The Artisan CEO

You started your business because you love photography… but when it comes to the marketing, strategy, and admin side of things? It's slowly killing the joy you once found in your craft. You worry that too much structure will throttle your ability to think creatively…but as it turns out, strategy isn't suffocating- it's freeing! And “profit” isn't a dirty, four-letter word- it's an essential ingredient in making sure your business runs well and serves the needs of everyone in your sphere of influence- your clients, your loved one, and you. Join brand photographer Abby Grace to learn how to cultivate both sides of creative entrepreneurship- being an artist AND a CEO. Stop by https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto) on IG!

A colleague asked if I considered myself more of an artist or more of a businesswoman. But…shouldn't I focus on becoming an effective leader and manager *at the same time* that I'm honing my craft?  I didn't want to choose, and neither should you. If I wanted my photography business to succeed in the long term, I had to treat myself as a business owner. I began to run my business like an actual business, not an expensive hobby.  In this podcast, we're going to talk about: Systems and automation and how they won't ruin the heart-centered touch How to run your business like a CEO How to keep your business from stealing from your life Seasons of hustle are the exceptions, not the rule You have the right to act and treat yourself like a CEO Ask yourself the same question and let me know your answer on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

I'll never forget the email I got from a groom telling me that my prices were unreasonable. I had set my prices with the goal of going full time in my business and they were in line with the industry standard in my area and my level of experience… and that email made me feellike I had been told to sit down and charge less. From that moment, I resolved to never feel bad about my rates because I was running a business, not a hobby. Art is inherently subjective. There is no workers' union of artists to set a minimum rate. Your pricing doesn't have to cater to everyone, as long as the market has proven that it can bear your rate.  The idea that artists need to “starve” in order to live as an artist is faulty. While I don't begrudge anyone doing some free portfolio work or testing out a new offer, you do still need to charge so that you can earn a living wage, and you need to manage your business efficiently so that you're not hemorrhaging money. Raising your prices can be scary. Work backwards! How much do you need to make per year? How many hours does each package actually take you and how many of those are you willing and able to do in a particular time frame? Once you have solid numbers it'll be a lot easier to counter the objections. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

I left my corporate job so I could work for myself. The problem was, I hadn't set any boundaries for myself. I kept booking too many weekends in a row, working every evening, taking *just one more!* engagement session during busy seasons… and I wanted someone else to blame for how exhausted I was. If you're like me, you fell in love with photography, and found out you're not half bad at it. Somebody offered to pay you for a shoot, and it was really exciting! But, running the actual business side was intimidating and you were quickly overrun. In the moment, it's a lot easier to complain about your current stress than to actually work to fix the problem. If you want to have any say in the trajectory of your business, it's time to put your big girl pants on. I learned how to do this in 3 main ways: Pacing. How many clients can you afford to take and serve well? Outsourcing. What's taking up an inordinate amount of time in your business? Where are the bottlenecks? Boundaries. Be able to end your work day with a period, not a comma. Check out Align Album Design (affiliate link): http://alignalbumdesign.com/r/316 (http://alignalbumdesign.com/r/316) Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

After ruining the only weekend I had available to spend with my family one Fall, I knew my business was due for some serious alterations. The pace I was keeping with my then-current career as a wedding photographer just wasn't aligned with the type of lifestyle I wanted to lead, or with the kind of mom I wanted to be. When I decided to pivot into brand photography and drop weddings, I got the same look as when I told people I was leaving my corporate job. I loved wedding photography, but once I committed to making a complete shift, I found some major perks of brand photography. Brand shoots are easier to schedule year-round Shot lists allow me to be proactively creative I get to decide my availability Meetings and shoots take place during business hours, not evenings and weekends like past work Change can be frightening because it's likely going to be hard, but it's worth it if the payoff is a lifestyle that's more aligned with your values. P.S. Here's the photo I reference at the beginning of the episode! https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IRRPIHGZW/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IRRPIHGZW/)  Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

With the huge increase of new businesses in the last couple of years, there's a great need for memorable branding. If you don't give people something to remember you by quickly, they will move on. The concept of branding as a whole can seem overwhelming, but the way I see it is like this: Your brand as a whole is the perception that the audience has of your business. The sweet spot is to find a way to match that perception with the business owner's intent. No, that's not just a logo, website, or color palette. Could you describe the feeling your brand evokes to a designer so that they could then turn it into something tangible? Understanding brand theory is incredibly important. It'll give you the edge you need to catapult you to the top of your niche.  There are 2 major sides to any brand: Inputs: Everything below ground. Your why, your values and strengths, your target audience, your marketing position, and your messaging. Outputs: The branches and flowers. Your visuals, website, logo, and colors.  If you're constantly reworking your brand outputs without considering the inputs, that inconsistency will be apparent to your audience. Start with these building blocks to a solid brand identity: Why does your business exist? Remember the purpose of your hard work. What is truly important to you? What gives your work meaning? What are you uncommonly gifted in? What's your unfair advantage? Who are you trying to reach? Whose problem are you trying to solve? What problem or desire does your product or service resolve and how is it different from your competitors? What do you want your audience to know about your brand? In order to be a standout brand, you have to have something that stands out. These inputs take time to develop. You want to let them simmer. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

