The Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & Photographers

Sylvia VandeSlunt || Mindset & Business Coach
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Welcome to The Wide Open Podcast: your go-to resource for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to grow thriving, life-giving businesses. Hosted by Sylvia, a certified life coach, business strategist, and brand photographer, this podcast helps creatives clarify their goals, craft strategies that spark creativity, and build confidence. Each week, get tips on marketing, branding, website design, SEO, mindset, sales, lead generation, and business strategy to attract dream clients and scale sustainably. Follow now to create a business that works for you - on your terms.

  1. 04/30/2025

    NO FILTER || How to Get Sponsors, Increasing Brand Visibility, and Getting Scrappy in Business

    How to Get Sponsors, Increasing Brand Visibility, and Getting Scrappy in Business This week’s episode of The Wide Open Podcast is a little different - and in the best possible way. It originally aired live on Facebook as the very first installment of our new monthly segment called No Filter, where I sit down with my friend and fellow business owner Kelly Northlee of Fondy Famous and Not Your Average Marketing. No script. No curated talking points. Just an honest conversation between two business friends showing up exactly as we are. We each brought three things to the table: Something we're struggling withSomething we think the other person is doing wellSomething we're grateful for And then we just… talked. For real. Out loud. With no filter. This conversation was real, raw, and refreshingly unscripted. That’s the whole point of No Filter: creating space for honest, supportive conversations that remind us we’re not alone in the highs or the lows of business. We’re doing this every month, so we’d love to hear from YOU: What do you want us to talk about next?What are you struggling with right now?Any ideas to make this segment even better? Drop a comment, shoot us a message, or share this episode with a business friend who needs to hear it. Listen in now, and don’t forget: real business growth happens when we’re brave enough to show up without a filter. Links & Resources: Business Coaching for Creatives Wisconsin Branding Photography

  2. 02/26/2025

    How to Build Confidence || Confidence & Networking for Business Growth

    How to Build Confidence || Confidence & Networking for Business Growth with Annabelle Klein Does self-doubt keep you from showing up for your business? Maybe you struggle with posting content, selling your offers, or putting yourself out there. Confidence is the key to consistency—and today’s guest is here to help. In this episode, I chat with Annabelle from the Thought Rebel Podcast, a confidence coach who helps business owners break free from old habits and finally step into their confidence. We’re diving deep into:🔥 How to recognize when a lack of confidence is holding you back🔥 Why confidence is essential for business success🔥 Practical ways to build confidence and create momentum🔥 The hidden mindset blocks that keep you stuck🔥 The role of humility in confidence (and why it’s often misunderstood) If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally go all in on your business, this is it! See the Full Show Notes 👉 Want to work with Annabelle? Work with AnnabelleInstagram || Spotify || YouTube

  3. 02/12/2025

    Brand Storytelling || How to Tell a Better Story

    Brand Storytelling for Impact || How to Tell a Better Story Brand storytelling is important for any business - after all, you're always telling a story, but you can always tell a better one. For any business, being able to clearly communicate impact is crucial for growth. But how do you build a compelling case that showcases your value in a way that resonates with potential customers, clients, or funders? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode of The Wide Open Podcast with Emily Taylor, Principal of teenyBIG. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why storytelling is essential for business growth and how to communicate impact effectively. How to gather and use client insights to shape your messaging—even if you’re just starting out. The core elements of a strong story: Context, Approach, Action, Impact, and Opportunity. How to tell a compelling story even when you don’t have all the traditional elements. Actionable steps for creating your own Case for Support to strengthen your brand messaging. If you struggle with making your value clear to potential customers or clients, applying the principles of a Case for Support can help. By listening to your audience, identifying key patterns, and structuring your messaging with impact, you can create a business narrative that resonates deeply and drives action. Want to learn more? Emily is offering a free white paper on Telling Stories with Substance. Download it here! FIND EMILY ONLINE:TeenyBig WebsiteConnect with Emily on LinkedIn See the full show notes...

  4. 01/29/2025

    Using Stories to Connect || Learn Storytelling for Small Business

    Using Stories to Connect || Learn Storytelling for Small Business In this episode of The Wide Open Podcast, I’m joined by Jessica, a brand story strategist who helps impact-driven entrepreneurs use storytelling to build authentic connections. We discuss the power of personal stories, how to choose the right ones to share, and why they matter for your business. What You’ll Learn: Jessica’s unconventional journey to entrepreneurship The impact of storytelling on your audience Tips for improving your storytelling skills Advice for choosing stories that align with your brand Links & Resources: Jessica's Website || Instagram || Made for More Community See the full show notes...

