Business-First Creatives

Colie James

Every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit. Here you'll find a no-BS approach to what it takes to put the business first, prioritizing the systems and strategies that will actually move the needle and ensure your creative business is profitable rather than an expensive side-hustle. Your host is Colie James, a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living! read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Building Your Content Strategy with the Marketing Jar with Dayna Schaaf
Jan 28 2025
Building Your Content Strategy with the Marketing Jar with Dayna Schaaf
Does your marketing strategy and content fall flat? Maybe you struggle with knowing what to create. In today's episode, Dayna Schaaf of This Can't Be That Hard joins us to introduce The Marketing Jar, an analogy which categorizes marketing efforts into rocks, pebbles, sand, and water. Listen in as they share how prioritizing high-impact activities (rocks) and spreading them throughout the year while filling in with medium-impact (pebbles), foundational (sand), and daily tasks (water) can help photographers strategically plan their marketing. Grab the planner mentioned in today's episode!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you’re struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That’s why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Find it Quickly:00:21 - Meet Dayna01:56 - The Marketing Jar Analogy: Planning Your Content Strategy2:47 - The Rocks: High Impact Activities13:15 - The Pebbles: Medium Impact Activities17:07 - The Sand: Foundational 19:58 - The Water: Daily Tasks 22:49 - Evergreen Content and Automation Tips31:53 - Recap and Resources for Effective Marketing
Strategic Business Planning for Productivity & Growth with Jade Boyd
Jan 9 2025
Strategic Business Planning for Productivity & Growth with Jade Boyd
Are you being intentional and strategic in planning for productivity and growth in your business? In today's episode, Jade Boyd joins us to discuss setting goals, maintaining your business, and the three key steps for achieving business success: clarity, systems, and maintenance.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own!Buy Now >> Find it Quickly:00:27 - Meet Jade1:20 - Becoming a Productivity Coach6:10 - Balancing Business and Personal Life7:38 - Setting Goals for 202518:22 - Quarterly Planning Tips23:23 - The Importance of CEO Time24:33 - Planning Strategies for Business Owners26:04 - The Role of Tools in Business Planning27:31 - Exploring ClickUp for Task Management28:44 - Four-Part System for Business Organization35:40 - Centralization, Organization, and Automation39:18 - Simplification and Business StrategyMentioned in this EpisodeMaking Data-Driven Decisions in Your Business with Ally AndersonCEO Talk with Ashley Kangsabrinagebhardt.comthiscantbethathard.comFREE Double your Profit While Working Less Masterclass: jadeboyd.co/doubleyourprofitmasterclassThe Quarterly Reset: jadeboyd.co/quarterlyresetConnect with JadeWebsite: jadeboyd.coPodcast: https://pod.link/1603107498Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeboyd.co
Alternative Streams of Income for Photographers with Lissa Chandler
Dec 27 2024
Alternative Streams of Income for Photographers with Lissa Chandler
Diversifying your income and creating passive income is something we hear a lot about in the creative world. The best place to start is by creating alternative streams of income for your business and personal life. In today's episode, Lissa Chandler joins us to share how she is balancing service-based work with product sales, tackling SEO, and dealing with the impacts on her business post-pandemic. The conversation covers the realities behind passive income and the importance of aligning business efforts with different seasons of life.Today’s episode is brought to you by DIY Template Shop! Grab the exact email, form, and workflow templates that I include inside the CRM Blueprint Course. Steal my templates and customize them to match your brand and process. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off.Find it Quickly:(0:24) Meet Lisa Chandler(1:21) Lisa's Journey into Photography(3:07) The Birth of Opal in June(5:10) Expanding the Business: Dress Rentals and More(8:00) Balancing Services and Products(12:04) Navigating Business Challenges(13:56) Exploring New Ventures(15:54) Selling on Etsy(19:20) Marketing Strategies for Photography Business(20:28) Referral Marketing and Its Alternatives(24:06) Challenges in the Evolving Photography Industry(25:19) The Reality of Passive Income(28:43) Balancing Business and Personal Life(31:36) Starting a PodcastMentioned in this EpisodeCreating Offers that Generate Consistent Revenue (Beyond Services: Expanding Your Offer Suite) with Brittany McBeanConnect with LissaWebsite: lissachandler.comPodcast: yourphotographermom.comMerch Shop: etsy.com/shop/OpalandJuneShopDress Rentals: opalandjuneshop.com
Creating Blog Posts for Your Client Experience with Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative
Dec 21 2024
Creating Blog Posts for Your Client Experience with Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative
Are you using your blog for more than your SEO efforts? In today's episode, Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative joins us to highlight the value that blogging can provide to your overall client experience. Listen in as we chat through maximizing client experience through blog posts, finding content inspiration from FAQs, optimizing content for SEO, and the power of detailed location guides for photographers. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOWFind it Quickly:2:24 - The Importance of Blogging for Your Business3:24 - Generating Blog Post Ideas from FAQs5:58 - Expanding FAQs into SEO Optimized Blog Posts8:24 - Linking and Cross-Promoting Blog Content13:52 - Creating Location-Based Blog Posts for Photographers20:22 - Essential Tips for Family Photos20:46 - Maximizing Your Online Gallery Store21:46 - Organizing Your Content with Airtable22:37 - Effective Blogging Strategies for Photographers25:59 - Enhancing Client Experience with Prints28:24 - The Long-Term Value of Client Relationships33:33 - SEO and Blogging Consistency37:20 - Outsourcing Your Blogging NeedsConnect with JessieWebsite: inkpotcreative.comPodcast: cultofpersonality.com/podcastSubstack: copsoapbox.substack.comInstagram: instagram.com/inkpotcreativeTikTok: tiktok.com/@inkpotcreative
Crafting a Distinct Brand Voice that Matches You with Samantha Pollack
Dec 18 2024
Crafting a Distinct Brand Voice that Matches You with Samantha Pollack
Your brand has a voice, you just may not have identified it or honed in on it yet. In today's episode, Samantha Pollack joins us to share the value of crafting a distinct brand voice, how copywriters can help find and match your voice, and why you should integrate that voice through your messaging. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Find it Quickly:00:25 - Meet Sam Pollock: Positioning Strategist and Copywriter01:06 - Understanding Positioning Strategy02:51 - Crafting Ethical and Empathy-Driven Copy04:28 - Voice and Personality in Copywriting05:43 - Challenges of Hiring a Copywriter08:52 - Discovering Your Brand Voice12:06 - The Role of AI in Copywriting21:49 - The Stress of Writing and Overcoming It26:42 - The Art of Revision and Publishing27:38 - Building and Evolving Business Systems28:34 - Crafting Client Experiences29:19 - The Importance of Editorial Passes33:17 - Word Count and Audience Considerations41:02 - Frameworks vs. Processes in Copywriting43:27 - Empathy-Driven CopywritingConnect with LindsayWebsite: cultofpersonality.coPodcast: cultofpersonality.com/podcastSubstack: copsoapbox.substack.comInstagram: instagram.com/cultofpersonality.co
Leveraging Audio Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Creative Educators with Lindsay Padilla of Hello Audio
Nov 28 2024
Leveraging Audio Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Creative Educators with Lindsay Padilla of Hello Audio
Do you dream of launching a podcast? Maybe even starting with a private podcast? You've likely seen others do it and wondered if it's the right move for your business. In today's episode, Lindsay Padilla, cofounder of Hello Audio, joins us to share the benefits and strategies behind a podcasting, how to determine if a private or public feed is right for you, and some of the latest trends in the podcast industry. Plus, she's even sharing how she cofounded Hello Audio and the hurdles she faced along the way.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Find it Quickly00:53 - Transitioning from Academia to Entrepreneurship01:02 - Identity Shift and Challenges04:07 - Leaving Academia Behind06:15 - Starting a Podcast and New Ventures07:26 - Creating Online Courses14:59 - Building Hello Audio22:36 - Challenges and Successes27:37 - A Challenging Partnership27:48 - Building Hello Audio from Scratch28:28 - Reflecting on the Journey28:56 - Current Market Dynamics29:11 - The Power of Authenticity32:51 - Lessons from Adversity35:40 - The Evolution of Hello Audio37:44 - The Role of Private Podcasts41:59 - Public vs. Private Podcasts45:51 - Discoverability and Future Trends52:24 - The Impact of Listener EngagementMentioned in this EpisodePodcast Movement134: Overcoming Money Mindsets to Generate Wealth as an Entrepreneur with Natalie BullenEpisodes Mentioned from Success Stories with LindsayDiane Mayor's Dual Podcast Approach: Bridging Public and Private PodcastsNatalie Bullen's Strategy for Infinite Leads: A Daily, Paid PodcastHow Jordan Gill Unlocked $48,733 with a Reel and a Private PodcastHow Mariah Coz Replaces Zoom Calls with Interactive Q&A Podcasts in her New ProgramConnect with LindsayWebsite: helloaudio.fmSuccess Stories Podcast: go.helloaudio.fm/success-storiesLaunch Your Private Podcast:
SEO vs SSO: Why Your Online Presence Needs BOTH with Erin Ollila
