Smashing Self-Employment - Marketing and productivity help if you're self-employed.

Karl Craig-West of Smashing Self-Employment
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The Smashing Podcast is here to help if you're self-employed or running a small business. You'll get tips, ideas and inspiration to help you get (and keep) more customers and get more done. You'll also get tools and inspiration to make your life as a person in business a whole lot easier.

  1. How to Protect Your Mental Health When You're Self-Employed

    10/28/2025

    How to Protect Your Mental Health When You're Self-Employed

    Running your own business can be tough on your mental health. In this episode, I chat with copywriter Katie Rickson about routines, boundaries, and how to build a business that supports your wellbeing as much as your income. Katie opens up about her own journey sharing how she learned to prioritise rest, set better boundaries, and build a business that fits her life, not the other way around. We also explore why so many self-employed people struggle with guilt when taking time off, and the small, practical changes that can make a big difference to your mental health. Whether you have been running your business for years or you are just starting out, this episode is a gentle reminder that your wellbeing is not a luxury. It is essential to your success. You can find Katie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rickson-writer/ https://www.katierickson.co.nz/ https://businessinthebath.co.nz/ LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com YouTube: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    38 min
  2. From Burnout to Balance: Michelle Niemeyer's Story!

    07/09/2025

    From Burnout to Balance: Michelle Niemeyer's Story!

    Burnout isn't just about working long hours. It's about what you're putting up with, what you're avoiding, and what you've come to accept as normal. In this episode, I chat with Michelle Niemeyer, a former lawyer who’s now a productivity coach, about the one powerful choice that helped her step away from burnout and create a business that fits her life, not the other way around. We dig into why saying no can be a growth strategy, how to spot and fire clients who drain your energy, and why setting boundaries is essential when you're self-employed. Michelle’s story is raw, real, and packed with practical insights that hit home for anyone juggling too much in their solo business. If you're feeling stretched, stressed, or stuck, this episode is your reminder that there is a better way to work and live. It all starts with one choice. Michelle can be found here: https://www.michelleniemeyer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-niemeyer-3997936/ LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.comYouTube: @smashingselfemploymentLinkedIn: @karlcraigwestBuy the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    42 min
  3. From Freelancer to Financial Freedom - AI, Residual Income, and the Future of Work

    03/19/2025

    From Freelancer to Financial Freedom - AI, Residual Income, and the Future of Work

    Join host Charlie on "Ways to Wealth" as he chats with Karl Craig-West, a freelance digital marketer and business advisor living in Fiji. Karl shares his eclectic career journey, from property maintenance at 19 to running a web design agency; highlighting the freedom and challenges of self-employment. The episode dives into the freelance economy’s rise, AI’s transformative role in work (think productivity boosts via ChatGPT and automation), and strategies for building residual income through ventures like YouTube channels. Karl envisions a future with multiple income streams, living on a boat near his daughters in New Zealand, and stresses diversifying beyond property-heavy economies. He offers practical advice: find a passion, serve a paying market uniquely (e.g., his payment plans), and embrace AI to stay competitive. Charlie previews his membership model, blending expert access with financial tools, proving freelancers can rethink retirement and thrive in an AI-driven world. LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com YouTube: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    58 min
  4. Beat The Afternoon Slump With This Quick Productivity Fix

    01/29/2025

    Beat The Afternoon Slump With This Quick Productivity Fix

    Struggling to stay awake in the afternoon? Boost your energy in just 10 minutes with this simple yet powerful habit! Many of us hit a mid-afternoon slump, feeling sluggish and unmotivated after lunch. But did you know that a quick 10-minute walk can completely refresh your mind and body? In this podcast, I’ll tell you why this trick works, how it improves focus, and why it’s one of the easiest ways to stay productive throughout the day. No need for coffee or energy drinks—just get moving and feel the difference! This is the perfect hack for anyone working 9-5, entrepreneurs, or students looking to stay sharp. Plus, if you’re struggling to build an exercise habit, this is a fantastic way to start! Try it out and let me know how you feel. 💡 Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more game-changing tips! LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com YouTube: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    6 min
  5. Why Nurturing Contacts is Your Key to Success!

    12/18/2024

    Why Nurturing Contacts is Your Key to Success!

    Episode Description: In this episode of Smashing Self-Employment, we dive deep into a true story that highlights the importance of keeping in touch with your customers and prospects. Discover how a simple habit of consistent communication can turn cold leads into loyal clients—even years down the line! We’ll share real-life examples, including how a first aid training company became a customer simply because we kept in touch, and how a small change in email frequency helped a tax consultant grow her client base. Whether you’re self-employed or running a small business, staying front of mind with your audience is a game-changer. Tune in to learn actionable tips on how to stay connected without being overwhelming. 👉 You can also watch the video here : https://youtu.be/QVo5E1IZuVI Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave your comments. Let me know how you’ll implement this in your own work! LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com YouTube: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    16 min
  6. Mastering Marketing: The ABC Framework for Small Business Success

    12/04/2024

    Mastering Marketing: The ABC Framework for Small Business Success

    In this episode, we dive into the world of marketing through the lens of a game-changing YouTube video. Discover the simple yet powerful ABCs of Marketing: Audience, Broadcast, and Channels, and learn how these foundational steps can transform your marketing efforts. We discuss why knowing your target audience is critical, how to craft a message that truly resonates, and the importance of choosing the right platforms to reach your customers. Plus, we explore advanced strategies like using CRMs, upselling effectively, and the power of incremental improvements through the aggregation of marginal gains. To wrap up, we challenge you to make one small tweak to your marketing this week because small, consistent changes can lead to extraordinary results. Actionable insights, practical tips, and a fresh perspective await—let’s dive in! LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com YouTube: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    11 min
  7. Content Sharing Is Just As Important As Content Creation

    07/18/2024

    Content Sharing Is Just As Important As Content Creation

    You may have heard that content is King.And, if you want your website to do well in the search engines, you need to be creating regular content (usually blog posts).But that's not the whole picture.When you’ve created a new content item you need to be sharing it out on your own social media.If the sharing brings traffic back to your website, then it will give Google a good indicator that this content item is popular.And as a result, because of the additional traffic, you get additional points in the search rankings.So, don't just create content; share it.And then share it some more. LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com Insta: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    10 min
  8. How Often Should You Send Out Marketing Emails?

    06/19/2024

    How Often Should You Send Out Marketing Emails?

    We're often asked "how frequently should you send out marketing emails" and there's no really simple answer. The main factors in marketing email frequency are: ~ Your business type ~ Your customer type If you sell to consumers then you'll probably get away with sending out emails quite often, maybe even daily. If you sell to businesses then you need to be more careful since stuffing your contacts'' inboxes will likely mean unsubscribes or spam labels. The key thing is to be informative and engaging with your emails. If you're providing value then most folks won't mind getting your marketing emails on a frequent basis. You also have to consider how much time you're able to dedicate to this. If you're self-employed you'll not likely have time for daily emails. So you'll need to give your email marketing strategy a bit more thought. However frequently you send out marketing emails, just be consistent. Commit to a regular schedule. LET'S CONNECT: Web: smashingselfemployment.com Insta: @smashingselfemployment LinkedIn: @karlcraigwest Get the Smashing Self-Employment book : https://amzn.to/2GiBBEL

    9 min
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About

The Smashing Podcast is here to help if you're self-employed or running a small business. You'll get tips, ideas and inspiration to help you get (and keep) more customers and get more done. You'll also get tools and inspiration to make your life as a person in business a whole lot easier.

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