Being a CEO (Chief Everything Officer) means I constantly have to be on my game. And if you run any kind of business, or want to run one you know that there is a lot of education involved. Even if you know the product or services you are selling like the back of your hand, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you know all the other things with running your own business such as marketing, branding, finances, hiring a team and the list could go on and on! That’s where finding mentors in the form of podcasts come in for me.
I don’t have the time to read tons of business books, or the money to attend conference after conference (although I try to go to at least one a year). So finding the time to listen to podcasts are a perfect balance. They are free (yay!), short (anywhere from 20-40 minutes) and are usually very conversational which means they are easy to digest. I have a weekly rotation that I listen to, and I usually get through my favorite ones every week. Sometimes that’s a lot of information, so if I want to start implementing some of the ideas, I will cut down on the podcasts and maybe even listen to the same one a couple of times so the info sinks in.
So, lets cut to it… Here are my 5 favorite podcasts for creative entrepreneurs. Included at the bottom is a bonus of one of my favorite YouTube channels that I watch every week.
Amy Porterfield – Online Marketing Made Easy
Hands down this is one of my favorites. She specifically targets online marketing, but a lot of the concepts can be used in the retail space as well. There is so much information in each podcast that this is one I usually have to listen to twice (or three times) if I want to implement more than one thought. She is so good at connecting to her audience that I feel like I know her and just signed up for one of her courses that I am loving. She definitely gives out a lot of information and is a great teacher. ** Listen Here **
Jenna Kutcher – The Goal Digger
My husband LOVES the name of this podcast and it is another one that has a lot of information in it on running your own business. Jenna started out as a photographer but now sells digital products, courses and coaching. Knowing that is the direction that my business is going, I love seeing the direction she goes and how she got there. It is very relatable, inspiring and seems very attainable. Being a new mom, she has also thrown in the struggle of balancing family and business. I’ve been feeling the struggle over here at my house with teens, so its great to listen to how she is balancing it all. ** Listen Here **
Christy Wrights Business Boutique
This is a great faith-based business podcast for women entrepreneurs. It has the backing of the Ramsey Network (you know, Dave Ramsey, financial guru) and because of that this podcast has some great guests on the show, speaks to women with familys and gives very easy step by step tips on running your business. She covers everything from social media, finances, marketing, selling and tons of other things that plague us business owners. ** Listen Here **
The Jennifer Allwood Show
Another faith-based business podcast that I love. She is a real creative that has taken her painting business online and now coaches other creatives on how to start and run their business online. There are so many great tips and wisdom in each podcast and I truly look forward to each Wednesday when it comes out. ** Listen Here **
Rachel Hollis – RISE Podcast
If you haven’t heard of Rachel Hollis than I think you probably haven’t been online in a while. She is a powerhouse and is wanting to be the next Oprah. In the last couple of years, she has written two best-selling books and her online business and coaching have exploded. While her podcast isn’t strictly business-related, it is focused on building yourself into a better person, which directly relates to how you run your business. Mixed with her energy and straight forward attitude, this is the shot of adrenaline that you need every week. ** Listen Here **
Ashlyn Writes – YouTube Channel
This gal and her southern drawl, marketing and business tips and her bits of sass really speak to my soul. She is a copyrighter that teaches creatives how to use words to convert people into customers and I glean so much info from her each episode. I don’t typically look at YouTube since it can be a time sucker, but she posts a new video every monday so I make sure to check it out each week. ** Watch here **
So, there you have it. My favorite podcasts that help fuel me and my business as a creative entrepreneur. Try implementing listening to podcasts into your weekly routine (I’m on the road a lot so its the perfect spot to listen to them.
Let me know what podcast I might be missing in my weekly roundup!
