I can help you to:
Reconnect. To carve out space to listen to those feelings that are activating; maybe quietly, maybe loudly. To support you as you step into the next version of you (even if you don't know where to start or which next step to take!)
To build your version/blend of life and business success. To be able to operate in a way that is true your values and makes you money in a way that you want to make it.
To help you to break the cycle of 'just talking about it' and instead take the first steps that will bring them to life... even though there may be fear, a lot of emotion/uncertainty and the full plan may not have revealed itself yet
I want to help you to press pause on the overthinking and the what ifs and create a safe and trusted space where you can be begin to clarify and articulate your ideas and move them into reality
I'm here to gently help you uncover what is blocking and stopping your progress. To reframe your self doubt (insert your own block) and find a way to make moves forward purposely; yet imperfectly.
To build some momentum. To find a flow and rhythm of process. To pause the research and the constant scrolling or comparing yourself and instead build a workable strategy that will enable you to forge a path that fits you.
To dare to have a go. Maybe you've reached a point in life. An f it moment. You are ready to see what's possible. You are open to knocking your own socks off in a way that feels great for you. You are in a stage of life where you know NOW is the TIME... even though you are busy, tired, over stretched, overwhelmed etc...
You are in safe hands...
(and my own for the last 25 years)... although we didn't call ourselves personal brands back then!
So many people forget about the 'personal' in the personal brand. This is about YOU.
What you want. What your version of success is. What you want to build. How you want your life and business blend to look and feel.
The highs: Doing what I love. Earning money whilst I sleep. Flexibly working around my kids (now 6 and 10) (and for years before). Options to remotely work on my own schedule Variety Joy. Purpose. Excitement. Moving places, spaces, goals and dreams from my vision board into reality. Being able to meet (and earn) in every season of my life.
The lows: Uncertainty, insecurity. Self doubt. Period of transition when I have had to pivot. Overwhelm. Burn out. Comparison. A worry that I am behind or that everyone else has it figured out.
I seek ease and work; however I will never profess it is all easeful.
It will take time, effort, thought, care, consideration but it is all doable.
TV, film, radio theatre, commercials, filming days with The Spice Girls, sold out midnight shows, keynotes, in person workshops, fireside chats, being a host, an interviewer, international online presentations (my record is 58 countries joining), a top 100 iTunes podcaster, near to a million views and I feel I am only just getting started.
I have worked with hundreds of people globally.
I have welcomed quite a crowd :)
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)... to name a few
I work in Central London or online 1:1.
In 2018 I launched my podcast which regularly charted on the top 100 business podcasts.
Plus I regularly deliver talks at various brands/events/organisations including BBC, Google, Stylist Magazine, Stylist Live, Nat West, MTV, The Collective, The Olympic Village, Huckletree, Digital Mums, Arcadia, Citizen M, The Townhall, Shoreditch, Kingston University and many more.
My work is never about squeezing you into a formula.
Everything is always bespoke; to work WITH you not against you. I want you to win :) You set the pace and the goals; you don't have to change your life overnight.
In fact my work is the opposite of what most of the internet promotes; we go slow and steady, not quick and impressive.
We build strong foundations, not wobbly, ego metrics.
We do the boring things; so you have more space and capacity for the fun and interesting things.
We build for the long term in a sustainable way that supports your version of success.
(AND your season of life, your nervous system, your capacity, your personality, your commitments etc!)
Two of my favourite actions are activating and illuminating.
You have to have a strong 'why'. It is so much easier to stay the same; the familiar can be comfortable; even when it is not what you want.
We begin activating big questions so you receive the big answers. Making it personal... because it is.
Change has to be rooted in connection. You have to feel it first. You have to know why you want it. What you are doing it for. You have to know what you would like to achieve. To get clear on the detail.
Blanket phrases such as 'I just want to make more money 'or 'I just want to feel like me' or 'I want to help people and create impact' are not useful; only vague and wooly.
Without clarity; change can be stifling; a foggy path where you can't see the first step...
This is about tuning into yourself. Ignoring the trends, the formulas and the 'shoulds'. We can't continue to crowd source our life choices. We have to let our own inner voice be the loudest.
So my work is about
Connecting with yourself.
Quietening the chatter.
Turning down the distractions and notifications.
Big questions and big answers.
Collecting data and feelings.
