Building your Brand

In this solo episode, I reflect on my journey through 2025; celebrating the goals I achieved, the lessons I learned, and the growth I experienced both personally and professionally. From speaking at Adobe Max and launching new projects to working with dream clients and growing the podcast, I share honest insights about what went well, what didn't, and how I'm setting the stage for an even more intentional 2026. Join me as I look back on a year of progress, pivots, and proud moments. I would love to hear all about your reflections and achievements of 2025. I hope you've enjoyed this episode. Come talk to me on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Progress isn't always linear. Sometimes the goals you don't achieve one year become your biggest wins the next. Keep moving forward and celebrate every step. The quality of your work and relationships matters more than the quantity. Focus on attracting clients and collaborators who truly align with your values and vision. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities. Pivoting, trying new projects, and sharing your authentic self can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment. Episode Highlights 0:56 I look back at my Instagram post from the end of 2024 and review the goals I set for that year. 3:11 I reflect on working with clients this year, feeling especially aligned and fulfilled by the people I collaborated with. 6:25 I summarize my progress on all my goals, noting that even if I didn't achieve them in 2024, I made real strides in 2025. 9:45 I talk about the way my personal brand has been affected this year 10:10 A moment to celebrate the podcast

In this episode, I really enjoyed picking the brains of Niki Hutchison, a marketing strategist who is passionate about online businesses marketing themselves like pros. We discuss moving away from amateur ways of doing things to ensure you are marketing like a professional. Even though I am not a trained marketer myself, I have loved learning about it over the last decade of running my business. Niki and I delve into many interesting areas, including demystifying what a 'strategy' actually is, the importance of a multi-channel approach, and the massive impact public speaking can have on your business growth. Key Takeaways: Marketing strategy doesn't have to be complicated: Niki explains that strategy is often over-complicated, but it is simply about starting with your business objective and deciding how to use different channels to achieve it. Don't rely on a single channel: One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is relying on just one platform; instead, you should leverage your own channels (like your email list) alongside partnerships and other people's audiences. The power of in-person connection: Niki shares that speaking on stages and building real-life connections is currently the most effective way she is growing her audience and establishing trust quickly. Consistency creates trust: A major issue is 'ghosting' your marketing; disappearing and reappearing makes it difficult to establish trust with your audience, so it is vital to find a sustainable rhythm. From Overlooked to Fully Booked: Being 'fully booked' isn't about having zero white space in your diary; it's that confident feeling that you are winning at business, clients are coming in, and momentum is building. Episode Highlights: 02:59 – Niki demystifies the word "strategy" and explains why it is actually quite simple. 07:59 – The danger of relying on just one social media channel and the importance of partnerships. 12:54 – Why in-person speaking and events are Niki's most exciting marketing tool right now. 20:19 – How to build reciprocal partnerships to help spread the word about your launches. 34:23 – Niki's top tips for creating a marketing plan that fits into your actual life without leading to burnout. About The Guest: Niki Hutchison is a marketing strategist who helps business owners and brands take a multi-channel marketing approach to market like a pro. She runs two businesses: her personal brand teaching business owners how to market and grow, and an agency specialising in launching for organisations. You can find Niki on Instagram @nikihutchinson, where she basically lives in her DMs, or connect with her on LinkedIn. You can also find out about her in-person events at her website. Mentioned in this episode: Adventures in Marketing: The event Niki hosts in Edinburgh with her friend Abby. Enterprise Nation: Niki is an advisor and trainer for this platform. Adobe Express Scheduler: The tool Niki uses to schedule her content. Habit Share: An app Niki uses to keep on track with her tasks. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

We're in December and I am naturally getting reflective. In today's solo episode I am chatting through my business model and doing a little bit of an audit. I talk about why I've made certain decisions in my business in the way that I run it. I hope you find this episode helpful and insightful. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and these solo episodes in general so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Intentional Small Business: Growth is focused on income and impact, not on building a large team or agency. Work-Life Blend: Achieving a healthy blend (not necessarily balance) between work and personal life is a priority, with flexibility and breaks built into the schedule. Personalized Success: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to business growth; success is about building a business that feels right for you, not following external expectations. Episode Highlights 01:29: Pros and Cons of Employment vs. Freelancing: I chat through the benefits of traditional employment and explain why freelancing feels safer to me, especially after seeing redundancies in tech/design. 03:41: Mindset Challenges & Uncertainty: I discusses the freelancer mindset, dealing with uncertainty, and how evidence of continued work helps ease anxiety. 05:46: Work-Life Blend & Taking Breaks: I talk about the challenge of switching off, the joy of my work, and the importance of scheduling breaks. 07:32: Growth Goals: Income vs. Team Size Mentioned in the episode Paul Jarvis' Book Company Of One

Today on the podcast I am chatting to Josephine Hatch, who is an Innovation Director with over 20 years of experience in foresight, cultural strategy, and brand innovation. Now, you might not totally know what any of that means, but basically, we are talking about trend forecasting! One of the things that really struck me during our chat is that, as creatives and small business owners, many of us do this instinctively without having the formal language for it. This conversation gave me such a good framework for being more strategic about looking at culture and making plans for my business and honestly, Jo's perspective gave me such a boost regarding the value of human creativity. Key Takeaways Foresight vs. Fads: While "trends" are often associated with fast fashion or fleeting fads, foresight is about spotting signals and understanding the macro forces that impact human behaviour. Human Truths Remain: Technology and context change, but fundamental human truths—like the need for connection or joy—stay the same. Successful brands understand how to tap into these enduring feelings. The AI Counter-Movement: As generative AI adoption grows, there is a strong counter-trend towards the "human." People are increasingly valuing imperfections, analog hobbies, and genuine human curation. Look Outside Your Bubble: Real innovation rarely comes from looking at your direct competitors. Instead, look to other industries, art, and culture for inspiration to disrupt your own category. Episode Highlights 02:51 – Joe explains her background and how an Alexander McQueen runway show sparked her interest in how fashion mirrors society. 06:49 – We discuss why "trend" has become a dirty word and the difference between short-term fads and long-term foresight. 12:56 – Joe shares incredible free resources and tools that small businesses can use to spot cultural shifts. 20:23 – A fascinating look at AI, including why the "human touch" is becoming a premium and the rise of analog hobbies. 33:17 – Simple habits you can adopt to become more culturally curious, including how to document the things that inspire you. About the Guest Josephine Hatch is an Innovation Director at The Otherly, an innovation and brand agency that works with global brands and small businesses to help them defend their space and grow with intent. She has spent 20 years working at the intersect of trend forecasting, cultural strategy, and innovation. Website: The Otherly LinkedIn: Josephine Hatch Mentioned in this episode The Otherly https://theotherly.com/ Andres Colmenares, Responsible AI expert and IAM festival co-founder Link to a google drive of trend reports https://bit.ly/2025trending via Global Cultural Strategist Amy Daroukakis. Note that a new set of trend reports will come out around December 2025 Free platform for trends, updated daily https://www.trendhunter.com/ Dezeen, The Dieline and Lovely Package (both good for packaging), Campaignlive https://secondhome.io/culture/ SJ from The Akin's substack is a great read for what's happening in culture https://theakin.substack.com/ Emma Jane Palin's Our Curated Abode https://www.ourcuratedabode.com/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ourcuratedabode/# I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this solo episode of the Building Your Brand podcast, I take you behind the scenes of one of my favorite recent client projects. I share insights into my branding process, the importance of collaboration and communication, and what I think makes for a dream client relationship. I give a candid account of how I work and what I value most in my client partnerships. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Collaboration and Communication Are Essential: The most successful branding projects happen when there's open, honest communication and a true sense of collaboration between designer and client. Clear feedback and regular updates lead to better results and a more enjoyable process for both parties. Client Involvement Builds Confidence: Involving clients at every stage; from initial mood boards to final design tweaks, helps them feel confident in their new branding and ensures the end result truly fits their needs. Clarity Is Kindness: Direct, honest feedback from clients (even if it's blunt) is invaluable. It allows the designer to make the right adjustments quickly and creates a trusting and productive working relationship. Episode Highlights 1:15: The client project: rebranding for Sally Webster and creating a physical journal 4:30: Lessons learned about the importance of communication in client work 7:00: The value of client collaboration and honest feedback 11:00: Step-by-step breakdown of the branding process 12:50: How to get in touch if you want to work with me in 2026 Mentioned in the Episode Sally Webster: Love How You Eat If you're looking for branding or a rebrand in 2026, I am taking on new clients so do get in touch with me and we can book a discovery call

