Creative Courage

The 3 Keys to Scaling Your Agency Without Hustling Harder

Are you struggling to scale your business, without working longer hours? Are you feeling burnt out and unfulfilled, even though from the outside, your business looks like it’s thriving?
That’s exactly where I was years ago - snowboarding in Canada, living the digital nomad lifestyle. I had friends messaging me, congratulating me on living the dream - but beneath the surface, it was a different story.
I wasn’t happy. I was working with the wrong kinds of clients, feeling overwhelmed, and constantly stressed about money.
But this all changed when the loss of a family friend forced me to rethink everything. I spent months reflecting on my business and what wasn’t working. I invested almost all the money I had in mentorship from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there, hoping to understand what they were doing differently. And it quickly became clear.
In this episode, I share the game-changing lessons I learned to help you build a business that doesn’t just pay the bills but allows you to thrive and do more of the work that fulfils you.
Covered in this episode:
How to stop trading time for money and build something that scales without you.
The three things that move the needle when it comes to doing more work that makes a positive impact and leave you feeling fulfilled.
How to position yourself as a partner so clients stop asking for discounts and start respecting your true value.
How to sell your services in a way that can double a prospect’s budget in one conversation.
The key to standing out in an oversaturated market.
How to make sure you're actually implementing your ideas.
Real-world case studies of creative business owners who have transformed their businesses and lives with these strategies.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
LEARN MORE 
Case studies - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/success-stories 
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT 
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Mastering Design Thinking To Win Next-Level Clients with Matt Anderson

Are you using design thinking in your business? If not, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that can help you land better clients with bigger budgets.
In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Anderson, a design consultant with over 20 years experience in operational roles within some of the world’s largest corporates such as Virgin Mobile Australia.
Many creatives struggle with the operational and logistical side of business. By leveraging design thinking, creatives can communicate the value of design more effectively, win higher-value clients, and ensure they’re addressing the real issues that people are facing.
Matt shares actionable strategies to help you position yourself as a trusted partner to potential clients, and better communicate the value of what you do. If you even find approaching and communicating with corporate clients a challenge, you won't want to miss this episode.
Covered in this episode: 
What is design thinking and how you use it to grow your business.
The keys to getting a foot in the door with big corporates.
How to communicate the value of creative services to corporate clients.
How to get clients to share their real challenges so you can offer the solutions that align with their needs.
Building closer relationships with clients without them dictating the process.
How to challenge clients’ assumptions without coming across as pushy
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
LEARN MORE 
Think Startup - https://www.thinkstartup.com.au/ 
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT 
Matt Anderson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattandersonaus/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

The 10 Commandments Of Sales Every Creative Needs

If you’re like most creatives, sales probably isn’t your favourite part of running your business. But what if you could change the way you think about sales - and the results you get?
In this episode, I break down The 10 Commandments of Sales - key principles that have helped my clients close more deals and land higher-value projects, even if they haven’t had any formal sales training.
These are fundamental principles that you can refer back to before any sales conversation that will make you feel more confident and get you better results.
From how to get clients selling themselves to you, to making sure you never get ghosted again, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make sales feel lighter, more effective, and even enjoyable.
Covered in this episode:
10 fundamental principles that you should take into every sales conversation.
How to motivate prospects to get them excited to work with you.
How to keep prospects from ghosting you after a sales conversation.
Handling objections and getting value out of the “nos”.
Identifying whether or not a prospect is a good fit.
Why budget doesn’t matter and what you should be qualifying leads on instead.
The exact questions to ask that make sales feel easier, without feeling pushy.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
LEARN MORE 
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-acceleratorCONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

