Explore Your Enthusiasm
136 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsTap into what makes you feel like YOU by following your enthusiasm. Each week we’ll discuss finding joy, mental wellness and enthusiasm by finding time and energy to do more of what feels fun. Yes, FUN, even in times of big transition, in the middle of caregiving, in your life.
Gardening, reading, sewing and knitting are how I follow my enthusiasm. How do you follow yours?
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Episodes
217: Translate Love into Sales - Your questions answered
July 25, 2018 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBHow do you translate passion into sales? Today I’m answering a question from an Instagram friend! On Instagram, I asked for your questions and IMDCreates asks, “I am scared to ask but here goes I am a crocheter and I am proud of what I do but it doesn't seem to translate into sales how can I change this for my business?” Sales don’t just happen, sales are a result of clear communication. Sales happen because the person who wants what you sell, clearly understands (because you communica...
216: When things don't go as planned
July 18, 2018 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBNow that you've reviewed the year so far, you have probably recognized some things that did not turn out as planned. How do you feel? Do you feel horrible about that? Crushed? How do you handle it when things don't turn out as planned? Disappointments. They happen. I've heard from a lot of you that you actually skip doing your monthly or quarterly review, because you know you didn't hit your goal and you don't wanna acknowledge it. But here's the thing: You have to acknowledge where yo...
215: Goals vs Systems: How to reach your 2018 goal
July 11, 2018 11:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBYou need a goal. And a system. What if you don't need a goal to do what you need to do? Let's talk about what a goal is good at, and not good at, and get you ready for the rest of the year! Welcome to the second half of 2018. This is the perfect time to look at the goals you set in January and be real with yourself. Are you truly working on them? Have you made progress? What do you need in order to work on them? Today we're going to talk about what to do AFTER you set a goal...and we'r...
214: What I'm reading: June 2018
July 04, 2018 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBI follow my enthusiasm by reading…a lot. And once a month, I share (some of) the books I read last month and the books I intend to read this month. You can join the informal book club by sharing your own list with me on Facebook and find all the posts here. (The usual disclaimer applies.) What I read this month: When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, by Patrisse Khan-Cullors Dietland, by Sarai Walker Howard's End by E.M. Forster Novels by Alifair Burke Ang...
213: Your questions answered: blogging, benefits and slowing sales
June 27, 2018 11:00 - 29 minutes - 41 MBThis week I answered questions from my Instagram followers! collekecreations How do you feel/like blogging as a business model? So writing blog posts and having a shop added to your site with your handmade products? Thanks Tara 😊 devotedquilter I understand the difference between features and benefits when I'm talking about my quilt patterns, but I have trouble applying it. For example, I include the finished size of the quilt and the techniques used to make it, but those are both feature...
212: Announcement! Insight to a personal decision
June 20, 2018 11:00 - 46 minutes - 63.3 MBThis week I make a big announcement - we're becoming foster parents! In today's Very Special Episode I explain what that means, how it all works and where we are in the process. Plus I share a very sweet story about my Poppy. Listen in and get access to the library of podcast transcripts at TaraSwiger.com/podcast212
211: On my 36th birthday
June 13, 2018 11:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBIt's my birthday month, and that means it's time to review my year and share the lessons I learned from another year on the earth. Links I mentioned: Map Your Business EssentialEnthusiasm.com Past Birthday posts: 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 (I opened the Starship!) 28 (I launched this site!) 27 Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast211
210: Fit it all together: Your marketing plan
June 06, 2018 11:00 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBEmails. Instagram. YouTube. Facebook. How can you possibly do all the marketing stuff you "should" do? And how can you be sure it's going to be worth your time? The key is to make it all work together - today I'm going to teach you how to think about your marketing so you can make it time effective and increase your sales. Links I mentioned Craft Your Marketing Listen in and get your free workbook at TaraSwiger.com/podcast210
209: What I'm Reading: May 2018
May 30, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBI follow my enthusiasm by reading…a lot. And once a month, I share (some of) the books I read last month and the books I intend to read this month. You can join the informal book club by sharing your own list with me on Facebook and find all the posts here. (The usual disclaimer applies.) What I’m reading How Reading Changed my Life, by Anna Quindlen Dear Farenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks, by Annie Spence Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie An...
208: How to get stuff done when you don't want to
May 23, 2018 11:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week I'm going to talk about something I haven't figured out yet. I'm still working on it, and I know we ALL go through it. How do you get stuff done when you really don't feel it and when you know your best work comes from your enthusiasm? Links I mentioned: Take Care of Yourself with Tara Swiger Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast208
207: The emotional side of uncertainty
May 16, 2018 11:00 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBHow do you deal with the emotional high and lows in your business? We talked about how to deal with financial uncertainty in your biz, but how about the emotional side of it? Links I mentioned: Ep 205 - What I’m Reading: April 2018 Ep 204 - Dealing with uncertainty: Your questions answered Want your Q answered in an upcoming episode? Call me! (567) 393-8272 Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast207
206: Combat Information Overwhelm: your questions answered
May 09, 2018 11:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MBBooks! Podcasts! Classes! How do you handle Information overwhelm? How do you learn what you need to learn and not just totally sidetracked and overwhelmed? Today I’m answering a listener’s question on how to avoid information overwhelm. Links I Mentioned: SelmaLHamilton.com CreativeLive Map Your Business Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast206
205: What I'm Reading: April 2018
May 02, 2018 11:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBI follow my enthusiasm by reading…a lot. And once a month, I share (some of) the books I read last month and the books I intend to read this month. You can join the informal book club by sharing your own list with me on Facebook and find all the posts here. (The usual disclaimer applies.) What I’m reading Crushing It, by Gary Vaynerchuk I dive deep into what it covers in a recent episode of my book + self-care podcast Essential Enthusiasm. You can find it at here or by searching it u...
204: Dealing with uncertainty: Your questions answered
April 25, 2018 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBHow do you manage the uncertainty and slow times in your business? Today I’m answering a question from listener Kristina. Kristina’s question: How do you handle uncertainty in your business? I have up months and down months. Links I mentioned: Pay Yourself Episode 162: How to launch your next product or design If you’d like to get your question answered, just call (567) 393-8272 Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast204
203: Advice to a new business owner: Your question answered
April 18, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MBWhat would I go back in time to tell myself, right as I was starting my first business? Today I’m answering a listener’s question and traveling back in time to give myself advice! Links I mentioned: CC of JavaPurl Design All my books and programs Trust yourself (the post from July 2013) Episode 14: Be Yourself EssentialEnthusiasm.com You can get your question answered by calling (567) 393-8272 and leaving a message! Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podc...
202: Best Advice Ever: Your Questions Answered
April 11, 2018 11:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBWhat's the best piece of advice I've received for my business? Today I'm answering a question from one of the listeners to talk about three different pieces of advice that have shaped my business. Links I mentioned: MadebyMEE IttyBiz.com Havi Brooks Kari Chapin Cooperative Press Market Yourself Gary Vaynerchuk's Document, Don't Create my YouTube channel Take Care of Yourself with Tara Swiger @taraswiger on IG @essentialenthusiasm on IG How I quit my day job series, wr...
201: What I'm Reading: March 2018
April 04, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBI follow my enthusiasm by reading…a lot. And once a month, I share (some of) the books I read last month and the books I intend to read this month. You can join the informal book club by sharing your own list with me on Facebook and find all the posts here. (The usual disclaimer applies.) What I read The Crossroads of Should and Must, by Elle Luna A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dia Sijie Kindred, by Octavia Butler Novels from ...
200: Episode 200 Call in show!
