Country Creatives

Episode 041:Mastering the art of NO!

In the newest episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb and Reece are serving up some scorching advice on mastering the fine art of saying "no" while safeguarding your precious "yes." Tune in as they dissect their own overflowing lists of commitments and explore ways to reclaim your time for what truly matters. Join them in a compelling discussion on the power of vocalizing your thoughts to reveal the answers that were hiding within you all along. Prepare to confidently say "NO" and bask in the satisfaction that comes with it.

Episode 040. Finance for creative people and businesses (the totally not boring edition) - with Hamish Riley

Join Caleb and Reece on this episode of Country Creatives as they dive into the crucial topic of managing finances for self-employed individuals. They're joined by money expert Hamish Riley, who shares invaluable advice on approaching finances, setting goals, and avoiding common pitfalls when starting and growing your creative business.
It's easy to get caught up in the artistic side of things, but neglecting your finances can lead to setbacks. Hamish highlights the importance of having a solid financial strategy, ensuring your creative endeavors thrive in the long run.
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with laughter and candid insights. Hamish's expertise shines through, providing listeners with practical tips and a fresh perspective on financial success for creatives.
And don't miss the golden nugget towards the end: Caleb and Reece discuss the steps you'll need to take as a self-employed individual to secure your own home. It's a topic that resonates with many, and they've got the advice you need to turn that dream into a reality.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your creative business, this episode is packed with actionable advice that you won't want to miss. Join us for a lively discussion that could be the key to unlocking your financial success!

Episode 039: Perfect your Pitch Document.

Join Caleb and Reece on the latest adventure of the Country Creatives podcast as they embark on a journey straight to the heart of crafting the perfect pitch document.
In this episode, get ready to dive into the nitty-gritty details of what makes a pitch document truly shine. Caleb and Reece will walk you through it all, using not one, but two real-life examples. Discover the integral components that will make your written presentation stand out, learn how to avoid those pesky potential pitfalls, and pick up some of the best tips in the business.
By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the knowledge and know-how to ensure your client pitch is not just good but great, setting you on the path to landing that perfect creative work. Tune in now and get ready to unleash your pitching prowess!

Episode 038: 3 Steps to Getting Great Clients

Dive into a 30-minute whirlwind with The Country Creative Duo, Reece and Caleb, as they spill the beans on supercharging your client game. Get ready to discover your dream client in just three steps!
Reece and Caleb will guide you through identifying "Who's Your Best Client." Unearth those perfect matches, for creatives of any kind.
Wondering where to find your dream clients? Fear not! The dynamic duo will reveal secrets on "Where to seek them out" Get ready to rub elbows with your ideal clientele.
Grab your trusty pen and paper for the finale: "How to Best Engage with Them." Reece and Caleb will ensure your dream clients stick around and become your creative patrons.
Level up your client game with the Country Creative duo, guaranteeing an insightful and downright fun ride. Don't miss it!

Episode 037. Business Excellence Awards recap

On August 17th, 2023, Be Bendigo threw their annual Business Excellence Awards bash, where they rolled out the red carpet to honor the rock stars of Greater Bendigo's business scene. And guess what? This year, they cranked up the excitement meter by introducing the dazzling debut of the Creative Industries Award. Picture this: Country Creative Caleb Maxwell strutting in as a nominee.
But hold the phone, because Reece and Aimee didn't just stand by as spectators. Armed with their trusty microphones, they dove headfirst into the celebration chaos, snagging interviews with nominees, the eventual conqueror of the award, and oh-so-much more.
Get ready to come along with as in this awards recap episode. We're unleashing a lively chatwith the maestro of Blunt Agency, Brent Nolan. Plus, we've cherry-picked the juiciest, most head-turning highlights of the night, all while throwing in a few curly questions to the Creative Industries nominees Stay tuned, because this is one wild ride you won't want to miss!

Episode 036.How to find and benefit from your North Star with Leah Sertori

Ever wished you could confidently and with full honesty answer the question ‘why do you do what you do?’  Perhaps you’d like to have the confidence to truly know your worth and charge accordingly for the incredible work you do?  Well get ready to unlock the answers to those and many more with this weeks incredible guest Leah Sertori. 
Leah is an expert in helping people to unlock meaning and potential in their work and in the highly practical episode she walks Caleb and Reece through the game changing concept of your North Star.  Learn how to identify your purpose as a creative in business, uncover what drives you and how you can grow and scale your creative career with maximum satisfaction.

Episode 035- AI and the future of Creativity with Bailey Cook

Join Caleb, Reece, and video production wizard Bailey Cook as they delve into the rapidly growing world of AI. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or trying to avoid it altogether, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how this trio has been integrating AI into their creative processes, learn beginner and advanced tips, and also gain insights into the future of AI in the creative industries.

Episode 034: Creativity as a driver for business success- with Kira Hyde

Business and creativity, not always an instant match made in heaven but with this week’s guest Kira Hyde, creative mastermind behind KH studio, harnessing creativity to serve business becomes a piece of cake.
Reece, Caleb and Kira talk about the client process from onboarding right through to celebrating the end of the project and along the way you’ll get tips and understanding of the communication required and the best tools to have in place. You’ll be inspired to ensure you have nailed your proposal to save you headaches down the track and you’ll learn that asking for and receiving feedback is a crucial piece of achieving business success as a creative.  If you have been exploring just how to run a creative business that achieves exceptional business outcomes, but still manages to stay creative, then buckle up, because this is an episode just for you!

Episode 033. Take back your time with Automation

Do you find yourself dragging your feet when sending invoices, writing up that quote, emailing that customer enquiry back? is it sucking a huge amount of your time and energy?  Perhaps you are actually pretty effective at keeping all the the admin balls in the air - but Caleb and Reece want to ask you in this episode - is there a way for that work to happen without you? (spoiler- that’s a redundant question… you need to automate those things!!)
It's short and sweet episode where Caleb and Reece will help you take back significant amounts of time in your work day by implementing simple strategic automated tools and sleek systems to finesse your processes across high quality leads and sales, finance and communications. 
So settle in for a listen now and be inspired to have a few processes automated before your head even hits the pillow tonight.
 

Episode 032. Lauren Starr- Big Wins and the bigger decisions that follow

It's time to check in with Bendigo based photographic artist Lauren Starr who, when Caleb and Reece had her on the show 12 months ago, was working at striking a balance between artist and day job until she was ready to make the flip to full-time. Fast forward to 2023 and Lauren has very much made that transition, focussing full time on her creative future after taking out the Bluethumb Art Prize 2022.
In this Part 2- We delve into where Lauren finds herself,  the pressures that come with taking out such a lofty award, the pathways she has needed to weigh up, as well as the mindset she continues to cultivate and the exciting project that she is now injecting her time and energy into creating.   Listen in as Lauren offers some wonderful relatability and strategies for surviving the journey into the unknown as an artist.