  5. 01/15/2025

    Merging Business & Motherhood || Mompreneur Tips || with Kellyn Oftedahl

    Balancing the demands of running a business and being a present mom is no easy feat. In this episode, Kellyn shares her journey as a mompreneur—navigating the challenges of motherhood, setting boundaries, and growing her business authentically while staying true to her values. Kellyn opens up about her current season of life and business, sharing practical tips, hard-earned lessons, and strategies that have helped her protect time for her family and her entrepreneurial dreams. We also dive into her take on hustle culture and the mindset shifts that have allowed her to thrive. If you’re a mompreneur or a creative balancing motherhood and business, this conversation will feel like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend who truly gets it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Kellyn’s journey to becoming a wedding and lifestyle photographer How she manages the balance between business and motherhood The hardest and easiest seasons of blending these roles Tips for setting boundaries and finding time for what matters most Thoughts on hustle culture and redefining success as a mompreneur Kellyn’s advice for making life and work feel more aligned ⁠Get the full show notes...

  6. 01/08/2025

    3 Signs Your Brand Needs a Refresh || Creative Business Branding

    When was the last time you took a hard look at your branding? If it’s been a while, this episode is for you! Branding is more than just visuals—it’s about building trust, connecting with your audience, and sharing your values. When your branding is off, your business can feel out of sync and may even hold you back from growth. In this episode, I’m breaking down three clear signs your brand needs a refresh: Your branding doesn’t match your current business. Your branding isn’t attracting the right clients. Your branding feels inconsistent. We’ll dive into examples, questions to help you assess your brand, and practical tips to get back on track. Plus, don’t miss details about my free branding class—available now for a limited time! FREE BRANDING CLASS: Join my free branding class and learn how to create an intentional, cohesive brand that builds trust and sparks creativity. Sign up at businesscoachsylvia.com/brandingclass before it becomes a paid offer in March 2025! Resources Mentioned: Free Branding Class Connect with me on Instagram: @businesscoachsylvia Subscribe to The Wide Open Podcast so you never miss an episode! Next Episode: We’ll be talking with Kellyn Oftedahl about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship—the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Follow the show to be notified when it drops! Get the full show notes...

  7. 01/01/2025

    10 Things You Can Do to Make 2025 Your Year

    2025 is here, and it’s time to take your creative business to the next level! In this episode of Wide Open, I’m sharing 10 actionable ideas to help you grow your business, achieve your goals, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re refining your brand, improving your mindset, or focusing on strategy, these tips are designed to empower you to thrive as a creative entrepreneur. 🎉 Plus, I’m introducing an exciting free branding class you won’t want to miss—perfect for starting the year with a cohesive, intentional brand. Read or watch it instead! Here’s what you’ll learn: How to set clear, values-aligned goals. Why boundaries are essential for creativity and avoiding burnout. The impact of strong branding and how to achieve it. The power of professional brand photography. Tips to overcome mindset blocks like imposter syndrome. How prioritizing your health boosts creativity. The importance of focus and doing less for better results. Creating a smart business strategy for sustainable growth. How batching and scheduling content saves time and energy. Why self-compassion is key to long-term success. Resources Mentioned: 📢 FREE Branding Class: The Intentional Brand Blueprint 💻 Updating your website to match your brand? Check out these resources. 🎡 Get solid on your goals with the Wheel of Life. 🦋 Ready for personalized support? Book a coaching discovery call. Next Week’s Episode: Don’t miss "3 Signs Your Brand Needs a Refresh" with actionable tips, journal prompts, and examples to take your brand to the next level. Hit Follow to stay updated! Get in touch on Instagram.

  8. 12/25/2024

    Life Inventory || Setting Goals with the Wheel of Life

    We're diving into a powerful goal-setting tool: the Wheel of Life template. If you’ve felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help you get clear, focused, and ready to take action in the areas that matter most. In this episode, we’ll walk you through creating and using the Wheel of Life to evaluate where you currently stand across key areas, like health, relationships, and career. Once we’ve mapped it out, you’ll be able to identify which parts of your life could use a boost and set intentional, relevant goals for the upcoming year. Get Your Wheel of Life Template Key Takeaways for Life Inventory || Setting Goals with the Wheel of Life What is the Wheel of Life? Learn how this practical tool can provide a visual snapshot of your life, helping you to pinpoint where things feel off. Personal Evaluation Exercise: You’ll be guided step-by-step to score areas like mental health, relationships, and financial growth on a scale from 1-10. Where are you thriving? Where is there room for improvement? Setting Actionable Goals: Focus on the lowest-rated areas of your Wheel. We’ll discuss achievable goals for each section, from creating a self-care plan for mental health to establishing regular “date nights” to strengthen romantic connections. Complete your Wheel of Life, set goals in your lowest three areas, and tag @businesscoachsylvia on Instagram to share your journey! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE: businesscoachsylvia.com/podcast Instagram: @businesscoachsylvia Facebook: @businesscoachsylvia Pinterest: @thesylviadamaris See the full show notes...

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Welcome to The Wide Open Podcast: your go-to resource for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to grow thriving, life-giving businesses. Hosted by Sylvia, a certified life coach, business strategist, and brand photographer, this podcast helps creatives clarify their goals, craft strategies that spark creativity, and build confidence. Each week, get tips on marketing, branding, website design, SEO, mindset, sales, lead generation, and business strategy to attract dream clients and scale sustainably. Follow now to create a business that works for you - on your terms.

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