My first branding photography session happened kinda by accident. I prepared for it like I would have for a wedding, and the result was some very pretty (but quite generic) photos. None of them spoke to the new professional role my friend was going for. I learned I had to think like a strategist and marketer, not a relationship documentarian.  Once I decided to make the leap into brand photography, there were a few things I had to do to establish myself in my audience's mind: Talk about my offer, and keep talking about it Beef up my portfolio (beta clients are a great way to do this, or even do shoots for yourself!) Launch at full price Once you show your audience that you have a proven process and a blueprint for every client, it demonstrates expertise and positions you as an authority in the mind of your audience. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

If I had to start over and build this business from scratch, where would I start? I didn't have a very solid plan when I left my corporate job. I had a rough idea of how many weddings I needed to shoot in order to replace that income, and that was my plan. I had to make it work well enough that we didn't have to move back in with parents.  If I had to do it all over again, knowing what I know now about running a business, I would focus on these 4 main pillars: I would work on my skills as a photographer. In order for personality marketing to be effective, the product has to be on point. I would act proactively with recurring structure and standard operating procedures. Making a decision about what the new client workflow should look like one time saves you a lot of energy down the line. I would pay more attention to the numbers. How much money is coming in versus going out? How much time do you spend on each project? Once you know your numbers, you can make better decisions. I would focus on one marketing stream at a time, then maintain just the ones that have a reliable return. Keep your avenues diverse, but don't spend all your time there. I don't work on all 4 of these pillars every day, or even every week, but they do all need consistent attention. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production Mentioned in this episode: If you're still filling your final galleries with photos of your clients smiling at their MacBook Pro, stop! Those are boring and generic! Join me for a limited time training, only available until September 14th, where I unveil the 5 Ps of non-boring brand photos that break the mold and stop the scroll. Reserve your spot at abbygrace.co/podcast! https://the-artisan-ceo.captivate.fm/nonboring (Photos That Stop the Scroll)

Join me as I chat with Dennah Renee, good friend of mine and on-set assistant for my travel shoots this year. She's been a business owner for 3 years and is in the process of transitioning into brand photography full time. Dennah joined my Brand Photography Academy in March of 2021. Before that, she had experimented with doing some headshots, but she didn't know how to get the results she knew were possible. We'll talk about some of Dennah's challenges and shifts and how the Brand Photography Academy helped her business grow. We'll go into some depth with pricing and how to respond when people ask for discounts and how to start thinking as a CEO rather than an artist. Connect with Dennah https://www.instagram.com/dennah/?hl=en (@dennah) or https://dennahreneephotography.com/ (dennahreneephotography.com) Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production Mentioned in this episode: If you're still filling your final galleries with photos of your clients smiling at their MacBook Pro, stop! Those are boring and generic! Join me for a limited time training, only available until September 14th, where I unveil the 5 Ps of non-boring brand photos that break the mold and stop the scroll. Reserve your spot at abbygrace.co/podcast! https://the-artisan-ceo.captivate.fm/nonboring (Photos That Stop the Scroll)

I talked in Episode 7 about the 4 pillars I would focus on if I was going to start my business over from scratch, and today I'll go deeper into the first one: working on my skills as a photographer. Over the years, I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on education and trainings, and here is what I have learned about investing in your own education. The closer you want to get to an instructor, the more it's going to cost. Freebies are often some sort of downloadable PDF or opt-in offer you've traded your email address for, but can also include podcasts, Youtube, free groups, and the like. They're a small bite-sized sample of the educator's process, designed to give you a specific quick win. It's possible to cobble together a business with freebies found all over the internet, but instead of paying with money for the assistance you'll be paying with the time you spend figuring it out. The next level up are digital downloads and courses. You are paying for the convenience of the presets or templates, but there's still not much support from the instructor. Signature courses and workshops provide you support and a roadmap for a complete process, start to finish. Conferences are amazing! But, they tend to go wide instead of deep, in terms of subject matter. You can get overviews of a bunch of different techniques that you'd never get to see otherwise. Coaching is a much higher investment, but with (usually) a greater transformation. Coaches can be ongoing or project-based. Masterminds are when like-minded professionals come together to share ideas and best practices with each other. Refuse to rest on your laurels. Be a forever student, always improving and always pushing yourself. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production Mentioned in this episode: If you're still filling your final galleries with photos of your clients smiling at their MacBook Pro, stop! Those are boring and generic! Join me for a limited time training, only available until September 14th, where I unveil the 5 Ps of non-boring brand photos that break the mold and stop the scroll. Reserve your spot at abbygrace.co/podcast! https://the-artisan-ceo.captivate.fm/nonboring (Photos That Stop the Scroll)

