Fresh Take Productions

02/07/2025

Today marks 11 years in business.

Self-employment has been one of the most demanding challenges of my career, but it has also given me the freedom to work on my terms—anchored in my values. Over the years, some may have questioned my decisions or the lines I’ve drawn. But in an era where too many companies see their workforce as disposable and prioritize only the bottom line, I remain steadfast in my belief that people matter more than profit.

There have been struggles; at times, the weight of it all has made me wonder if it’s worth it. But my commitment to leading by example and working with integrity has never wavered. I’m proud of Fresh Take Productions, and with God’s continued support, I look forward to creating more valued experiences in the years to come.

Send a message to learn more

12/27/2024

Attention Bench Accounting Customers: Disconnect Your Banking Info to Avoid Charges

If you’re an existing Bench customer, it’s critical to ensure your banking information is no longer connected to their platform to avoid any potential unauthorized charges or complications.

Steps to Protect Your Financial Information:
1. Log into Your Bank Account:
- Review any linked accounts or payment authorizations associated with Bench.
- Remove Bench as a connected service or recurring payment authorization.

2. Check Your Subscriptions:
- If you had any recurring subscriptions set up through Bench, make sure they’re canceled or transferred to another service.

3. Monitor Your Accounts:
- Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unexpected charges.
- Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Accessing Your Bench Records:
Don’t forget, you can still retrieve your Bench records via their portal at https://data.bench.co) until March 7, 2025.

Taking these steps will help you avoid unnecessary charges and ensure a smooth transition to your next bookkeeping solution.

We understand the shock, as we have had to do this today, having been customers of Bench Accounting for eight years. Complete customer failure on their part.

12/19/2023

In today's digital landscape, what is being reinforced? Have you ever been excited to try out a product, only to be left in the dark and feeling frustrated?

We've all been there, and it's a reminder of how crucial user experience is and what message is being reinforced before a connection is even had.

When creating experiences in the digital space, user experience plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and driving engagement. Case in point: a recent encounter with a website that promised a "Free Trial."

Imagine this scenario: You're a potential customer, genuinely interested in a product. You visit the website and see a clear "Free Trial" button. Excited to test the waters, you eagerly click and sign up for what is presumed to be a starter account.

But here's the kicker: Instead of getting access to the promised trial, you receive the same generic email you got when you inquired about pricing and features. You're told to wait, someone will be with you "as soon as possible"... Suddenly, your enthusiasm dwindles.

Before you know it, a few minutes turn into hours, and now, what was a warm or even hot lead has turned ice cold. You're left waiting for critical information to make a decision, while your patience wanes.

What's being reinforced here? That you, the customer, truly matter? Are you being given ample opportunities to conduct your research, evaluate your budget, and consider your needs before taking the next steps? Or is it that their sales process takes precedence, and your time isn't as valuable as theirs?

User experience matters, EVEN at the "FREE" level. It can make or break your brand's reputation. When you promise a "Free Trial," make sure it's a true opportunity for users to explore and experience your product.

A misleading or frustrating experience can send potential customers running into the arms of your competitors. Remember - the message we convey through our user experiences should align seamlessly with our intent. The user experience can be a powerful tool in building trust and converting leads into loyal customers.

12/15/2023

Can we acknowledge how intimidating it can be to be a visible creative? Consistency is crucial as a strategy. However, what if being in certain spaces (like social media) causes you to feel small? Insignificant? So much self-regulation is required to deal with all the feelings of anxiety that can creep up and the sneaky imposter syndrome that sometimes it feels easier to simply hide. I really love my cocoon! But I'm aware that staying in my shell won't allow me to grow and develop. One might argue that it hinders growth, but I would disagree with that specific word, as sometimes incubation supports the growth process. So, what I'm starting to think is maybe we've been too rigid about visibility. Maybe we've applied the "rule" of "consistency" in the wrong way. After all, when someone has been recovering in a hospital from an injury, they don't just immediately go back to normal when they are discharged. They have to gradually ease back into things. Building strength takes time! And during that time, things can fluctuate - you can make progress and face setbacks. In the end, consistency is happening all along, but it shows up in different ways. I believe being brave and courageous is like a muscle that strengthens when being visible, and as long as you make attempts, it's a win. 🦋

12/10/2023

I was reading an observation from service designer Daniele Catalanotto this morning about an aha he had in the hospital with his wife as they welcomed their newest child. He said that it had been a while since he'd been in a hospital, and he noticed a whiteboard in the room that read: 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲. He shared that a few hours later when the head nurse visited them, she asked his wife if there was something in particular she would like to learn or experience with the hospital team about baby care. He said that this idea of having a goal for the stay was something that could be pretty inspiring for all the service owners working in the tourism sector or on events. But, I feel it could extend beyond that sector and be inspiring as a point of view for any sector.

Consider it: how could 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 become a focus that allows us as service providers to consider ways we could reorientate ourselves to focus on every way we could align our work to meet the goals of our customers or clients. Their "stay" could be any time spent with us - any touchpoint within our scope of service is part of their "stay." We could see it as 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭.

He closed his observation with a question: In what part of your service could you set a goal to achieve together with your customer or client? Think beyond your goal. Think about their goal. How can we reorient ourselves to focus on aligning our work to meet our client's goals, as they are the ones we are serving?

12/06/2023

I recently came across something in my inbox that got me thinking about how we may be unintentionally harming ourselves by attempting to distinguish our roles in business. Let me elaborate...

What immediately comes to mind when you hear "coaching"? Over the years, I've noticed that when someone mentions coaching, there is a tone that elicits an eye roll... I'm sure you know what I mean. In fact, the tone is so familiar that, over the years, it began to affect how I'd explain my own approach. I noticed I wanted to avoid EVER using that word - no matter the focus.

"Business coaching" felt taboo - that saying it in accordance with an approach or work would render it meaningless - fluffy, inauthentic, etc. However, the word "consultant" was much "better" - more substantive, grounded.

But here's the thing: "coaching" and "consulting" each have a place at the table. Each has skill sets and uses for specific applications and are needed at varying times. For example, my work requires I dance between these necessary spaces. At times, the realm is consultative, while other times, coaching is required to help the cycle of a personal issue, blocking the way to the business solution.

Coaches are cheerleaders, guides for self-discovery, and they support you in reaching your fullest potential. Consultants are problem-solvers who love to dive deep into specific challenges, armed with expertise and a strategic mindset.

Understanding the different roles and how they fit into the bigger picture made me realize why I felt triggered; half of my skillset was being invalidated! With my hybrid nature, I possess the ability to perceive opportunities and potentials while possessing problem-solving skills and a deep love for strategic exploration.

Encountering the phrase this morning prompted me to reflect on the importance of leading by example and respecting the diverse perspectives of fellow business owners within our community. Though our preferences may differ, acknowledging and valuing this diversity fosters a culture of flexibility, allowing us to navigate between various approaches as necessary. It's the beauty of a holistic approach that we can all be a part of.

12/05/2023

I recently had my son's car diagnostic completed by a local specialist. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the serviceman took the time to explain each part of what was discovered. He had taken notes and shared the report, but never did I feel spoken down to or got the sense I was being "duped" into needless repairs, etc. He showed me things that, yes, needed attention, but because I could clearly see them with my own eyes, I felt the process was honest and straightforward. He even recommended not tackling the list of items all at once and prioritized them for me. Simple.

Why can't every service interaction be like this? Simple. Straightforward.

While I recognize the changes in technology, communication, and consumer behavior, I believe that the interpersonal relationship-building element should not be forgotten in the pursuit of these advancements. Some aspects of the sales process have been lost, and for me, it's crucial to acknowledge their importance in building trust with customers. Consumers in this day and age are now wired to go into a transactional process with an element of distrust - shouldn't that tell us something?

As I look back on the past year and gear up for the next one, I'm thinking of embracing some old-school traditions. Sure, they might not be the "latest trend"t or even the most efficient, but there's a value in the personal connection and trust they bring. In a world that's all about quick transactions, I'm reminded to not forget the power of a personal touch and its impact on others. Cheers to the return of old-school tactics and keeping it real.

