The Business Journey Podcast

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free Minis Marketing Class| FB Ad Mini CourseIf you've ever felt frustrated posting your mini sessions over and over on social media and still not seeing bookings come through—you're not alone. This is one of the biggest pain points I see photographers face. Social media feels like it should be enough, right? You're doing all the things—posting daily, showing up in stories, maybe even creating reels. But somehow, your calendar still has open spots. The truth is, while social media can be a powerful tool, it is not a complete marketing strategy. Find out Why social media isn't enough to book out your Minis!Here's What We'll Cover:Why Social Media Isn't Enough (1:49)A Multi-Touch Strategy (5:00)Beyond Social Media (7:05)Resources Made for You (11:03)Why Social Media Isn't Enough to Book Out Your MinisLet's start with a harsh truth: you don't own your Instagram or Facebook account. At any moment, the algorithm can shift—or worse, the platform can go down entirely—and your audience reach disappears with it. Even when things are working, only about 4% of your followers are actually seeing what you post. So if you have 1,000 followers, that's only around 40–50 people seeing your content. And if your conversion rate is around 1–3% (which is normal), that's barely enough interest to book even a single session. Relying solely on social media means you're speaking to the same small circle over and over. To book out your minis, you need to get in front of new people... not just the followers who already know you.You Need a Multi-Touch Marketing StrategyMarketing isn't about showing up in one place and hoping for the best. It's about creating multiple touch points that guide someone from “interested” to “ready to book.” Experts say it takes at least 7 interactions before someone takes action, which means your audience needs to see your mini sessions a lot. Instead of focusing only on Instagram or Facebook, build a complete marketing plan that includes social media and email marketing, local outreach, SEO, and even paid ads. That way, you're increasing visibility, staying top-of-mind, and creating urgency through repetition.Go Beyond Social Media to Fill Your CalendarIf you're ready to get serious about your marketing, it's time to go beyond your social feed. Start by posting in local Facebook groups to reach moms in your area who aren't following you yet. Next, partner with local businesses (think boutiques, preschools, coffee shops, or pediatrician offices) for cross-promotions that benefit both of you. Make sure your SEO is on point, so that when someone Googles “family photographer in [your city],” your site actually shows up. And if you're up for it, try running Facebook and Instagram ads to target new families in your area. These tools, used together, help you reach way more...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Email Freebie| Flodesk DiscountEmail marketing is one of the most powerful tools for booking out your mini sessions, yet many photographers overlook it. If you've ever struggled to fill your spots, relying only on social media, it's time to rethink your approach. Unlike social platforms, where algorithms limit your reach, emails land directly in your audience's inbox. I hear from students all the time who are shocked at how effective email marketing is—they send a couple of emails and book out almost instantly! Today, I'll talk through how to use an email list to book out your Mini Sessions. Plus, why it's important for you to get started now!Here's What We'll Cover:My Favorite Email Marketing Platform (2:49)Why Start with Your Email List (4:03)What to Send to Your Email List (7:43)How to Grow Your Email List (10:57)Why Use an Email List to Book Out Your Mini SessionsYour email list is filled with your warmest leads (people who already know, like, and trust you). This makes email marketing the fastest and easiest way to turn potential clients into booked clients. While Instagram stories might only be seen by 4% of your followers, emails reach your entire list every single time. Plus, with the right strategy, you can create a personal connection with your audience, keeping them engaged and eager to book when your minis go live.What to Send to Your Email ListIf you're wondering what to send, start with a four-email sequence for your Mini Session launch. First, a teaser email to build anticipation, second a "Now Booking" email giving your list first access, third an update email sharing how spots are filling up, and finally, a "Last Call" email to create urgency before opening to the public. Many photographers hesitate to send multiple emails, fearing they'll annoy their audience, but the truth is—people are busy! A single email can be missed, and follow-ups ensure more eyes on your offer.How to Grow Your Email ListIf you're not sure how to grow your email list, start with past clients! Invite them to join your VIP email list for exclusive early access to sessions. Use social media to collect emails with a freebie, like a Mini Session prep guide, or run a giveaway where entry requires signing up. The key is to take action today! Start building your list and commit to growing it. Your email list has the potential to transform your business, making Mini Session bookings easier and more profitable than ever!Some actions steps I want you to take include starting your list today! Grab my Email Freebie and get started. I'll walk you through how to get going. Second, check out this

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: 12 Theme Ideas Freebie | Flodesk DiscountMini sessions are an incredible way to attract new clients, but many photographers wonder how to convert those Mini Clients into Full Session bookings. While Mini Sessions are highly profitable (especially during peak seasons like fall and spring) not every type of session can or should be a mini. When big life events happen, like welcoming a new baby or celebrating a first birthday, clients are much more likely to book a full session. The key is to strategically leverage your mini sessions to encourage those Full-Session bookings. So, let's dive into how you can use Minis to get Full Session clients!Here's What We'll Cover:3 Must-Be Full Sessions (3:22)How to Leverage Your Minis (8:29)Key Marketing Strategies for Full Sessions (11:45)Recap (14:36)Not Every Session Should Be a MiniEducating your clients on the difference between mini and full sessions is crucial. Some sessions require more time, flexibility, and a personalized experience—meaning they simply can't be squeezed into a 10-15 minute slot. Three session types that don't work as minis include: Smash Cake Sessions, Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, and Extended Family Sessions. By educating your clients upfront, you naturally create opportunities to upsell them into full sessions when these milestones occur.Turning Minis Clients into Full Session ClientsMini sessions serve as the perfect entry point for clients to get to know you, experience your style, and fall in love with your work. When you deliver a top-notch mini session experience, booking a full session later becomes an easy decision. A great strategy is to plant the seed early. During a mini session, mention full-session options if you learn a client is expecting or has a milestone coming up. Follow up with past clients at key times, like when a newborn turns 10 months old! Remind them about first birthday sessions and other milestones. Offer incentives, like early access to Full-Session dates or priority booking for loyal Mini Session clients.Marketing Strategies to Encourage Full Session BookingsTo consistently book more full sessions, be intentional with your marketing. Showcase Full Sessions by posting images from full sessions on social media so clients see what you offer. Educate on the Differences. Use blog posts, Instagram captions, and emails to highlight the benefits of full sessions. Leverage real client stories! Share before-and-after journeys of Mini Session clients who later booked Full Sessions.The goal isn't to replace Mini Session bookings with Full Sessions. Both serve different purposes. Instead, it's about maximizing revenue by making sure Mini Session clients...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: 12 Theme Ideas Freebie | Flodesk DiscountHave you ever wondered why your Minis aren't booking? If you've struggled with booking out your sessions or they aren't booking the way you expected them to then you're in the right place! Trust me, we've all been there. The good news? Mini Sessions work, and with a few strategic tweaks, you can turn things around. In this episode, we're diving into the three biggest reasons your minis aren't booking: your timing or theme isn't resonating, your marketing strategy is incomplete, or your messaging isn't connecting with your ideal clients. Stick with me, and let's troubleshoot your Minis so you can start booking out with confidence!Here's What We'll Cover:Theme or timing holding you back? (2:14)Social strategy (7:01)Is your messaging connecting with clients? (12:03)Recap as a whole (14:27)Is Your Mini Session Theme or Timing Holding You Back?One of the biggest reasons Mini Sessions don't book is that the theme or timing isn't resonating with your ideal clients. Just because a theme was popular last year doesn't mean it will work again this year! Trends shift and client preferences change. Some themes become overdone, while others may not be in demand at all. Additionally, the dates you choose can make or break your success. If your minis fall too close to holidays, school breaks, or major local events... families might already have plans. So, do your research! Look at current trends, ask past clients what themes they're excited about, and test new ideas that fit what families want right now. When you align your Minis with what your audience is actually looking for, you'll see more interest and faster bookings.Are You Relying on One Post to Fill Your Mini Sessions?Posting once and hoping for bookings isn't enough! Only 4% of your followers see what you post, so you need to reach beyond your audience to get more bookings. A strong marketing strategy includes consistent social media posts, reels, and stories, plus email marketing to remind past clients. Local outreach, like sharing in Facebook groups or partnering with businesses, also helps spread the word. Creating urgency with limited spots or early bird discounts can drive faster bookings. Instead of relying on one post, map out a marketing plan across multiple touch points over several weeks for the best results!Is Your Messaging Connecting With the Right Clients?If your mini-sessions aren't booking, your messaging may not be resonating. Clients don't just want a “Mini-Session”... they want an easy, stress-free way to capture beautiful family photos! Focus on the emotional appeal rather than just the photography itself. You should clearly communicate when, where, how much, and what's included to eliminate any...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Prep Week | 12 Theme Ideas FreebieSpring is right around the corner, which means it's the perfect time to start planning your Spring Minis! With warmer weather, blooming flowers, and families eager to capture seasonal memories, spring is one of the best times to book out your minis. Today, I'm sharing creative Spring Mini Session ideas that will make your Minis stand out, attract more clients, and boost your bookings. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas or want to refine your approach, this episode will lend inspiration to help you plan successful and profitable Spring Minis! Before diving in make sure you sign up for my newest FREE resource... PREP WEEK! This 4 day training paired with today's episode is a guaranteed win for Spring.Here's What We'll Cover:Why Spring? (5:45)Theme Ideas (7:52)Questions to Ask While Planning (11:25)Prep Week (15:03)Spring Mini Session IdeasA well-thought-out Spring Mini Session idea can be the key to booking out your spots quickly! A strong theme creates excitement making it easier for potential clients to envision themselves in the session. It also helps you stand out from other photographers running minis in your area, giving you a unique edge in the market. The best spring themes are fresh, colorful, and family-friendly! By incorporating elements that feel light and full of life you'll end up attracting more clients. And while being unique is important just make sure it appeals to a wide range of clients! Some go to Spring Mini session ideas would include seasonal flowers (think blue bonnets or cherry blossoms), vintage Spring picnic, Easter Minis or a flower market location!Spring Mini Marketing MustPreparing for your Spring Minis starts with capturing promo shots that will attract clients and fill your calendar. The best way to do this? Set up your Mini Session backdrop in advance and use a real family for test shots. This helps potential clients visualize what their photos will look like and creates instant marketing content. If you're doing a wildflower field theme, you can use a stock image of wildflowers for early promotion and then update your marketing with an actual portfolio image once you've photographed a session. The key is to help future clients envision themselves in your promo!If you're feeling unsure about how to market your minis effectively, Prep Week starts next week! It's a FREE, four-day challenge where we'll cover marketing strategies, pricing, workflows, and everything you need to book out your minis with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to make your Mini Sessions more profitable and stress-free, sign up today!