A couple of years into wedding photography, there was a big buzz around pre-wedding gifts and fluffing up the client experience. The problem was that I ended up spending a lot of time figuring out what to put in the gifts, shopping, and packaging everything up. Then, remembering to send them. It all added up to making way too many low-impact decisions, which limited the high-impact decisions I could make that day. The solution to decision fatigue is SOPs - Standard Operating Procedures. By establishing a procedure for your repeatable processes, you minimize your decision making because the small decisions are all made ahead of time. There are only a handful of tasks that only you can handle. The rest could be automated or delegated.  The 6 most impactful SOPs in a business are: Overall project workflow so you don't have to try to remember what comes next Sales process - questionnaires, scheduling links, welcome kits, consult checklist Getting paid - contracts, invoices, and following up if someone doesn't sign Keeping track of tasks - sticky notes won't cut it! Yearly planning workflow - set goals for the year and each quarter, review previous goals, and dissect why they were or weren't met Keeping track of finances - at the very least, a profit and loss spreadsheet This is all part of putting your big kid pants on. By expending less energy on the small decisions, you'll be much better off as an artist and as a business owner. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

Be warned: I will talk about money in this episode, but this is not about creating a budget! Finances are not the only numbers that creatives need to be familiar with. Last fall, I was terribly stressed out about a launch that I thought had flopped, but in fact I had forgotten to take into account the standard conversion rates - our numbers were actually really good, I just needed to grow my email list to get the enrollments I wanted. That's also a case of paying too much attention to the lag indicators, such as the number of enrollments, instead of the lead indicators, like the size of my email list. If I had to start my business all over tomorrow, I would focus on these numbers from the very beginning: Monthly operating expenses and income - personally, we don't take on more debt than we can pay off each month. Yearly goals, and checking in on the progress regularly so there's still time to make adjustments. How many hours does each type of project require? What is your conversion rate for sales calls? Even if you keep telling yourself you're not a math person (which usually turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy anyway…), it's freeing to know your numbers and know how to tell if you're going to reach your goals and what you can do about it. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

I have traveled on my own quite a lot, but the time I got stuck in a French apartment foyer was the only time I felt like I was truly alone. Remember the panic when all the Meta social media platforms went down? How devastating was that for business owners that only communicate on those platforms, or rely heavily on Facebook ads? If all your eggs are in one basket, you're putting yourself at risk if that basket falls. What if you could diversify your marketing before a disaster happens? According to Julie Chenell, We can look at external traffic in terms of 4 buckets: Search Social Relationship Paid If all of your efforts are focused on the one stream and that one dries up, either overnight like a hacked account or slowly like an algorithm, you need to be sure that you have other streams of traffic coming in to keep your leads coming in. Old blog posts do the work in search engines for you. What about being a guest on a podcast or a seminar? The goal is to develop a well-rounded marketing plan that doesn't focus too much on one bucket. Come say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/abbygracephoto/ (@abbygracephoto)! If you're ready to plan and shoot your next brand photography session with excellence, leaving your clients 100% sure that what they paid was more than worth it, head on over to https://abbygrace.co/podcast (https://abbygrace.co/podcast). We've got some amazing resources for you that will help you absolutely crush it at your very next shoot. Blog post by Julie Chenell: https://juliestoian.com/how-to-create-a-marketing-plan-that-doesnt-rely-on-facebook-ads/ A https://www.angiemjordan.com/podcast-launch-bestie (Podcast Launch Bestie) production

