Live to Create with Gordon Ly

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Are you currently struggling with pricing and wondering when it's time to raise your rates? Are you too overwhelmed with client work and wish you didn't take on a project? Or are you not busy at all and need to take a step back to re-evaluate your business? In this podcast episode, I dive into valuable nuggets for creative entrepreneurs and tell you guys when it's the perfect time to start 2-4x your current photography and video rates. 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.

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+ 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.

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 to $10k Guide Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE.

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 learn how to scale their business, HERE.

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.

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 scale their business, HERE.

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.

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 work with a CPA [9:09] How much you can expect to pay for a CPA to file your taxes Summary: Are you a photographer, videographer, or creative and own your own business? One of the biggest struggles I see in the creative industry when it comes to business is TAXES. In this episode, I go over the pros and cons of using Quickbooks Self-Employed. I also go over how I do my taxes and when it’s time to invest in a CPA! 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.

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] Offer your editing services in general [14:35] Clients you could pitch your services to Summary: Are you currently struggling to keep your creative business alive and running like it was before the pandemic? In this episode, I go over five different video services that’s BOOMING right now. These are the clients I’ve been working with the past couple of months and how I was able to have my BEST month, even in the middle of the pandemic. 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.

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 other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE. Memorable Quotes: [5:20] if there’s no demand for your services and you’re not getting paid, then it’s not a business anymore, it’s just a hobby [12:18] there is going to be people who are right behind you who are hungry, who are going to do whatever it takes, spending day and night to make their dream a reality and that should be you if you really want to create a creative business and to go full-time doing what you love [13:29] remember to stay in your lane at all times. We all have our own goals, we all have our own dreams and what not so remember to write those goals down

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 best to work with [37:02] The legal structure of working with retainer clients [39:03] A common mistake creators make with retainer clients Summary: In this episode, I brought on my boy Edward Lee to be the first guest. He’s a filmmaker and content creator based in Seattle, WA. We talk about our tactics for retainer clients, when to go full-send, marketing, and our goals for the future. Resources: Connect with Edward on Instagram - @edwardleefilms 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. Memorable Quotes: [10:20] You have to troubleshoot because being a business owner is being a full-time problem solver as well. [36:31] Don’t forget to work with clients that drive you, that inspire you, that make you feel good as a creative that’s really important. [44:39] Being versatile is key but knowing your niche as well, what route you want to go specifically is definitely crucial [1:11:25] Don’t think about how many followers you want, don’t think about the gear you want all that stuff because it comes by default when you start to love the process

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 triple your prices when sending out proposals to clients. Resources: Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE. Want my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide? https://bit.ly/2VIQt3p Memorable Quotes: [2:34] The more experience you get as a business owner and as a creative, then you start to figure out you’re worth more [13:14] You shouldn’t be stagnant or complacent or you shouldn’t be satisfied with where you’re at [13:21] You should always be putting work into creating something better each and every time [13:26] You have to be evolving in all aspects of your career, your work… because you want it to speak for itself [13:39] Everything should be evolving as you grow in your business, you don’t want to look back a year from now and be exactly where you are because if you do that, you’re going to be stuck in that cycle of getting underpaid or not getting paid at all Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonly/

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 into their paycheck. Resources: Join my Facebook Group for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative entrepreneurs looking to learn how to scale their business, HERE. Memorable Quotes: [12:03] You have to be uncomfortable to grow [18:37] Confidence comes from knowing that the work you’re producing is of high quality [19:21] Make sure you’re leveling up in all aspects of your life and in all aspects of your business, and your work, and your craft Want my FREE 10 Steps to $10k Guide? https://bit.ly/2VIQt3p Join The Business For Creatives Community: https://bit.ly/2yrk3Cq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonly/