You would like to have an online portfolio that displays and showcases who you are and what you do to welcome every day sales, opportunities and requests.
A digital disco that creates easeful selling, and is your hardest working co worker… it works when you are working and when you are not.
Photo taken in 2012 when my brand new iMac arrived and I was ready to take over the world :)
(This you probably know)
People are purchasing 24/7
Scrolling, learning and consuming 24/7
People are looking to solve problems and live their best lives.
"Nicky was the first person I spoke to about launching Brave Bird. I’d listened to her podcast and followed her for about a year before reaching out. I’d had a few years out of work and my confidence was pretty low so I needed some professional advice about becoming much more visible. This was something outside of my comfort zone, but the faith in what I had to offer convinced me it was time.
She grasped the intention right away and offered me great advice on personal branding, and helped me to formulate a structure in which to operate professionally and authentically.
I would highly recommend her services. "
People can smell the templates and formulated approach in this climate. We need personalisation and a bespoke considered approach.
The copy and paste version isn't for everyone. We need to share personality, nuance and individuality.
People want to see us... the shiny highlights reel may be aspirational however they want to see the real you so they can be the real them. To be seen, heard and be connected. Your ideal client wants to feel safe to purchase. Empathy, rapport and understanding aka you being a real life person is always key in your personal brand building.
Your Digital Disco will work for you. All you have to do is to build the first stage and then add to it.
Many people are put off by visibility as they assume it relies on them being 'live'. You can have a drone strapped to you 24/7 of course, but I know most people wouldn't choose this option. Instead they would prefer to work with their capacity and schedule.
As visibility is no longer something we can just opt out of, we have to find a way to progress without feeling overwhelmed by fear or hesitation.
I want to support you to find a way to: -
To build a visibility rhythm that builds momentum towards your business goals and your bigger mission.
To find a way to operate from ease, flow, vibrancy and creativity. To build a sustainable structure on strong foundations that give space to support clients and gives you space to rest.
To have a place where people can get to know you; a personal brand house to explore.
"I now have a plan... I was definitely winging it before and ‘hoping for the best’ and
now I have realised I can make this business work for me...’
Thank you Nicky.
You are always a supreme example of collaborative leadership in action and your presence is very much needed in our world."
25 years I began to learn how to build my personal brand online.
I started my career as an actor (and this continues to remain part of my income pie) and I understood the importance of standing out and 'showing' what you could do. The industry was highly competitive so I began building my digital disco early. On one hand this sounds strategic but it was mainly from need.
I didn't want to wait for the phone to ring. I wanted to be proactive. I wanted to be in the mix and do what I loved.
I needed to maximise my time and efforts so I worked smartly rather than just hard.
I am naturally a grafter and can always put in the hours; however the ‘hours’ are only useful/effective if they are created from the best version of me.
Maybe you are the same? Maybe you don't want to be online all the time. Instead you want to use your efforts doing the things you actually want to do/trained in.
I learnt quickly how to be effect. I didn't need to always travel 2 hours across London for a 3 hour coffee. I could instead send my portfolio in the first instance.
You can make other people's jobs easier. People are looking for me and they are looking for you. They want to see what they want to see and more. So how can you make that easier for them?
You can become familiar through content. You can build a know, like and trust factor and become the go to person. No pushing. No frantic follow ups.
"Working with Nicky was just what I needed. She created the space for me to open up and get clear on some goals that I'd been procrastinating over for way too long, and even more importantly helped me bring about some action.
Nicky is a great coach but she also knows when to step in with ideas, which is exactly what I needed. Her creative questions, fast understanding of what you are wanting to achieve and unique background add so much value to the conversations you have with her."
Founders, Creatives, Journalists, Leaders, Stylists, Speakers, CEOs, Digital experts, Healers, Teachers, Medical professionals. RuIe Makers (Lawyers) and Rule Breakers (Monetising non traditional careers; curating a portfolio career on their terms) Innovators, Technology Trailblazers, Dreamers, Foodies, Raconteurs, Game changers, Artists, Designers, Storytellers, Strategists, Wellbeing experts, Band Members who want to become Solo Artists (aka 9-5ers to want to create their own gig)
Most of my clients are not just one thing or nor do they fit neatly into a box.
They are multi faceted, multi talented and instead design their own 'box'.
In short, they want to work less with more ease and flow + make a difference + meet their money goals
To have the ability to create every day sales; from their imagination and help people globally. (often without leaving their house)
They want to be effective with their efforts; to do something once and then receive ongoing benefits. For example creating an online portfolio that is available whilst they sleep. Optimising the content they create and curating it so it becomes part of their digital footprint. It is unlimited in its reach and earning potential.
Shortcutting the process not sitting on cold sales calls selling to people who don't want to be sold to. No hustle or sleazy tactics or 'convincing people'. Instead building that know, like and trust factor so the right people come when they are ready.
Showing you can do the job: Daily opportunities and offers entering your inbox. Organic, aligned connections with shared values.
A personal brand that bends and flexes when your life requires... Over the last 25 years my life has changed and my personal brand has been able to also. From working full time and working on my business in the evenings and weekends. To building with no safety net. Through months of debilitating morning sickness and years of sleepless nights. When I had no childcare, a little childcare and then working school hours. Through industry changes and global pandemics. Through moments when I had personal circumstances that needed the majority of my focus. My digital disco has always been reliable and consistently rewarding.
"Working with Nicky was a great experience: a really deep and accelerated process which meant that I found answers I was looking for really efficiently. Her methods combined to kick my brain into action and helped me bypass many of the usual traps of complaining and dwelling on obstacles. It was so great talking to someone who seemed to 'get' me immediately, and she also used concrete examples and relatable metaphors that totally made sense. I recommend her approach unreservedly - a brilliant way to get out of a rut and into action.
Thanks, Nicky!"
It all starts with you.
What do you want? Where do you want to take your personal brand? What is your version of success?
In module one; we get super clear on where you are going; so your efforts are clear, focused and purposeful.
However this is not just about big plans that live on a vision board. This is about how we bring them to life.
This means exploring where you are right now. There will be so much 'data' indicating what's working and what isn't. What you need more of and less of. Where you need to be clearer and more instinctive... saying and sharing and being exactly what you know is right for you.
Maybe 'working on your website' is the last thing you want to do. Or perhaps you've fallen out of the rhythm of being visible. But you know hiding or procrastinating doesn't help you or your business.
I want to take this process of 'marketing yourself' from being overwhelming, frustrating and confusing to being simple and straight forward. I don't want the process to feel slow or stuck and instead find a rhythm and a flow that works for you so you can press publish/play and share this new chapter of you.
The internet is a wonderful place (mainly!) packed full of inspiration. But I know how easy it is to get lost in all of the noise.
However tempting it is to be 'vanilla' or 'dilute yourself' - now is not that time. I want you help you celebrate and share everything (with boundaries!) that is uniquely you.
You don't have to conform to a set of guidelines to win 'internet points' - this is about creating your own markers of success that feel doable and exciting to you.
'I am forever grateful for the forces of the universe that led me to Nicky. I was hooked listening to her podcasts and took the plunge to work with her. It changed my life! I am an overthinker & subscriber of too many courses - but none worked for me - or they weren’t complete. I was overwhelmed by all the processes of launching my business - creating a website, how to show up on social media, pricing etc. The course is well worth the investment. It’s chock full of practical, useful information & presented in Nicky’s warm, vibrant personality.
Working 1:1 was a real game changer - right from the first session, she just “gets” me! She uses metaphors that I can relate to and just like that, I understand what I need to do next. No fuss, no drama. As a solo-preneur, it’s great to work with someone honest, calm & concise like Nicky. I can bounce ideas with her and she can give me a viewpoint that I might otherwise have resisted or not considered. When I crossed milestones in my business, she was there cheering loudly & celebrating my wins with me. In the time we worked together, my personal brand has evolved by leaps & bounds! Thank you Nicky for your BRILLIANCE!! I look forward to working with you again soon!'
I always found the niching question difficult because I wanted to have a varied business. I didn't want to offer the same generic advice for the next 20 years. I love offering bespoke solutions. I thrive in having a portfolio career.
Over the last 15 years, I have worked with so many different clients in different places and spaces. I approach this 'understand your ideal client' work differently.
Firstly it is about establishing your skill set, your flavour and identifying who would benefit. Secondly not just viewing your customers as a 'tick box' exercise. This is about really getting to know them from a 360 perspective.
I know lots of people love to talk about Imposter Syndrome and staying in your lane. But round here, it is the opposite :)
It is your time to begin this next version of you and I want to help you set the right tone. This is about expansion and fully embracing the impact that you and your work can create and deliver.
I see so many people being overly humble or timid online; when it is unnecessary and potential harmful to your personal brand. We lose a sense of prolific you are and how good you are at your job; we want to receive the disco ball version of you.
"I worked with Nicky when I was feeling unsure about my direction after having kids. I was through the baby and toddler days and beginning to consider my options. Nicky saw a passion in me for advocating for, and supporting, people who’ve been adopted - like me. Nicky helped me to take myself seriously in terms of what I had to offer. So instead of launching with a free Wordpress site to little fanfare, I invested in myself and my new brand: How To Be Adopted.
I paid for a domain name, a shiny Squarespace site and an eye-catching and professional logo. To this day I still get compliments on the logo! I launched myself at an adoption event in London where I networked and made important contacts. I have now had 34k visitors to my site, been interviewed for international podcasts and been paid to speak at events.
Thank you Nicky for not letting me sell myself short!"
So many questions get in the way of our business progressing. What shall I say? What should I charge? What should I share? How do I start? Is it ok to write x, y and z?
If you've got questions, I can help you find answers. Often there is an emphasis on the 'right answer' but remember this is not about trends, this is about your customer and their experience.