Something that really inspires me in the small business world is how many turn their hands to teaching online, myself included. I remember teaching my very first workshop online to over 350 people around the world during lockdown and absolutely LOVING it. Since then I've taught lots more and created group courses that I'm so proud of which is why I was thrilled to chat to Patricia van den Akker, director of the Design Trust, business advisor, trainer and coach. Patricia's worked with thousands of creatives over the last 20 years and she's recently written a book called Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online. So if you already teach as part of your business or it's something that you are interesting in adding, then I think you're gonna find today's episode so, so valuable where we talk all about how to host workshops and teach really, really well. Episode Highlights 05:06 Patricia shares a tip for online teaching and workshops: "launch before you're ready" to stop procrastinating, noting that getting paid increases commitment 11:59 Discussion on why teaching is beneficial for creative small business owners, including the reality that services are often currently easier to sell than product 16:59 Patricia discusses the psychology of pricing, noting that "when people don't pay, they don't value it" and that charging can actually increase student commitment . 30:00 Patricia outlines her framework for teaching by asking three key questions: "Why do you want to teach?", "What do you teach?", and "How do you teach?" . 39:56 A discussion on facilitation and the realization that often "we teach what we need to learn," and that students frequently learn more from each other than from the teacher . About the Guest: Patricia van den Akker Patricia van den Akker is the Director of The Design Trust, a creative business advisor, trainer, and coach. She has over 25 years of experience working with craftspeople, designer-makers, and applied arts professionals. Book: Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online Website: http://thedesigntrust.co.uk Instagram & Facebook: The Design Trust ‌ I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's solo episode I am chatting about the levels of discomfort we can step into in our businesses to activily pursue growth. 'Get out of your comfort zone' isn't always a helpful phrase when there's no nuance added to the context. I chat through what has now become the normal signs and signals for me that I am in that sweet (horrible) spot of discomfort that is just right for me - uncomfortable but not totally out of reach. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways: "Capacity for Discomfort" is More Useful Than "Comfort Zone" Instead of fixating on leaving your comfort zone, focus on gradually increasing your tolerance for discomfort in ways that are healthy and sustainable. Growth Happens in Manageable Steps You don't need to leap into the deep end; taking one step at a time, with realistic self-belief, leads to more sustainable progress. Discomfort is a Sign of Growth, Not Failure Feeling nervous or uncomfortable is normal and often means you're on the right track. Over time, what once felt scary becomes routine. Everyone's Journey is Unique Your capacity for discomfort, the risks you can take, and the support you have will look different from others. Comparing yourself to others isn't helpful; focus on your own path. Episode Highlights: 0:31: The Problem with "Get Out of Your Comfort Zone": I discuss why the phrase can be unhelpful without nuance and context. 3:57: I share my own journey with my comfort zone 7:07: The Value of Discomfort: I talk through how discomfort signals growth and how repeated exposure reduces anxiety over time. 12:00: I talk about the importance of accepting both positive and negative emotions in business and life. Mentioned in the episode: Charlotte Lewis Speaking Confidence

Have you ever thought about becoming an influencer, or perhaps working with creators to grow your brand? This week, I chat to Jason Tamou, formerly a Social Media Manager at Adobe, who has an incredible wealth of knowledge on the creator economy and influencer marketing. Jason shares his journey from being a videographer and photographer to growing a viral food TikTok brand to working with massive brands like Adobe. He explains why big brands invest heavily in creators and how small businesses can utilise influencer marketing, even without a huge budget. Plus, Jason offers brilliant advice on how you can start building your personal brand and land paid partnerships. Episode Highlights 02:40 - Jason's viral journey: hitting 2 million TikTok followers in 18 months by creating recipe content and being called an "idiot sandwich" by Gordon Ramsay. 06:55 - Why big brands like Adobe rely on influencers, who act as "life consultants" to guide people across niches like finance, fitness, and creative editing. 13:00 - Advice for smaller businesses: starting with UGC (User-Generated Content) is the most cost-efficient way to get creator recognition without paying for their platform's reach. 20:15 - The power of enthusiasm: Jason shares a story of a creator landing a partnership not because of their large following, but because of their consistent effort, passion, and involvement in the community. 