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Episode 107| Prep WeekPricing your full sessions correctly is key to making sure your mini-session pricing makes sense and stays profitable. In this episode of Minis Made Easy, I'm breaking down how full sessions set the foundation for your pricing strategy, common mistakes photographers make, and the steps to ensure your full session pricing supports (not competes with) your minis. If you've ever struggled to balance these two session types, this episode is for you! Before diving in you need to how to price your Mini Sessions. This is only possible by doing a CODB which I walked us through in last week's episode! Give THIS podcast a listen then you'll be ready to jump into how to price your photography sessions so they make sense.Here's What We'll Cover:Define a Full Session Vs. Mini Session (2:52)Pricing Mistakes (5:42)Sessions that are NOT Minis (10:29)Key Take Aways (15:01)Why Full Sessions Set the Foundation for Your Photography Pricing StrategyFull sessions play a crucial role in your photography business. They offer clients a full-service experience while establishing the foundation for your pricing structure. As the premium option, full sessions set the perceived value of your work and help differentiate your services from mini-sessions. Mini-sessions should be a lower investment, but they must still reflect your expertise and not undercut the value of full sessions. A common mistake photographers make is pricing minis correctly but then realizing their full session pricing no longer makes sense! Often this requires an adjustment to maintain profitability. By positioning full sessions as the high-end choice and aligning your pricing strategy effectively, you can create a sustainable and profitable photography business while ensuring that both session types attract the right clients.How to Price Photography Sessions for Profitability and AlignmentSetting the right price for your full sessions starts with understanding your target client... their budget, what they value, and how to position full sessions as a premium experience. Next, calculate your costs and desired profit by factoring in session time, editing, and business expenses to ensure your pricing reflects your expertise and brand. A good rule of thumb is to set your full session price at least double your mini-session price to maintain a balanced structure. For example, if your full sessions are $500, your minis should be in the $200–$250 range.Finally, communicate the value of full sessions by emphasizing their benefits—longer session time, more variety in locations, all-digitals included, and a fully personalized experience. Educating your clients on the differences between full and mini sessions is...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Mini Session Theme Ideas | Prep WeekPricing your mini sessions can feel like a guessing game. Should you charge what other photographers do? Should you price lower to attract more bookings? Or maybe you feel like you're just throwing out a number and hoping it works. If you've ever second-guessed your pricing, you're not alone! Many photographers struggle with setting prices that not only attract clients but also ensure profitability. Today we'll be calculating your cost of doing business (CODB) because pulling numbers from thin air or copying what other photographers are doing won't help YOU and your business succeed! Let's learn how to price your mini sessions for profit!Here's What We'll Cover:Why Calculate Your CODB (3:40)Gathering Your Numbers (7:02)Calculating Your Numbers (10:34)Brand New Resource - Prep Week (20:18)How to Price Your Mini Sessions for ProfitHave you ever felt like you're working hard, but you're not sure that you're seeing the profit from? Have you ever wondered if you're even covering your costs and making this thing worth it? Whether you're a numbers person or not, learning to calculate your Cost of Doing Business is a must! In the simplest terms you make sure all expenses and taxes are covered in your revenue AND you're paying yourself. Statistics show that most photographers don't make it past year 3. This is solely because they don't price their work appropriately.Gather Your NumbersStep one you need to list EVERY expense you have. Let's take your Spring Minis Sessions for example! List out any expenses that would go towards them including softwares like your CRM (gallery delivery), Lightroom or Imagine AI (your editing software), email marketing, google domain, website costs, gear, props or client gifts, etc! If you pay for something annually divide it by 12 to give you a monthly amount. Next, calculate the number of hours you spend on Spring Minis. Don't just include your shooting time! List the time spent marketing, driving to locations, editing and post processing! Lastly, ask yourself: how much do I want to be paid for my hourly rate? And please pay yourself more than a teenager who works at Costco! I suggest no less than $50/hour because you are well worth your time!Calculating Your NumbersIn any given month for Spring Minis list how many sessions you realistically want to book. For example's sake we'll say 16 (that's 2 days of minis). Here's where gathering your numbers come into play. How many hours will you spend on these specific Mini Sessions (for everyone it's different, but remember to include marketing, post processing/editing, shooting time). So, you should have your total number of expenses for one month and the number of hours you will work for these sessions. Take your hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours for these sessions and that's your profit. Next, take your expenses and add them to your profit amount. Finally,...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptAs we're headed into this new year and our Mini Sessions season I wanted to talk through the importance of planning EARLY! January is the perfect time to set the tone for your year. Preparation like this will set you up for success and why not determine this year to be your most profitable!? In this episode not only will you learn why planning ahead is valuable, but you'll understand what happens when you don't. So, for starters let's look at key reasons why planning your Mini Sessions early is a must!Why Planning Your Mini Sessions Early is ValuableIn order to plan ahead you need at least 6-8 weeks before your Mini Sessions take place. When you start marketing early you get ahead of other photographers! Why not be the first photographer seen by your audience for Spring Minis and beat the competition? Rather than scrambling last minute to do Easter Minis or Wildflowers, you can prepare now and get fully booked! This also means you'll be maximizing your profits. You get the opportunity to think through your pricing, structure and upselling. And the best part is you can do it all--stress free!Key Areas to PrepOne thing you need to look at is the calendar as a whole. Start with your personal calendar including birthdays, vacations, important dates. Then you can pencil in dates for Mini Sessions. That way you aren't overbooked and you have control of when you work! My suggestion would be to look at doing Spring, Fall and Christmas Minis. Next, an area you want to plan is thinking through the themes that you could potentially have for your Mini Sessions. You want to think of fun, creative ideas, but things that your clients will actually book. Lastly, plan ahead in your marketing plan! Put together a real strategy including your email list, your SEO and your socials. Trust me, good marketing takes time so tackle this early and give yourself the ability to be profitable.What Happens If You Don't PlanI know there are so many things you have to think about when planning your Mini Sessions, but that's why I'm here! You won't be doing this alone. The danger in not being proactive is you'll be stressed out, overwhelmed, losing clients or missing out on profits! The earlier you start preparing the better off you'll be. Throughout the coming weeks I'll walk through all the important keys in planning your Mini Sessions! Tune in next week for specifics on pricing to be profitable!What We Covered:Why I started planning ahead (1:55)Why planning your mini sessions early is valuable (3:03)Key areas to prep (6:08)What happens if you don't plan (11:00)

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptIf you're a family photographer looking for mini session tips to simplify your business while maximizing profits, you're in the right place! I'm thrilled to announce the rebrand of my podcast: Minis Made Easy. This podcast is your go-to resource for everything mini sessions—helping you streamline workflows, master posing, and build a profitable photography business. The goal is to leave you inspired, provide actionable tips and educational content tailored for your photography business! I've discovered a major part of my why in this industry is to help other photographers in their journey. And friend, it all starts with mini sessions!Why Focus on Mini Sessions?Profitability and Scalability: Minis allow you to serve more clients in less time while still providing an excellent experience. Simplified Marketing: With clear themes and short time slots, minis are easier to market and fill. Community Demand: Many photographers shared their struggles and questions about making minis work. This rebrand allows us to address those needs in-depth.What Can You Expect from Minis Made Easy?Each episode is tailored specifically to help you master mini-sessions. Here's a sneak peek into what we'll cover! Workflows: Learn how to streamline booking processes, client communication, and gallery delivery for a seamless client experience. Posing Tips: Discover techniques for maximizing short 10-minute sessions while keeping your posing natural and stress-free. Business Strategies: Get insights into pricing your minis for profit, marketing effectively, and scaling your mini-session offerings. Creative Inspiration: Stay ahead of the curve with fresh seasonal themes and evergreen session ideas that clients will love.You can count on this podcast to serve you in key areas! I'll be breaking down the how, what and when for successful Mini Sessions and be sharing all the mini session tips. Let's simplify the way you run your business while making your minis more profitable than ever.

