Friends with Business Benefits
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingFriends with Business Benefits hosted by Charlie Swift and Franky Shanahan is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support.
Hello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the southwest of England.
Franky runs a copywriting business called Love Audrey, helping brands and creative businesses find their voice and tell their story online. As a business mentor to creative mamas, Charlie supports women to build their businesses alongside raising a family.
For the last 5 years, we’ve been meeting for regular co-mentoring sessions. Working for yourself can be lonely at times, but through our monthly meet-ups, we’ve found the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives.
Through our podcast, we hope to continue these conversations, share what we’re learning and also learn from you, our listeners.
Business Mentoring for Creative Mamas: https://charlieswift.com
Copywriting for Creatives: https://www.love-audrey.com
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Episodes
71. Mini Episode - The Cosy Episode
November 10, 2022 05:00 - 18 minutes - 15.8 MBAs we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re sharing how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone. Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year. Links a...
70. To Niche or Not to Niche?
October 27, 2022 06:15 - 29 minutes - 25.4 MBDoes your business have a niche? If not, should it? And how do you figure out what it is if so? These are the big questions we’re addressing in this week’s episode. As well as explaining what a niche is and why defining yours could benefit your business, we discuss our own experiences of niching, and in Franky’s case, letting that niche evolve into something new. We also chat about the different types of niches and share some simple tips to help you identify your own. Links and Furth...
69. Mini Episode - What to do when you feel like quitting
October 13, 2022 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBGiven the cost of living crisis, perhaps many of us have been thinking about how sustainable it is to run a creative business. In this mini episode, we’re going through some things to consider in those moments you feel like jacking it all in. We chat about the importance of checking in with yourself and getting clear on what stumbling blocks you are facing and figuring out if issues are related to life or business (or both). We discuss pivoting your business to adapt, adopting a hybrid bus...
68. Q2 + Q3 Reflection, Q4 Intentions
September 29, 2022 04:00 - 47 minutes - 39.7 MBWe’re back from our summer break! In this chatty episode, we’re reflecting on Quarters 2 and 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of 2022. ...
67. Embracing and creating video content
July 14, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 33.9 MBAs we’ve touched on previously, there’s a lot of negativity out there about video right now, specifically in relation to Instagram and TikTok. But however we might personally feel about the rise of video content, there's no denying it’s become an integral part of the consumer journey. In this episode we're exploring how we might shift our mindsets a little and see video as an opportunity for creative play. We chat about what we enjoy about creating video and share lots of practical tip...
66. Mini Episode - Repurposing Content
June 30, 2022 05:31 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBIs your content working hard enough? In this mini episode, we’re reminding you to repurpose the marketing assets you spend so much time and energy creating for your business. We explain the benefits of this approach, the things we do to extend the lifespan of our content, and share some quick tips to help you repurpose your own. Links and Further Reading Wavve.co Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com
65. How to Stop Hating on Instagram
June 16, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 41.9 MBWe can’t be the only ones who’ve noticed a lot of negativity and hate in relation to Instagram recently. This week, in a follow-up to a popular episode from last year, we’re digging into some of the most common frustrations. From the rise of reels to the demise of organic reach and engagement, we approach the topic with a mix of empathy and tough love, sharing tips and advice to help you improve your experience on the platform and regain control of its role in your business. Because wheth...
64. Mini Episode - Creating Everyday Rituals
June 02, 2022 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15 MBIn this mini episode, we're chatting about rituals and sharing the ways in which we both bring a little ritual to our everyday. We talk about how rituals help cultivate moments of mindfulness, connection and calm and the benefit this can have for business owners. We also get a little deep when discussing how rituals foster a reverence for life and help us to feel gratitude for the little things.
63. How to Do Life and Run a Business
May 19, 2022 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBRunning a home and running a business are intrinsically linked. What goes on behind-the-scenes can have a huge impact on your ability to work, serve others and be creative. This week, we’re sharing the basics we rely on to keep our lives running smoothly so we can show up fully in our respective businesses. From meal planning to cleaning schedules, discover what we’ve outsourced, automated and simplified to make our lives just that little bit easier. Links and Further Reading T...