What a ride it's been over the last couple of months! This officially marks the end of season 1 of The Artisan CEO, and I'm not even close to being done! Let's round things out with a flourish- I'm sharing four lessons I've learned from working on this first season of the podcast. I'll be working on the next set of episodes over this two week break, so if there's a specific topic you're hoping I'll cover next season, I'd love to hear from you- head on over to Instagram and find me @abbygracephoto- send me a DM and let me know what's driving you crazy within your business right now. For more resources, head to abbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about why you need consistent office hours, even if you're a photography business of one and you work from home 90% of the time.  We'll be covering both the professional AND the personal necessity of predictable work hours, and I'll be answering the question “how do I get my clients to respect my schedule?” Resources mentioned: https://amzn.to/3zy98n5 (Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang)* https://www.boomeranggmail.com/ (Boomerang App) https://www.voxer.com/ (Voxer) http://abbygrace.co/podcast (abbygrace.co/podcast) *Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about outsourcing, and why it's time to fire yourself from some of those tasks that are currently taking up valuable real estate on your to-do list.  We'll be covering the 5 signs that it's time to hire out, and I'll be answering the question “what is the actual cost in hard dollars to insist on doing everything yourself?” Resources mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recency_bias (Recency Bias Wikipedia page) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negativity_bias (Negativity Bias Wikipedia page) https://thecopy.bar/ (Ashlyn Carter of Ashlyn Writes) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/branding-101/id1634217728?i=1000576102237 (Season 1 Episode 5) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/six-sops-thatll-save-hours-of-time/id1634217728?i=1000579903699 (Season 1 Episode 10) http://abbygrace.co/podcast (abbygrace.co/podcast)

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to get booked for travel shoots.  We'll be covering marketing to other geographical locations and how to jumpstart your roster of travel clients, and I'll be answering the question “how do I get clients to commit to flying me out, on top of my session fee?” Resources mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-so-good-they-cant-ignore-you/id1634217728?i=1000579170790 (Season 1 Episode 9) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ditch-the-social-media-hamster-wheel/id1634217728?i=1000581366767 (Season 1 Episode 12) https://courses.abbygracephotography.com/brand-photography-academy (Brand Photography Academy) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-your-first-client/id1634217728?i=1000576900525 (Season 1 Episode 6) https://amzn.to/3DLODpD (Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini)* http://abbygrace.co/podcast (abbygrace.co/podcast) *Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to send and receive fewer emails, which is music to the ears of anyone with an inbox that gives them anxiety.  We'll be covering the two tools I use that not only slash the number of emails we receive, but also serve our clients better than we possibly could have done when trying to run everything out of the inbox. Resources mentioned: https://amzn.to/3DmJWBc (Traction by Gino Wickman)* https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/six-sops-thatll-save-hours-of-time/id1634217728?i=1000579903699 (Season 1 Episode 10) https://shop.abbygracephotography.com/client-welcome-guide-template (Client Welcome Guide Template by Abby Grace) https://calendly.com/ (Calendly) https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/online_resource/Case_study_evaluating_the_effect_of_email_interruptions_within_the_workplace/9404807 (Loughborough University study) https://www.ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf (UC Irvine study)  Season 2 Episode 3 https://amzn.to/3DnmkMJ (A World Without Email by Cal Newport)* http://abbygrace.co/podcast (abbygrace.co/podcast) *Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about the single most profitable chunk of time we spend on the business every week- and no, it isn't spent pitching. We'll be covering exactly how we spend the half hour block and how you can implement the exact same process to make a dent on those big dreams that've been sitting on the back burner for months… maybe even years.Season 2 Episode 2Traction by Gino Wickman*Trelloabbygrace.co/meetingabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this Top 5 episode, I'll be sharing the five best business books I've read, why I'd recommend them for you, and the impact they've had on my own business. You'll also get a peek at what's next on my reading list, in case you care to tag along for the journey!My Top 5 Books:Deep Work by Cal Newport*Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey*Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull* Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang*Traction ​​by Gino Wickman*Resources mentioned:Brand Photography AcademySeason 2 Episode 5Season 2 Episode 1Lovemarks by Kevin Roberts*Profit First by Mike Michalowicz*Atomic Habits by James Clear*Give & Take by Adam Grant*Abby's Instagramabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about burnout- how you got there, why you and I both know you can't stay there, and how to get out of it. We'll be walking through several steps you can take to galvanize your work and your soul back to a place of inspiration and creativity, and how to avoid getting there in the first place in the future.Resources mentioned:"Job burnout: How to spot it and take action" from the Mayo ClinicSeason 2 Episode 2Season 1 Episode 10GetawayVRBOAirbnb

