Emma Franklin Bell is an author, artist and entrepreneur. Emma spent two decades in the performing arts before opening her own dance studios, mentoring dance studio owners and writing a book How to Run a Preschool Dance Studio. Emma is the founder of The Beautiful Business Academy (launching June 2017) and co-founder of The Ladies Lounge Podcast in iTunes which has hit almost 10,000 downloads and has featured interviews with entrepreneurial heavyweights like Lisa Messenger, Steve Maraboli and Ali Brown. Emma has been featured on The Mark Bouris Show, Unlimited Influence Podcast, Transform Your Studio Podcast, Life Lessons TV and Leadership HQ Magazine. Emma’s latest book, Your Beautiful Business is available on Amazon. Read our interview with the lovely Emma below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always wanted to run my own business online. After running brick and mortar businesses I decided to start investigating the online world. I’m inspired by the unlimited reach, possibilities, opportunities and connections it creates. I’ve always worked for myself as I’m very creative and therefore the only path for me is running my own business.
Tell us about your business.
The BBA is an online academy (launching June 2017) that helps female entrepreneurs build beautiful and profitable businesses by teaching them how to write books and programs and enhance their performance skills so they step into their Creative Leadership.
Creative Leaders increase a business’ overall influence, impact and income through the exposure and influential positioning of the person in charge of growing the business.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes! You can download my latest book for free here.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I have a lot of academic qualifications including: Bachelor of Communication, Dip Business Marketing, Dip Presentation Skills, Certified IV Training and Assessment, Certified Dance Teaching and I’m a NSW Licensed Real Estate Agent.
Where is your business based?
The world as it is online but I am based in Sydney, Australia.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Many different ways!
- Dance Studios: Facebook advertising, got premises, secured teachers, wrote my own unique dance program.
- The Ladies Lounge Podcast: Organized guests, organized tech, just did it!
- The BBA (currently doing this): Building a list, daily marketing, writing content and program, launching the first program Manuscript Mastery in June 2017.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
With all 3 businesses: A list, daily social media, online advertising, lead magnets, and writing books.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
- Figuring out exactly what people needed
- Crafting and creating my own unique angle
- Timing and productivity with competing tasks
- Revenue models that work for the business model
How did you overcome these challenges?
- A lot of thinking, brainstorming and mind mapping
- Mining my creativity, delving deep into my uniqueness
- Prioritizing and always saying ‘no’ to events or distractions that aren’t necessary
- Having mentors
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
The overarching vision of what I want to create is stronger and pulls me through the short-term difficulties. Down times happen but then I get back on my feet and start the next day afresh.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
There will always be competitors. Having very strong brand values, brand essence, brand feeling and brand colors and look will signify who you are. The more defined you are, the more you will stand on your own two feet. I don’t see the world competitively, I see it abundantly and believe there is enough for everyone.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I recently interviewed Steve Maraboli. He is very popular in entrepreneurial circles with half a million followers on FB. He said ‘Action is the only thing that will make you successful.’
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
The same advice! Don’t wait. Start today. Take action. Build a tribe. Nurture them. Add value to their lives and then you’re in a position to sell your products and services to them when the time is right. Keep listening to the market and keep evolving.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
- Facebook and Instagram
- Active Campaign
- Podcasting in iTunes
- Trello
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Website www.yourbeautifulbusinessbook.com
Instagram @emmafranklinbell
Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBeautifulBusinessAcademy
LinkedIn www.au.linkedin.com/in/emmafranklinbell
Website www.emmafranklinbell.com
The Ladies Lounge Podcast
Instagram @theladiesloungemedia
iTunes www.itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-ladies-lounge/id1135933189
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert is such an ambassador for creativity, I really value that.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m learning about launching programs at the moment. I’m dealing with opt-ins, active campaign, videos, ads, webinars and all of that! There’s a lot to learn! I need help with spreading the word about my programs when they launch! YAY! That’s why I’m doing interviews like this – to get the word out!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I’ll be opening enrollments for Manuscript Mastery in June and I’m on track – just working every day at what needs to be done. If you want to write your first book and actually get the first draft completed in 8 weeks you might just LOVE to join a community of women do it together online! Woo hoo! What fun! emma@thebeautifulbusinessacademy.com