069. WHEN CLIENT MESSAGES STING: A GUIDE TO HANDLING DIFFICULT COMMUNICATIONS
Release Date: 12/19/2024
PASSION to PROFIT
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What I've discovered about creative entrepreneurs who are thriving is fascinating. They're quietly stepping away from doing things like everyone else and building businesses that actually work for them. This isn't just about being different for the sake of it; it's about recognising what you're naturally brilliant at and having the courage to build everything around that foundation. In this episode, I share real examples of creative entrepreneurs who've broken industry "rules" and seen remarkable results. From the textile artist who stopped trying to do everything and focused entirely on...
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Running a creative business can feel remarkably isolating. While friends and family are wonderfully supportive, they don't always understand the specific challenges of pricing creative work, the vulnerability of putting your designs into the world, or the constant balance between creativity and commerce. What I've discovered is that when you connect with other creative entrepreneurs who truly get it, something transformative happens. In this episode, I share how creative business community completely changed my approach to entrepreneurship, why business networking for creatives looks different...
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After months of development, I'm revealing the complete framework that transforms struggling creative businesses into thriving ones. Many creative entrepreneurs unknowingly struggle against their natural strengths instead of building from them. In this episode, I introduce The Base Notes framework, a proven approach that helps you align your creative business with what you naturally do best. Learn why sustainable growth, authentic marketing, and real confidence come from recognising and building around your exceptional strengths. This isn't about becoming someone different, it's about growing...
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Do you find yourself mentally "switching hats" between your creative work and business tasks? Have you ever felt that business systems somehow constrain your creative freedom? You're certainly not alone. In this episode, I explore what happens when we stop seeing business and creativity as opposing forces and instead allow them to genuinely enhance each other. I share real examples of creative business owners who have applied their creative thinking to pricing, client relationships, business systems, and more, discovering that true success comes not from compartmentalising, but from...
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What if the invisible care you pour into your creative business is your greatest differentiator? Inspired by a powerful interview with Sir Jony Ive, (legendary designer behind Apple's most iconic products) this episode explores the spiritual dimension of design and why genuine care-beyond aesthetics and functionality can set your work apart in a noisy world. Philippa shares why intention, meaning, and authentic human connection are at the heart of creative business success, and how embracing these principles can transform not just your products, but your entire client experience Key...
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Have you ever caught yourself downplaying your ambitions for your creative business? Maybe you’ve hesitated to voice your bigger dreams, or even allowed yourself to fully imagine them. You’re not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs start with modest goals-enough work to pay the bills, flexibility for family life, or simply doing what they love. But when you align your business with your exceptional strengths, something remarkable happens: your ambition naturally grows. In this episode, we explores the “Ripple Of Ambition” - how building your creative business around what you do best...
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Show Notes: In this special Tuesday bonus episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share some exciting behind-the-scenes changes. I’m introducing a brand new “Real Life, Right Now” section to our weekly newsletters, a space designed to bring you closer into my world and offer genuine, meaningful connection for creative entrepreneurs. This thoughtful addition reflects what I’ve noticed: as creative business owners, we’re craving more authenticity and real stories in an AI driven content landscape. Listen in to discover how I’m constantly evolving to best support your creative...
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"I love thinking about my work all the time. It doesn't feel like an imposition, it feels like the privilege of doing something I'm obsessed with." When a friend said this during dinner recently, it struck a chord... This powerful episode explores why creative entrepreneurs often unconsciously limit their potential by trying to fit into industry norms or downplaying their ambition. We're constantly receiving subtle messages to "stay in our lane" or "be realistic", that our dedication to our creative businesses is somehow unhealthy. Instead, I'm inviting you to embrace your healthy obsession...
info_outlineYou know when a slightly negative message from a customer lands in your inbox and your heart sinks a little - Today we're exploring exactly how to handle those tricky communications with grace, and perhaps even find something valuable in them along the way. What I've discovered about handling unexpected client messages is fascinating - particularly how even the most experienced creative entrepreneurs can feel that initial sting, and why that sensitivity might actually be one of our greatest strengths...
Key Moments:
- [00:00] Introduction: Receiving negative messages
- [02:58] How digital communication changes the way we interpret messages
- [04:59] How we can handle these messages with grace, and what they can teach us about ourselves and how we run our businesses
- [05:54] Analysing message content and how we can perceive them
- [11:47] Why developing resilience doesn't mean becoming immune to feedback
- [13:00] Strategies and practical steps to overcome difficult communications
- [16:34] Understanding how we can utilise these messages to actually improve our businesses
- [19:04] Summary as Philippa reflects back on the original message she was sent that inspired the podcast episode.
Notable Quotes:
"Those challenging messages, while never enjoyable, can actually teach us something valuable. They can help us strengthen our businesses, refine our communications, and develop a more resilient approach."
"The very fact that these messages affect you shows just how much you care about what you do. That's not a weakness to overcome - it's a strength to work with."
Resources:
- Read This Week's Full Journal Post
- www.philippacraddock.com
Share Your Insights:
I'd love to hear about a time when you transformed a challenging communication into an opportunity for growth. Pop over and share your thoughts with me over on Instagram - @philippacraddock I'm always here and love to discuss your insights and experiences...
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