On this episode, we'll be talking about email lists. They seem to be spoken about as an absolute necessity for small business owners, so today, we'll be exploring whether or not that's true, talking through the purpose of a list, so you can decide whether or not it's time to start collecting email addresses from your audience members.Resources mentioned:Brand Photography AcademyAbby Grace ShopRachel Hudgins PhotographySarah Bradshaw PhotographySeason 1 Wrap-UpBiossanceCal NewportAshlyn Writes The Perfect Welcome SequenceMailchimpActiveCampaignConvertkitFlodesk (Get 50% off your first year using this link*)FG FunnelsTrelloabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to STOP working during vacation! I'm recording this episode in December and a lot of us are currently looking forward to an end of the year hiatus. But I would argue that it doesn't really count as vacation if you keep sneaking peeks at your laptop and work apps. So on this episode, we'll be covering how to prepare your inbox and your clients for time away from the office, so you can come back from vacation rested and refilled. Resources mentioned:Season 2 Episode 1Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang*Honeybook (get 50% off your first year with this link!)*Lastpassabbygrace.co/vacationabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about the biggest mental hurdle I've encountered as a business owner- the scarcity vs. abundance mindset. I'm not normally one to talk about something as wooly as mindsets, I'm a fact-loving fiend, but there's research to back-up WHY a mindset of abundance leads to higher levels of satisfaction and happiness. I likely would have quit my business years ago out of sheer discouragement if it weren't for this crucial shift.Resources mentioned:Small Business Association StatisticsNatalie FrankeRising Tide SocietyBuilt to Belong by Natalie Franke*Season 1 Episode 4"Schools Are Looking at All Alternatives to Avoid Suspending Students"Rapt by Winifred Gallagher*Deep Work by Cal Newport*abbygrace.co/abundanceabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

Today I've got a very special bonus episode that I can't wait for you to hear! On this episode I'm speaking with community leader & author Natalie Franke, who also happened to be my very first brand client ever! Natalie's new website is HOT off the presses with a complete overhaul of her visual brand- we're talking a fresh logo, color palette, typography, and spankin new brand photos by yours truly. In this rare interview-style episode, we'll be diving into WHY Natalie chose now to overhaul her brand, how she got started (and how she'd MAYBE start in a different order the next time around), the messaging shift in her brand that was the main driving force behind so many of the visual elements, and why she went almost seven years between her last rebrand and this one. If you've yet to encounter the force of nature and heart that is Natalie Franke, she's an author, community builder, neuroscience nerd and mama bear for small business.As one of the founders of the Rising Tide, the Chief Evangelist at HoneyBook, and author of Built to Belong, she leads tens of thousands of independent business owners while fostering a spirit of community over competition around the world.Resources mentioned:Natalie Franke - check out her new website!Rising Tide SocietyBuilt to Belong by Natalie Franke*Honeybook (get 50% off your first year with this link!)*Katherine Bignon - StylistThe Happy Brand - Natalie's brand and website designer, Erinabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about lighting! More specifically, I'm addressing artificial lighting. We'll be covering the basic equipment EVERY photographer needs to have in their gear bag, and the foundational knowledge that every professional photographer needs to possess in order to serve your clients, no matter what kind of weather mother nature decides to serve up on the day of a shoot!Resources mentioned:Katelyn James one-light set-up videoInverse Square Law explanationBrand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/gearabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about how we've approached childcare as small business owners who work from home! I'm detailing how our childcare situation has evolved from being childless to having one, then two, and how we've gradually incorporated more outside help as our kids get older.Resources mentioned:Felix's adoption storyTeddy's adoption storyBrand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/surveyabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, I'm sharing my review of the Marketer's Heart 2023 conference that I just attended! We'll be covering who the conference was for, what I thought of the whole thing, my main takeaways from some of the speakers, and what kind of conference you might want to consider attending this year. Resources mentioned:WPPIMarketer's Heart ConferenceFunnel GorgeousFG Funnels*Wendy ConklinJordan GillDarnyelle Jervey HarmonKristin Ingram, Bookkeeper Training SchoolTopsie VandenboschAshlyn CarterAdrienne RichardsonSpark ConferencePas de Deux conferenceBrand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about the automations that every brand photographer needs built into their business to create a better client experience and stop wasting precious time and energy. We'll be covering the top 5 automations we use in our business, and the software you can use to implement the same time-saving processes in your own business.Resources mentioned:Season 2, Episode 2: CEOs Don't Do Coffee RunsSeason 1, Episode 10: Six SOPs That'll Save Hours of TimeHoneybook (get 35% off your first year with this link!)*Brand Photography AcademyCalendlyClient Welcome GuidePre-shoot QuestionnaireZapierabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about imposter syndrome, that insidious little voice that, if left unchecked, can do untold damage to your business. We'll be covering how to recognize imposter syndrome at work, the unexpected perks of that voice, and how to stop the “oh my gosh, I'm a complete fraud” spiral when you're in the midst of a crisis.Resources mentioned:Wired Article: Why the Human Brain Is a Poor Judge of Risk"D. Michele PerryBrand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about what running 19.3 miles through the Walt Disney World parks taught me about running a business. I'll be sharing how I finally learned to stop looking over my shoulder, and why I'm actually proud of finishing slower for this year's race than I did the year before.”Resources mentioned:Brand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about travel hacks for brand photographers! We'll be covering both the best and worst practices I've found for traveling long distances for client work, and I'll be answering the question “how do I make sure I arrive with all my gear in tow and intact?”Resources mentioned:Showit*Season 2 Episode 3: Want to Book More Travel Shoots? Here's Your RoadmapCanvas bag from L.L. BeanPelican 1615Air*Think Tank Shape Shifter backpack*Impact LKB-RCS Light Kit Rolling Bag*Chase United Club Business Card* (Click on "Are you a small business owner?" in the top, right-hand corner)TSA PreCheck (Pro Tip: An airline credit card will most likely cover the cost)Global Entry (Pro Tip: An airline credit card will most likely cover the cost)Apple AirTag*Hill & Usher Package Choice Insuranceabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about the best investments I've made in my business over the last 13 years…. We'll be covering where I've spent the most money, how it's paid off, and which investments I'll be prioritizing this year.Resources mentioned:Tonic Site Shop*Podcast Launch Bestie by Angie JordanPowerplayers Club by Adrienne Richardson (Home Team ADvantage DIY was a course open during Black Friday 2022)Primed to Launch* by Ashlyn Carter (click the banner at the top to access PTL!)Brand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/lighting - The AGP Lighting Course waitlistabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about the worst investments I've made in my dozen+ years of business! We'll be covering my biggest regrets when it comes to AGP dollars I've spent, and the one investment that may have been a waste of money during my wedding photography days, but that I'd probably still choose to spend on now that I'm a wedding photographer.Resources mentioned:Influence by Robert Cialdini*The Consistency Course by Katelyn JamesDavid Abel PhotographyKat SchmoyerSeason 1, Episode 6: How To Get Your First Clientabbygrace.co/masterclass - The AGP Lighting Course waitlistabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, I'll be sharing our story of infertility- the pain and sorrow, but also the hope and joy that we found as a result. I'll be covering our journey from beginning to try for a family, through the medical treatments we pursued, through where we are today. So, welcome to a very non-traditional episode of the podcast- I hope it encourages you. Thanks for listening- it's been a joy to share our story up to this point with you. if you'd like to follow along with our journey, you can find me on Instagram @Abbygracephoto.