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Portrait Contract Template | Free Business & Marketing ClassThis is one of those topics that, although it's not fun, is necessary. Especially as we head into a busy season you need to know how to set boundaries with difficult clients! After being in this industry for years I'll just let you know that if you haven't had a challenging client... they're coming. Which is why this episode will be helpful! I'll share some of my personal experience and give you pointers on how to work with them. But before unpacking that, I have a free class just for you! It's all about how to double your photography revenue this year. We'll touch on some business basics but dive deeper into business marketing! Rather than relying solely on pretty pictures you can drive your business with excellent marketing. Now, onto the "fun" clients...Stay Professional and KindIt is so important to deal with clients with kindness. Remember, you're running a business and your conversation or interaction represents the brand/the business. It's very easy to match your client's attitude and energy especially if you don't mind confrontation. Some of you may be people pleasers and negative confrontation is a challenge, but remember kindness goes a long way. Stay professional and give your client a hefty helping of kindness! You have an opportunity to handle situations with grace and I suggest doing it over the phone. You don't want to give clients ammunition so even an email would be beneficial.Refer to Your ContractPointing back to your contract gives you a backbone to lean on. And that's why it's crucial to have a legal contract that will hold up. I have one in my shop you can grab and they are there for a reason! A few things I have in my contract that protects me is found in editing. I have it in my contract that I do not remove things that wouldn't be gone on their own within 1-2 weeks. I won't altar someone's body because all bodies are beautiful and deserve to be captured. I also hold the right to including or excluding photos from their gallery. Sometimes the shot is blurry or simply doesn't turn out. I want to include photos that will not only be a good representation of my work but turn out well!Give a Yes with a BoundaryThis is one of my favorites because it helps you illuminate the positivity and serve your client but protects you as well. You need to be taken care of which is why we are talking about how to set boundaries with difficult clients! So, give your client a yes but with a realistic boundary. For example, if a client wants something edited that's outside of your normal scope of editing. Maybe they want a car removed but the session was in a city. You can say yes, but only for 3 photos. Don't be a doormat, but serve your clients and try to go above and beyond.Avoid Burning BridgesI've had clients in the past that posed challenges and gave opportunity for me to respond by burning the bridge so to speak. But because I chose to be kind or work through it with them I...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Live Webinar | Posing Workflow | Contract Let's talk about Mini Sessions! I'm doing a Mini Sessions Q & A from a thread in my Facebook group. There were tons of great inquiries so I'm taking the time to go through and answer now! I'm also hosting a LIVE webinar this coming Thursday (if you're reading this current and up to date) all about MINI SESSIONS! This is a brand new class I've never taught and we'll have a Q&A section at the end for that too! So, if today's podcast hits home you'll definitely want to join. Be sure to register HERE regardless of if you can make it live or not. Thursday, July 13th @ 1:00pm CST. Once you register you'll receive the replay and get all the fresh content. Now, let's jump in!What do you do with uncooperative kids?This specific question stated, "If your sessions are 20 minutes and one of your children doesn't cooperate what do you do?" Here's the thing, my mini sessions are 10 minutes and most of my students do 15 minutes. So, when a child is crying the whole session or not wanting to participate you just do your best. If you're booking with a family and the parent knows ahead of time the child will struggle, opt for a full session. So what do you do? Keep snapping, try posing different angles to avoid the crying face, book with them in 6 months from now! Most of the time kids are uncooperative because it's new. I did this with a family and the second session was incredible. We got to celebrate the major growth. I'm also a believer in capturing true memories. The reality is kids cry. They don't always cooperate and that's part of life's memories!How do you advertise your minis?This is a loaded question because there is so much that goes into marketing. Join the free class on Thursday to go deeper! I would say good advertising doesn't just post to your business Facebook page or Instagram. You need all the pieces of the puzzle to present a full picture.How do you get comfortable with short time slots?Practice, practice, practice! Start at 15 minutes and use a posing workflow. If you're worried about clients feeling like they aren't served well, it's because you need confidence in your delivery. It's important to know you've captured the right shots so you can deliver a full gallery. But how do you get to this place? Practice. Have family and friends over and do 15 minute sessions with them back to back. I use this posing workflow for all my sessions and that's how I've managed to do 10 minutes at a time!More Questions?Inside the podcast I talk about bad weather options, refund policies, deposits and more! I highly suggest getting a lawyer approved

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: $3k Mini Sessions Blueprint | Portrait Contract | Questionnaire | Email Templates | Client Experience Guide| Dubsado DiscountAll month long we've been talking about our Christmas in July Minis Campaign. Today, I'm so excited to finish this out with tips for ding a Christmas in July Mini Sessions Promotion! It's hard to believe we are at the end of June and our promos will be ready to go live soon. Before wrapping up how to do this promo I have a FREE guide to help you make your first $3k or more on your first set up mini sessions. Count it as a gift for those of you that have followed along and apply it during your actual Christmas Minis! Ready for some big tips?Get Started...NOW!I know we're down to the wire, but it's not too late to get started! Ideally you want to kick off this campaign at the beginning of July. I know you technically have a whole month, but you don't want to promote this at the end. Start the first week when this campaign is fresh and no one has been advertised to yet. That also means you need promo shots! If you're doing Red Truck Minis, Tree Farm or Indoor Studio Christmas Minis, talk to your vendor and see if you can get in there with a real family for promos. Make sure they are real families because they advertise so much better. Don't just show the setup. And of course use past sessions if you have them!How Long Do You Advertise?I suggest advertising for 2 weeks or until your spots fill. I have an associate team spread out in 9 different cities and in Dallas we open up July 1st. Our goal is to book 3 dates which is the equivalent of 54 sessions. Remember, I have multiple photographers so it's not all one person. We start by opening to our VIP email list, social posts ready to go and fb ads! These are all things we've prepped in June which makes it a lot easier with automated workflows. Once the 2 weeks is up, we switch to advertise Fall minis. We book these from mid-July to the end of August or so. Then we switch back to Christmas Minis!Hot Topic QuestionSomething I get asked often is whether or not to take a retainer. We do a 50% retainer at the time of booking and they pay the rest later. This has worked really well. Just be sure you're taking some sort of retainer. Don't let clients book a spot and pay later because they often cancel. And along with that, have your clients fill out a contract. This is vital for your business. If you're using one you just found on the internet and it's...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free Minis ClassDo you have a Christmas in July promotion? Today I'm unfolding the 5 reasons you SHOULD do a 'Christmas in July' Mini Session promo. But before we start the countdown, be sure to grab this FREE class all about mini sessions. As fall mini sessions are around the corner, this will be incredible useful for you. It walks you through the main marketing tips to get you fully booked! Now let's talk about Christmas in July!Greater ExposureLet me clarify, I am not suggesting you shoot mini sessions in July! I grew up in Texas and I couldn't imagine going out in the brutal heat for 2-3 hours of mini sessions especially as Christmas! I am talking about doing a promotion to book those minis in October. Each year I do Red Truck Minis and some sort of indoor studio Christmas minis. For my Christmas in July promo I book out my Red Truck Minis that I shoot in October. A big reason I love doing this promo is because my business gets put in front of A LOT of eyes. Red Truck Minis are desirable and capture the attention of clients.Get Ahead of DemandFor too long I waited to advertise mini sessions when I started hearing people ask for them. The goal here is to advertise and make Christmas Minis available before your clients request it! You will be the first ones to mention these minis and chances are clients will stick with you because you brought it to them first!KickstarterGood marketing takes time and that means at least 6-8 weeks. Doing this in July gives you a major kickstart to the busiest time of the year! Regardless of whether or not your spots are fully booked, you're relieving the pressure by starting early. Once you've done the promo the ground work has already been laid and when Fall comes you will easily book out the rest. You won't be scrambling to get promo shots or workflows ready. You'll be prepped!Influx of RevenueJuly is usually a slower month for mini sessions, so having something in this month carries you over to busy season! We collect 50% retainers (which I highly suggest you do) to lock clients in. This is a nice perk to having some sort of income during summer. For some of you that alone is enough!Overall EstimateThe last reason I love doing a 'Christmas in July' promotion is you'll have a good expectation for your Fall. For one, you know what to expect from the second half of your booked sessions. But it also gives you a gauge of people's interest. Many clients may see your promotion and decide to book a fall mini with you. They may not be ready to jump to Christmas, however, it gets the ball moving for the next season!I hope this encourages you to give it a try! There's a lot of beneficial components that come into play here. Start prepping and get your Christmas in July promo ready!What We...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free $3k BlueprintWe're at episode 100!!! I'm thrilled to be able to look back and share how this began as well as how it evolved along the way. It's going to be fun, but before heading down memory lane I have something ALL about mini sessions for you. My students call me the Queen of Mini Sessions and it truly is the bread and butter of my business. I've learned a lot over the years and put together a blueprint for you to follow! If you've never made $3000 in a single day (2-3 hours) of mini sessions then be sure to grab this! It's called the "$3k Mini Sessions Blueprint" and lays out exactly how to structure a mini sessions day. This will be so helpful for Fall Minis just around the corner! Now, let's go back in time...Not a Glamorous StartBack in 2020, we uprooted our family and moved to Nashville, TN! We were living in a townhome waiting for our house to be built and The Business Journey Podcast was birthed. We didn't have a studio, but my husband wanted to make sure it sounded excellent. So, we set up the computer, the microphone and there I was in my closet recording my first episode! I say this because not all starts are glamorous. Maybe you're not starting a podcast, but whatever it is just go for it. It doesn't have to be perfect or look like your long term vision. For me, I had this dream of being able to serve and connect with you in a way that was a lot more personal than just an email. And now, here we are!Short and SweetKnowing the audience I have I wanted to be intentional to make episode consumable. Most of you are on the go, busy running a business or in the thick of it with family! That means you've got maybe 15 minutes in the car to listen in. When creating episodes I had to make it short, sweet and to the point. After all, the intention is to serve you with valuable content. Allowing you into my life and equipping you with business related content! This journey has not always been easy, but now 100 deep I am happy to say so worth it!What Do You Want to Hear?The goal of this podcast is to talk through topics or things that serve you well. I'd really love to hear from you! So, send me a DM and let me know what you'd like to see in the next 100. Maybe there's a special guest you'd like to hear from or topics for your business you need covered. I want to dive into areas that help you grow and give you insight. I always pepper in more personal subjects that allow you to have eyes into my life and business because I believe we grow from one another! Your voice is incredibly valuable to me so send an email with feedback or shoot me a DM. I take your suggestions to my team so we can coordinate and serve you better.There's lots more inside the podcast, but I want to finish by saying THANK YOU! You truly are the reason we've gone this far and I'm proud of what we've been able to do in just 100

More Resources: Free $3k Blueprint I felt it would be helpful for other business owners and photographers to hear what my schedule really looks like! I want to pull you in behind the curtain to see how I go about a typical business day. But, before jumping into those details I do have a FREE blueprint to help you successfully navigate a day of minis. If you've never made $3000 on a single day of minis then you definitely need to grab this guide! Now, I was at the Graceful Gathering conference speaking when a photographer asked me about the structure of my business day. I'm very strategic in what that looks like and there's been an evolution throughout the years. I started part time, moved to full time with kids then to adding team members. So, what's worked best for me...Focused Work HoursI am not the best at multi-tasking. I'm a mom of 2 little ones and I also enjoy my work. With that being said, I currently have my kids in a hybrid homeschool. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday my kids are at school or with Mimi and I can solely work on my business. My work day starts at 8:00am and kick it off with meetings on Tuesday. I will say my business has grown and I have a staff team. So when I'm not "in the office" they are still getting work done. It's incredible, and yes, it is possible! Next, I hone in on projects like culling sessions or tasks from team call. I stop working my work days at noon. And fun fact, I take a nap EVERY day. It fits perfectly into my afternoon right before I need to pick up kids!Intentional Use of TimeSince I only work about 10-12 hours a week I have to utilize my time efficiently. I use filters to place priority on things. For instance, if it requires my face - YouTube, Instagram stories, etc. If it uses my voice - podcasts, interviews, etc. Or just showing up in communities on Facebook and lastly things like strategy or launches fall on my plate. Everything else I pass on to other team members. That's why I have a team under me to be able to accomplish everything while still being able to have a work week that looks like this. Now, I still have slack and voxer on my phone so my team can reach me throughout the week. But I strive to stay in my zone of genius while serving my family and business well. This took years of trial and error, but I finally feel like I've figured out what works for me.Next StepsIf you're a solo-preneur this can be hard to imagine. But I hope this episode at least encouraged you that it is possible! Feel free to DM with any questions because I would love to help you get to your dream. If you want to work towards a lifestyle like this, I encourage you to start with just one team member. Find one thing you can outsource. Inbox, editing, etc! My first team member was hired as an outside contractor and I paid them $30/hr for 10 hours a week. Because I got 10 extra hours in my month I was able to book more sessions and bring in more income! So, start somewhere and begin taking those steps to creating your dream work life. There's so much more in the podcast so be sure to give it a listen and get yourself in the place you want to be!What We Covered:Focused Work Hours (5:04)Intentional Use of Time (9:17)Next Steps (17:56)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Class | Client Experience Guide | Portrait Contract TemplateLet's dive into the topic of model calls. I get asked about this often and today I'll be sharing some secrets to successful model calls! How do you run one, what are they useful for, how do you set them up. Before we get into the all the good things, I've got a FREE class for those of you that are ready to go beyond simply taking pretty pictures. It's called "6 Steps to Double Your Revenue" and full of educational content you can start applying to your business. This class walks through the importance of having a true marketing strategy so you can bring in more revenue.What's the Purpose?There are definitely right and wrong ways to do a model call. First, you need to know what the goal is. Are you trying to grow your portfolio or like me, when I first moved to Nashville, you're starting over with your clientele? Maybe you're needing more content that you can blog about! Whatever it is you need to clearly define the purpose. If you just say you're doing a free shoot, people will come flocking! Be clear on what you're looking for. Lifestyle newborns, multiple siblings in the session, etc.Model Call StructureI set up my model call similar to a mini session. I'll give 5 free photos, but deliver a full gallery! Most of the time clients will purchase the full gallery. There are some important things you should require like having clients follow your style guide. You should pick the location and state that the session is 30-60 minutes or however long you need. I use my Client Experience Guide to help them choose outfits and make sure they send photos beforehand so I know what to expect! Remember, it's a model call which means it's for your business.Grow Your Email ListThis is a valuable opportunity to collect emails and grow your list. In order for people to apply for your model call you can get their info from a form. You can include questions to help with the verification process. I have them include a photo of who they will have in their session. It adds an extra layer of protection to be sure you have the models needed! And the best part is by having them on your email list when you advertise for sessions later in the year they often book you.Model Call MustUse a contract! Yes, it's a free session, but having a contract guarantees everyone is clear on expectations and what's included. This protects you and will let them know what will be delivered. Be sure you don't diy your contract, but use one that's been written by a lawyer so it will hold up in court should that ever take place. I have one you can grab HERE that I use for all my sessions!Model calls can be incredibly helpful and a success for achieving goals. Give it a try and see what

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptLet's continue a conversation that got started on my Instagram a few weeks back. What does freedom look like for you? This is a convo worth having friends! As we come into the new year I like choosing a word to move forward on for the year. This year I decided that my word was simple. I want to enjoy the simple life that I've come to love! It may seem boring to others, but for me it's not a common freedom in our industry.We All Need FreedomThe thing about freedom is it looks different from one person to the next. I have enjoyed baking bread which is a long process, I love reading while watching my kids play outside and I thrive when I get to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. You didn't become a business owner to quit a 9 to 5 job just so you could start working 24/7. But the reality is, if we aren't intentional to carve out freedom in our day we'll become so consumed with our businesses we don't end up living a full life! Hear me, I am so thankful for my business and I enjoy doing what I do. But I started it so I could have time with my family, travel and have a say in what my day looks like.What Does Freedom Look Like For You?If money was no object, you could do anything you put your heart to? What would you do in your life? Once you discover what kind of things give you life and bring you joy you can structure your business accordingly! You can allow yourself to have the freedom to do the things that bring you joy.Make GoalsThe first step is defining what freedom looks like, then start making some adjustments in your work. If money is the problem, start setting a goal of 1 more session per month. Start making some of those changes to allow yourself the ability to do what you've always wished you could do. Maybe that's reading 12 books a year? Start by giving yourself 15 minutes in your work day to do it. These moments of doing what you want will refuel your tank and give you the extra push to tackle your business goals!If you have questions or want some feedback, DM me on Instagram! It's really me in there responding to your comments and messages and I'd love to hear from you.What We Covered:We All Need Freedom (5:42)What Does Freedom Look Like For You? (11:18)Make Goals (12:47)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Class | StoryBrand ScriptWelcome to the Business Journey Podcast! Today I'm sharing all about how I use StoryBrand in my business! I also have a FREE class that will be helpful this Spring in your sessions. It's called "Keys to Effective Family Posing" and you'll walk away with creative ideas on how to pose well! Posing isn't something you should "wing" but rather something you excel at. Now, StoryBrand is something that comes from a book by Donald Miller called "Building a StoryBrand". Let's dive in!StoryBrand OutlineThis has been incredibly helpful for me in marketing. The StoryBrand script starts with the main character, villain and guide. The main character is your client! Then we look at who their villain is. Maybe their villain is a lack of time. It breaks down why they don't have time, what that makes them feel and what they are being robbed of. Next the outline introduces the guide who comes in and brings a solution to their problem (that's YOU)!Mapped Out ProcessOnce all the people are in place we get to build this story. Maybe you have 3 or 4 steps that's going to take them to their answer. It's going to lead the client to a place of finally getting to book with you. You'll list out steps for clients to take to get photos taken with you! Along the way you're answering questions, removing fear or doubt, etc.Call to ActionFinally, we give our clients the invitation to do something. Make the change of feeling like time is robbing them and giving clear steps for them to book with you! You can address the issue and boldly state, if they don't make a change they miss out on these memories for life! I know that seems intense, but you're making a clear story here. You want your client to relate and see the reality of their current decisions. It's a call to act!Market with StoryBrandThis is an awesome way to emphasize your brand messaging through marketing. There's more in the podcast and I breakdown the application in depth so be sure to listen! Marketing just got easier with this StoryBrand outline in place. I encourage you to follow the script and create your own StoryBrand HERE!What We DiscussedStoryBrand Outline (3:10)Mapped Out Process (9:07)Call to Action (11:23)Market with StoryBrand (15:25)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue | Mini Sessions Playbook | FB Ad TutorialLet's talk about how to MARKET your mini sessions in 2023. I know we've talked about marketing before, but times are changing and this episode has some new things that need applying! Before jumping in I'm so excited to share a NEW live class I'm offering. It's called the "6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue" and let me just say it's possible to double what you did last year! I'm sharing the 6 steps I did in my own business so I know they work. Be sure to register and save your seat so you don't miss out on 2023 strategies! Now let's get to how to market your mini sessions in 2023... Give Yourself a Head StartThe ideal amount of time to market for minis is 6-8 weeks. The absolute minimum is 4 weeks, but the more time the more likely you are to be fully booked! First, pick out your date and work backwards from there. If you're not sure what the timeline should look like you can grab my Mini Sessions Playbook!Get Your Promo ShotsNext you need to have photos for advertisement! I try using photos of the location from previous years or go out and get them now. If the weather isn't working or they are seasonal minis like blue bonnets, cherry blossoms, etc. use a stock photo! Never use another photographer's work as your advertisement - it's illegal. And I've seen this a lot, try to stick with just one photo.Open to VIPs FirstWhen it comes to advertising, start with your email list. And more specifically your VIP list! That's basically clients or people that have joined your email list. Do this before going public on your social media and opening it to the public. I've got more to say on this topic that applies to 2023 in the podcast so be sure to listen! Run Facebook & Instagram AdsI normally wouldn't push this, but this day and age requires us to utilize ads. Facebook and Instagram want you to pay for advertising and if you don't it's likely your posts won't be seen. The Facebook/Instagram advertising platform is very intuitive. You can target a dream client and truly get in front of them! The best part is you can see your return on investment due to analytics! Trust me and give this a shot after you've exhausted your free advertisement!Be sure to give this episode a listen and don't forget to register for the FREE live class this week!What We DiscussedGive Yourself a Head Start (3:56)Get Your Promo Shots (5:30)Open to VIPs First (8:30)Run Facebook & Instagram Ads (9:39)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Marketing Class | Facebook Community | CODB TutorialI get this question ALL the time, especially in our facebook community. And if you're not a part you can click the link above and check it out! Today I'll be sharing how to confidently price your sessions because a lot of you have been asking. Before diving into my photography pricing tips, I do want to offer you a FREE class I have called "How to Market, Monetize, & Grow Your Photography Business with Minis." Now, let's figure out how to confidently price your sessions so we're ready for Spring Minis!Run Your CODBBefore committing to any kind of pricing you want to be sure you've ran your cost of doing business. If you don't know what that is, basically it is discovering how much you're actually making per hour. Not just the time that you're shooting, but the time that you're driving to the session, setting up editing, communicating with clients, delivering galleries, all of the things that go into making a photo session happen. You can watch THIS video to find out your CODB. This is your first step when it comes to pricing!Don't Overcomplicate ItRather than having a ton of different priced packages stick with a simple rate. It sounds like a good idea to have all these session types listed on your website, but for clients it's overwhelming. Especially when they're priced similarly! I have my portrait session package and it's for any type of session that somebody wants to do with me. We're talking families, birthdays, couples, maternity seniors - any kind of portrait session. I have one session fee and it includes the full gallery, it's very simple to understand! Listen to the podcast to find out which packages should be priced differently.Commit to Keeping PricesHere's a good rule: don't touch your prices after changing them for at least 6 months. Most of the time photographers go up in price and freak out if they aren't getting booked! Here's what I've learned, it's not a pricing problem it's a marketing problem! Ask yourself...How do you need to market differently to the people in that price point? And does your client experience justify the pricing? Maybe you can tweak a few of these things and see a whole new client group!There you have it! My photography pricing tips! Lastly, I do have something coming soon that will help your photography business tremendously. So stay tuned on my socials and get your business ready!What We DiscussedRun Your CODB (3:05)Don't Overcomplicate It (6:15)Commit to Keep Prices (9:19)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 5 Steps to Launching Your Photography Side Gig | Client Experience Guide | Flodesk Discount | Behind the LensI get this question all the time so I wanted this episode to answer it with practicality! I've had to do this not only when I first started, but also when I moved states. I had no portfolio in my new location and no client base. So having gone through this twice now I feel I have some wisdom to share. Before answer how to build a portfolio of images you love I wanted to give you a FREE resource to help those that are just starting. This class, 5 steps to launching your photography side gig, will help you launch with the right foundation in place! It will walk you through set up to make sure you're doing things right.Ask Family & Friends to ModelThere are more than enough people willing to model for you, especially when it's free! This is valuable because you're able to build a portfolio and advertise. Now, I will advise you to give them a style guide. You want them to help showcase your style and work so giving them instruction is vital! If you don't have a style guide you can grab mine in my shop. It's called a Client Experience Guide because it's packed with more than just styling tips. You'll also find it useful for sessions with paying clients! Family and friends are often the people that want to support you and this is a perfect way for them to do it.Host an Official Model CallThis is something you post online that calls for specific models. For example, you're looking for a family with 2 older kids and 1 baby. I include 5 free images for their time, I kind of treat it like a mini session, then upsell the full gallery! And this is usually a full session, so I'm shooting for 30 minutes to an hour. The amazing thing is I've never done one without the clients buying because the session itself was free! They get the full gallery 60-100 images for a discount of $200 as well since it's a model call. You can book these in local mom groups and they let it happen because it's free! But note, this still needs a contract in place! It protects you and the client and if you don't have one you can grab mine in the shop.Social StrategiesKeep in mind that you want to show what you desire to shoot more of. Use locations that showcase your style. The same goes for outfits on your clients. Think of yourself as a museum curated. Only showcase the most excellent images. You want to display what your photography looks like. Curate your feed on IG and select only the images that are the best of your work. I have an entire masterclass on this featured in Behind the Lens. If you aren't a...