62. Mini Episode - Plugging Energy Leaks
May 05, 2022 04:00 - 14 minutes - 15 MBYou know those outstanding tasks you can feel hanging over you? The things you never get around to doing but spend a lot of time thinking about? Whether business, personal or domestic, they’re probably draining your mental energy. In this mini episode, we’re sharing some quick tips to help you tackle the tasks you keep putting off. From brain dumps to being your ‘future friend’, find out how to plug those energy leaks and free up headspace for more important things. Links and Further Readi...
61. Q1 Reflections, Q2 Intentions
April 21, 2022 04:00 - 39 minutes - 31 MBIn this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far. After sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for Q2 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of June. Links and Further Reading Friends with Business Boundaries Fr...
60. Mini Episode - The Power of Testimonials & Reviews
April 07, 2022 04:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBWhen was the last time you received a testimonial or review? More importantly, when was the last time you asked for one? In this mini episode, we’re discussing how to gather testimonials and what to do with them once they start rolling in. Given how powerful they can be, there’s also a brief reminder to leave testimonials and reviews for the products and services you use, love and enjoy {including podcasts!}. Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift
59. Friends With Business Boundaries
March 24, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 28.1 MBThis week we’re chatting about healthy boundaries. What are they? Why do we need them? And how do you establish and enforce them? As well as sharing the boundaries we lean on in our own businesses, we discuss some of the challenges involved in upholding them. Franky describes dealing with the discomfort that can arise when a client doesn’t like hearing the word ‘no’ and Charlie reflects on building boundaries as a busy working mama. Links and Further Reading Creating a Seamless, On-Bra...
58. Mini Episode - When and Why to Mute Or Unfollow on Instagram
March 10, 2022 09:33 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBWhen was the last time you curated your Instagram feed? In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the power of muting and unfollowing accounts. Discover what usually prompts us to hit the mute button, the potential benefits and why we think life’s too short for ‘hate follows’. We also touch on some upcoming changes to Instagram and share a few questions to ask yourself the next time you open the app. Links and Further Reading 'What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?...
58. When (and Why) to Mute Or Unfollow on Instagram
March 10, 2022 09:33 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBWhen was the last time you curated your Instagram feed? In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the power of muting and unfollowing accounts. Discover what usually prompts us to hit the mute button, the potential benefits and why we think life’s too short for ‘hate follows’. We also touch on some upcoming changes to Instagram and share a few questions to ask yourself the next time you open the app. Links and Further Reading 'What would your business look like if Instagram disap...
Mini Episode - When and Why to Mute Or Unfollow on Instagram
March 10, 2022 09:33 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBWhen was the last time you curated your Instagram feed? In this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the power of muting and unfollowing accounts. Discover what usually prompts us to hit the mute button, the potential benefits and why we think life’s too short for ‘hate follows’. We also touch on some upcoming changes to Instagram and share a few questions to ask yourself the next time you open the app. Links and Further Reading 'What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared...
The Business Benefits of Hobbies and Interests
February 24, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MBThis week, we’re chatting about Franky’s mission to find a new hobby and what she’s learned since she started pursuing a different kind of creativity. As well as describing the perils of monetising your passions and interests, we discuss nurturing your inner child, exploring curiosity peaks in adulthood, and what it feels like to be a beginner for the first time in years. We also cover how to find time for hobbies, the many benefits, and the big difference between creative work and creative p...
57. The Business Benefits of Hobbies and Interests
February 24, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MBThis week, we’re chatting about Franky’s mission to find a new hobby and what she’s learned since she started pursuing a different kind of creativity. As well as describing the perils of monetising your passions and interests, we discuss nurturing your inner child, exploring curiosity peaks in adulthood, and what it feels like to be a beginner for the first time in years. We also cover how to find time for hobbies, the many benefits, and the big difference between creative work and creative p...
56. Mini Episode - Why we love Ta-Da lists
February 10, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this week’s mini episode, we’re discussing the benefits of writing a regular ta-da list and encouraging you to give this simple practice a go. Discover what a ta-da list is, why Franky is so passionate about them, and how to start writing your own. Don’t forget to tag us in your ta-da lists on Instagram! Links and Further Reading Ta-Da Lists on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift
55. 2021 Reflections, 2022 Intentions
January 27, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 47.6 MBFriends with Business Benefits is back! We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2022, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Links and Further Reading Charlie’s word of the year Franky says hello to 2022 ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 ...
