906 episodes

The Self-Employed Life Podcast (formerly Creative Warriors) provides business and personal development strategies for self-employed business owners that create sustainable success.

A community of self-employed and small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and ambitious individuals that need creative solutions in business. Being self-employed and a business Warrior is a mindset, a spirit and a challenge. We need a different way of doing business. This is business with a soul.

We discuss marketing, branding, productivity, mindset, building meaningful relationships with customers and living a fulfilling life. In the self-employed life, it's all personal.

Small business consultant, business coach for entrepreneurs, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and author of The Self-Employed Life and LINGO, host Jeffrey Shaw, interviews bestselling authors and experts who will change your way of thinking and provide practical ideas that you can apply directly in your life and business. Two episodes each week- one content-rich interview with an expert and Coaching Break offers a 15-minute break to receive coaching from your host.

The Self-Employed Life Jeffrey Shaw

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 223 Ratings

The Self-Employed Life Podcast (formerly Creative Warriors) provides business and personal development strategies for self-employed business owners that create sustainable success.

A community of self-employed and small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and ambitious individuals that need creative solutions in business. Being self-employed and a business Warrior is a mindset, a spirit and a challenge. We need a different way of doing business. This is business with a soul.

We discuss marketing, branding, productivity, mindset, building meaningful relationships with customers and living a fulfilling life. In the self-employed life, it's all personal.

Small business consultant, business coach for entrepreneurs, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and author of The Self-Employed Life and LINGO, host Jeffrey Shaw, interviews bestselling authors and experts who will change your way of thinking and provide practical ideas that you can apply directly in your life and business. Two episodes each week- one content-rich interview with an expert and Coaching Break offers a 15-minute break to receive coaching from your host.

    Kristina Paider – Live Life Like a Movie: The Hollywood Approach

    Kristina Paider – Live Life Like a Movie: The Hollywood Approach

    Have you ever thought that your life was like a movie? Have you had someone suggest you write a book, implying that your life is as dramatic as a novel? What if you could harness that idea as a tool to script the life you genuinely desire? This is the core of the Holllywood Approach by the brilliant Kristina Paider. Kristina and I discuss the art of crafting a one-line structure for your life story, using storytelling techniques and the hero's journey as tools for personal growth and self-discovery. Kristina offers a creative and practical approach to scripting our lives, setting meaningful goals, and achieving personal and professional success. Join us and discover how to shape your life's narrative and business journey.
     
    Kristina Paider – “KP” – is a world-class storyteller and best-selling author. Her book and workshops, The Hollywood Approach, helps people accelerate results in their business and life. KP’s executive track record includes overseeing the marketing and research for a $15 billion-dollar global hotel company while moonlighting as a screenwriter.  She travels by motorcycle, jumps into waterfalls and is a guest chocolate chef, based in the Dominican Republic.


     
    And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
     
    Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.
     
    Kristina Paider, thank you so much for being here!



    Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.
    Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.



    Guest Contact –
    KristinaPaider.com The Hollywood Approach: Script Your Life Like a Hit Movie and Live Your Wildest Dream by Kristina Paider Kristina Paider on LinkedIn (in/kristina-paider) Kristina Paider on Facebook (@kristina.paider) Kristina Paider on Instagram (@kristinapaider) Kristina Paider on TikTok (@kristinapaider)
    Contact Jeffrey –
    SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  
    Valuable complimentary resources to help you –
     
    ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
    ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.
    ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!

    Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal

    • 45 min
    Ben Guttman – Keep it Simple: Clear Messages in Marketing

    Ben Guttman – Keep it Simple: Clear Messages in Marketing

    Let's keep these show notes simple – because simplicity wins, especially in marketing and messaging. I'm joined by Ben Guttman, marketing entrepreneur and author, as we dive deep into this concept. Ben highlights the challenges of communicating effectively in today's world filled with distractions, emphasizing the need to break through the brain's natural filtering process. We discuss the importance of delivering messages that are noticed, remembered, and understood.  Tune in to learn why embracing simplicity in communication is crucial for connecting with your audience.
     
    Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He’s an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.


     
    And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
     
    Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.
     
    Ben Guttmann, thank you so much for being here!



    Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.
    Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.



    Guest Contact –
    BenGuttmann.com Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win―and How to Design Them by Ben Guttmann Ben Guttmann on LinkedIn (in/benguttmann)
    Contact Jeffrey –
    SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  
    Valuable complimentary resources to help you –
     
    ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
    ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.
    ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!

    Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    • 42 min
    902: Coaching Break - How To Make The Best Decisions to Invest in Your Business

    902: Coaching Break - How To Make The Best Decisions to Invest in Your Business

    Investing in your business growth and your personal development is essential. Whether it's coaching, training or technology, we're always looking at our options. In this episode I provide some practical tips on how to make the best decisions on what to invest in. Having been making such decisions for 40+ years, these are my own practices for making the big decisions.

     

    Contact Jeffrey –

    Take the Self-Doubt Survey
    Self-Employed Newsletter
    Website
    Books
    Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!
     

    Valuable resources to help you –

    The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
     

    Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.
     

    Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!
     

     

    Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    • 20 min
    Jay Baer – Time Matters: Speed as a Competitive Advantage

    Jay Baer – Time Matters: Speed as a Competitive Advantage

    Some business owners still cling to the old-fashioned idea that quality takes time or that customers will wait due to the demand. In the past, I built my photography brand on these beliefs. But today, customers expect not just quality, but also something else – speed. Today, I’m joined by customer experience expert Jay Baer. With a strong background in research and renowned brand consulting, Jay explains how speed has become a pivotal factor in today’s business landscape, just as important as price. We delve into strategies for enhancing responsiveness and the value of setting accurate speed expectations. Jay also introduces the innovative concept of offering a “fast pass” to customers who are willing to pay more for expedited service. Tune in to discover how to leverage speed for success!
     
    Jay Baer is a business growth and customer experience author, researcher, and advisor. A 7th-generation entrepreneur, Jay has written 7 best-selling business books, and created 6 multi-million-dollar companies. He has consulted for more than 700 brands, including Nike, Oracle, IBM, and the United Nations. An inductee into the professional speakers hall of fame,
    Jay was named this year as one of the world’s top 30 Global Gurus, in customer
    experience, AND in marketing. And in his spare time, he is the second most-popular tequila influencer and educator on the planet.


     
     
    And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
     
    Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.
     
    Jay Baer, thank you so much for being here!



    Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.
    Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.



    Guest Contact –
    JayBaer.com The Time to Win: How to Exceed Your Customers’ Need for Speed by Jay Baer JayBaerBook.com Jay Baer on LinkedIn (in/jaybaer) Jay Baer on Instagram (@jaybaer) Jay Baer on YouTube (@JayBaer)
    Contact Jeffrey –
    SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  
    Valuable complimentary resources to help you –
     
     
    ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you’re really good at what you do. You’re talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you’re probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there’s no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
    ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you’re all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it’s somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you’ll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.
    ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I’ll take a look at your website. I’ll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let’s get your business speaking the right LINGO!

    Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The S

    • 43 min
    Jann Freed – Redefining Retirement with a Breadcrumb Legacy

    Jann Freed – Redefining Retirement with a Breadcrumb Legacy

    I fully support our guest's perspective of retiring the term “retirement;” as Dr. Jann Freed aptly puts it, “We are not retiring from life, but moving on to something else.” In this episode, Jann and I explore the concept of “Breadcrumb Legacy” - a forward-thinking approach to leaving a meaningful impact. We discuss how legacy isn't just something at life's end, but a collection of intentional actions woven into the present. From the influence of Mr. Rogers to the power of silence, we uncover how focusing on relationships over achievements shapes a purposeful legacy. Whether approaching retirement or not, as self-employed business owners, we can all benefit from aligning our actions with our values. By doing so, we not only foster personal growth but also make a positive impact in both our business and personal lives.
     
    As a former professor for decades, Dr. Jann decided to practice what she was teaching and preaching.  She says she is out to retire the word “retirement.” We are not retiring from life, but moving onto something else. Jann believes it takes time and intentional thought to successfully move on to what’s next in life. This awakening led her on a research journey that resulted in her book Leading with Wisdom: Sage Advice from 100 Experts. One chapter that really resonated was “Leaders Live Their Legacy.” So Dr. Jann did a deep dive on legacy work and set out to interview gurus. From this work, she created the concept of Breadcrumb Legacy™ and it became her latest book Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering. Dr. Jann also hosts the “Becoming a Sage Podcast” where she interviews thought leaders on the wisdom of life and work. She also writes the “Leading Edge” column for Training Magazine which is published in print and online. Dr. Jann’s mission is to be a seeker and learner who leaves a Breadcrumb Legacy for herself and others. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband and her dog, Grover. She is proud of her three adult sons who are thriving in this ever-changing world.


     
    And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
    Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com. 
    Jann Freed, thank you so much for being here!



    Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.
    Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.

     
    Guest Contact –
    JannFreed.com Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering by Jann E. Freed OR Get 20% off of Breadcrumb Legacy by entering FLE22 at checkout HERE Jann Freed on LinkedIn (in/jannfreed) Jann Freed on Facebook (@jann.freed.9) Jann Freed on Instagram (@drjannfreed) Jann Freed on Twitter/X (@JannFreed)
    Contact Jeffrey –
    SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  
    Valuable complimentary resources to help you –
    ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
    ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out wha

    • 46 min
    Coaching Break – Create Systems of Behavior

    Coaching Break – Create Systems of Behavior

    When we talk about systems in business, we are most often referring to processes and technology. However, the best and most important systems you can create are around your behavior. By systemizing your behavior, you are able to move forward more efficiently and consistently and that is the way to grow your business.

     

    Contact Jeffrey –

    Take the Self-Doubt Survey
    Self-Employed Newsletter
    Website
    Books
    Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!
     

    Valuable resources to help you –

    The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!
     

    Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.
     

    Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!
     

     

    Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    • 19 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
223 Ratings

223 Ratings

Andieo1997 ,

A Must-Listen!

The Self-Employed Life Podcast is a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenging yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship. Jeffrey Shaw, with his impressive line-up of experts, delivers not just business strategies, but soulful insights that resonate on a personal level. It's not just about doing business; it's about creating a meaningful life around it. A must-listen for anyone on the self-employed journey!

garydsy ,

Perfection!

Jeffrey does a fantastic job interviewing his guests, providing quality content and keeping listeners wanting more!

Taylor_MilanArt ,

A Must-Listen for Creatives!

This podcast is an absolute gem! As a self-employed artist striving to master the intricacies of running my own business, the self-employed life podcast is a reservoir of practical knowledge, source of motivation and a beacon on insight!

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