Ever been confused about what storytelling really is? Read this.

Everyone’s a storyteller right now. #feelslikethat #amiright?

Be it in social media, content marketing or business blogs – marketing, storytelling and selling all converge into a great tonne of buzzwords. There is lots of talk about the latest in digital media and of course the ‘how you need to be a storyteller’ business advice.

I get this. Stories are what drew me into the field of creation and ideation in digital media. Documentaries about real life heroes inspired me insanely. Stories are what bring me to do my job every day, and they are what keep me dreaming and going forward.

But the more I hear people call themselves storytellers, the more I need to go back to the authentic meaning of that word. And in recent times, it’s been made clear to me – Story is a re-telling of events. From a unique and individual perspective. From a very specific point of view. I have to thank Muse University for this particular insight – from one of their courses I took recently.

In digital marketing today- that would sound something like this. There’s a story to be told? Think a modern day ‘once upon a time’ meeting your digital marketing strategy which then goes on to meet your audience.

In business especially, we are all telling our stories – about our products, our services and what value we bring to the table. But here’s a little check-in you may want to consider –

There’s a difference between fact-telling and story-telling.

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Here are a few examples of fact vs story:
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Fact: Saying what you do.

Story: Someone saying how they felt experiencing your service (what you do) – and how that changed their life.

—

Fact: You’re a biz coach and you have the qualifications to teach/coach a biz owner.

Story: A real life human you coached recently started something from nothing, and really created a profitable business with the help of your coaching.

—

Fact: Your non-profit organisation – you have a sign on your website saying how you help people.

Story : You have a collection of testimonials and social proof from someone you helped – they share their voice of gratitude and happiness

—

Stories can have facts. But facts are not stories.

In our business narratives, while there might be a lot of fact-telling, it mustn’t be confused for story-telling.

Now, will the real story please stand up? 😉

Watch out for more of these kinds of posts in the next few weeks. I’ve been going through a new streak of upgrading my story IQ, and the insights are just so story-worthy! 😉

What about you? Have you felt like you can tell better stories in your business?

5 books that changed the way I thought about running an online business

When I began thinking about starting a business, way back in 2009, I had no idea about details about running a business, and the actual time and effort that goes into making things happen. As a young professional beginning to create new connections and yearning to ‘get out there’, it felt like there was so much to do, but nowhere to really begin.

Until I began to read biz books that changed all that.

Reading and learning became my ‘go-to’ tool to widen my horizons into what was possible, and these books literally became my teachers. So much advice and life direction in a single week! (about the time it takes me to fully read a book) If you’re a business owner and just starting a new business – reading is definitely worth your time, and inevitable will lead to a breakthrough in your own thinking and ideas.

1. Creativity – The Perfect Crime, by Philip Petit

Reading this book was akin to going on a super exciting journey, whilst being in a mysterious wonder land…it redefined what reading a book meant to me! I felt like I was on a 4D, virtual reality mission, being creative whilst traversing the gap between the Twin Towers, on a rope. The thought processes and mindfulness of this perfectly chaotic and transcendental soul (Petit) will fill you with a yearning for a new adventure. I had no idea what lay inside this cathartic and almost playful book. It is filled with a variety of things involved in the journeying of creative people, including – the vision, the decision making moment, the preparation process, getting resources together and being resourceful, setting out on an epic journey, and then the tension filled moments of making the dream happen.

If you’re a creative soul looking to fill your moments with an inspiration like no other. Or if you’re planning world domination and need a spirit guide, THIS is your book.

2. Do the Work – Steven Pressfield

I read this book way before I actually got out and began a full time journey with my business. Honestly, one needs to read it, and then do the work, and then possibly go back for a second read. I first heard about Steven Pressfield through Marie Forleo, and happened to have it on my Kindle throughout 2013-2015, which is when I was playing with the idea of having my own business. Setting it up, and following through with the work – it aint no joke. Pressfield is all about dealing with resistance, knowing it, working with it, working through it and basically being aware about the existence of resistance, but not letting it drive you or your creative and/or business practice.

3. Make it Happen – Surrender your fear, take the leap, live on purpose – Lara Casey

I enjoyed reading this book – Lara shares a similar faith based thinking to myself. Reading this reminded me that one’s greatest setbacks, faults, struggles and disappointments can become the radical footing for a ground breaking future. I loved her honesty, her clear style of writing and also felt like she was so open and transparent in sharing her own business journey, and the ups and downs of her experience, and the lessons she learned while building a business from scratch.

4.Do Cool Shit – Miki Agrawal

One of the very earlier ‘biz books’ I came across. This badass fiery woman inspired me like no other. She is smart, tactical and almost ninja in my view. There are certain traits in entrepreneurs that just remind me of a ninja, and Miki is just that. From being on a national soccer team to starting a new line of healthy pizza, Miki has really created a new realm of understanding what is it to be a builder, someone who creates from nothing. Her gutsy attitude and chance-taking chutzpah had me at page 1. #greatread

5.Show your work – 10 Ways to Share your Creativity and get discovered – Austin Kleon

Early on, it was quite hard for me to have the confidence to show people my work. It was, in my eyes, a mammoth task to share it and be at the mercy of an audience. Now, in business, it’s my duty and a vital practice of my everyday life to be able to show people the work, talk about, get practical and honest feedback that will improve the work. As creatives, it’s so important to have the humility and vulnerability to share your ‘baby’ with the world. Only something that gets easier with time!

Hope you enjoy getting into these delicious pages! If you have any recommendations of a good business or self help book, please leave a comment! I would love to know 😀

#Videocrush :: Biz Video done right

April Goals: New places, new spaces.

Guys! It’s been a while. I know!!! I’m stoked to be back.

// As I write this, I’m both chuckling to myself, in the nicest way, and also energised by the possibilities surrounding me. And as I write this, we are officially operating here in Sydney as well as in Perth. (!!!) Somebody pinch me! I thought about this, but never in my wildest dreams did I think this year, 2017, would be the year I’d be living, like a proper Sydney sider, here in freaking Sydney!!!

My husband Josh accepted a new job here, and that’s the reason we came here. Wow. Life knows how to surprise, delight and errything! I’d be lying if I didn’t also tell you that it’s been chaotic, exhausting, full of tired nights and heavy eyelids, but we’re waking up daily to a city that is buzzing, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m in for this wild ride…

It’s been almost 3 months since we left Perth, and since then, we’ve lived in a hotel for a month (in Chatswood), scrambled around to find a place to live, and finally found the perfect spot in Ryde, opened 55 (yes, 55) boxes of home life, and tried to put things in place. In between all this, there was a trip to the Philippines (Boracay) – sharing more about this soon! And now, in another 10 days, I will be flying back to Perth for a dear friends wedding.

Exhausted just writing all this out so you can imagine the journey. It was. intense.

But I’m here and it’s quiet. I can hear the birds singing, the traffic sounds have a somewhat calming on my work, our to-do lists are not as long, even though we have lots to look forward to this year, and there is a sense of newness in every day, especially in the way I approach work here at Chutzpah.

Someone asked me the other day – a friend who wants to begin her own business – what does business mean to you? Good Q.

Personally, it means the world to express, to create, to serve to your highest ability. To meet and work with different and talented clients, to go beyond what you thought was possible, and to dream big.

When I began, the enthusiasm to just begin was so great, and I had so much fun in the first few months with my first few clients. There was a spark in literally everything I did! Even if I had to work all night to hit a deadline, and even with balancing different issues within the business – I could just not miss the smile and satisfaction of a job done.

Back to being in this new city.

I wonder what’s ahead. I smile at these blue skies and want to jump with some amount of excitement, even as I think about my friends and family in Perth.

And as always, I ask myself this question – what are my goals supposed to be? Do they change massively because I’m in a new place? Do they become bigger?

Strange are the ways of my brain – but these six are what popped out for me

Serve with Soul: Envelope my work with warmth and love.
Discover Sydney: It’s a new city, let’s go play!
Connect with others: I don’t know anyone here. It’s an opportunity to make new friends!
Share your work: Update that portfolio, and get case studies up and running’
Build a team: More about this a bit later
Progress over perfect: This is something I learned from Lara Casey, and it’s always brought me from a place of angst about perfection to knowing that I can take one more step forward and I’ll be just fine!

// Some things that helped me with the move: 💕 Essential Oils: Hardly thought I’d ever even say this, but using DoTerra Oils – so good! My favourite is the Balance blend 🙂

Journal practice:

Staying in the moment – I try! But no seriously, journalling the monkey mind is key – every morning, some stream of consciousness gets passed on to a lucky piece of paper – or my very loyal laptop.

Doing the work:

Timing, timing! All about that time! I came to Sydney with a massive project and a lot of editing to do – a whole album with a super talented artist and some close deadlines. Along with working on my laptop for almost a month, because my desktop was on it’s way – and being in a hotel room, I was well on my way to being focussed for a few hours a day.

God:

Last but not least, I think my faith in God and His providence has grown stronger with this experience. Spending time in the quiet is the best time of my day.

As it stands, this week – Friday, I head back to Perth to reconnect with the city, be bridesmaid <!> (more on this later), visit family and generally exhale. We’ve had a pretty full on couple of months here, and this is going to be so, so good.

back soon,

Fayann x

Fear – what if it ran the (whole) show?

Hi friends, it’s mid-week but this one’s been full of learning and reflection, and I was compelled to write and share. Specifically about fear and feeling it in almost most moments of change and challenge.

The backstory to this post.

In the midst of creating, connecting with our past and some new clients, juggling projects, moving cities, (Perth WA to Sydney, Australia) setting up home and office and relegating myself to boss status, there are untimely and not-so-motivating thoughts of Who am I to do this/I’m too —– to get this completed/I can’t.

Then I reach for more coffee.

In the midst of this, I think:

What if Beyonce listened to her fear and never sang, danced and expressed herself?!

I, forever that person in the #Beyhive, shudder at that thought.

That voice of doubt, and shrinking myself in moments of change and upheaval is something that has followed me always. But in every situation, a choice presents itself and it’s in those minuscule segments of trepidation and apparent chaos that destiny is made and legacies forged.

Here I am, following my dreams, doing my best, loving my work, wearing my passion, sharing my journey and there is that small, niggling fear. As always, a constant pop up.

I’m calling it out, today. No ignoring it. I know that it’s showing up for a reason, it wants me to be safe, to be ok.

But today, it’s not the driver of my day, of my business and of my life.

There is nothing extraordinary about fear.

But there is nothing ordinary about hearing the fear, feeling all of it, and living your best life, anyway.

To fear – that constant catalyst,

Let’s keep going forward regardless. It’s going be the best day ever.

FD x

PS. If you feel like it, post about a moment (in life or business) where you felt fear, and went ahead anyway. Would love to hear it!

PPS. I made a printable – with some help from Canva 😉 save it on your phone or tablet!.

Getting started with video: A mini-series on Insta!

Hi, guys!

Just dropping a note here about the mini-series that’s been happening over at our Instagram account @chutzpahz!

We’re talking about the 5 types of videos this week that you can get started with for marketing your business, product or service.

We’ve mentioned this before – video production for your agency, business or blog is one of the best ways to bring in new clients and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Are you ready to get in the know-how on how to increase your increase, showcase your valuable skills and use the best marketing tool out there? This week, Chutzpah Creative is starting on our very first mini-series on Instagram – beginning with how to use video for marketing your business if you’ve never done it before.

So far, we’ve covered advice related to “Creating video testimonials” and “Creating video tutorials”. You can expect to learn a few things about branding your biz in videos and these videos can be for your website, social media or wherever else you choose!

A video is an awesome way to market your business. Main benefits of producing your own content?

Grow your own influence in the marketplace, communicate and exchange ideas with others in your niche who want to learn more, create community through your content, and also learn new strategies and communication methods as you go!

This is one of the posts we’ve shared so far, check it out. Day 1 was about Creating video testimonials.

>>> So, your business offers great service. You put love, every bit of effort and passion into it and you absolutely adore your clients. Sounds right? Thought so! ⠀

You get regular feedback from your clients after you provide a product or service through your business. This, my friends, is gold when it comes to video marketing. Client feedback is advocacy for your business. It establishes you and your brand as a credible, reliable resource. ⠀
⠀
Your website can tell people what kind of amazing service you deliver, but client testimonies CONFIRM that fact! They back your words up. Instead of selling your business yourself, let your client’s story do this for you! ⠀
⠀
Some pointers on getting it right:

1. Don’t script it – allow people to be natural and unrehearsed. Ask questions about the journey. What did they experience? Why did they contact you, why did you stand out? and what was it about the service that was best?⠀

2. Do this while your work is fresh in their mind – you can totally contact them even if it’s been a while since they saw you, and if it was a positive and creatively awesome experience, your client is going to be happy to hear from you, guaranteed! ⠀