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to have great conversations at conferences and in-person industry events. We'll be covering the do's and don'ts of conversation-starting questions, and I've got a list of ten great starters to help you have more in depth, impactful conversations, even if it's the first time you're meeting someone.

On this episode, we'll be talking about onboarding new brand clients- how to welcome them into your pipeline and set you both up for success, resulting in a noticeable improvement in their experience AND the final product. And the best news is that you can almost completely automate the process!! Resources mentioned:Honeybook (get 35% off your first year with this link!)*Commercial or Stock Photography Template from The Contract Shop*CalendlyAcuityClient Welcome GuideSeason 2, Episode 4: How To Send *And Receive* Fewer Emailsabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about running a business with and working alongside your spouse! I'm so grateful my husband Matt is joining me for this episode- we'll be covering how we made the decision to work together, how it started, how it's going, and lessons learned along the way. Buckle up- this is a good one.Resources mentioned:Success Beyond The Lens our Virtual Assistant companySeason 2, Episode 12: How we're handling childcare as WFH entrepreneursLifetime Fitnessabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we're talking about reading the signs of when it's time to update your brand photographs- this episode is for anyone who runs a creative small business, whether you're a photographer, copywriter, calligrapher, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker. We'll be covering the telltale signs that you need an appointment with your brand photographer, so you can keep your brand assets fresh and your audience engaged. Resources mentioned:2019 Self Portrait SeriesSarah Brandshaw Photography Brand Photography AcademySeason 1, Episode 12: Ditch the Social Media Hamster WheelWhy Getting New Things Makes Us Feel So Good: Novelty and the BrainAshlyn WritesPowerplayers Club@abbygracephotoabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about the concept of masterminds- we'll be covering what they are, why I joined one, and what to look for in a mastermind you're considering signing up for.Resources mentioned:Deep Work by Cal Newport*Season 1, Episode 9: The most valuable 30 minutes of every weekUnsinkable Marketing podcastabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to receive criticism, whether that's constructive criticism or… less than constructive. We'll be covering how to process feedback that makes you feel sick, glean what you can, and keep it from completely consuming you for days on end.Resources mentioned:Season 3, Episode 2: Go home, Imposter Syndrome- You're Drunkabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode we're celebrating the podcast's first birthday with a look at lessons learned from my first year of podcasting, and where we're planning to take the podcast in year 2! Resources mentioned:Brands That Book PodcastThe Goal Digger PodcastUnsinkable MarketingJon AcuffYeti MicShure MicIsolation Shieldabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about the S-word- Selling. It's a topic that makes a lot of artists want to hide or take a shower, but what if I told you that your prospects actually WANT you to sell to them? We'll be covering the main hurdles photographers face when it comes to selling and how to finally get over them so you can serve your clients and get paid well for it.Resources mentioned:This Is Marketing by Seth Godin*Branding FoundationsDarnyelle Jervey HarmonBrand Photography AcademyLighting the Brand Sessionabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about what it looks like to adapt your style or approach to fit the creative needs of a project- I recently had the opportunity to participate in recording sessions for a new single our church worship team just released, and along the way I learned a LOT about the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and humility, especially when listening back on the work we put in. Today we'll be dissecting the uncomfortable-for-some truth of why your own personal photographic style isn't always king when it comes to the work you do for your clients.Resources mentioned:Children & Kin EP (Spotify)Children & Kin EP (Apple)Children & Kin EP (YouTube)Save & Send (Spotify)Save & Send (Apple)Save & Send (YouTube)Adam AginPre-Shoot QuestionnaireBrand Photography AcademyLighting The Brand SessionRCC Music (Spotify)RCC Music (Apple)RCC Music (YouTube)abbygrace.co/podcast

This episode is a conversation with with my friend Ashley Braswell, FB ads expert and founder of The Paid Ad Academy, and we're talking all about running paid ads for service-based businesses (something I've been dismissive of for a long time!). Spoiler alert, she totally changed my perspective on spending money on Facebook ads when it comes to high-ticket offers like brand sessions. Resources mentioned:The Paid Ad Academy - Ashley's websiteHey, How'd That Happen? PodcastThe Better Boost Frameworkabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to stop waiting for permission before you go after the big goals on your dream list. I'm covering how to prep and pre-vet your ideas to give them the best chance of success, and why a “no” isn't the end of the line.Resources mentioned:Branding FoundationsThis Is Marketing by Seth Godin*Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk*Brand Photography Academyabbygrace.co/challenge*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, I'm rounding up the biggest takeaways from last weeks' Beyond The Bridal Suite challenge, a weeklong free lesson series teaching tired, burned out wedding photographers how to replace even just a few of their weddings with brand photography, without needing to book a hundred+ sessions. If you missed the challenge? Consider this your TLDR, cliff notes version!Resources mentioned:Brand Photography AcademySo Good They Cant Ignore You by Cal Newport**Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about email signatures, because somehow in the year 2023, I STILL get emails from folks who don't have one. We'll be covering why you need one, and more importantly, exactly what needs to be included. I've got a link for my favorite Chrome plugin to keep your signature feeling polished.Resources mentioned:WisestampCanvaSeason 2, Episode 1: Yes, You DO Need Office Hours- Here's How to Do It abbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, I've got some personal news that I've been waiting a really, really long time to share, and it still doesn't feel real that I get to share this with you now!Resources mentioned:Bonus Episode: Our Story of InfertilityFit Mom to Be by Michelle Marie Fit

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to plan out your year in manageable, bite-size chunks so that you can actually make progress on those big goals you've been moving from one year to the next! We'll be covering the exact process Matt and I use to run our own year-end meeting, the same one I teach my BPA students, so that you can head into January feeling capable and confident, instead of overwhelmed or listless. Resources mentioned:abbygrace.co/workshopTraction by Gino Wickman*The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington*Steven Covey Rocks VideoSeason 2 Episode 5: The most valuable 30 minutes of every weekThe Quarter Co by Dennah ReneeBrand Photography Academy*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about my marketing playbook! I'm spilling how and where I market my brand photography business, and I've been really intentional about making sure social media ISN'T my main source of attraction. Saddle up, because this episode is gonna be GOOD. Resources mentioned:Julie Chenell ArticlePortia JacksonBrand Photography AcademyLighting The Brand SessionUnsinkable Marketing Podcast