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 3K Mini Sessions BlueprintWelcome to the new year friends! Seems a bit wild that we are already getting settled into 2023, but I wanted to talk to you about what to do when life happens. I wasn't sure if I was going to share, however, I know this is common and real! Before unraveling what took place for me and my family back in September I do have a FREE blueprint called the 3k Mini Sessions Blueprint. If you want to run profitable mini sessions this Spring you should grab this free resource. It's actually the right time to start prepping for Spring and I want you to successfully execute those! If you've never made $3000 in a single date of minis it's your year to do just that. Ok, are you ready to hear why I didn't work for a whole month?! Here's what to do when life happens and what exactly took place in September!The BackstoryI have two kids, a girl and boy who I absolutely adore. My daughter is in a hybrid homeschool so she's at school for three days and the other two she's home and we do homeschool. My son is three years old and just started a new preschool this fall. And this year we sought out to potty train him. It was on and off since January, but we were hopeful it would click for him over the summer. Wrong! He's very strong willed and also doesn't care if he's messy or running a muck. Such a boy! Well, the preschool (like most) required him to be fully potty trained. He would have days where he was good and then days where I literally followed him around naked because it was accident after accident. Any mamas out there that can relate?!So when September came and he wasn't allowed in school, I had to step in majorly as mom and get this resolved! That also meant an unexpected month away from the business. So what did I learn that could hopefully help you know what to do when life happens?Be Realistic with Time and EnergyI knew I couldn't be at my computer for extended periods of time and some days not at all. And following around a toddler leaves you feeling drained. I had to figure out what was the bare minimum in my business. So, I made a list of must-have to-dos that my business needed from me. I suggest you do the same for these emergencies that pop up. Then go through and determine what is the bare minimum of what's required. Blogging will probably be on pause, book keeping may pile up a bit, etc. Think through the vital items and only put your hand to that.Reevaluate GoalsSometimes it's disheartening to adjust your quarterly business goals, but it's necessary. I had to look at my goals and determine what was most important. In that season I knew we wouldn't hit our business goals, but my son officially being potty trained was. These were long and challenging days, but I had quality time with him that I won't forget. So, business owner, photographer, mom... it is ok to adjust your goals!Give Yourself GraceYou need to give yourself permission to step back and be where you're needed most. That's also the freedom of being...

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Class | Episode 90Here we are at the end of the year already and one of the things I like to do is take a look back at 2022. What are our wins, our challenges and how did the year overall look!? This was a transitional year and that often poses challenges, but I know I'm a better person because of it too. I do have a free class for you all about mini sessions. Whether you've tried running minis, failed or just want to grow this class is for you! You'll learn how to structure and market your minis well. It's definitely a class favorite so check that out! Ok, a look back at 2022... this was a fast yet slow year. We accomplished so much and I wanted to open this up so you can see into what family and business looks like for me.New for the BusinessI was able to hire on two new members. One on the education side and one on the Wisp and Willow side of things. I knew I would hire but didn't realize we would need two! I was also part of mastermind after saying I wouldn't be. Last year I was in a mastermind and it was incredible so I thought I would use all of this year to just implement everything I had learned. Well, I was wrong! An opportunity to be in Katelyn James' mastermind presented itself and I just couldn't pass it up. I am so glad I didn't because it was a great way to invest in myself and my business. I highly encourage you check that out and let it add amazing value to what you do! Another new thing for the business front was getting much stricter on my work hours. It was a goal to set rhythms, routines, and boundaries. I enjoy working so placing some work hours and sticking to them have helped me be the best version of myself in all aspects of life.New for the FamilyThis one arrived at the end of the year. But I am so glad it has; we've found a good family rhythm! After ten months I can confidently say we've cracked our family code and know what works. We started my daughter in Acton Academy. It's a non traditional micro school, that is big on training up independence and giving kids the freedom to learn at their own pace. They truly foster a love for learning and it's blessed my family so much! There are Acton schools all over so if this peaks your interest I highly suggest looking into it. The one we're a part of is under a home school umbrella, so three days a week are in school and the other two days we homeschool. We also found a preschool for my son in October that coordinated with my daughter's school! This was a really big deal and there's more to it in the podcast so give it a listen!Travel HappenedAs I take a look back at 2022 I realized we traveled A LOT. Travel with my husband, for work and for family. I grew up traveling and seriously enjoy it. My husband and I sat down and looked at our calendar to decide when we wanted to travel, how much and what were the best times to do it. This was definitely our most successful year when it comes coordinating that. We might have traveled more than Daniel, my husband, wanted to but we planned it all together. That makes a HUGE difference. Doing this opened up the potential for an incredible year in 2023. I encourage you to bring your family into this process, give them ownership and say and you'll enjoy the planning together!Scheduled Slow Days

