In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest game-changers for freelancers and creative business owners: retainer clients . If you’re stuck hustling for low-budget, one-off projects with no stability, this episode is for you. Learn why retainer clients are the foundation of a profitable, scalable creative business—and how to land them. What You’ll Learn: The problem with relying on low-budget, one-off projects and why they’re holding you back. What a retainer client is and how to transitio...
Nov 27, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of “idle hands” and exploring what happens when we let laziness, distractions, and unproductive habits take over. We trace the origins of “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” and how this proverb resonates deeply with men, fathers, and business owners today. Whether it’s endless scrolling, ordering takeout, or losing hours to mindless routines, we’re talking about what it looks like to let idle hands dictate your life—and how to get back on tr...
Nov 13, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, we’re getting real about what’s holding you back from success. If you’re tired of losing, fed up with debt, and done feeling like a bad business owner while others seem to be thriving, this episode is for you. No rainbows, no sunshine—just honest talk about what it takes to get unstuck and start making real progress. What You’ll Learn: 5 things NOT to do if you want to take your business to the next level. How to identify and avoid habits that waste your time, keep you distracte...
Nov 07, 2024•27 min
In this episode of Live to Create , I sit down with my good friend and business partner, John Goldbranson , to dive deep into how video marketing has evolved over the past year. We explore the shift from polished, high-production ads to a more authentic, relatable form of storytelling that resonates deeply with today’s audiences. If you're a creative or business owner looking to connect with your audience on a meaningful level, this episode is packed with insights. What You’ll Learn: What video ...
Oct 24, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Welcome back to Live to Create ! In Episode 2, I’m diving into two crucial topics for every entrepreneur and creative: the importance of prioritizing your health and the power of having a strong support system. As business owners, we often get caught up in the grind, but what happens when you get sick or burn out? This week, I had a reality check when I came down with a cold after my son got sick (thanks, co-sleeping!). It threw me off balance and forced me to re-evaluate how critical it is to t...
Oct 18, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode of Live to Create, Gordon returns solo after a 3-year hiatus to dive deep into the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship. The podcast is back, and this time, it's all about sharing consistent long-form value. Gordon opens up about the hidden challenges of being a business owner, the unique worries that come with the territory, and the bigger rewards of being your own boss. This episode sheds light on what it truly takes to scale a multi 7-figure business and why the journey is...
Oct 10, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE .
Jul 09, 2021•9 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE .
May 28, 2021•12 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Connect with Scotty: https://www.instagram.com/scottyscheller Resources: Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
May 20, 2021•29 min•Ep. 19
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
Jan 19, 2021•31 min•Ep. 20
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
Dec 03, 2020•17 min•Ep. 16
In this fire episode, I interview Tommy Patterson , the founder of WKND Digital . He has an 8 figure digital agency and creative studio based in Sacramento. Tommy dives into the mindset of what it takes to get to his goal of scaling to a half-billion-dollar agency. DAMN! These are priceless tips you can't get anywhere else... throw those headphones on and get ready for a fire podcast episode! Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Want my 70+ Email Te...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 15
Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly): https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
Sep 25, 2020•20 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, I interview Kirk Hensler, the founder of Hale Production Studios, based in San Diego. Kirk runs a seven-figure creative studio specializing in photography, video production, and marketing content for 50-100 million dollar health + wellness brands. This episode is SUPER valuable and can't wait to share with you guys everything we talked about! Enjoy. Connect with Kirk: Instagram (@haleproductionstudios): https://www.instagram.com/haleproductionstudios/ Resources: Want my 70+ Emai...
Aug 12, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 12
In this episode, I interview Jason Anthony - a 2x cancer survivor, photographer, and filmmaker based in Orange County, California. All creatives have their highs and lows when starting a business. Jason goes through his rollercoaster ride he had the last few years and gives us a behind the scenes of what he's up to now. Connect with Jason: Instagram (@im_jasonanthony): https://www.instagram.com/im_jasonanthony/ Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps ...