Ep 55. 2021 Reflections, 2022 Intentions
January 27, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 47.6 MBFriends with Business Benefits is back! We’re kicking off the new year with our usual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Discover what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share our goals for 2022, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1. Links and Further Reading Charlie’s word of the year Franky says hello to 2022 ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May Find Us On Instagram @loveaudre...
What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?
March 24, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 27.9 MBWe love Instagram, but are we guilty of putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to marketing? This week, we explore what our businesses might look like if Instagram disappeared and ask whether we’re giving it more focus than it deserves. This episode includes: The dangers of becoming a slave to the algorithm and why trying to ‘beat’ it might mean we’re focussed on being good Instagramers rather than good business owners. Other mediums for communicating with your audience and w...
54. What would your business look like if Instagram disappeared?
March 24, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 27.9 MBWe love Instagram, but are we guilty of putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to marketing? This week, we explore what our businesses might look like if Instagram disappeared and ask whether we’re giving it more focus than it deserves. This episode includes: The dangers of becoming a slave to the algorithm and why trying to ‘beat’ it might mean we’re focussed on being good Instagramers rather than good business owners. Other mediums for communicating with your audience and wh...
53. Intention setting for creative business owners
March 10, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this chatty episode, we’re delving into intentional living and how intention setting can benefit creative business owners. Charlie takes us through some practices for becoming more intentional in our work and life. We discuss seasons in business and why it’s so important to set goals and intentions that align with the season you’re currently in. This episode includes: Intention setting as part of a meditation practice. Journaling for intentional living. Navigating seasons in bu...
Ep 7. Intention Setting for Creative Business Owners
March 10, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this chatty episode, we’re delving into intentional living and how intention setting can benefit creative business owners. Charlie takes us through some practices for becoming more intentional in our work and life. We discuss seasons in business and why it’s so important to set goals and intentions that align with the season you’re currently in. This episode includes: Intention setting as part of a meditation practice. Journaling for intentional living. Navigating seasons in bu...
52. Creating a seamless, on-brand customer experience
February 24, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.8 MBDrawing on knowledge gained from over decade spent working in retail, Franky chats all things customer service and shares how she applies many of the same principles in her online business. As well as discussing why it’s so important to create an intentional, positive customer journey or experience, we dive into different approaches and methods to help you shape yours. This episode includes: - Why the customer journey is important for building brand loyalty. - Different approaches to c...
Ep 6. How to Create a Seamless, On-Brand Customer Experience
February 24, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.8 MBDrawing on knowledge gained from over decade spent working in retail, Franky chats all things customer service and shares how she applies many of the same principles in her online business. As well as discussing why it’s so important to create an intentional, positive customer journey or experience, we dive into different approaches and methods to help you shape yours. This episode includes: - Why the customer journey is important for building brand loyalty. - Different approaches to c...
Ep 5. Some Thoughts on Dropping Balls
February 10, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 25.7 MB“The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass.” Inspired by this Nora Roberts quote, we’re discussing the difference between dropping balls and intentionally placing them down. As well as sharing ways to strip things back in business and life to survive the current lockdown, we talk about tapping into your support network during tough times. We also ponder what becomes of our business goals and dreams when circumst...
51. Some thoughts on dropping balls
February 10, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 25.7 MB“The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass.” Inspired by this Nora Roberts quote, we’re discussing the difference between dropping balls and intentionally placing them down. As well as sharing ways to strip things back in business and life to survive the current lockdown, we talk about tapping into your support network during tough times. We also ponder what becomes of our business goals and dreams when circumst...
Ep 4. How to Write an Engaging About Page
January 13, 2021 05:00 - 26 minutes - 25.9 MBProfessional Copywriter Franky covers why an About Page is so important and shares her advice to help you fill yours with engaging copy. And before you ask, yes, people will read it! The episode includes: Why there’s no one-size fits all approach to creating copy. The importance of telling a story. Creative ways to showcase your personality and build a connection with potential clients. Why your About Page needs to be a stepping stone, not a dead end. Why a headshot should be you...
50. How to write an engaging About Page
January 13, 2021 05:00 - 26 minutes - 25.9 MBProfessional Copywriter Franky covers why an About Page is so important and shares her advice to help you fill yours with engaging copy. And before you ask, yes, people will read it! The episode includes: Why there’s no one-size fits all approach to creating copy. The importance of telling a story. Creative ways to showcase your personality and build a connection with potential clients. Why your About Page needs to be a stepping stone, not a dead end. Why a headshot should be you...
49. 2020 reflections, 2021 intentions
December 23, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 49.6 MBIt’s time for our annual reflection as we say goodbye to another year. In a year that has of course been overshadowed by a global pandemic, we’re discussing our highs and lows in business during 2020. We’re discussing what worked well for us, struggles we faced, what they taught us and the habits that help get us through the tough times. We also chat about our words of the year and share our “Big sexy goals” for 2021.
Ep 3. 2020 reflections, 2021 intentions
December 23, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 49.6 MBIt’s time for our annual reflection as we say goodbye to another year. In a year that has of course been overshadowed by a global pandemic, we’re discussing our highs and lows in business during 2020. We’re discussing what worked well for us, struggles we faced, what they taught us and the habits that help get us through the tough times. We also chat about our words of the year and share our “Big sexy goals” for 2021.
Ep 2. Cultivating resilience
December 09, 2020 05:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MBAs we reach the end of a tough year, we’ve noticed the topic of resilience coming up regularly in conversations we’re having and content we’re seeing. In this episode we delve in what it means to be resilient as a creative business owner and how we can cultivate more. Using an article from Psychology Today as a basis for our conversation, we chat through the ‘seven skills of resilience’ and how we might apply them. The seven skills of resilience: 1: Cultivate a Belief in Your Ability ...
Ep 2. Cultivating resilience
December 09, 2020 05:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MBAs we reach the end of a tough year, we’ve noticed the topic of resilience coming up regularly in conversations we’re having and content we’re seeing. In this episode, we delve into what it means to show resilience as a creative business owner and ask how we can cultivate more - during a global pandemic or otherwise. Using an article from Psychology Today as the basis for our conversation, we chat through the ‘seven skills of resilience’, discussing how we might apply them to running a...
48. Cultivating resilience
December 09, 2020 05:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MBAs we reach the end of a tough year, we’ve noticed the topic of resilience coming up regularly in conversations we’re having and content we’re seeing. In this episode, we delve into what it means to show resilience as a creative business owner and ask how we can cultivate more - during a global pandemic or otherwise. Using an article from Psychology Today as the basis for our conversation, we chat through the ‘seven skills of resilience’, discussing how we might apply them to running a...
47. A reintroduction to Friends with Business Benefits
November 25, 2020 08:44 - 22 minutes - 19.5 MBAfter an extended hiatus, we’re back with season four. Kicking off with a bit of a reintroduction, we chat about what work looks like for us both right now in our respective businesses and share a little about what’s lighting us up professionally. This podcast was recorded in person - socially distanced, of course - before the second lockdown happened in the UK. The episode includes… - A reintroduction from Charlie and Franky and an overview of our respective businesses. - A brief ch...
A reintroduction to Friends With Business Benefits
November 25, 2020 08:44 - 22 minutes - 19.5 MBAfter an extended hiatus, we’re back with season four. Kicking off with a bit of a reintroduction, we chat about what work looks like for us both right now in our respective businesses and share a little about what’s lighting us up professionally. This podcast was recorded in person - socially distanced, of course - before the second lockdown happened in the UK. The episode includes… - A reintroduction from Charlie and Franky and an overview of our respective businesses. - A brief ch...
46. A midyear check-in. Chipping away vs taking a leap.
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 40 minutes - 51 MBWe’re back for our first episode since March, catching up and sharing what life and business has been like for us both during lockdown. During this midyear check-in, we chat about finding a balance between taking bold leaps in business and working slowly but surely towards long-term goals. This episode includes… - A quick check-in with our 2020 goals. - Our thoughts on letting go of disappointment and canceled plans. - Advice on approaching goal setting within our “new normal”. ...
Ep 14. A midyear check-in. Chipping away vs taking a leap.
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 40 minutes - 51 MBWe’re back for our first episode since March, catching up and sharing what life and business has been like for us both during lockdown. During this midyear check-in, we chat about finding a balance between taking bold leaps in business and working slowly but surely towards long-term goals. This episode includes… - A quick check-in with our 2020 goals. - Our thoughts on letting go of disappointment and canceled plans. - Advice on approaching goal setting within our “new normal”. ...