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Episode 89 | Free Class |Today's topic is a continuation of the last episode "How to Take Time Off in Your Business". This topic is incredibly valuable. I want to share how I set boundaries between work and life! I do have a free class, that being in the middle of December could help you with. If you look back on your fall season and question... was it great? Was it awkward? Was it uncomfortable? All these things can be answered with a good posing foundation. This class teaches keys to effective family posing so you can say goodbye to awkward and stiff! Click the link and take advantage of that FREE resource! Now on to how to set boundaries between work and life!Decide What You Want Your Life to Look LikeDetermining what your ideal life looks like. So, for me my biggest priority is my family. That comes first. I want to be the best version of myself for them and for myself. In order to do that I needed to set up boundaries that promoted a healthy version of me. What is a realistic amount of time to work on my business and be with my family? I figured out that's about 15 hours a week. That still gives me time to take a nap everyday and fuel my priorities. It's funny when people find out I take a nap literally everyday they are shocked. But I know I'm my best version of myself when I'm fully rested!Set True Office HoursObviously owning a business means you have to be flexible, but setting true office hours is vital! I did this and try to stick to it. That means when office hours are up I'm closing my laptop and not talking about work at the dinner table or bouncing in and out of work life to family/home life. For me I do my best work early in the morning. My office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from about 8:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm. I usually wake up naturally around 6:30 so by the time I'm done working I'm ready for my nap! Why those days? It's built around my kids. They are in school those three days and we homeschool the other two. When you're setting work hours, think about what season of life you're in and what works for your family to set your hours accordingly.Pro tip: keep your computer in your designated workspace (office). That way you're not tempted to cross the boundary!Focus ModeI don't know if you're an Apple user or Android user.. I'm an Apple user. I say this because Apple allows you to choose your focus mode. You can set it up by time of day or even location. You can set focus modes to work, sleep, do not disturb, etc. Depending on the time of day your phone will either notify you or not. You get to choose what notifications your receive when depending on the mode! During my work mode I get notifications from slack, trello, voxer, etc. I also set it up so when people text or call me they see I'm in a do not disturb mode. They

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 3k Mini Sessions BlueprintBefore diving into things today, I also wanted to give you all a gift to help with your photography business! Question: how did your fall season go? If it wasn't exactly what you were hoping for then this is for you. If you've never made $3,000 or more on a single date of minis you need this. I call it my 3k Mini Sessions Blueprint! It has helped so many photographers and it will reassure you that YES, it is possible to run successful minis! Now, that we've taken care of "business" let's talk about how to take time off in your business. Here are some practical things to help you take time off!Pick a DateIt starts with your calendar. You obviously can't take time off in a busy season, but you should be intentional about having time away from the hustle. In about a week my staff and I will head to the beach at 30A in Florida to plan out our upcoming year. My integrator and I meet first and go over everything in the business - what worked, what didn't, what needs to change, etc. Then my staff joins us for a staff retreat! Once all the work and planning is finished the remaining month of December is time off. Now, we do check in on things to make sure we're serving our customers/clients, but this is a time to refresh and reset before the new year. This couldn't happen if I wasn't intentional in my planning. And it starts with choosing a date and sticking with it!Make a List and Check it TwiceLet's say for the sake of this episode that you are planning to take a week off. First, take out a piece of paper and write down all that happens day to day so you know what needs to be covered. Don't try thinking through how to make this happen just brain dump. In order for you to be "gone" and people not realize you're out. Don't get overwhelmed, just think of how wonderful it would be to have it all done and truly get time off! Maybe your list includes checking your inbox, responding to clients, social media posts, blogging, etc. If this is too much just keep a running list next to you over the course of the next week to write down what you're doing!Plan Extra WorkWith a list, you're able to see clearly what needs to be finished/prepped. One of my team members, Bonnie, had a baby this fall which meant we were planning months ahead of time. She writes our blogs for Wisp and Willow and we created a list of blogs that needed to get done before her maternity leave. This involved blogging October, November, December AND January because once she came back we didn't want her scrambling. Bonnie was amazing and is enjoying time with her new babe as we speak! So for a week of vacation it's not nearly as drastic. Let's say during your week off you would normally have a blog post go live and a social media post along with it. Those things can be scheduled! Use something like Plann, Later, Planoly, etc.Auto Responder for ExpectationsThere are things that can't get scheduled, like emails. I know not everyone is on team auto responder for emails, but imagine if you did step away for a week and didn't tell anyone. That would be difficult and leave your clients/customers with nothing. An auto responder is basically an email template that sets the expectations for what's going on and when...

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Posing ClassI'm excited to jump into today's topic! It's one I don't talk about much, but a lot of you have asked me. I'm sharing tips on selling prints to your clients. Hopefully this answers things for you and you increase your revenue by selling to your clients! I do have a FREE class for you all about POSING! Most of us are in the thick of sessions right now so this class is timely. I'll be walking through the 6 keys to effective family posing. The best part is you'll be able to apply the contents to your very next session! Ready to have some tips for selling prints to your clients?!Make Prints AvailableI know this may seem like an obvious tip, but you'd be surprised how many photographers are missing out simply because they don't offer it! Most gallery delivery systems have a shopping cart feature where you can set all this up. Basically the system has an auto fulfillment for prints. So, clients can put photos in the cart and order. The orders are placed with the printing lab and delivered white label to your clients so they don't see who you're printing from! So for starters, open up the shopping cart with your pricing, etc.Educate on WhyThis is one of those things that if you don't know, you don't know. We live in a digital age so it's easy for people to just get digitals and that's that. As photographers we should cast vision as to why prints are important! We should paint the picture of the value of prints. There's something special about pulling out an heirloom photo album or having pictures around your home. Having prints gives those in the photo a sense of belonging. However, clients may not think of this off the bat. When you showcase the value of tangible prints your clients are more likely to buy!Talk About What You OfferShow what you want to sell. You've got to excite your clients on social media and advertisement for what you're offering - in this case prints! So, if you're wanting to sell wall art then show them wall art on your social platforms. Give them reason to want what you're selling. Another point to think about is to educate them why they shouldn't print them at shutterfly or costco. We know, as photographers, those types of places have terrible quality. You don't get beautiful heirloom pieces from shutterfly. This is why clients should buy prints from you! But, it starts by talking about it in your content.Pricing PrintsA good rule of thumb to price your prints is to mark up 3x the amount of wholesale. For example, if something was wholesale at $2 then you would mark it up to $6. The reason for this is in the case that you need to replace a print you will still make a profit. If a print gets messed up, which doesn't happen too often, you would need to make it right. By marking up the wholesale you cover those instances without eating up your revenue.Selling prints doesn't have to feel slimy or forced. It should be conversational! Talk about it on your social platforms, educate your clients as to why and at...

More Resources: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (Free Minis Class) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Client Questionnaire) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates) | https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado Discount)It just seemed timely to have an episode like this in the midst of Mini-Session season! Here is a glimpse into how I prep the week of Mini-Sessions. Your prep week doesn't have to be frantic or stressful, but before diving in I do have a FREE class that targets the marketing for mini sessions. Be sure you check that out and let it be a help to you this mini season! Ready to learn how I prep the week of mini-sessions? Prep Your GearThe very first thing I do is get my gear ready. I charge all my batteries and clear my SD cards. I always bring two batteries on my mini-sessions day. I usually never need the back up, but I don't want to panic if the battery in my camera has an issue! And a good rule of thumb is don't wait to charge the night before. Get them done early in the week then test it out to make sure it's fully charged. I do this because I had a bad experience and for some reason my batteries didn't charge completely and I was trying to charge in between sessions... not fun! I like to shoot on 32 gig SD cards and I bring two for the day as well. Prep the Google CalendarI like adding all my clients' sessions into Google calendar. It helps me stay organized and know who is up next. Something I've been doing with that is including their Client Questionnaire in their event! It's genius because in case I forget details about them or their particular session I can quickly open it inside my Google calendar. I use https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) which is awesome for this purpose too. https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) actually adds sessions into my calendar and I manually add in the Questionnaire afterward. Client QuestionnaireWhen it comes to Mini-Sessions you are limited on the amount of time you have with your clients. So, rather than using up precious minutes with questions like what's your name and tell me about yourself I have a Client Questionnaire! This is another 'how I prep the week of Mini-Sessions' tip. Read through all your client questionnaires. In that I ask very intentional things like if they've ever done a mini session. I ask specifics about their family dynamic, if they have any special needs, etc. The goal is to serve them to the best of my ability so having this information beforehand is so valuable! Not sure on what to ask? You can actually purchase my Questionnaire https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (HERE)! Final Info EmailAnother thing I do to prep the week of Mini-Sessions is send out my Final Info Email. This gives clients last minute reminders, answers questions about location, etc. I used to send it out manually, but now it's an automated step in my CRM - Dubsado. The purpose is to answer any questions clients might have to avoid the monotonous back and forth communication. They'll know location, where we are meeting, time of session, what to bring to the session and a whole lot more. You can also grab that email template along with others in my https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates Bundle). Last but not LeastI check the weather at the beginning of the week when my session is on the weekends. I will be in contact with clients letting them know I have my eye on the weather and will keep them posted. So if sessions are Sunday night then Friday I will check again. By then the weather channel app usually gives an hourly forecast. So, if it's 80% chance of rain or higher that's when I decide to reschedule. If it's like 50-60% chance I let clients know we're going to make the final decision on Sunday morning. I do not have a rainout date upfront because that just complicates...

