Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bethany Wrede Peterson, Founder of Atelier Wrede, located in Stillwater, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a podcaster and a podcast & brand messaging coach. I help personal brands find their voice to become more profitable, lead with confidence, and make a lasting impact on their audience – through the power of podcasting. I work one-to-one with clients who have a group coaching program and a self-study podcast launch course. My clientele tends to be mature women entrepreneurs who would rather market their brand with relationships than with reels! They are at a place in their life where they have something to say and a desire to authentically connect with their audience in a way that serves them personally as well as professionally.
I have two podcasts: ARRIVED. It is a seasonal long-form and interview format show about finding your voice in your work. ARRIVED…Daily launches Dec 12th and will give listeners tactical, straight-talk actionable to hone their message and launch their podcast in weekly/daily episodes 10 minutes or less.
Tell us about yourself
I used to be an interior designer for bachelors. I launched ARRIVED. In 2019 initially to help my then-niche – millennial single men – find their voice at home and in their relationships. But every episode felt like a research project: I wasn't a guy, nor was I even single! In 2020, shortly after the first pandemic lockdown temporarily shuttered the design industry, I started receiving requests from peers to help them launch their own podcasts. It was then that I realized a narrative more closely aligned with my own story needed to feature in my podcast and coaching work.
The subject matter of ARRIVED. Subsequently transitioned to finding your voice in your work, as more female solopreneurs were listening to the show than single men ever had. Whoever listens to the show, I love getting behind the mic – even if my message in a certain episode only resonates with one person. It sounds clichéd, but you never know who is listening – and whether your message is just the one they need to take that next step to improve their own life or business in some way. Your voice has the power to make a far-reaching impact! That's why I love podcasting so much and why I'm so passionate about teaching others this craft. Once you realize the joy and power of podcasting, it's hard to look at any other way to market your business as effectively or as authentically.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Any time one of my students or private clients launches their own show – it's a feeling like no other! Just knowing that I've helped to empower someone else to use their voice as a catalyst to help others, and in turn, that audience can feel more empowered – it's a blissful full-circle feeling of accomplishment, knowing I've helped plant that seed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a small business owner, podcaster, and course creator is sometimes feeling like you're working in a vacuum. Whether it's because you're a WFH solopreneur and don't have a team to bounce ideas off of and generally collaborate with or because you're alone in a studio recording your message for a faceless audience – being a small business owner can sometimes be very lonely work!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Clearly, I'm biased here, but the best advice I have to offer someone looking to start, run or grow their business is to start a podcast! There's something so simple, genuine, and frictionless about pressing record and speaking your truth into a microphone or bringing fun and interesting people onto your show to have a value-led conversation with in order to promote your business. A podcast builds trust with your audience in a way that's extremely hard to replicate in most of today's social media. So that's tip 1.
Tip 2? Use all that content generated in your podcast episodes then to create social media posts, email blasts, etc. We all have to be content creators these days, no matter our industry, and podcasting can help you churn out a ton of quality content quickly.
And tip 3, start guesting on the podcast circuit with like-minded shows. Especially when you're first starting out, leverage the power of other podcasters' platforms by being a guest on their show, and offering real, collaborative value. Have them on your show too, if you can. Develop your relationships and always consider how you're adding value: whether it's to your listeners or to a podcast host and their listenership. And whichever side of the mic you're on – always send a thank you card!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.atelierwrede.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atelierwrede/
What's Your Podcast Personality?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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