The Possibility of Substack with Sarah Raad

“Substack has brought back a feeling of possibility. There are so many like minded, lovely people out there that I've never, ever come across on a single other platform in all the years of being on them. And suddenly I've come on Substack and they're all here, and it's like, wow, this is really nice." Sarah Raad🎙✨Sarah Raad is a creative coach and mentor who specialises in working with creative women in small businesses. As a coach, she focuses on both the mindset and strategic aspects of their businesses. Sarah's clients include a wide range of creative professionals such as illustrators, jewellery designers, garden designers, branding experts, and fellow coaches. She helps them explore their potential, redefine what is possible for their businesses, and guides them in areas such as pricing, products, marketing, visibility, and income generation. Sarah also conducts group coaching sessions in addition to individual coaching.I am proud to call Sarah Raad a friend. Sarah took my Substack masterclass back in March and we voice noted endlessly about how to make Substack work as part of our business eco-systems. It’s not easy but it is possible for service providers - we are right to ask questions first before getting starry eyed over the lovli-ness of Substack. We both worked in the cultural sector in the same city; Sarah in marketing and me in festivals and events and yet we never met in person until earlier this year! Sarah has a no nonsense approach to Substack, to marketing and to business - I’ve learnt so much from her. Podcast overview…Here is the timestamped overview to give you an indication of the content in our podcast call/ interview together;[00:00:40] Coaching creative women, focusing on mindset.[00:04:07] Cultural organisations need transparent spending. Marketing obstacles are often self-imposed.[00:08:05] Social media gives us a platform. Important to know audience; build networks. Marketing is essential for small businesses.[00:11:06] Focus, consistency, and co-creation on social media.[00:15:26] Social media noise deafening, moved to Substack.[00:18:08] Substack is interesting, unlike social media.[00:22:13] Lost in Instagram echo chamber, limited reach. Substack offers deeper connection, talent showcase.[00:29:16] Self-expression and the impact of likes. Supportive community on Substack. Spaciousness and generosity in sharing content.[00:33:19] Substack Notes fosters thoughtful and interesting content.[00:35:53] Stay true to your community, embrace Substack.[00:40:38] Platforms like Substack allow users to build a mailing list, unlike Instagram or Twitter where followers have little value. It's important to focus on building a list for monetisation.[00:44:30] Substack offers diverse platforms without algorithmic issues.[00:49:16] Membership growth plans, evergreen content creation. Nice community.[00:51:39] Substack: A beacon of inspiration and generosity[00:54:51] Substack needs balance in user strategy, encourage readers.If you’d like to read our transcript it’s here or if you’re reading on desktop you’ll see a tab to open it. If you’d like to watch our video recording, it’s here. Hope you enjoy this episode and it give you lots of space to own your unique creative path and sparkle up your Substack!Find Sarah online. She currently has ONE space in her group coaching programme if you jump in now.  Here’s the scoop; Believe & Achieve is a group programme which combines weekly group coaching, 1:1 Voxer coaching, co working and quarterly goal setting sessions to keep you on track with achieving your goals and also supporting your mindset to believe that you can! www.sarahraad.com/believe-achieveFind Claire online. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe