Ep.64 The Solopreneur's Guide to a Strong Start
With Zoe Dudding
Episode Description:
This episode focuses on Zoe Dudding, the founder of Mind Body Baby, a company specialising in hypnobirthing. The discussion initially covers what hypnobirthing is, which Zoe describes as a form of childbirth education that empowers the woman to be in control of their experience.
The conversation then delves into Zoe’s personal journey and background. She shares that her passion for hypnobirthing began after having two positive birth experiences with her sons in 2020 and 2022.
Finally, the discussion touches on the challenges of running a new business. Zoe, who has a background in marketing, shares that she’s had to be very focused and intentional with her time and budget. She advises other business owners to be conscious of where they spend their budget, focus on building relationships, and not get distracted by “vanity metrics”. Zoe concludes with a message for business owners, advising them to look at what they consume and what they buy into, as this can often tell a story about effective marketing.
Mind Body Baby Website: mindbodybaby.uk/
Mind Body Baby Social Channels:
Check out how Zoe can help expectant couples at Mind Body Baby:
Listen to the episode
Episode Time Codes
00:00 Introduction
00:25 What is hypnobirthing?
01:02 How Zoe came to specialise in hypnobirthing
03:14 Why Zoe no longer felt aligned to her role and her options
04:14 How hypnobirthing changed Zoe’s perspective
05:22 What marketing lessons Zoe has found most importance for a new business owner
07:01 The most random opportunities at the most random time
07:24 Zoe’s marketing plan
08:05 What data Zoe looks at now
09:06 How Zoe has managed to get success in a short span of time
09:51 What Zoe’s average week looks like
11:57 Zoe’s marketing tips for business owners
12:51 Challenges Zoe has faced
13:47 Zoe’s thoughts on how to spend marketing funds
16:35 Zoe’s plans for her business going forwards
17:22 Zoe’s message for expectant parents
18:06 Zoe’s final thoughts for listeners
Videos
Zoe's Top Lessons Learned
Zoe's Top Marketing Lessons
Key takeaways
Focus on Building Relationships: For a new business, Zoe emphasises that getting the foundational elements like a website and social media “shopfront” set up is crucial. However, she advises new business owners to prioritise forging connections and building relationships within their community.
Be Intentional and Disciplined with Your Time and Budget: Zoe explains that as a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught in a “vicious circle” where a lack of money leads to no investment, which in turn hinders growth. To avoid this, she suggests being conscious of where you spend your budget, even if it’s small.
Prioritise Authenticity Over “Vanity Metrics”: A key piece of advice from Zoe is to not get lost in “vanity metrics” or chasing trends. She warns that a trend might temporarily spike numbers, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to conversions or bring in actual business. Instead, she advises business owners to focus on what feels authentic to their brand and to always ask themselves, “Why am I doing this?”. She stresses that the ultimate goal is not just to have good numbers but to deliver excellent service that leads to word-of-mouth referrals.
Episode references
Check out Zoe’s Lux Life Award
Testimonial from one of Zoe’s clients:
“My husband and I were lucky enough to meet Zoe as we prepared for the birth of child number 3. Whilst my first two births were smooth Zoe has given me so much confidence and practical techniques to use for my third child. I left each session with Zoe feeling empowered, listened to and better educated than at the beginning of each session. I have recommended Zoe already to friends and would highly recommend getting in touch with her whether this is your first or third birth. Huge, huge thanks for everything.”
Testimonial from one of Zoe’s clients:
“Zoe’s sessions were brilliant. As a birthing partner I learnt so much about how important my role is in a successful birth.
We really felt like the 1:1 course was tailored to our needs and our journey.
There are so many things we’ve taken away from the sessions, and seeing my wife practising the various techniques and being excited about the birth is a testament to Zoe’s course.”
Check out more testimonials on Zoe’s Google Business Listing