March 28, 2018 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.3 MBIt’s my 200th episode! To celebrate let’s hear from you, the listeners! Thanks so much to the callers who left a message! Nicole at Colleke Creations Deb at Scienceknitster Karen of Karen George Designs Amy of Antemortem arts Mary of Elemental Fiberworks Sarah Wallworth of TricotEdit Listen in and never miss an episode at TaraSwiger.com/podcast200
199: Interview with Tara
March 21, 2018 11:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBIn celebration of my 200th episode, Joeli Kelly is interviewing me! We talk about the mindset shifts I had to make to build this business, the lessons I'm learning and what I'm most enthusiastic about it right now. Links I mentioned: Joeli and her podcast editing services Episode 1 How I changed my relationship with money How to change YOUR relationship with money Pay Yourself My essential oil business and podcast Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast199
198: The power of knowing your numbers
March 14, 2018 11:00 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBKnowing your numbers is powerful. By knowing your profit margins and your goals, you can make a monthly, weekly, and daily plan of exactly what you need to do in order to make the amount of money you need to make. So stop flailing around and get knowledgeable, so you can spend your time as effectively as possible. Links I mentioned: Pay Yourself Call in and leave a message and we'll include it on the 200th EYE show: (567) 393-8272 Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.co...
197: Pressure to be perfect
March 07, 2018 12:00 - 20 minutes - 16.3 MBThere is no pressure to be perfect. Because of Instagram and Pinterest, I feel like I have to have it all together - I need to take prettier pictures, I need to have the perfect house, I need to only be eating organic greens and homemade cupcakes with handmade banners on them! Do you know that feeling? Are you feeling pressured by Instagram to pretend like your life is perfect? Let’s talk about your own role in this pressure. Links I mentioned: My instagram @abeautifulmess @westkn...
196: What I'm Reading: February 2018
February 28, 2018 12:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBI follow my enthusiasm by reading…a lot. And once a month, I share (some of) the books I read last month and the books I intend to read this month. You can join the informal book club by sharing your own list with me on Facebook and find all the posts here. (The usual disclaimer applies.) What I read Four Tendencies, by Gretchen Rubin The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, by Allison Bartlett You are the Placebo, Joe Dispenza Celebrity biographies: The Magnolia Story, Troublemaker No...
195: Your Questions Answered
February 21, 2018 12:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBIn this week's episode I'm answering tons of YOUR questions! Listen in and get access to a free library of podcast transcripts at TaraSwiger.com/podcast195
194: Stand by your prices
February 14, 2018 12:00 - 21 minutes - 29 MB"How can I feel ok about what I charge? How do I stop apologizing for my prices? How do you stand by your prices?" This week I was asked this question and I want to dive deeper into this because it is so so vital for the health of your business and your mental well being. The more confidence you have when discussing your prices, the more sales you'll make. Links I mentioned: #bizconfidence challenge Map Your Business Pay Yourself Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger...
193: What to do when sales are low and you feel awful
February 07, 2018 12:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MBWhat do you when sales are low and you feel awful? We just survived January, which in many industries is the slowest, lowest-sales month of the year. I got a message on Instagram this week of a maker who was having a REALLY bad month. Her sales were at at all-time low and she felt horrible. She was asking me what was something she could do to increase sales? So today I'm going to share with you what I told her. Links I mentioned Pay Yourself Listen in and get your free transcript + works...
192: What I've been reading: January 2018
January 31, 2018 12:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBMonthly reading updates are back! I’m going to start sharing, every month, the books I am reading and loving and the ones that are most impacting my business, mindset and decision-making! Last year I read 70+ books and in 2015 and 2016, I read over 100 each year. And for those 3 years I have reported in on my reading every month, in a blog post. But I kinda accidentally stopped, in July of 2017. There was no real reason, I just kept forgetting to do the blog post! I polled y’all on Ins...
191: Stretch Goals: the key to hitting big goals
January 24, 2018 12:00 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBDid you set a stretch goal this year? How do you know what the right amount of stretch IS? How much is too much? What is ridiculous and what is a good kind of challenging? Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast191
190: What if your success is a fluke?