Heart, mind, body, soul decisions.
Bespoke tailoring always.
Making moves that not only feel good but are actually doable (and enjoyable!) and align with your circumstances, personality and goals.
Leading from your why. Being clear on your mission and version of success and not getting distracted by the stuff that doesn't matter or sweating the small stuff.
Creating a vision that is so strong that the fear that could potentially prohibit the process has to dissipate.
To always have a sense of what you are building. No random actions or dabbling energy. Instead fully understand your goals and the metrics that you are optimising.
Finally activating the next version of you or perhaps certain parts of you that have been dormant or forgotten about or never acknowledged. Spending time with yourself and defining and refining your next chapter and inviting the next steps to reveal themselves.
Next illuminating...shining a life on how brilliant you are.
Elevating, optimising, sharing, delivering, showcasing you... you as the personal brand, your products, your services, your insight and your impact. In a way that suits you. We build your version of results. Some people want an introverted, quiet part time side hustle and others want to be a leading, visible expert in their field.
My work has created so many positive stories:
paid speaking gigs
television appearances
book deals
being the go to expert for BBC radio
landed life changing contracts and opportunities
becoming brand ambassadors
landing investment
diversifying their income
creating consistent passive income
more joy, increased income and less working hours
more life; more spaciousness and capacity
building an online portfolio that create a digital presence... that brings their vision board to life.
'I have worked with Nicky for the past 12 months and she has asked pertinent questions, held a space for me to analyse, shape, edit and direct my personal brand in a direction that suits my ultimate goals and lifestyle. She has a knack for asking thought-provoking questions and enabling me to uncover things that I had previously missed in both my vision and mindset.'
Take That said it (or danced it under waterfalls!) 'Everything changes but you...'
You are always the common denominator but forever bending and flexing,
Things change all the time.
New technology, trends, AI, how people buy, the algorithm etc etc in the business world...
Then your personal world; your circumstances, your capabilities, your capacity, your preferences, personality, your commitments, energy levels, your stress, what you need and want...
Your personal brand can reshape when as and when you do. You can blend your own combination.
In my 20s; my personal brand was all about saying yes. Figuring out who I was. Putting myself in rooms ready to learn and listen (and sometimes leave when I figured out I was in the wrong room!) Experiencing newness and trying define my 'thing'. It was about honing my skills and monetising them. Playing the short term game so I could stay for the long term game. Meeting, greeting, building relationships; showing up and playing full out. Very few responsibilities and the capacity to fail, build resilience, and quickly go again.
In my 30s; I knew I wanted this to be the decade that I wanted to start a family ( I had my first child at 33 and my second at 37). I had to figure out I was going to become the parent I wanted to be and an generate income...
The internet was truly here to stay (hooray!) and I began studying and absorbing everything about running an online business. I began making passive income. I diversified my income to incorporate more streams. My public speaking presence and revenue increased. The stages were bigger. My podcast regularly landed on the top 100 business podcast.
Meanwhile I was navigating a lot of pregnancy sickness, sleepless nights (for 7 years!), small babies and a lot of joy... and juggling!
Oh and then throw in a global pandemic in 2020... that dismantled all safety and security and required urgent pivoting and reshaping...
My 40s are about clarity, courage and confidence. Leaning on where I have been and what I have honed and now stretching into a new, brave version of me. I have learnt about the power of strong foundations; building a sense of flow and where my skills sit in the market. I no longer dilute myself or try to be 'liked by everyone' instead I lean into the work that I do that I know has a perspective and a point of view and more importantly that feels in alignment to me.
What about you? Where are you up to? What do you need and want next?
'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 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.'
'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...’
'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.'
"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!"
30 days together focusing on you.
See exactly where you are right now. What's working. What isn't. What you want more of. What you want less of. What you are craving. What you are missing. A past client described it as 'emptying a handbag/car boot/cupboard/drawer that hasn't been emptied for a while'. Pulling everything out. Making decisions of what gets to stay. What's important. What you want to make space for. What absolutely needs to go because it is so outdated/not in alignment/pulling focus.
We make everything real not random; creating strong foundations for your ambition and flurry of ideas. To be able to meet your ambition with structures and systems so you can stay in flow and avoid burnout.
To understand you. A common mistake I see in the goal setting space is only considering the goal strategy for the days where they are 10/10. The most motivated, connected, energised, organised etc.