24:55 - Why influencer fees are justified: creators wear a minimum of ten hats, including editing, business management, and community engagement. You're paying for years of audience-building, not just one video. About the Guest: Jason Tamou Jason Tamou is a former Social Media Manager for Adobe (UK channels) and is currently working as a freelance editor and social media consultant, helping small businesses and individuals build their personal brands and confidence in social media. Instagram (Creator Account): @‌jasontamou LinkedIn: Jason Tamou I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's solo episode I start the conversation around our identities within our businesses and how our job titles and professional labels shape our sense of identity. I get personal and reflect on navigating multiple roles, the pressure to define myself by a single career, and the freedom to choose my own narrative. I'd really love to know what you think about the labels and titles we give ourselves and whether or not you can resonate with my slight identity crisis! Come let me know your thoughts over on instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast. I really hope you enjoy this episode Key Takeaways The Changing Nature of Careers: Careers are no longer defined by a single job or title for life. It's increasingly common to have multiple roles, pivot between professions, and build a career from diverse income streams. This shift can create identity challenges, but it also offers freedom to redefine yourself over time. Personal Branding: Choosing Your Narrative: You have the power to decide how you present yourself to the world. Personal branding isn't about sharing everything—it's about strategically highlighting the aspects of your identity that feel authentic and meaningful to you. Giving Yourself Permission to Claim a Title: You don't need external validation to call yourself a designer, writer, or any other title. If you're doing the work, you can claim the label. Overcoming imposter syndrome often starts with giving yourself permission to own your chosen identity. Episode Highlights 0:53 Rich Webster setting the scene for my identity crisis 1:23 Titles we give ourselves in our businesses and how we draw identity from them 4:13 How titles and career paths have changed in society over the years 5:14 Who gets to decide what the labels are? 6:06 Personal takeaways 7:16 Why we use labels and titles and why maybe we sometimes shouldn't Mentioned in the Episode Rich Webster's Episode - Build your brand by working less Christine Gritmon's Episode - Why you need a personal brand more than ever If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I was so inspired when I heard Laura Belgray speak earlier this year at the Atomic Con conference in Newcastle, I just had to have her on the podcast! Laura is the founder of Talking Shrimp, and her mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses find the words and the chutzpah to make their business a perfect expression of their personality—what she calls the "holy grail of work". In this episode, we dive into all things email marketing, a practice which has been hugely beneficial for my business, but can sometimes feel challenging. Laura is an expert at making complex things simple, and she shares her incredible advice on: Why "conversational is the new professional" in copywriting. How to write like you talk, even if you were conditioned to write formally. Her genius tips for crafting subject lines that drive curiosity and get opened. How to find "Story Goldmine" in your everyday, mundane life. Redefining "value" in marketing. Her thoughts on AI, the dangers of its style, and its helpful uses. I really hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did! ⏱️ Episode Highlights 02:00: Laura's windy career path from TV promos to becoming an email marketing expert and launching her first course, Inbox Hero. 04:41: The number one piece of advice for writing great copy: read it out loud to ensure you're writing like you talk. 08:29: Why subject lines should not be like article titles and the best way to get people to open your emails (HINT: think like a text message to a friend). 13:16: How daily journaling of small, mundane details can help you discover 'micro stories' that can be turned into great emails. 33:57: Advice on how to find your voice and inject personality into your writing, including keeping track of your specific expressions and using the 'Coat of Arms' exercise. 👤 About the Guest: Laura Belgray Laura Belgray is the founder of Talking Shrimp, a copywriting company with the mission of helping small businesses and entrepreneurs make their business a perfect expression of their personality. Website: http://talkingshrimp.com Instagram: @‌laurabelgray Book: Tough Titties on Living Your Best Life When You're the Effing Worst (Available at talkingshrimp.com/book and wherever books 📚 Mentioned in the Episode Course: The Copy Cure (co-created with Marie Forleo) Course: Inbox Hero (Laura's first solo course) Journaling Platform: http://750words.com AI Tool/Training: Make Your Point training and The Point Finder AI tool Freebie: Laura's subject line guide and Story Goldmine prompt guide (63 surprising places to mine your everyday life for stories that sell) Author/Book: Annabel Monaghan (Laura recommends starting with Nora Goes Off Script) Author/Book: David Sedaris (Laura recommends Me Talk Pretty One Day) 💌 End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!