12/01/2023

Ever have one of those unexpected moments of revelation? That happened to me today when working remotely became a delightful necessity, rather than a strict schedule from behind a desk. My question is, why don't we break from these 'corporate norms' more often? Especially as solopreneurs. We accept the stress of revenue being down, the madness of late hours but hardly let ourselves relish the positive payoffs. Maybe, we need more 'guilty pleasure' in our work environments...

12/01/2023

Today, let's take a moment to appreciate the irreplaceable value of the older generation in the workforce. The 'fade into the background' narrative has been ongoing for too long. Check out this uplifting article highlighting the much-needed shift toward viewing experienced workers as mentors and not burdens. For all of us mid-lifers inching closer to the next chapter, this one's for us. ✊🏼

Embracing Age Diversity for a Thriving Business. As the demographic landscape of the labor market evolves, there's a noticeable uptick in older professionals seeking meaningful employment. For businesses on the lookout for seasoned expertise, this shift presents a prime opportunity. But how can comp...

11/29/2023

Jereshia Hawk's email today landed squarely in a realm I've been thinking a lot about. The subject line reads: "The Fall of Bro Marketing", and she shares how the masculine energy of fear and manipulation in the sales process is coming to a close. She shares how different feminine energy is - more empowering and coming more from a place of consent. I would only argue that there are definitely women who use "bro marketing" tactics, just as there are men who use empowerment, but the point is clear: there's a vital shift happening in the sales landscape that we must be a part of.

We need to dispel the unease that traditionally accompanies selling and purchasing, by deciding ourselves how WE want to sell. I personally have NEVER loved to be sold out of fear or with a high-pressure tactic, so why would I do that to another person? By operating ethically and treating sales as an extension of our service, we empower both ourselves as business people, and our consumers. As leaders, it is within our power and responsibility to change the narrative. It requires breaking a long-standing mold and blazing a trail of unconvention.

It also means not being a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Let's not sully what is ethical by using those terms and secretly cloaking them in emotional manipulation. Let's simply be clear. Honest. Do you have expertise? Can you provide value? Then, as Jeresia says -know your value, show your value, and choose to use your expertise over high-pressure. It's time to reclaim our own consent in selling, prioritizing values and meaningful relationships over manipulative tactics.

11/28/2023

At times, I find myself struggling with analysis paralysis, despite having strong problem-solving skills. Sometimes, I overthink a situation to the point of being incapable of trusting any potential choices. This is especially true when it comes to developing my own business strategy. Unlike when working on someone else's project, I am unable to objectively view my own strengths and weaknesses. It's as though I am a jar of ingredients without the ability to read my own "label," resulting in a freeze of productivity.

When this happens, seeking a fresh perspective from an outside source can prove invaluable. It is comparable to applying oil to a squeaky hinge or loosening a tight bolt with lubricant. A trusted individual's gift of perspective can make all the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. Whenever you feel trapped in analysis paralysis, does a fresh perspective help reinvigorate and propel you forward?

11/28/2023

🌟✨ Back in action on my own terms. ✨🌟 After a much-needed break, I'm finally ready to reenter the playing field of public engagement as a small business strategist and service designer.

No more dancing to someone else's tune—I'm setting the rhythm now. I'm choosing my pace, my style, and my interaction focus. From this point forward, it's all about meaningful interactions, valuable insights, and empowering content on my terms.

For the past year and a half, I've been on a mission of self-exploration. This required me to incubate (and I highly recommend it). Now, I feel ready to emerge once more from my cocoon. Expect to hear a little bit more from me (considering my silence for the past year and a half, even this post is more 😉) with a fusion of education, inspiration, and engagement—crafted with intention and passion around small business strategy, experience, and service design.

I'm ready to continue designing success on my terms and invite you to share in this experience, as you wish and of course, on your terms. Consider this a reestablishing of our connection to ourselves, our businesses, and one another.