However I know that is not real life. So therefore alongside those versions, I want to support tired you. Overwhelmed you. and you that needs a slower pace.
Collect the data. Gather 30 days worth of 'what's going on' so you glean a deeper understanding of yourself. When and how are you most productive? Do you have any repeatable self sabotages? Are there certain periods of time that need a different approach? Is there a familiar trigger that either works in your favour or pulls you back?
To design something that truly represents you in business and life. A portfolio career/personal brand on your terms that includes various income streams. One that you can run on a schedule that suits you and gives you the flexibility and creativity to be able to earn an income and attend to your responsibilities or needs.
To connect with your mission. To create meaningful work. Perhaps you have been stuck on a sensible track where the 'money is good' but you spend whole time clock watching and counting down to the next bank holiday. They want to maintain great finances but they want to be purposeful and impactful.
Let's see how all your 'pieces' fit together. Combining different income streams. Highlighting and elevating your different roles. Moving into your 'expert status' and connecting with your personality. Building a personal brand that feels like you... and gets you paid... when you are working and when you are not...
Bearing all the elements in mind. During our month together you may wish to focus on one area of your business; developing a new offering or launching a creative project. However I will always consider all angle of this. If we are talking about pricing, we are not just talking about numbers on a spreadsheet; I want you to be able to sell it, to position it, to be able to talk about ...
Uncovering the blocks and stops that getting in the way. Maybe it is time for a new vision, story, routine or belief in yourself. Really getting to the heart of it and going for it. You are ready to release some old parts of you so you can step forward into your new chapter.
My monthly moves package is designed to meet your outcomes.
When I started to speak on stages; I always used to say 'I don't just want you to feel inspired'.
So often can be the case, we read the book, or attend the talk and for about five minutes afterwards we feel buoyant and uplifted. Then forget about it and move on; until the niggly nudge pokes us once again...
That's why my sessions offer a different level of support.
Pre work:
I want to know what you want. What will be a 'success' at the end of our time together. What's on your to do list? What are you struggling with? Where do you have questions? What's working well? What needs to come together?
Understanding exactly how I can support you means I can prepare for you. You don't have to spend our time together filling me in. In advance of our 1:1 time, I will have a sense of you. I will have prepared fully so we can make a plan to move forward.
One to One time
I work with clients face to face in luxury locations in Central London or globally online. I offer a variety of time slots to meet your project/concentration(!) levels.
Accountability support
No self development hangovers - you know those moments when you 'work on yourself' and feel excited and bouncy as you leave and then very quickly get a flurry of limiting beliefs. Or you realise you have added 7264 tasks to your list and you have no idea where to start. Or it all feel consuming and overwhelming; doable and possible?
After our 1:1 time together, we have some support time to get the party started (and continuing). I am there to support you a variety of ways - you choose how you use the time. You can asks questions, you can get supportive words, when you feel wobbly. I am there to hold the space for you. You can take the actions from the session (i.e. I am going to update my pricing strategy on website) and then send the link to me so you actually do it (!) and have another pair of eyes on it. I am not overly critical but I will call you out if you are underselling your brilliance like a pageant Mom :)
Some clients have been with me for 15 years consistently; little and often.
Some people book a one and done session and I don't see them again - just receive lovely catch up emails from them.
Some people want a stretch of time to focus solely on a project and GET IT DONE!
I only want to 'sell' you packages/offerings that will help you get results. If we can complete in a short and snappy manner, I will say; equally if I think you need longer I will share. It also may be easier and more effective (and definitely economical) for you to purchase a course from my shop. However that is not for everyone... some people say 'I just want you... one on one... all in - don't sell me a course... I won't do it!' :))
Maybe monthly moves is not the fit for you; so perhaps a single or double strategy session would work better?
'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 plan (thank you). So not only does it feel good, it makes sense on paper.
I’m now actually excited about what is next'
Before we begin our 1:1 sessions; we both have a clear vision for our work together.
My personal brand methodology focuses on five key areas; the plan, the pricing/packaging (aka the money), the positioning, the presenting and the personal.
You may choose to focus on just one area; but we will always bear it all in mind.
For example you may want my help in reshaping your offerings and earning money in a new way.
However we won't just approach the task with 'what looks good on a spreadsheet' - we will look at how everything sits together.
Does this new offering work with your life? How would you like to position it in the market? Who are you helping? How do you feel when you talk about and sell it? What mindset shifts are required for you to elevate into this next version of yourself...
Here is a closer look at the pillars of your personal brand plan
The plan
The vision. The strategy. The idea. The work/life blend. The personal brand creation. Getting things off the ground and moving and shaking...
and
Unlocking what is blocking and stopping you. Strategically considering what is going to move the needle. How to work with the time, money, energy, focus etc that you have now so you can see results quickly. How to set a new rhythm for your life and business; great growth nestled on study, steady foundations. Connecting to all your whys... the big juicy why aka your life purpose, the impact your want to create, your legacy AND how to move from being cosy in your duvet to peeling yourself out of bed and actually getting started on the tricky days...
2) The Money: Pricing and Packaging aka monetising your personal brand.
How much money you would like to make and how you would like to make it.
What you want to sell? How you want to sell it? Who do you want to sell it to?
AND
How do you feel about money; what does it feel like to sell, to receive, to talk about money, to place a value on what you do?
3) Your Positioning: Your Digital Disco - taking your personal brand online
AKA your digital disco; your online content, social media presence, your website and what google says about you. I want to you to welcome dream clients, audience, and opportunities when you are working and when you are not.
AND
Uncover where you are hiding. Figure out how you can land in a place that works for you; being visible but not burnt out...
How to welcome a constant stream of ideal clients who have space to browse and get to know, like and trust you...
So you can create with space and flexibility; with no cold calls, or spammy DMs.
4) Presenting: Speaking UP
Building a visibility rhythm on your terms; showing your ideal clients your best work whilst feeling vibrant and connected. Opening up new places and spaces to share your message...
AND
finding comfort in the discomfort of being more visible. Refining and defining your messaging so you are clear, concise and transformational. Becoming an accomplished, engaged storyteller; speaking your vulnerable and candid truth whilst maintaining some beautiful boundaries...
5) The personal: you, your habits, mindset, routines, limiting beliefs etc
The next version of you. Who you want to be, how you want to feel. Habits, behaviour and limiting beliefs.
AND what comes when you consider this. What comes to the surface. How can you settle into and then embody this next version of you...
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.
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!
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!
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...
I just finished the course with you 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.
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 has 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!
This is perfect for you; if you love carving out time in your diary and ticking off everything.
I remember hosting one of these days and the client opened with 'Right I have 17 things on my list'
Excellent.
Sometimes squeezing tasks into pockets of time feels exhausting and always unfinished; so having a focused day together with a month of support afterwards can create some serious progress.
'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.
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.'
On portfolio careers, acting, technology I used, 'picking my brains' on a certain dilemma or topic etc. Please note this is not a coaching session.
'I usually share pictures of children's books but today I am making an exception and am sharing a picture of my notebook!
I have been having a great time working through Nicky Raby's fabulous Personal Brand Plan! I can't tell you how much I am enjoying it and am getting so much out of it! I already feel much more focussed on what I want to achieve and how I will achieve it.
This programme is perfect for freelancers and small business owners.
It covers lots of incredibly relevant questions and topics including "How do I stand out?" "How do I make money?" "What do I want to achieve?" "How do I put myself out there?"
I honestly couldn't recommend this online course more, you can do it in your own time and there is lots of support from the wonderful and very talented Nicky Raby.'
I did a strategy session with Nicky and I feel it should be called an "Hour of Power" session! Nicky was able to focus in on what had me blocked from taking action in my business, and helped me reframe my approach so that I could move forward. My time with Nicky resulted in more action taken in one day than had been taken in the six months leading up to it. No fancy catchphrases or meaningless cliches - Nicky is all about achieving realistic goals and moving forward with purpose.
I can't wait to work with Nicky again!
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...
I just finished the course with you 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.
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 has 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!
If you would like to chat before booking, head to the bottom right hand corner. All messages go directly to me and all contents are strictly confidential.
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 just woken up after an unexpected snooze! That is how good the day was. I. Was. Exhausted! In a good way.
You are such a brilliant coach.
Worth your weight in gold.
The “Don’t play small” really impacted me and touched me deep somewhere and opened up something that i had locked away for a long time. These words are now written above my desk :-)
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.