The ONE Strategy To Land Clients At ANY Networking Event

Would you believe me if I told you that with the right networking strategy, you could double your business in just 90 days?
In this episode, I break down a strategy that will make networking easier and more effective, without feeling pushy or ‘salesy’. 
But if networking events make you feel uncomfortable, you're not alone.
Networking can open doors to valuable opportunities, but the pressure to make a flawless first impression and always be “on” can feel overwhelming - especially if, like many creatives, you identify as an introvert.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though.
We’re going to take a deep dive into how to present yourself and your business to others in a way that doesn’t feel canned. I share the questions to ask - and the ones to avoid - that get people to open up and share valuable information they haven’t shared with anyone else. And I give you my follow-up script that gets responses and ensures you continue building those relationships with your ideal clients.
If you struggle with presenting yourself and winning clients at networking events, this episode is for you.
Covered in this episode:
The 2 biggest mistakes people make at networking events and how you can avoid them.
How to introduce yourself in a way that feels natural
How to get people to remember you for the right reasons.
The phrases and tactics you can use to become the most magnetic person in the room.
Questions to ask that will help you identify the most valuable opportunities - and the questions to avoid.
The follow-up script that turns prospects into clients.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What Does It Take To Grow And Sell A Creative Agency? with Jonathan Leafe

Agencies are notoriously difficult to grow. They’re often started by a creative who loves what they do but soon finds themselves running a team without the necessary business skills.
In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Leafe, who sold his multiple seven-figure agency and now helps others do the same. Jonathan shares his expertise on what it takes to grow a profitable creative business and scale it into a saleable asset. 
If you’re running a small agency and you’re unsure if scaling is the right move, this episode is for you.
Jonathan and I dive deep into the stages of agency growth - from one-man-band to creating a thriving lifestyle business that’s fun and profitable. This episode will give you the clarity around the next steps to take to build a business that’s right for you.
Covered in this episode:
Is growing an agency right for you? Or should you stay where you are?
The secrets to building a multiple seven-figure agency.
The fear of growing beyond 13 people and how to break through it.
What kind of business owner you need to be to scale.
How to stop getting pushed around by clients and start challenging them so you can get them the results they’re after.
Strategies to escape the day-to-day grind of your business.
How to stay one step ahead of your clients - and your competition.
The difference between a struggling boutique agency and a thriving lifestyle business.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
Jonathan’s book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Agency-Owner-get-out-here/dp/1914195841
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT 
Jonathan Leafe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanleafe/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Avoiding Burnout When You Scale A Creative Agency (Case Study)

If you’ve been running your business for a while but you still often find yourself overwhelmed and burnt out, this episode is for you.
I'm joined by David Wakefield and Chris Thorpe, founders of On The Sly, an international audio production agency. On The Sly has worked on some of the world’s most iconic events, from London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks to Coachella and with global brands like Paramount.
But like many creative business owners, David and Chris didn’t always have a great work life balance and relied heavily on work-of-mouth to grow. The team was working on some great projects but with very little time to work on the business or take breaks, leaving them constantly on the edge of burnout.
By implementing a consistent outreach process and building a reliable team, David and Chris have not only landed bigger projects but also regained control over their lives.
If you want to stop playing catch-up with your business and start running it with purpose, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you streamline your systems and grow sustainably.
Covered in this episode:
How On The Sly grew from a small group of freelancers to a professional agency, working on some of the world’s most iconic events.
The systems you should implement into your creative business to keep yourself from burning out.
How to delegate effectively so you can do more of the work you love and make more money doing it.
Becoming a collaborative partner to your clients, rather than a worker.
How to get better at sales as a creative, even if you hate it.
How to get your clients to understand the true value of what you do.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
On The Sly showreel - https://vimeo.com/919092763/6312d5bbb3
Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT 
David Wakefield on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/davidontheslyChris Thorpe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisonthesly/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

5 Metrics to Measure If You Want To Grow Your Agency

Is your business feeling a bit stagnant and you’re not sure why? You’re not alone. And it can be difficult to identify what’s causing things to slow down and where you should focus your efforts to get things moving again.
When I meet a business owner and they’re finding themselves stuck, we look at 5 key metrics to figure out what’s creating the holes in their business. And in this episode, I share those 5 metrics that you need to measure to figure out how to move your business forward and grow. 
This exercise is super simple and you can follow along as you listen. We’re going to score your business out of ten in these 5 areas and in under 20 minutes, you’ll have a solid idea of where you should be focusing your energy first in order to get things moving again.
Covered in this episode: 
The 5 metrics you need to measure to find out where your business is stuck.
How to know if you’re generating enough leads.
Strategies for keeping your clients and increasing their lifetime value.
How to know what part of your business to focus on first.
The fastest way to increase your prices.
And more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk
CONNECT 
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Hacks to Hype Your Brand and Attract High-Value Clients with Lucy Werner