3. Prepare your clients when they first sign up with you. Let them know this at the very beginning. That you’d love the opportunity to capture their feedback on video – this way they’re going to be prepared to get in front of the lens after the work ends! ⠀

4. Who are your businesses latest and greatest fans? Who are the people you’ve seen grow and succeed because of a product or service you provided? Make a list today. ⠀

5. Send them a message, now – and I’m 100% sure they’re only going to be more than happy to share the love! ⠀
Remember, your business story and how it gets communicated is totally dependant on you! Use video and get more eyes 👀on your awesome, amazing work.⠀

For more tips on how to use video for your business, hop on over to our account on Insta, follow our account @chutzpahz and be amazed! 😉

‘See’ you on social, and leave a comment for us – anything related to using video and production and we will do our best to help 🙂

Fay x

November note.

Pic by Charli Burrowes from Me Oh My Girl

Hi there!

Thanks for being here and reading these words. If this is your first time here, welcome to Chutzpah Creative, a venture I began to help businesses and non profits tell their stories – through video production, social media and content marketing.

These past few months, it’s been a journey of growth and lessons. Never before have I surrendered this deeply to my intuition, and never before have there been so many opportunities to grow from change and challenge! Everyday in business presents a brand new blank page, and I really feel like this is the best personal development lesson I’m going to have.

One person I admire greatly in business is Sir Richard Branson. I’ve read a couple of books he’s written and he delivers immense value through his writing..thought I’d share this particular quote that has stayed with me

Running a business takes blood, sweat, and tears (and caffeine). But at the end of the day, you should be building something you will be proud of. Branson says, “When I started Virgin from a basement in West London, there was no great plan or strategy. I didn’t set out to build a business empire … For me, building a business is all about doing something to be proud of, bringing talented people together and creating something that’s going to make a real difference to other people’s lives.”

Source: Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School

That is so true. It does take work, but at the end of the day, it’s a journey I am proud to be part of. I’m sure this business is going to change, and as it changes, so will the shape, structure and overall look.

This November, I’m going with that flow – of change, consistent mayhem – which I’m sure will be messy and imperfect. I’m ready to complete what I’ve begun, take some changes, and complete the month before the end of this year with…well, chutzpah!

I’m excited about every single thing,

Come on, November, let’s see where we go 😉

Love the journey…

FD x

Hello, October (and happy 5 month anniversary to Chutzpah HQ!)

To blog or not to blog, that is the question.

Coming back to this space has been on my brain for quite-some-time, and I’m happy to say we’re finally back on track with our editing projects!! <cue the celebratory music!>

It’s been 5 months of being in full-time biz, and what a glorious, exciting, heart-thumping ride to be on. Each day is different and each passing moment brings new opportunity, new challenges and most importantly, growth.

When I decided to go into business, it was mainly for one reason – to feel more joy at work. (can I get an amen?!)

Sounds simple enough, right? More joy at work? What brings this ‘joy’? Well, I really, sincerely wanted to feel like I was doing my very best, working with the very best, and serving the community and the world through this joy. I wanted to feel ease and freedom when it came to communicating with people, I wanted to work with my strengths, focus on what I did best, and create freedom and space to be creative, innovative and relevant to the current zeitgeist.

It’s not easy to create this, but what I’ve found is that it’s POSSIBLE.

What materialises when one steps out into the unknown? What adventures and experiences are to be had when one does not know everything?

When structure is thrown out the window and mediocrity is ignored, I found ample opportunity for spontaneity, and as a result of that, some sweet ol’ joy.

Don’t get me wrong, when I say joy, I don’t mean that the road is easier, at all. In fact, the amount of work has doubled, tripled, at times leading me well into creating and producing content at all crazy hours of the day (and night), striving to hit deadlines and feel like I am doing what was set out to be done. The joy has come with some struggle, with adjustments to new ways of communicating and being, with adding new systems in place (where there were none before) and with the knowing that this will be a path where lessons will be learnt at all times, and in every situation.

Having said all that, I’m super grateful to every single person, every single business and every single agency who has gave us the opportunity to get started and get going. There are not enough love hearts in this universe to express the love I feel about this journey.

Since starting 5 months, we’ve had the privilege of working with almost 20 different clients, (case-studies series releasing shortly) committed to finding new ways of working with video and the post-production process, supported 2 not-for-profit organisations, worked with local vendors in the video production industry in Perth, collaborated with new freelancers (and hope to do more of this!), had the pleasure of speaking at a Girl child education event – a cause that’s very close to this heart, and worked with both children and pets – finding the shot and pressing record at the correct moment!