January 17, 2018 12:00 - 15 minutes - 22 MBWhat if last year was a total fluke? What if it all goes away? What if it *seems* like your business is going well, but it’s all going to fall apart? Yeah, have you been thinking that, when you have a business success? A good launch, a good year, a new client? You are not alone. Links I mentioned: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast190
189: Stop seeking approval (to build a great business)
January 10, 2018 12:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBHere’s a dichotomy: You want to listen to your customers and your audience, to give them what they want, to create an awesome business. But yet, needing their approval has you frozen or afraid or feeling kinda needy. How do you balance this? Links I mentioned: My 2017 year-end review Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast189.
188: How to make a fresh start
January 03, 2018 12:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBWelcome to the new year! This is the time of year when everyone is thinking about their plans and goals and what they want to create...and with that comes a big dose of self-doubt. "Well I've never done that before." "I failed to hit a goal last time." "I have never set such a big goal!" Today - how to start FRESH - how to move forward on your goal no matter what happened last year. Links I mentioned: Why you're afraid of setting a goal Why your goal failed Map Your Business Ho...
187: How to plan for what you really want in 2018
December 13, 2017 12:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBNew Years resolutions are always tricky, so in this episode we'll be talking about how to plan for what you really (like, REALLY, REALLY) want out of the new year. Previous New Years Episodes: 7 Principles to have your best year ever The one resolution you should make (and how to do it) The importance of planning for the new year (and how I do it) Listen in and get access to a whole library of podcast transcripts at TaraSwiger.com/podcast187
186: My favorites: 2017 edition
December 06, 2017 12:00 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBWhat was the best part of 2017? What amazing things did I discover and do and experience this year? It's time for my yearly round-up of my favorite things of the last year! Links I mentioned: Essential Enthusiasm Episode 8: Life Long Vitality with Dave Eaton and Tara Swiger Between Grace & Chaos Podcast Overtone The Starship Take Care of Yourself Facebook Group Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast186
185: Permission to Rest
November 29, 2017 12:00 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MBYou are your business's number 1 asset. You are the producer, packager, marketer, seller and face of your biz. You know what that means? It doesn't survive without you! Now, some of you use this as a reason you can NOT take time off, but I am telling you this is why you NEED to take time off! Links I mentioned: Take a Break without Breaking Your Biz Episode 33: Permission to Take Time Off Episode 130: Permission The Starship #ExploreYourEnthusiasm Listen in and get your free tr...
Sane Holidays: 3 questions for the busy creative
November 22, 2017 12:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBWelcome to your busiest, and potentially your most profitable time of year! And...also potentially the LEAST sane time of year. If you are dreading the holiday season and busyness and scramble, I wanna help you get you ready to have a killer season and fantastic good time. As we leap into Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, I hope this collection saves a bit of your own sanity. How to deal with your family and maintain Holiday Sanity {Video} How to Enjoy the Holidays as a Maker How...
183: How Emotions are Made (and how that impacts your business)
November 15, 2017 12:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBThink about all the decisions that are impacted by your emotions: Doing a scary thing, you feel fear - is this a sign you shouldn't do it? Getting a grumpy email from a customer - do you react with anger? Or with shame? How does that impact the email you send in response? Emotions are part of a healthy life, and I'm a big believer in FEELING your feelings, not just shoving them down or ignoring them. They can shine a light on what's going on and what you need to do or stop doing. Becaus...
182: Fear of disapproval: get over it
November 08, 2017 12:00 - 9 minutes - 12.5 MBAre you unsure of your next step, because you’re afraid of the reaction you’re going to get? Are you avoiding rejection, because you want to have the approval and acceptance of your customers and audience? Yeah, me too. Links I mentioned: Episode 171: How to get more rejection & grow your biz Listen in and get your free transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast182