When we turn our passions into our business, we often lose sight of fill our creative cups outside of our work. In today's episode, Sarah Wayte joins us to share how you can find creativity and make time for your creative pursuits! Listen in as she describes how she sets aside an hour per day for creativity and how you can get started with just 10 minutes per day. Today's episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their cl...
Jan 04, 2024•36 min•Ep. 128
You've likely looked at wedding video and thought, "How did they create such an amazing film? I want to do that!" Have you ever considered the same thought for commercial videos? Ben Davis joins us to share how he's found more creativity in commercial projects, while also creating a better balance for this season of his life. Listen in as he shares how wedding films helped prepare him for success in the commercial space, highlights the key differences in the two industries, and what commercial b...
Dec 28, 2023•39 min•Ep. 126
This is the 4th and final episode in the Video Visibility series. In today’s solo episode I how to get a jumpstart on creating and implementing videos in a video visibility plan for 2024. Repurposing previous content Organizing your content 5 mistakes to avoid when creating your video visibility plan Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 46 - The Cost of Disorganization Episode 84 - The Rule of 7 Video Visibility Series Episode 122 - Overcoming Your Mindset Blocks to Show Up on Video Episode 123 -...
Dec 26, 2023•21 min•Ep. 125
When you incorporate video into your content plan on social media, you open the doors for so much visibility. In today's episode, Natasha Pierre of the Shine Online Podcast joins us to share why she believe video is so important and how you can get started with it in your everyday content strategy to increase your visibility. Listen in as she walks us through managing your content ideas and her three part follower journey! Today's episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DI...
Dec 21, 2023•40 min•Ep. 124
This is the second episode in the Video Visibility series. In today’s solo episode I am suggesting 3 videos you could create for your client experience for 2024. Video 1 - The Thank You Video Video 2 - Sales Call Replacement Video Video 3 - The Implementation Video 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 mak...
Dec 18, 2023•12 min•Ep. 123
Does video scare you? There may be subconscious blockers keeping you from showing up. In today's episode, Mariangelica Forero joins us to discuss overcoming mindset blocks to help you overcome the fears you have around video. Listen in as she shares what could be contributing factors, why she believes video is so important for businesses, and how you can build confidence on video. Today's episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners of...
Dec 14, 2023•45 min•Ep. 122
Send us a Text Message. In today’s episode I am talking about the 3 most common mistakes I am seeing while I am doing my new client experience audits. I also shared my goal of booking 20 new clients before the end of 2023 for either a Client Experience Audit or a seat in the CRM Blueprint for Creatives. If you would like to chat with me about your systems goals for 2024, and determine if a Client Experience Audit or CRM Blueprint for Creatives is a good fit for you, book a FREE 15-minute call wi...
Dec 11, 2023•14 min•Ep. 121
Our clients want and deserved to be pampered—that's the exact intention behind Flor Blake's VIP branding experience. As Flor expanded her corporate sessions and branding sessions into an all day, A-lister experience, she knew she had to step up the backend of her business. Flor and I worked together to enhance her CRM to integrate thoughtful and intentional proposals, questionnaires, and automations that matched the experience she created in-person for her clients. In today's episode, we're disc...
Dec 06, 2023•37 min•Ep. 120
In today's solo episode I am giving all the advice on how to choose a CRM for your photography business. ✨ Why you should mostly stay away from cheap CRMs or starter plans ✨ What features you must have in a CRM ✨ Why I finally started recommending Honeybook for photographers Mentioned in this episode Download the CRM Comparison Guide for easy reference during this episode. https://coliejames.com/compare Grab Honeybook for 50% off your first year https://share.honeybook.com/coliejames Grab Dubsad...
Dec 04, 2023•27 min•Ep. 119
If you're a service-based business owner, it's important for your clients to feel seen and appreciated. From intentional touch points in your workflow to the surprise and delight gifts you pick out for your clients, Brittney Johnson believes in the power of an intentional and personalized client experience. In today's episode, Brittney discusses how to map out your client experience, where to include intentional messages and reminders for your clients, and why personalize connection is so import...
Nov 30, 2023•41 min•Ep. 118
Numbers don't lie and that's why it's so important to be making data-driven decisions in your business. Ally Anderson joins us on the podcast to share what it looks like to make decisions based on data, what data you should be collecting as a business owner, and how you can collect it. Listen in to hear some of her favorite tools for data collection online and how to get started! Today's episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners oft...
Nov 26, 2023•45 min•Ep. 117
The Black Friday sale is HERE 🎉 Starting today, each morning at 8am MT a new Deal of the Day will go live. These are brand-new offers debuting at 50% off for the initial 24-hour period. Visit coliejames.com/blackfriday for additional details Want to get on my email list? coliejames.com/inbox Monday - Deal of the Day Client Experience Audit...
Nov 20, 2023•5 min•Ep. 115
As you've explored hiring during our Building a Team Series on the podcast, have you considered hiring associate photographers for your brand? In today's episode, Jill Smith joins us to share how she has scaled her photography business by working with other photographers who have a passion for photographing people and events. Listen in as she shares the value of associates for all parties, the process of hiring the right photographers, and what her backend workflow looks like in her business! To...
Nov 19, 2023•32 min•Ep. 114
Communication is key to building a successful and productive team—the tools you use to communicate matter. In today's episode, Ana Natkins joins us to share how you can use Clickup and Airtable to manage team communication, store important business information, and stay organized as a business. 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 to...
Nov 13, 2023•38 min•Ep. 113
What does it look like to hire successfully? Oftentimes, we hire before we fully understand what we need or how to ask for it. That's why today's guest, Selina Johnson, joins us to share how you can successfully delegate to your team. Listen in as she explains the value of developing processes, building communication skills, and providing feedback with your hires. Today's episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that s...
Nov 08, 2023•35 min•Ep. 112
When it comes to selecting the right tech programs and softwares for your business, a major consideration is your team and the role they'll play within each tool! In today's episode, Brooke Scott joins me to dive into what to consider when selecting tech for your business, how to navigate potential changes in the future, and the impact your team will have in your choices! Today's episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your lead...
Nov 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 111
Have you tried setting up a system that worked seamlessly within your team? inding the right tools can be hard when there are multiple hands involved. In today's episode, I've brought on Liz Strong, an OBM and systems strategist to discuss what to consider when building systems within a team. Listen in as she shares how you can begin prepping your systems even if you don't have a team yet, how to build SOPs, and the best tips for communicating both internally and externally in your business. Tod...
Nov 01, 2023•41 min•Ep. 110
In a previous solo episode, I introduced three types of offers you can make for the upcoming consumer holiday BEYOND a discount and a bonus suggestion just for photographers of creating a print sale inside their online gallery software. So THIS is a bonus episode for photographers who want to setup an online gallery product sale for the Holidays. I interviewed Aga Maru from Pic-Time about their Black Friday/Holiday app which helps photographers automate and streamline the process of creating thi...
Oct 31, 2023•25 min•Ep. 109
In today's solo episode I chat about the magic of follow-up emails and how they can help you turn more leads into paying clients. ✨ Timeline for sending emails ✨ How to use social proof inside the emails ✨ How to pop a bit of personality into the follow-ups Mentioned in this episode The new DIY Systems Shop where you will find bite-sized trainings & templates to help you make progress in your business, one hour at a time! Use the discount code PODCAST for 10% off any templates in the shop! W...
Oct 24, 2023•15 min•Ep. 108
Kristyn Miller is a lifestyle and documentary wedding photographer based in Connecticut, who documents the magic of real life for families and couples of all kinds. In this photographer spotlight, we take a deep dive into how Kristyn has built a multi-faceted business with a focus on connection and joy. The Business-First Creatives Podcast is brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie James. Join Colie each week as she discusses how to build a business that brings you joy and a paycheck! Fro...
Oct 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 107
As a consumer, do you buy a lot of things on Black Friday: personal or business? As an entrepreneur, do you typically make a limited-time offer for Black Friday or is it business as usual? In today's solo episode I chat about three types of offers you can make for the upcoming consumer holiday BEYOND a discount! When you are ready, here's what you need to do! ✨ Craft an offer (or two) from my suggestions or something else ✨ Create your marketing assets (emails, sales page, booking funnel) ✨ Deve...