It is our hope that we’ve begun a conversation about effective communication in the digital age. The short-term goal is to understand what will be most helpful to our clients and how we can most effectively create content that brings clarity of message to their audiences. With the right mindset and the intention to do good behind everything we do, we’re on our way there.

With Gratitude to Infinity,

Fayann + Team Chutzpah

Life should be lived on the edge of life.

CHUTPZAH

5 major fears every person has before getting on video – and how to get around them!

After working with a few clients on their videos – I can’t help noticing a few doubts and fears that pop up before every shoot, especially when the client is supposed to be in front of the camera.

I’m going to dash straight into it, so here we go. Here are the 5 top comments I get either before, during or after the shoot.

Pain point #1 – Do I look OK?

This is the number one question that I get asked before almost anyone begins. This includes – is my hair OK, do I need to change my top, can I change my outfit?

>>>> How to get around this: It’s important to present yourself well, and make sure that you’re prepared with your outfit for the shoot. If it’s your first time, it’s a great idea to work with a stylist or a fashion consultant to make sure you’re presenting an image that’s aligned with your brand.

The more you research videos and maybe even do a ‘dress rehearsal’ before the day of the shoot, the more comfortable and confident you will be on the day of the shoot.

Pain point #2. How do I begin? What do I say?

Always, always discuss this with your videographer and begin with an introduction that you’re prepared with and are pretty confident with.

>>>> How to get around this: I don’t recommend scripting the entire video, unless it’s scientific, or has vital stats that you have to get right – or if you have a VOV – VoiceOverVideo

With regards to a video introduction, it’s best to know what you’re going to say, in 2-3 short sentences. The rest of the presentation can then flow as and how you want it.

I’ve recently worked with The Centre for Faith Enrichment on their video for courses and thought it best to have a voiceover that explains specific details pertinent info related to the agency. Together, we scripted every word. It was precise, organised, planned.

In the case of speaking to a camera or answering questions, in MOST cases, talking spontaneously or answering some interview questions end up coming across as the most easygoing answers – which in turn lead to the whole delivery coming across as natural and conversational.

It’s exactly like you’re talking to someone in person. Interviews are best when they sound conversational and light. Imagine reading a script out as someone asks you, “What are you working on right now?”.

Exactly.

Pain point #3. Is my voice alright? Am I speaking too fast/too slow?

Most people have possibly never been recorded, so they’ve never heard the sound of their voice played back. I’m going to be very honest – the very first time you hear yourself, you will possibly detest the sound of your own voice – THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL. You grow to love it, I promise! 😉

>>>> How to get around this: Before you begin speaking, take 3-4 deep breaths. This usually slows down your heart rate, which is possibly pounding, and make you feel a Whole Lot Better.

Go ahead, the next time you’re in front of the lens, stare right back at it, take a few deep breaths and just exhale. and then, smile 🙂

Go ahead. Try this.

Pain point #4. Is the content alright?

This is a relevant and almost important fear that you need to tackle way back in the pre-production stage.

>>>> How to get around this: If you don’t know what you’re going to say, I suggest have a moment with the producer or director and prepare yourself adequately.

This is totally irrelevant if you’re on SnapChat and going through your day, taking everyone with you on the journey. I’m referring to marketing videos where you’re talking about a very specific program, product, service or fantastic, amazing invention.

In that case, don’t go in blindfolded. If you’re not into scripting, have 3-4 points you’d like to address covering the message, benefits or features of your offering or even just introducing it to the world.

If you’re feeling confident and want to go in guns blazing – go right ahead. But don’t blame the production crew if you’re not happy with the final cut. 😉

Pain point #5. Was that OK?

Most people ask me this straight after ‘cut’!

After you shoot your video, you will possibly look at the footage and analyse/find mistakes with your hair, weight and more. Most things can be changed in post-production, we can add in cutaways and other relevant footage.

>>>> One piece of advice here: Go easy on yourself and Know that with every video, you will grow more in confidence and skill. And that little mistake you keep making? That’s YOU. Your audience will love and adore you for you and you alone. With video, ‘Done is better than perfect.’

Those were the top FIVE things people ask before, during and after they get on camera.

Now, I would love to hear from you.

Have you had similar thoughts when you’re planning to use video? Leave a comment below and let me know 🙂