What would it feel like to be featured in major publications and have your ideal clients knocking at your door?
In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Werner who specialises in helping founders get famous and attract their dream clients.
Lucy has 20 years of communications experience, and it shows. She’s been listed in ALT Magazine’s Power 100, worked with The Futur, written two best-selling books and her Substack publication is in the top 50 business newsletters on the platform.
Lucy breaks down exactly how you too can get more PR, more exposure and more opportunities to get in front of your ideal clients.
If you ever feel hesitant to promote yourself on social media, the tactical strategies that Lucy shares in this episode will give you the confidence to get started.
If you want to secure PR opportunities and don’t know where to start, or you’re not getting the responses you’re after, this episode is for you.
Covered in this episode: 
What stops people from ‘hyping themselves’ and growing their personal brand?
What most business owners get wrong about PR.
How to identify high-impact PR opportunities.
How to pitch to journalists.
Finding the fun in self-promotion - even if you’re an introvert.
Where you should be promoting yourself to get in front of your ideal clients.
How to attract your ideal clients with your content and not just your peers.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
Hype Yourself newsletter - https://hypeyourself.substack.com/Hype Yourself (book) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hype-Yourself-no-nonsense-toolkit-businesses/dp/1788601238
The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/
CONNECT 
Lucy Werner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucywernerpr/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Is Your Business Feeling Like A Grind? Try This…

Does your business often feel heavy? Like it’s something you have to do, rather than want to?
If this resonates with you, then listen to this episode.
I’ve decided to close down my business… for the whole month of August.
I posted about this recently on LinkedIn, and while it was mostly met with positivity, some questioned how this could be possible without having a negative impact on my business.
I would argue that taking a meaningful break from your business can actually have a hugely positive impact on it. Getting my business to the point where taking a break is possible hasn’t happened by chance. And in this episode, I break down some of a strategies you can use to help you fulfil your needs and show up better for your business and your clients.
Covered in this episode: 
The positive impacts that taking a break can have on your business.
How to build a business in a way that allows you to take breaks.
Frameworks to help you understand what you and your business need.
The negative effects of not taking a break.
Are you getting what you want from your business, or just what you can tolerate?
How to notice the signals that indicate a need for change in your business.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
 
LEARN MORE 
The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk Apply to work with Matt - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT 
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

How To Tell Your Story And Stand Out On LinkedIn with Ash Rathod

It feels like everyone is obsessed with storytelling and personal branding. Especially on LinkedIn. But there’s a good reason for that.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ash Rathod. Ash is a Brand Consultant who specialises in helping businesses attract their ideal clients, retain them for longer, and charge them more using the power of storytelling.
If you’re struggling with attracting your ideal clients, sharing your story might be the answer. But if you’re like most creative business owners, it’s easier said than done.
Knowing how to tell your story in a way that resonates with your ideal clients is an obstacle in itself. And the self-doubt that many feel when it comes to being vulnerable is a whole other challenge.
This is why I invited Ash onto the podcast. Since becoming active on LinkedIn and sharing his experiences, Ash has doubled his business and has grown his following to nearly 70k. Ash has a unique and interesting story and he uncovers the storytelling strategies that have transformed his business.
Covered in this episode: 
How Ash leveraged his story on LinkedIn to double his business.
The secrets to building relationships with people you’ve never met.
How to authentically share your story and link it with your business.
How to turn self-consciousness into something positive.
What a LinkedIn following of nearly 70k LinkedIn has done for Ash’s business.
Who should you be tailoring your content to?
Content creation ideas for those who hate writing.
Ash’s top tips for creating content that resonates with your ideal listener.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
LEARN MORE 
Ash Rathod - https://www.ashrathod.com/The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ 
CONNECT 
Ash Rathod on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrathod/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam