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
Ep 15. Why did we start a podcast?
March 13, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 31.7 MBIn an episode dedicated to podcasts, we’re chatting about how we first discovered the medium and how our listening habits have changed over the years. Discussing the rise of creative business podcasts, we explain why we wanted to start our own. Charlie explains how we make Friends With Business Benefits and what she’s learned from the process. We also chat about podcasts as content marketing and share some of our favourite shows. Links and further reading: Lucy Lucraft’s Courses Blog...
15. Why did we start a podcast?
March 13, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 31.7 MBIn an episode dedicated to podcasts, we’re chatting about how we first discovered the medium and how our listening habits have changed over the years. Discussing the rise of creative business podcasts, we explain why we wanted to start our own. Charlie explains how we make Friends With Business Benefits and what she’s learned from the process. We also chat about podcasts as content marketing and share some of our favourite shows. Links and further reading: Lucy Lucraft’s Courses Blog...
14. Self-care for the self-employed
February 27, 2019 07:24 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode, we’re discussing a topic that’s very close to our hearts - self-care. We share what self-care means to us personally and what it looks like in our lives and in our businesses. After a period of burnout and poor health, Franky describes how self-care now helps her cope with chronic illness. Charlie chats about prioritising self-care from the beginning of her freelance career, having worked in offices where well-being was often an afterthought. We also discuss wider perc...
Ep 14. What does self-care look like when you’re self-employed?
February 27, 2019 07:24 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode, we’re discussing a topic that’s very close to our hearts - self-care. We share what self-care means to us personally and what it looks like in our lives and in our businesses. After a period of burnout and poor health, Franky describes how self-care now helps her cope with chronic illness. Charlie chats about prioritising self-care from the beginning of her freelance career, having worked in offices where well-being was often an afterthought. We also discuss wider perc...
13. Do you know what you’re selling?
February 20, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, we’re chatting about services and offerings. Charlie has been getting to grips with her new creative mentoring packages and trying to figure out exactly what she’s selling. Franky shares her experience of writing multiple sales pages for numerous clients and outlines the questions she takes business owners through when she’s developing their copy. We talk about avoiding the comparison trap and the importance of knowing what sets us apart. As well as coming back to our ‘w...
13. Getting clear on what exactly you are selling
February 20, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, we’re chatting about services and offerings. Charlie has been getting to grips with her new creative mentoring packages and trying to figure out exactly what she’s selling. Franky shares her experience of writing multiple sales pages for numerous clients and outlines the questions she takes business owners through when she’s developing their copy. We talk about avoiding the comparison trap and the importance of knowing what sets us apart. As well as coming back to our ‘w...
Ep.12 What does it feel like to sell out a workshop? And what about when you don’t?
February 13, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBFueled by a few glasses of prosecco, we’re discussing workshops as Franky celebrates selling out The Wedding Sessions in one day. Sharing her experience of organising 3 in-person workshops, she compares what it feels like to sell out, and what it feels like when you don’t. We discuss how we define, share and perceive success on social media and Charlie shares her experience of having to cancel an event due to poor ticket sales. We also chat about the ‘comparison trap’ and how to deal with ...
12. How it feels to sell out a workshop!
February 13, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBFueled by a few glasses of prosecco, we’re discussing workshops as Franky celebrates selling out The Wedding Sessions in one day. Sharing her experience of organising 3 in-person workshops, she compares what it feels like to sell out, and what it feels like when you don’t. We discuss how we define, share and perceive success on social media and Charlie shares her experience of having to cancel an event due to poor ticket sales. We also chat about the ‘comparison trap’ and how to deal with ...
Ep.11 How do you find clients?
February 06, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, we chat about different ways of finding new clients and winning their business. Charlie talks about the beginning of her freelance career, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of existing ‘real life’ connections. We discuss incidental networking, community building, and why we think it’s vital to keep voicing what you do, either online or in-person. We also cover the question of working for free and how starting out as a freelancer can feel messy and un...
11. How do you find clients?
February 06, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, we chat about different ways of finding new clients and winning their business. Charlie talks about the beginning of her freelance career, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of existing ‘real life’ connections. We discuss incidental networking, community building, and why we think it’s vital to keep voicing what you do, either online or in-person. We also cover the question of working for free and how starting out as a freelancer can feel messy and un...
Ep.10 How do you make time for creativity when you’re so busy being creative for clients?
January 23, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 15.3 MBWhat happens to your creativity when you build a business off the back of it? In this episode, we discuss why Franky’s been struggling to make time for creativity beyond the realms of paid work, and Charlie talks about managing to find time to be creative after becoming a mum. We also discuss what it means to live a creative life, and how redefining what creativity looks like can help us make more space for it. Finally, we challenge ourselves and everyone listening to find time for at leas...
10. How to make time for creativity when you’re busy being creative for clients
January 23, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 15.3 MBWhat happens to your creativity when you build a business off the back of it? In this episode, we discuss why Franky’s been struggling to make time for creativity beyond the realms of paid work, and Charlie talks about managing to find time to be creative after becoming a mum. We also discuss what it means to live a creative life, and how redefining what creativity looks like can help us make more space for it. Finally, we challenge ourselves and everyone listening to find time for at leas...
Ep.9 What’s your career story so far?
January 16, 2019 05:00 - 47 minutes - 67.6 MBCurious about how we got started as creative business owners? Wondering what we did before we went freelance? In this episode, we interview each other, sharing details of our careers so far to give future conversations a little more context. Franky details her journey from high school dropout to freelance writer via a brief career in retail and a return to education with kids in tow. She also describes the serious illness she experienced in 2016 and the impact of her subsequent Chronic Fat...
9. How we got started as creative business owners
January 16, 2019 05:00 - 47 minutes - 67.6 MBCurious about how we got started as creative business owners? Wondering what we did before we went freelance? In this episode, we interview each other, sharing details of our careers so far to give future conversations a little more context. Franky details her journey from high school dropout to freelance writer via a brief career in retail and a return to education with kids in tow. She also describes the serious illness she experienced in 2016 and the impact of her subsequent Chronic Fat...
Ep. 8 How do you dream and plan at the start of a new year?
January 09, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MBIn this episode, we’re talking you through the simple planning process we use to start a brand new year in our creative businesses. Charlie explains why she’s raring to go while Franky describes her slow start to 2019. As well as sharing the questions we ask ourselves to reflect on the previous year, we discuss different types of goals - from big picture business bucket lists and scary financial targets to softer intentions and guiding words designed to carry us through each season. Fin...
8. 2018 Reflections, 2019 Goals & Intentions
January 09, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MBIn this episode, we’re talking you through the simple planning process we use to start a brand new year in our creative businesses. Charlie explains why she’s raring to go while Franky describes her slow start to 2019. As well as sharing the questions we ask ourselves to reflect on the previous year, we discuss different types of goals - from big picture business bucket lists and scary financial targets to softer intentions and guiding words designed to carry us through each season. Fina...
8. 2018 Reflections, 2019 Intentions
January 09, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MBIn this episode, we’re talking you through the simple planning process we use to start a brand new year in our creative businesses. Charlie explains why she’s raring to go while Franky describes her slow start to 2019. As well as sharing the questions we ask ourselves to reflect on the previous year, we discuss different types of goals - from big picture business bucket lists and scary financial targets to softer intentions and guiding words designed to carry us through each season. Fina...
7. (Mini-episode) Our highlights of 2018
January 01, 2019 13:07 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBIn this mini-episode, we’re sharing our businesses and personal highlights of 2018. We discuss how making time for creativity has been important to Charlie in her first full year of motherhood and Franky tells us how much she enjoyed running The Wedding Session workshops during 2018. Both of our personal highlights involve family travels. Charlie reminisces about taking her baby to his first music festival and Franky shares about her family’s very special summer holiday to Thailand. Happ...
Ep. 7 What's your highlight of 2018?
January 01, 2019 13:07 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBIn this mini-episode, we’re sharing our businesses and personal highlights of 2018. We discuss how making time for creativity has been important to Charlie in her first full year of motherhood and Franky tells us how much she enjoyed running The Wedding Session workshops during 2018. Both of our personal highlights involve family travels. Charlie reminisces about taking her baby to his first music festival and Franky shares about her family’s very special summer holiday to Thailand. Happ...
7. Our highlights of 2018 (Mini)
January 01, 2019 13:07 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBIn this mini-episode, we’re sharing our businesses and personal highlights of 2018. We discuss how making time for creativity has been important to Charlie in her first full year of motherhood and Franky tells us how much she enjoyed running The Wedding Session workshops during 2018. Both of our personal highlights involve family travels. Charlie reminisces about taking her baby to his first music festival and Franky shares about her family’s very special summer holiday to Thailand. Happ...
6. Are you ready to grow your creative business?
December 12, 2018 05:00 - 25 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, we’re letting you listen in on one of our co-mentoring sessions. As Franky shares her thoughts about approaching a crossroads in her business, we discuss what upscaling could look like and the pros and cons of the options available. Our chat delves into outsourcing, adjusting our offering, and navigating growth and change as a creative business owner. When’s the right time to upscale your business? How can you grow sustainably while maintaining the personality and heart th...
Ep 6. How do I know I’m ready to grow my business?
December 12, 2018 05:00 - 25 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, we’re letting you listen in on one of our co-mentoring sessions. As Franky shares her thoughts about approaching a crossroads in her business, we discuss what upscaling could look like and the pros and cons of the options available. Our chat delves into outsourcing, adjusting our offering, and navigating growth and change as a creative business owner. When’s the right time to upscale your business? How can you grow sustainably while maintaining the personality and hear...
Ep.5 Are you team analogue or team digital?
December 09, 2018 05:00 - 14 minutes - 12.6 MBIs the pen mightier than the keyboard?! In this episode, we have a friendly debate about the merits of analogue vs digital when it comes to systems and processes. As we discuss the day-to-day running of our respective businesses, Franky declares her love for paper and real ink while Charlie sings the praises of shared calendars and Trello boards. We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter… Links and further reading: How to Trello Franky’s favourite fountain pen Follow us: @_char...
5. Are you 'team analogue' or 'team digital'?
December 09, 2018 05:00 - 14 minutes - 12.6 MBIs the pen mightier than the keyboard?! In this episode, we have a friendly debate about the merits of analogue vs digital when it comes to systems and processes. As we discuss the day-to-day running of our respective businesses, Franky declares her love for paper and real ink while Charlie sings the praises of shared calendars and Trello boards. We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter… Links and further reading: How to Trello Franky’s favourite fountain pen Follow us: @_char...
Ep.4 How do you use Instagram for business?
December 07, 2018 05:00 - 27 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode, we chat about everyone’s favourite social media platform - Instagram! We discuss how we got started on the app, how we use it now, and where it sits within our businesses. Charlie shares how she uses Instagram as a creative outlet, how the platform was the catalyst for becoming self-employed, and how talking to camera stresses her out. On the other hand, Franky explains why she’s wholeheartedly embraced Instagram Stories and shares some excellent advice about using it to c...
4. How do you use Instagram for business?
December 07, 2018 04:00 - 27 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode, we chat about everyone’s favourite social media platform - Instagram! We discuss how we got started on the app, how we use it now, and where it sits within our businesses. Charlie shares how she uses Instagram as a creative outlet, how the platform was the catalyst for becoming self-employed, and how talking to camera stresses her out. On the other hand, Franky explains why she’s wholeheartedly embraced Instagram Stories and shares some excellent advice about using it to c...
Ep.3 How do you start your day?
December 05, 2018 05:00 - 19 minutes - 16.9 MBIn this episode, we share our morning routines. Despite our very different family situations, we have a lot in common when it comes to how we like to start our days. We discuss how and why we try to make time for things like journaling, reading and meditation, as well as delving into the benefits of a screen-free bedroom and how scrolling social media affects us in the mornings. How do you start your day? Let us know… Links and further reading: Destination Simple by Brooke Macalary Fra...
3. Morning Routines. How do you start your day?
December 05, 2018 05:00 - 19 minutes - 16.9 MBIn this episode, we share our morning routines. Despite our very different family situations, we have a lot in common when it comes to how we like to start our days. We discuss how and why we try to make time for things like journaling, reading and meditation, as well as delving into the benefits of a screen-free bedroom and how scrolling social media affects us in the mornings. How do you start your day? Let us know… Links and further reading: Destination Simple by Brooke Macalary Fra...
Ep.2 What if my dream clients can’t afford me?
December 03, 2018 05:00 - 14 minutes - 15.9 MBMoney. It’s a topic that comes up over and over again in our co-mentoring meetups. There’s much to discuss around pricing, money mindset, and charging your worth, but in this episode we get specific about our attitudes towards the affordability of our services. Charlie shares how she’s learning not to make assumptions about what her clients can and cannot afford, and Franky reveals a great strategy for handling that awkward situation when a potential client asks you to lower your price. ...
2. What if my dream clients can’t afford me?
December 03, 2018 04:00 - 14 minutes - 15.9 MBMoney. It’s a topic that comes up over and over again in our co-mentoring meetups. There’s much to discuss around pricing, money mindset, and charging your worth, but in this episode we get specific about our attitudes towards the affordability of our services. Charlie shares how she’s learning not to make assumptions about what her clients can and cannot afford, and Franky reveals a great strategy for handling that awkward situation when a potential client asks you to lower your price. ...
Ep.1 What is co-mentoring? (And why you need a co-mentor in your life!)
December 01, 2018 07:29 - 31 minutes - 39.7 MBOur first episode is all about co-mentoring - what it is, how it works, and why finding a co-mentor might be the best business decision you’ll ever make! We share how we came to co-mentor each other and why our monthly meetups have provided the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives. You’ll also hear our tips and advice to help you go about finding your own co-mentor. Links and further reading: Franky’s post on five things she’s gained from co-mentoring Krista...
1. What is co-mentoring? (And why you need a co-mentor in your life!)
December 01, 2018 07:29 - 31 minutes - 39.7 MBOur first episode is all about co-mentoring - what it is, how it works, and why finding a co-mentor might be the best business decision you’ll ever make! We share how we came to co-mentor each other and why our monthly meetups have provided the support and accountability we were craving in our working lives. You’ll also hear our tips and advice to help you go about finding your own co-mentor. Links and further reading: Franky’s post on five things she’s gained from co-mentoring Krista...
Friends With Business Benefits Trailer
November 24, 2018 11:56 - 1 minute - 4.26 MBHello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the south-west of England. Friends With Business Benefits is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support. 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, Charlie helps clients find clarity and confidence in their creative work. We are friends with benefits…business...
Friends with Business Benefits Trailer
November 24, 2018 11:56 - 1 minute - 4.26 MBHello, we are Charlie and Franky, two self-employed business owners living in Bristol in the south-west of England. Friends With Business Benefits is a podcast for creatives who crave connection, understanding and support. 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, Charlie helps clients find clarity and confidence in their creative work. We are friends with benefits…business...