminded you that your creativity deserves more structure, this is your next step.

    Join the Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com

    Build with intention. Create with heart. Turn your creativity into a business that lasts.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分
  • Why You’re Not Ready for PR (Yet): The Systems, Positioning & Truth Most Brands Ignore | Rae Christine

    Why You’re Not Ready for PR (Yet): The Systems, Positioning & Truth Most Brands Ignore | Rae Christine
    2026/06/22
    You don’t need PR — you need to get your foundation together first.

    In Episode 47 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron sit down with Rae Christine, a 20-year PR veteran and brand architect, to break down one of the biggest misconceptions in the creative space:

    people think they need PR… when they’re not even ready for it.

    This episode goes beyond branding theory.

    It exposes:

    • what actually drives revenue in a PR agency
    • why most brands are just “shells”
    • how positioning vs aesthetics changes everything
    • and the uncomfortable truth about readiness

    Because visibility doesn’t fix broken brands.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why Most Brands Are Just “Shells” (And People See Through It)
    • Brand Positioning vs Brand Aesthetic (The Real Difference)
    • The Biggest Branding Mistake: Overcomplicating the Message
    • How a PR Agency Actually Generates Revenue
    • Why the Framework Is the Real Product
    • The Hard Truth: Not Everyone Should Hire PR
    • The Role of Integrity in High-Level Services
    • How to Protect Your Time as a CEO
    • Why Most Creatives Underprice (And Realize Too Late)
    • The Hidden Lesson: You Might Not Need PR Yet

    Quotable Moments

    “If your foundation isn’t real, people see right through it.”

    “Sometimes you just have to tell the truth.”

    “PR is not a shortcut — it’s an amplifier.”

    “If it’s outside scope, say it.”

    “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

    “What are they managing if nothing is built yet?”

    Connect with MMCB:
    • Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043
    • Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Website: www.mmcbpocast.com

    You Have the Creativity. Now Build the Business Around It.

    Every creative has a story — but talent alone is not the business. Structure is what turns ideas into income, consistency into growth, and creativity into something sustainable.

    That is the work behind the Creative to CEO Challenge. In five days, Ron and Shy will help you clarify your signature offer, price it with confidence, and build a 90-day plan that gives your creative business direction, focus, and momentum.

    If this episode reminded you that your creativity deserves more structure, this is your next step.

    Join the Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com

    Build with intention. Create with heart. Turn your creativity into a business that lasts.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • 18 Years in PR: The Real Systems, Sales & Strategy Behind High-Ticket Clients | ft. Briana Gallen

    18 Years in PR: The Real Systems, Sales & Strategy Behind High-Ticket Clients | ft. Briana Gallen
    2026/06/15
    You want bigger clients… but you’re not operating like someone who can handle them.

    In Episode 46 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron sit down with Briana Gallen, founder of Swank PR, to break down what it actually takes to run a high-level PR business after 18 years in the game.

    This episode is not theory.

    It’s not “motivation.”

    It’s real execution — from onboarding systems, to pricing structure, to pitching at scale, to managing client expectations.

    If you’re still freelancing without structure…

    if your income is inconsistent…

    if you want $30K–$40K clients…

    This episode shows you exactly what needs to change.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why High-Ticket Clients Require Structure (Not Just Talent)
    • The Real PR Workflow (Step-by-Step)
    • Why She Gets Paid 45 Days Ahead (And Why You Should Care)
    • The Truth About PR: It’s NOT About Making You Money
    • What “Media Ready” Actually Means
    • Why Systems Beat Custom Work Every Time
    • The Metrics That Actually Matter in PR
    • Why Most Creatives Undervalue Their Work
    • Why You Can’t Depend on One Client

    Quotable Moments

    “My job is visibility — not your revenue.”

    “If you want high-ticket clients, you need high-level systems.”

    “You plant seeds everywhere… they grow when they’re supposed to.”

    “You can’t depend on one client.”

    “If your cup is empty, you can’t serve anyone.”

    “Not everyone is meant to be a CEO — and that’s okay.”

    Connect with MMCB:

    • Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043
    • Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness
    • Website: www.mmcbpocast.com

    You Have the Creativity. Now Build the Business Around It.

    Every creative has a story — but talent alone is not the business. Structure is what turns ideas into income, consistency into growth, and creativity into something sustainable.

    That is the work behind the Creative to CEO Challenge. In five days, Ron and Shy will help you clarify your signature offer, price it with confidence, and build a 90-day plan that gives your creative business direction, focus, and momentum.

    If this episode reminded you that your creativity deserves more structure, this is your next step.

    Join the Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com

    Build with intention. Create with heart. Turn your creativity into a business that lasts.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • You’re Not Broke — Your Client Journey Is Broken: 7 Hidden Leaks Costing You Thousands

    You’re Not Broke — Your Client Journey Is Broken: 7 Hidden Leaks Costing You Thousands
    2026/06/08
    You’re getting inquiries… but the money still isn’t consistent. Why?

    In Episode 45 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron break down one of the most overlooked reasons creative entrepreneurs struggle to scale:

    a broken client journey.

    You’re getting messages.

    You’re booking clients.

    You’re delivering work.

    But something still feels off.

    That “off” feeling?

    It’s profit leakage happening across your entire process.

    This episode walks you step-by-step through the full client journey — from first inquiry to repeat purchase — and exposes exactly where creatives lose money, time, and opportunities.

    If your income feels inconsistent, this is not a marketing problem.

    It’s a systems problem.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • What a Client Journey Actually Is (And Why Most Creatives Ignore It)
    • Phase 1: Attraction — Where Most Money Is Lost First
    • Why Qualification Isn’t About Rejecting People
    • Phase 2: Activation — Where Structure Creates or Kills Trust
    • The Hidden Cost of Poor Onboarding
    • Phase 3: Fulfillment — Where Most Creatives Guess Instead of Systemize
    • Why You Need SOPs (Even If You Hate Systems)
    • Phase 4: Ascension — The Most Ignored Revenue Opportunity
    • The Real Reason You Feel “Busy But Broke”

    Quotable Moments

    “You’re not broke — your client journey is broken.”

    “If you don’t respond, you already lost the sale.”

    “Don’t reject — redirect.”

    “If it’s not documented, it’s not scalable.”

    “Busy doesn’t mean profitable.”

    “Your job isn’t just to deliver — it’s to guide the journey.”

    Resources & Links

    Join the Creative to CEO 5-Day Challenge

    👉 www.creativetoceochallenge.com

    Business Credit Support (up to $150K):

    👉 creditsavant.io

    Connect with MMCB:

    🌍 Website: www.mmcbpodcast.com

    📸 Instagram: @mmcbpodcast

    “All it takes is intention, consistency, and laser focus to mind my creative business.”
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分