Operating from integrity and discernment is key. Your online home should be designed to delight your customers (and welcome them to buy from you). I will support you to become the architect of your website; creating a place and a space that welcome results now but also evolve as you do...
Before we get into metrics set by other people 'You should be posting x, y number of times per week' - let's establish what works for you. Yes you could be online 24/7 mindlessly scrolling or commenting an emoji for engagement but I know that probably doesn't work for your lifestyle. Nor will it be particularly effective.
However if you speak from a place of passion, connection and transformation this will prove to be more effective. So let's start with you... you being visible in a way that feels doable, purposeful and personal.
"I first met Nicky feeling lost in what to do with my business.
I'd just finished some intense social media training, but running a business by myself was new. Nicky made me think about some important questions and help me to feel confident in my abilities. From that very first meeting, I had a much clearer path to building a business that worked for me and for my new family.
The foundations for the success that I'm seeing today.
Thanks Nicky!"
A strategy that allows you to promote your business in a way that feels great and gives you more time offline.
In this section, we will be taking your content in a new creative and enthusiastic (and doable) direction so you are never short on ideas but also don't feel like you have to reinvent the wheel and be a content making machine.
I hate waste (in so many ways) so I don't want your carefully curated content to be a one hit wonder. Instead let's create a body of work that your clients can enjoy at their leisure so you meet your business goals but don't feel you have to be 'on' all of the time.
Let's go...
Let's build the systems, the space, the capacity, the joy, the identity and the mindset...
Let's begin now. Let's be strategic, focused and clear.
I don't believe success happens by accident, but I do believe you can create it. So let's get moving and shaking and see what's possible.
"Your online content has been so helpful and real and practical as well as funny, which is of great relief when all of this can feel heavy on your own.
You are honestly super at what you do and I'm so grateful I've started working with you..."
"Why do I like her/rate her?
If you want someone who is genuine, down to earth, not polished (can be in full make up or in her PJs with her kids i.e real)
She is not salesy, she is very funny, is full of analogies (which really works for how I learn) and is incredibly insightful and timely - Nicky is your woman..."
"I have worked with Nicky one to one on a couple of occasions, also signed up to two of her courses and had numerous chats with her when particular issues have arisen for me.
Not only is she completely frank, open and refreshingly down to earth, she always sees straight to the heart of the problem for me. She has been invaluable in helping me think about what it has meant for me to start a business and leave the public sector, and is someone I know I will turn to frequently in future as my business changes."
"Nicky is an incredible coach!
She's warm, fun, relatable and she really cares. On top of all that, her insights and questions are razor sharp. She saw straight to the heart of what I was talking about.
She is refreshingly down to earth and super skilled in supporting you take aligned action.
She is the absolute biz!"
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"I just finished your course and after every module,
I feel so much more put together.
If you're a business owner/a human being, wholly recommend seeing what Nicky Raby can do for you."
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"Thank you for giving me exactly what I needed...
I have realised I have been hiding for so long (mainly due to circumstances as you know) but I know it is now time to get out of my shell...
Thank you for helping me gently do that
and creating an environment where I could have a go and find my feet again..."
"You are not likely to meet a more genuine person than Nicky.
I had been following Nicky on Instagram for a few years and loved her style.
Nicky brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Being able to weave her family life, humour and honesty to give you a taste of what to expect when you experience one of her life coaching/thought provoking ways of working with her.
Back in April I had been left feeling crest fallen when a mentor I had invested a lot of time and effort left me high and dry.Coupled in with recently looking after my father and grieving his death as well.
The actual meet over Zoom was transformational and yes Nicky is exactly as she appears on her stories and videos.
Before we met, there was a wealth of shared material-Nicky’s enthusiasm and generosity will be felt for a long time afterwards.
The meeting left me feeling heard and valuable with many practical actions to explore.
Her mentoring didn’t stop there and we had many email exchanges immediately afterwards.
Nicky has a way of being totally professional and friendly and open at the same time. You feel totally safe to say completely what is on your mind.'
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I am so happy I met you
and I am so happy I did this for ME...
I’ve always known that I have wanted to do this but the last few years have been so tough, I was beginning to doubt myself.
The way that you hold space for people is incredible. In your company, I feel that this is all possible. I also have a plan (thank you). So not only does it feel good, it makes sense on paper.
I’m now actually excited about what is next ...
Here we are very nearly a year later and Nicky is still replying to any updates personal or professional and her responses are always full and appropriate.I can’t recommend working with her more wholeheartedly you will definitely grow and be seen.
Little gems of wisdom and sheer joy of living the life can pop into my life from time to time too.This week I picked a from scratch recipe to try one of many suggestions offered.Challenging yourself to create a life you Love and finding your own way of delivering your unique offerings to the world.
A catalyst for change with encouragement and endorsement.Being able to see when things are not working so well. Fresh approaches and ways of working is how Nicky navigates her life and as always actions definitely speak louder than words.