Nov 21 2024
SEO vs SSO: Why Your Online Presence Needs BOTH with Erin Ollila
Most entrepreneurs know about the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO), but are you considering the role that Social Search Optimization (SSO) plays in your overall visibility online? In today's episode, Erin Ollila joins us to explore the benefits of optimizing for search across all platforms, along with the critical role social media plays in search queries. Listen in as she provides practical insights into optimizing social media profiles for enhanced visibility and a competitive edge. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Andrea Jones of Mindful Marketing Podcast Episode 161: Maximize Your Business with AI: Top Tools & Tips with Dawn RichardsonMetricoolSEO Case Study Copywriting & Tracking Metrics w/Erin Ollila (The Basic B Podcast)Listen to Erin in these Episodes:Episode 74: That Time Erin Ollila Interviewed Me on My Own PodcastEpisode 79: Getting Started with SEO | Simple SEO Series with Erin Ollila (Part 1)Connect with ErinWebsite: erinollila.comPodcast: erinollila.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/erinollilaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinollilaFacebook: facebook.com/erinollilacreativeTikTok: tiktok.com/@erinollila_
Effective Marketing for Photographers with Sabrina Gebhardt [Marketing with Intention]
Nov 7 2024
Effective Marketing for Photographers with Sabrina Gebhardt [Marketing with Intention]
Gone are the days where your photos is enough to market your photography business—even if you are an amazing photographer. In an oversaturated market, you have to do more and stand out. In today's episode, Sabrina Gabhardt joins us to share how photographers can create valuable, non-salesy content through their email marketing to better connect with their potential clients and book more sessions! Plus listen in as she gives advice on incorporating this approach holistically across all of your marketing channels.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Ashlyn CarterListen to Sabrina in these Episodes:Episode 5: Avoiding BurnoutEpisode 17: Working Weekend WinsEpisode 48: Investing in OutsourcingEpisode 100: You can change your mind and your offersEpisode 156: Celebrating 2 Years of Business-First CreativesConnect with SabrinaWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.comMarketing that Attracts: sabrinagebhardt.com/marketingInstagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography
Hiring a Unicorn Marketing Assistant without Regret with Emily Reagan [Marketing with Intention]
Oct 24 2024
Hiring a Unicorn Marketing Assistant without Regret with Emily Reagan [Marketing with Intention]
Are you looking for a unicorn to help you with your marketing tasks? In today's episode, Emily Reagan joins us to highlight importance of hiring the right marketing assistant to help grow a creative business so you don't have regrets. Listen in as we discuss the differences between general virtual assistants and specialized marketing assistants, exploring the need for business owners to clearly define their goals and expectations when hiring.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this EpisodeInkpot CreativeExpanding Your Business through Virtual Summits with KP & Jessie of Inkpot CreativeSuccessfully Delegating to Your Team (Building a Team Series) with Selina JohnsonBuilding a Team Series Part 1ClockworkConnect with EmilyWebsite: emilyreaganpr.com/Website: hireaunicorn.comInstagram: instagram.com/emilyreaganprFacebook: facebook.com/emilyreaganpr Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/digitalmediava TikTok: tiktok.com/@emilyreaganpr Youtube: youtube.com/@emilyreaganpr Podcast: emilyreaganpr.com/podcast
Generating Revenue in Your Business through Affiliate Marketing with Candice Coppola [Marketing with Intention]
Oct 3 2024
Generating Revenue in Your Business through Affiliate Marketing with Candice Coppola [Marketing with Intention]
We naturally share our favorite items and products with our friends, but what if you could make an income by sharing business tools and products with your audience? In today's episode, Candice Coppola joins us to share all about affiliate marketing as a business owner. Listen in as she shares how she got started, how she found success, and what it looks like to develop an affiliate program of your own!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That's why I created the content organization hub for Airtable for just $9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!Mentioned in this EpisodeHoneyBookEpisode 171: Building a Steady Stream of Potential Customers through SEO and Pinterest with Kara Duncan with KaraEpisode 161: Maximize Your Business with AI: Top Tools & Tips with Dawn RichardsonConnect with CandiceWebsite: candicecoppola.comInstagram: instagram.com/candice.coppolaYoutube: youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMwPodcast: podcast.candicecoppola.com