Life and business in lockdown.
April 15, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode, Charlie and Franky catch up about life during the lockdown. We discuss how we’re feeling, how things have changed for us in life and business and chat through the things many of us are dealing with right now. We cover homeschooling, showing up online during these strange times and the positives we're finding in the situation. Plus, Franky shares some insight on bringing her business back from the brink and why it's ok to be surviving not thriving
45. Life and business in lockdown.
April 15, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode, Charlie and Franky catch up about life during the lockdown. We discuss how we’re feeling, how things have changed for us in life and business and chat through the things many of us are dealing with right now. We cover homeschooling, showing up online during these strange times and the positives we're finding in the situation. Plus, Franky shares some insight on bringing her business back from the brink and why it's ok to be surviving not thriving
Ep 12. Rough Patches and Fresh Starts
March 04, 2020 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, Charlie and Franky catch-up and discuss how 2020 is treating them so far. Off the back of Franky’s less than perfect start to the year, we’re deep-diving into surviving rough patches and challenging times in your business. With a new month and season upon us, we’re also thinking about pressing ‘reset’ and discussing why March is the perfect time for a fresh start. This episode includes… - Advice on coping with a rough patch in your creative business. - Some great ti...
44. Rough Patches and Fresh Starts
March 04, 2020 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, Charlie and Franky catch-up and discuss how 2020 is treating them so far. Off the back of Franky’s less than perfect start to the year, we’re deep-diving into surviving rough patches and challenging times in your business. With a new month and season upon us, we’re also thinking about pressing ‘reset’ and discussing why March is the perfect time for a fresh start. This episode includes… - Advice on coping with a rough patch in your creative business. - Some great ti...
Ep 11. 2019 reflections, 2020 intentions
January 08, 2020 05:00 - 51 minutes - 46 MBIn our first episode of 2020 we take a look back at our highlights of 2019, the lessons we learnt along the way and how these are shaping our goals and intentions for the coming year. Charlie discusses learning to be less hard on herself and her conflicting feelings around impending maternity leave. Franky shares how she’s hoping to bring more joy into her work this year and what that might mean for her business offering. We’re chatting about the current big-picture visions for our crea...
43. 2019 reflections, 2020 intentions
January 08, 2020 05:00 - 51 minutes - 46 MBIn our first episode of 2020 we take a look back at our highlights of 2019, the lessons we learnt along the way and how these are shaping our goals and intentions for the coming year. Charlie discusses learning to be less hard on herself and her conflicting feelings around impending maternity leave. Franky shares how she’s hoping to bring more joy into her work this year and what that might mean for her business offering. We’re chatting about the current big-picture visions for our crea...
Ep 10. How to Charge What You’re Worth
December 11, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week, we’re getting personal and discussing that tricky topic of what to charge and how. It’s something Charlie is particularly struggling within these early days of running her business and we’re sure she’s not alone. We cover finding the confidence to market yourself at the “right” price point, what to do if your dream clients can’t afford you, overcoming money hang-ups, and lots more.
42. Charging what you’re worth
December 11, 2019 04:00 - 19 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week, we’re getting personal and discussing that tricky topic of what to charge and how. It’s something Charlie is particularly struggling within these early days of running her business and we’re sure she’s not alone. We cover finding the confidence to market yourself at the “right” price point, what to do if your dream clients can’t afford you, overcoming money hang-ups, and lots more.
41. How to tune into your intuition as a creative business owner
December 04, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 26 MBAre you good at responding to your own intuition? Do you let your gut guide you as a business owner? Is it easier to know when something feels wrong rather than right? In this episode, we discuss all things intuition, attempting to define what it is and sharing some of the tools we use to help us listen to its signs and signals. We cover journaling in all its forms, meditation, mindfulness, tarot and manifestation. Although we use different methods, we ultimately agree it’s important to...
Ep 9 How to Tune into Your Intuition as a Business Owner
December 04, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 26 MBAre you good at responding to your own intuition? Do you let your gut guide you as a business owner? Is it easier to know when something feels wrong rather than right? In this episode, we discuss all things intuition, attempting to define what it is and sharing some of the tools we use to help us listen to its signs and signals. We cover journaling in all its forms, meditation, mindfulness, tarot and manifestation. Although we use different methods, we ultimately agree it’s important to...