Aug 07, 2020•48 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, I interview Peter Fowler - a freelance filmmaker based in Beaverton, Oregon. We dive into how he started out in the filmmaking industry, the struggles he faced, and where he is now after six years. Connect with Peter: Instagram (@endurefilms): https://www.instagram.com/endurefilms/ Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to lea...
Jul 28, 2020•37 min
Want to learn how to sell your services on Instagram? In this episode, I share with you tips to create content to attract your dream clients. Let's Connect! Instagram (@gordonly) : https://www.instagram.com/gordonly Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
Jul 17, 2020•10 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, I interview Ben Hess - a talented DP and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. We dive into how he transitioned from a wedding videographer to working with big-budget commercial clients. Connect with Ben: Instagram (@benhessfilms): https://www.instagram.com/benhessfilms/ Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to s...
Jul 10, 2020•49 min•Ep. 8
Summary: Does it grind your gears when clients want an 'easy' revision or just want to add on something 'extra'? Time is money. In this podcast episode, I'll teach you guys how to nurture your client relationships and set your boundaries. Resources: Want my 70+ Email Template Guide? Grab it HERE Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE ....
Jul 03, 2020•11 min•Ep. 7
Key Takeaways: [1:24] Make tax season easier for you and your business by doing this [1:56] The documents you need to open a business bank account [2:30] Know the difference between a personal expense vs. business expense [3:19] What I used to file taxes when I just started out in my business [4:20] Some benefits of using Quickbooks [4:40] The cons of doing taxes yourself [6:05] When to hire a CPA and why I decided to do so [7:53] The best time to invest in a CPA [8:28] What to expect when you w...
Jun 25, 2020•12 min•Ep. 6
Key Takeaways: [3:49] How to find industries that are still spending money and are willing to hire [4:27] How to tell if these companies are worth working with [6:18] 5 different services you can offer to attract high-end, paying clients [6:24] Offer a health protocol and guidelines video [7:47] Pitch eCommerce product editing [7:53] What is UGC editing [9:00] Offer stop motion and product video ads [10:36] The types of clients I would go for [11:05] Help businesses with course creation [13:12] ...
May 27, 2020•18 min
Key Takeaways: [4:04] The importance of loving your craft [5:55] Find your ideal niche [10:16] What we strive for as creatives [12:40] How you can level up in all aspects of your life Summary: In this episode, I share some tips on how you can always crush it in your creative business and land your dream client. I also cover why it’s important to turn your passion into your paycheck. Resources: Check out my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and othe...
May 14, 2020•17 min•Ep. 4
Key Takeaways: [11:00] The struggles experienced in the first year of business [15:43] Advice on how to fight shiny object syndrome [19:13] Why you don’t need the fancy gear to do what we do [20:17] When to upgrade your gear [24:55] What to include in a retainer package for clients [27:47] Edward’s strategy to close retainer clients [29:06] Ideas of what to offer clients in a retainer package [33:45] Why it’s great to have multiple retainer clients at once [36:40] Why retainer clients are the be...
May 06, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 3
Key Takeaways: [2:14] It’s OK to work for free in the beginning [6:18] Set boundaries and expectations with your client right from the beginning [8:26] Have a contract for every client you work with [9:59] Raising your prices could be the solution [13:58] The importance of setting personal and business goals [14:43] What I do in a day Summary: In this episode, I share some key tips that could help you end the cycle of being overworked and underpaid. I also explain why you should double or even t...
Apr 27, 2020•21 min•Ep. 2
Key Takeaways: [1:05] My background [7:30] Make sure your business brand is on point [10:07] The power of networking as an entrepreneur [12:35] Promise and over-deliver for the best results [14:17] Structure your workflow and why you should invest in yourself [16:20] Your confidence will grow Summary: In this episode, I share the five top tips that helped me scale my business to 6-figures in 2 years, how I discovered my passion, and how to encourage creative entrepreneurs to turn their passion i...
Apr 20, 2020•21 min•Ep. 1