On this episode, I'm speaking with Wendy Conklin of Chair Whimsy- Wendy is one of the most creative people I've ever met, one look at her website or socials and you'll get exactly what I mean. Wendy is a chair designer and educator, and after being lucky enough to work with Wendy on the photographs for her recent book, I knew I needed to have her on the show to talk about the importance of PLAYING, something we so often deny ourselves, and how play fuels creativity. I learned so much during our conversation, I can't wait for you to hear from Wendy!Resources mentioned:Chair WhimsyLife Whimsy by Wendy Conklin*Deep Work by Cal Newport*Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang*Steven Covey Rocks VideoChair Whimsy InstagramChair Whimsy YouTubeChair Whimsy Blogabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to turn off work when you're not in the office in order to be more present for life happening around you. We'll be covering the three practical steps I take to limit screen time to not only preserve time with my family, but to keep me from sinking into the endless loop of thinking about work 24/7. That's a tall order as a small business owner, so let's dig in.Resources mentioned:Atomic Habits by James Clear*Season 4, Episode 6: You Need an Email Signature- Here's What to Put In ItDigital Minimalism by Cal Newport*Freedom Appabbygrace.co/podcast*Please note that these are affiliate links and that we do earn a small commission. We wouldn't recommend anything that we don't personally use, so please know that these are items we love!

On this episode, we'll be talking about a recent failure we experienced in business. Why it happened, what we've learned, and how we're moving forward instead of staying stuck dwelling on what went wrong. Resources mentioned:Brand Photography AcademyLighting The Brand Sessionabbygracephotography.com/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about what donor breastmilk taught me about marketing my small business! Little bit of an unconventional subject, but there's a zinger of a lesson to be learned here that you don't want to miss. Resources mentioned:Human Milk 4 Human BabiesIce Mule CoolersBrand Photography AcademyLighting The Brand SessionSeason 4, Episode 8: My Marketing Playbookabbygracephotography.com/podcast

On this episode, I'll be sharing our experience of adoption with our first son! Our two boys, Felix and Teddy, both joined our family through the gift of adoption, and both have different stories in terms of how the process went, so I wanted to devote one episode to each of our boys's stories in order to do them justice. Resources mentioned:Season 3, Bonus Episode: Our Story of InfertilityFelix's Birth StoryKindred Profile BooksEmily Gerald Photographyabbygracephotography.com/podcast

On this episode, I'm sharing my five biggest takeaways from the in-person mastermind event I attended last month. We'll be covering both tactical, practical advice I picked up as well as a couple larger mindset shifts I've had, and I'm sharing our plans for the podcast over the next few months!Resources mentioned:Alexis StonieaJulie ChenellAurora GregoryBrand Photography AcademyLighting The Brand SessionPrimed To Launch by Ashlyn Carterabbygracephotography.com/podcast

On this episode, I've got one of the leading voices on creative education, Laylee Emadi- in this conversation, we explore how to unearth your zone of genius as a new educator, testing material before you head for the stage, what makes for a strong speaker application, and so much more!Resources mentioned:Laylee EmadiCreative Educator ConferenceLaylee's InstagramAbby Grace Instagramabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, I'm interviewing Yael Bendahan about how to prepare your business for maternity leave without losing all the momentum you've built up. We're covering practical ways to bring in revenue as a service provider while you're on leave, and how to insulate your business to weather the need to take time off, whether that's for new kids, sudden family emergencies, or something else entirely. Resources mentioned:Yael BendahanManychatFranzYael's InstagramAbby Grace Instagramabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about using AI to help streamline your business- from copywriting prompts to repurposing content, AI expert Brittany Long is walking us through through how to employ ChatGPT to get more done in less time, without compromising on quality or sound like a robot.Resources mentioned:Impact Driven AI - Brittany's websiteImpact Driven AI Instagramabbygrace.co/trainingAbby Grace Instagramabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about how to crush a podcast interview with speaking coach Aurora Gregory- if you've been invited to be a guest on someone else's show, listen up. Aurora's dropping serious wisdom on how to serve well and leave a lasting impression on both the host and their audience, solidifying your position as an expert and a gracious guest.Resources mentioned:Aurora GregoryAurora Gregory InstagramPitch Your Brilliance - pitching template from AuroraAbby Grace Instagramabbygrace.co/podcast

On this episode, we'll be talking about lessons learned from maternity leave. I'm a third-time mom but this was my first pregnancy, so I'll be sharing my takeaways from my first postpartum experience during leave through the lens of a small business owner.Resources mentioned:Felix's Birth StoryTeddy's Birth StorySeason 5, Episode 4 - AI for Photographers - An Interview with Brittany Longabbygrace.co/podcast

We're hitting the "restart" button after a series of life events led to a six-month podcast hiatus- a quick explainer on where we've been and what's been going on, and why I'm all the more fired up as a result to get this podcast into your ears on a regular basis.