Oct 18, 2023•16 min•Ep. 106
Are you out of control when it comes to buying tools, courses, resources, and more in your business? In today's episode, Makeda Newton joins us to discuss why impulse shopping is impacting your business, how you can incorporate minimalism into your everyday work, and restore your self control when it comes to spending money. 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 ...
Oct 15, 2023•40 min•Ep. 105
Have you heard of Fair Play? It's essentially a system that helps you divide up household tasks fairly, based on your needs. In today's episode, Fair Play Facilitator Lindsay Dreyer joins us to share how Fair Play in the home can benefit your business. Listen in as she dives into the concept behind Fair Play, the value of our time, and the importance of accountability! Today's episode is brought to you by my DIY Systems Shop , where you can purchase the exact email, form, and workflow templates ...
Oct 11, 2023•38 min•Ep. 104
If you've been in business for any length of time, you know how easy it is to burn out. In today's episode, Courtney Porter joins us for our Self Care Series to share how entrepreneurs can recognize and avoid burnout. Listen in as we chat through boundaries, outsourcing, and setting expectations as an entrepreneur to reduce your stress! Today's episode is brought to you by my DIY System Shop , where you can purchase the exact email, form, and workflow templates that I include inside the CRM Blue...
Oct 09, 2023•34 min•Ep. 103
When your career is in birth work, you can feel like you're on call all the time, but for Lindsey Eden Bartell, that's just what comes with the job. While the unexpected and unknowns are always happening for Lindsey as a doula and birth photographer, she knew during her first time photographing a birth that this was what she was meant to do. Listen in as Lindsey shares how she's built her business as a doula and birth photographer, what it looks like to balance the roles during a birth, and how ...
Oct 05, 2023•37 min•Ep. 102
Do you ever listen to a podcast and think you are listening in on a private conversation between friends? Kate and I have been besties for over a decade and we both get a little spicy when we talk about websites! The Business-First Creatives Podcast is brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie James. Join Colie each week as she discusses how to build a business that brings you joy and a paycheck! From business advice with fellow entrepreneurs to sharing automation tips and tricks, Colie and...
Oct 01, 2023•46 min•Ep. 101
The Business-First Creatives Podcast is usually brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie James. But this week, she is being interviewed by her business bestie Sabrina Gebhardt, of the Shoot It Straight podcast. A lot has changed for all of us in the last few years and in this episode Sabrina and Colie take a deep dive into how her business has pivoted from pre-pandemic times. If you've tried setting up your Dubsado account, yet aren't actually utilizing all of the features it offers, I wan...
Sep 27, 2023•33 min•Ep. 100
So you are READY to market, ask for the sale, and be visible on all your platforms... what tools can you use to create and manage the content? In today's solo episode I chat about my favorite 3 tools for content creation and management ✨ Canva ✨ Descript ✨ Metricool I didn't talk about Airtable, but really that is where I house a lot of the planning for the content. I have a WHOLE episode planned on Airtable soon! Mentioned in this episode (some are affiliate links) Email Marketing Membership wi...
Sep 25, 2023•12 min•Ep. 99
Does it surprise you to hear this podcast is my MAIN visibility activity for my business 😉 In today's solo episode I chat about how I come up with the content I share on this podcast. ✨ How I invite guests ✨ How I build the monthly series topics ✨ How I pivot the content as needed Mentioned in this episode Episode 6 - Expanding Into Education with Annemie Tonken Episode 12 - Pick Your Path with Ashley Pendergraft The new DIY Systems Shop where you will find bite-sized trainings & templates ...
Sep 19, 2023•10 min•Ep. 98
Are you creating blog content that is compelling for your brand? In today's episode, Kate Wark highlights the power of blogging as a tool for photographers to rank higher in search engines while also fostering a sense of community within the content and enhancing her client relationships. Listen in as she shares invaluable insights on how photographers can create content that resonates with their target market, positioning themselves as experts in their field. The Business-First Creatives Podcas...
Sep 17, 2023•49 min•Ep. 97