Connect with Krista Lynch: https://www.instagram.com/krista.marie.photography/ (Instagram) | https://shecallshershots.com/ (Website) | https://shecallshershots.com/profitplan (Free Profit Planning Masterclass)I'm excited to have Krista Lynch on the podcast today sharing about what to do when burnout impacts your creativity! She's a wedding and brand photographer but also does business coaching. She has a lot on her plate and knows a thing or two about burnout. Although this topic may not be the most glamorous to talk about, it's something all of us face at some point. So, what do you do when burnout impacts your creativity? Accepting the SeasonIt's easy to see it, but accepting it is a whole different thing. Living in a culture where social media constantly reminds us we should be creating more, producing more and not struggling while doing so is tough. The truth is everyone faces seasons of feeling unmotivated and lacking creativity. So understanding it is a normal thing can help you with the next step. Acceptance. Frustrations or that "blah" feeling does not mean you've failed. Find the TriggersWhere or what has made you have self doubt? What is it in your life that made you feel like you need to over work? Locating triggers can help you set boundaries and avoid going down ugly rabbit trails. Social media can be a big one like we've talked about earlier. But, pausing and making space for rest is actually productive. Work really can wait for tomorrow because the reality is... work will always be there! A common response to burnout is ejecting yourself from everything. So giving yourself space allows for you to get back to a healthy state of mind. Someone Who RelatesAs business owners, expressing this place of burnout to someone who understands the shoes you're in can help a lot! Often we have people in our lives that want to help but hearing "you're doing great" or "you'll be fine" isn't exactly motivating. Finding someone who shares some common ground with you is like finding truth! You can believe what they say. And most of the time they have great tips to get you out of the funk you're currently in! Releasing the PressureUsually we end up creating unrealistic timelines and overwhelm ourselves with work. Here's what to do when burnout impacts your creativity - relieve the pressure! You can't function and produce all these great ideas when you're already tending to so many other things. I created this "parking lot" list that I put my great ideas on. At times the items on this sit for months. When you have the capacity you can pull things from the parking lot, but if it becomes too much just park it! Brain MappingOnce you feel like you're back in a space to grow and put your hand to things, write down your goals. From there, break down what needs to take place to accomplish it. Break down goals into the smallest steps possible. By doing this you slowly start building confidence because you're checking things off the list. It also helps us pace ourselves so we don't jump into too much too soon. Start by doing one thing at a time, just one task a day. Regulate yourself and see the momentum begin to build again. All these will tend to you. So next time you're stuck or overwhelmed you have some tools to know what to do when burnout impacts your creativity! What We DiscussedAccepting the Season (6:13) Find the Triggers (8:58) Someone Who Relates (13:07) Releasing the Pressure (16:02) Brain Mapping (21:56)  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/085-transcript (Transcript)More Resources: https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Free Posing Class) | https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) | https://l.shootproof.com/a/837599 (Shootproof)This is a tricky one for me! If you're a visual learner and want this "drawn" out just let me know! I'm going to be walking you through my photography client workflow. More specifically, the back end of what my clients go through with me for a session! Before getting in too deep I want to remind you of a FREE class I have all about posing. It's called the Keys to Effective Family Posing and inside I unravel elements you need to pose families well! Click the link, learn a ton and head into your next session excited to implement! Now here's my best verbal explanation of my photography client workflow... Trello OrganizationThis is one of my top tools I use and it's basically a business management tool. In it I have an entire board for my photography client workflow. Each client gets their own card on the board that has a massive checklist. It includes all the pertinent info for the client (name, email, location, date, time, etc.). Every step of booking, Dubsado workflow, leading up to the session, final payment info, etc! Post processing: editing, uploading, backing up hard drives, etc. When I said everything I meant everything! So that's where I start. Getting all the info and workflow in an organized place. DubsadoI use this to send contracts and invoices, additional emails, the questionnaire, the client experience guide and the final info email. So all our clients are housed here because this is where they are served and communicated with. Clients don't see or have any involvement in Trello (that's in house). Private Editor & Lightroom Classic CCThe next step is sending all our images to our private editor and we use Lightroom classic cc to edit all our images! We put images in Lightroom and once they're ready to be edited and include smart previews. That's how we send them to our editor. Rather than having to send all the raws we send them the Lightroom catalog that has smart previews. This allows our editor to edit the images without having the files. After editing in Lightroom they send it back and we are able to make final tweaks and crops to the images. After all that we export and it's on to the next... ShootproofIt's finally time for delivery! I use Shootproof to deliver galleries. We also upload our final images to Google drive as a virtual back up. You can never be too safe. We don't keep a back up of raw images, however, images aren't deleted until 2 weeks after the gallery has been delivered. Was that a lot? Here's a recap: Start with the big checklist in Trello! Next is contracts, forms, invoices in Dubsado. Lastly, deliver the galleries in Shootproof. If you are lost in any way feel free to reach out and ask more about my photography client workflow. And check out the resources mentioned above to help you out! What We DiscussedTrello Organization (2:59) Dubsado (6:58) Private Editor & Lightroom Classic CC (7:33) Shootproof (8:23)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/084-transcript (Transcript)More Resources: https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Free Posing Class) | https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) | https://l.shootproof.com/a/837599 (Shootproof) | https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk)I'm so ready to pull back the curtain and let you in on the top 5 tools I use in my business. If you've been around a while these may not be a surprise, but it's a great refresher! All of these will be linked so you can use them too. I have discount codes for most and others are free! Now, before digging in I do want to mention a FREE class I know you'll benefit from. It's called "https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Keys to Effective Family Posing)" no more awkward and stiff! If you feel like posing is your weakest link, maybe you're not super confident or clients are a bit awkward and stiff... this class is for YOU! In the class I talk through some of my go to poses, things to look for when posing and just some building blocks to creating a natural/comfortable pose. On to the top 5 tools I use in my business... TrelloThis is a free online business management tool and it's how I keep EVERYTHING in my business organized. It's an alternative to asana and to me it's much more visual. Trello is incredibly flexible and we literally use it for content management, launches, to-dos, etc! It's similar to Pinterest in that it functions in "boards". Within these beautiful boards you can create checklists! As I began adding team members I needed the workflows and processes to live somewhere other than in my head. (If you've never written out your workflows/processes is vital for future or current outsourcing!) DubsadoWe use this as our client relationship management tool. It's our CRM and it is houses our contracts, invoices, any communication between us and the client and workflows! I literally don't know where I would be without it. I've tried plenty of CRMs and this one has the best automations in my opinion. If it weren't for this platform I would lose track of clients which is not ok! I do have a discount for Dubsado that you can access https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (HERE)! ShootproofOur gallery delivery system here is wonderful. It's user friendly, helps assist our clients and is so pretty! You know I am a big believer in upselling and this platform allows us to do it well! I do have an https://l.shootproof.com/a/837599 (affiliate link), which sadly doesn't give you a discount. But it does give me a small kickback which just helps with running a business and making this podcast possible! You can start using Shootproof at a small rate and increase as you need to with their packages. Google CalendarsI am a huge fan of Google calendars and to be honest we probably use WAY too many! I separate promotional campaigns like Christmas in July because it just makes it easy visually. It also integrates beautifully with Dubsado, so when I book a client with Dubsado I have it synced with Google calendars so it automatically adds it! I use it with my associate team which consists of 18 photographers and each of them uses it for multiple things! FlodeskThis is our email marketing system and it's literally the Canva of email platforms. It's so easy to use and absolutely beautiful! I've used a few and this one just takes the cake. Flodesk has templates, easy drag and drop options and more. I do have a discount code for this one you can grab HERE. What's the difference between emails sent in Flodesk vs. Dubsado... I say Flodesk is best for mass emails whereas Dubsado is the one on one communication for clients. That way I can keep track of specific convos. I'm a huge believer in email marketing and have another podcast on why Flodesk is worth...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/083-transcript (Transcript)More Resources: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (Free Minis Class)Last week we talked about prepping your business, but today we're going after how to prep your family for a busy season! I also have a https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (Free Minis Class) and will help you so much before diving head first into busy season. You should be booking minis right now so if you're not you need this class! Now, let's talk about prepping our families. For me family is one of the most important aspects of my life. When I look back I did my family a disservice when it came to busy season. Let's learn how to succeed in business while protecting our families! Talk About Family RhythmsStart having conversations now about the upcoming season. Understanding the world doesn't revolve around your sessions and your spouse or kids also have agendas they want to accomplish is vital. I like to talk about it like a rhythm rather than a routine. Routines are usually concrete, but a rhythm (much like music) gives you space to speed up and slow down. In busy season I typically shoot on weekends, but summer I am able to be home with kids, etc. Talking about what's coming now helps give my spouse understanding. Remember he is not a photographer and doesn't know the schedule! In these convos we can talk through daily schedules and what boundaries will look like. Find what works for your family and prepare your family for a busy season! It won't last forever. Plan Out DatesI open up my photography schedule to my spouse and show him what I want to do. Then he has space to veto something and have a say. We want to plan around birthdays and other events. This way I'm not going into the next month with a plan to shoot every weekend when we have a family birthday or something else going on.  Hire Childcare if PossibleI know hiring childcare may not be feasible for your family. But if it is, I highly suggest doing it! Even if it's just 1-2 days a week. You could even price it out and add it into the overall cost of your sessions. Knowing your kids are being taken care of will give you peace of mind. You will be able to give yourself 100% to the hustle without feeling torn. Obviously you need to do what works, but trust me, it's worth it if you can! Understanding Hustle SeasonWhat is this going to look like and when is it going to end? This is what needs to be communicated to your family. When you set the expectation there aren't surprises! Literally pull out a calendar and circle a date that determines the END of your hustle season. We have a rule in our business that there are NO sessions after the first week of December. When you have an end in sight you can endure the craziness! In my business, we take the entire month of December is off. My husband knows after that first week, life is "back to normal". Having an end date gives you a goal to push through. And hold the line! Do not let yourself go beyond that point. Living in a never ending hustle is not healthy and your family deserves your time/energy.  Preparing your business is important, but I would say knowing how to prep your family for busy season takes priority! Don't forget to sign up for the Free Class and get yourself ready for what's ahead! What We DiscussedTalk About Family Rhythms (3:31) Plan Out Dates (7:51) Hire Childcare if Possible (9:09) Understanding Hustle Season (10:09)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/082-transcript (Transcript)More Resources: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/minis-class-yt (Free Minis Class) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates)How many of you are ready for Fall?! I have a https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/minis-class-yt (Free Minis Class) on mini sessions and right now is the best time to do it! Especially if you're wanting to have a successful mini season. There are no catches or gimmicks, just a great class filled with tons of info! Today I'm talking all about how to prep your business for a busy fall season. I've done this well and not so well! Here are some practical things that will make a huge difference. Instead of being burnt out and exhausted you can look back and be proud of what all took place. So here are your practical applications on how to prep your business for a busy fall season... Set up Your CRM Workflows and AutomationsThis is STEP 1! Now, regardless of what you're using it should do the work for you. I love https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado), but maybe you use http://share.honeybook.com/rebecca28637 (Honeybook), etc. Rather than having to remember to send contracts, invoices and forms you can have them automated! So all the emails that go out, the client experience guide, the whole sequence can be triggered and serve our clients without me having to think about it! Refresh Your Client ExperienceWrite down all the steps you have in place to serve your clients. What emails are you sending them, do you have style guides, are you answering last minute questions. Maybe you've been wanting to give a https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide), which is like my version of a style guide, now is the time to do it! Don't wait for the busy season to fix or add what you're doing. And if you want to start sending one, but you're not sure where to start you can grab mine in my shop. It's a Canva template that's pre-written so you can add photos and it's done! Maybe you need to add a Final Info Email to answer those questions. I've got https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates) as well to make things easy for you! Schedule RestBlank space is not bad space! It's needed. I remember being just miserable early on, especially when I had little babies! I became intentional about when I would shoot. So, I chose either Saturday or Sunday but not both. It's important to give time to rest, protect your mental health and honor your family. When I finished that season I can remember feeling so giddy and excited that I did it and did it well! So, mark out some boundaries and remember your time matters - protect it! Outsource and TrainIf you're new to outsourcing I suggest starting with an editor. Don't wait for busy season to find them. Get to know an editor now to make sure your style is honed in on. When you try to book an editor in the midst of busy season they most likely will be busy themselves! And if you have an editor and are trying to add an online assistant trust me, that takes time. Training is not just an overnight process and you'll need to share your brain to communicate what's expected or needed. I've got more in store for you next week on how to prep your business for busy fall season, but for now you can check out some other blogs to help you along the way! What We DiscussedSet up Your CRM Workflows and Automations (3:55) Refresh Your Client Experience (6:23) Schedule Rest (8:10) Outsource and Train (11:17)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/081-transcript (Transcript)Connect with Ashley Spriggs: https://pivotmediaco.com/ (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/pivotmediaco/?hl=en (Instagram)I'm pleased to have Ashley Spriggs on with me today! She is a wife, mom to 3 little ones and owner of Pivot Media! We're excited to talk about finding rhythms that serve your family best. This is crucial especially when it comes to thriving in both "worlds" so to speak. Today is all about the rhythm not the routine! Rhythm gives you movement and allow flexibility vs. being boxed into a routine. Let's dive into finding rhythms that serve your family best! Priorities & ValuesSitting down with your spouse and actually talking through what is valued most is a must. You can't come with your own expectations and force them on everyone else. Talk through what you value! Afterward prioritize from greatest to least. It's interesting because within our values we all have unique rhythms that allow us to accomplish them. And learning how your family functions - whether they are morning people, work around naps or like to have a quiet space all plays into your family rhythm. Finding a New Rhythm in New SeasonsLooking at actual seasons of life and asking questions: what worked in the last season? What didn't work? What do we value moving forward? Then the implementation needs to be practiced for a few weeks. Find what works! Another thing is don't be afraid to ask questions that challenge where you are and stay flexible! Being aware of what is needed in today will help give your longevity to endure tough seasons. Seasons of transition are inevitable and often the hardest. You almost have to mesh an old rhythm with a new one which is why flexibility will save you. Rhythm without flexibility is actually routine! Write Out a FlowSit down and put together 5 potential rhythms that work for the week. And don't do Monday through Sunday, utilize Monday through Friday and allow the weekends to fuel your family. If Monday's rhythm works then build on it Tuesday. If Monday's rhythm caused stress and anxiety, it's ok! Tomorrow is a new day. Sometimes it's trial and error until you see what fits. And don't forget finding rhythms that serve your family best takes time. It requires flexibility and practice. Learning to ebb and flow with the season your kids are in, the new natural seasons like school starting and knowing people's preferences will help tremendously! Tune in to hear more from this conversation. It's jam packed with relatable content and will help you wherever you are in this season! What We DiscussedPriorities & Values (8:28) Finding a New Rhythm in New Seasons (16:53) Write Out a Flow (35:40)  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/080-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://rebeccaricephoto.com/9-steps (9 Steps to Make Your Photo Business Official Guide)Connect with Annemei Tonkin: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com (Website) | https://www.facebook.com/thiscantbethathard (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard_/ (Instagram) | https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/worthit (Overcoming Price Objections) | https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/22ssbmcsu (Simple Sales System Masterclass)I'm thrilled to have special guest Annemei Tonkin from the "This Can't Be That Hard" podcast! We're having a conversation around the response you may have gotten from clients "We can't afford you"! No one likes hearing that and it's a very hard response. Rejection in general is challenging, but let's dive into the reality behind "we can't afford you"... The Offer is too Complicated or too SimpleSometimes giving our clients too many choices overcomplicates the "deal". Options aren't wrong, but they can be overwhelming! If you offer different types of sessions, have add on packages and give them too much to choose from they may back out because they don't know what to do. Less is more, right? You can give them more customization later rather than "brain dumping" on them at the beginning! On the other hand, you do need to give them something to work with. One size doesn't fit all. If you're struggling to book you may want to examine if you are building flexibility in what you offer. They Don't See the ValueThe reality is "we can't afford you" isn't always true. If clients don't see the value you have then they aren't willing to move forward because it's not worth it to them. It's important to look at your forward facing material like website, socials and branding. Maybe your messaging or how professional you come across. Does it line up with your pricing? If you don't value yourself others won't either. Just be aware of your presentation across the board and believe that what they purchase is worth it! ConnectionThe number one way someone will hire you is to make clients feel loyal to you. How do you do that? Have a real conversation. Respond to their questions or concerns and be relational! I know not everyone wants to get on the phone, but maybe you could send a short video. Rather than just sending an email a great idea is to put a personal touch on it. Marco polo, vox or voice memo are some options. It can be as simple as sending a DM because it's a place they are already comfortable and it's not a flat email template! You Can DeliverAt some point in the process of booking and someone "backs out" it's possible it's because you haven't delivered somewhere. Maybe they just needed more "proof". This is where testimonials, social proof or videos where they see an answer to what they're nervous about! If you're new and don't have that you can at least give them a plan of action. Let them know after they've inquired what's coming next. This creates a safety and stability for clients in the process! They Actually Can't Afford YouThe truth of the matter is photography is not a necessity. It's a luxury. If people can't afford you it's not your fault. You need to have a plan in place for when this response is factual. I've seen too many people crumble and give away sessions when they should be charging. You can give them some names of other photographers or depending on the season of life they are in they may just be in a financial bind now. But in the future they would be an ideal client... That's when you make the choice to draw them in and maybe offer a payment plan. Another option is like a back pocket offer. maybe schedule a mini later on and book a spot early! There's so much more in the podcast, be sure to give it a listen and check out Annemei...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/079-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://rebeccaricephoto.com/9-steps (9 Steps to Make Your Photo Business Official Guide) | https://freebies.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-organic (Free Email Marketing Guide) | https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk Discount) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/portrait-contract-template (Portrait Contract Template) | https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) | https://l.shootproof.com/a/837599 (Shootproof) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f372fBLCSDQ&t=547s (CODB Tutorial) Today's topic is an interesting one! I'm talking about what I would do if I was starting my business in 2022! It's going to be a good one, but I do have this free guide to help you get going! It's called the "https://rebeccaricephoto.com/9-steps (9 Steps to Make Your Photo Business Official)". It helps you through the initial startup and covers things that every business owner needs! So, here's what I would do first if I was starting my business in 2022... Start Email Marketing EarlyEmail marketing is the easiest way to book photo sessions from your warmest clients. They know you, trust you and want more of what you have! You want to start an email list of these clients. I call them the VIP clients. This way you market to them first without having to go to the public. That definitely takes time, but that's why you need to start NOW! An email list is something you own so you have control unlike social media platforms where things are constantly changing. I use https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk) as a platform and have loved it. https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk) is easy to use, it's beautiful and I've got a https://freebies.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-organic (FREE guide) to grow your email list from 0 to 100! You can use my code https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (HERE) to get 50% off for life and get that list going! Get LegitBefore you start take paying clients you need to register your business as either an LLC or Sole Proprietor. This sets you up to be legit moving forward. Even if you're not making much, this is important! The next thing to get legit is by getting a contract in place. And not just any contract, but one a lawyer has looked at or approved. Regardless of the type of session, you need one in place to protect both you and your clients. I have a contract that's been lawyer approved, it's customizable and it's the same one I use for all my sessions! You can grab that https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/portrait-contract-template (HERE). Lastly, you want to get a good CRM in place. It allows you to automate contracts and invoices. Everything is done online and my fave is https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado). More info in the podcast, so give it a listen! Start Charging ProfitablyThere's a myth out there that says if you are newer you have to charge a lot less than established photographers. Now obviously if your skill is not up to par you shouldn't be charging $1000 per session. But you still need to make a profit by charging enough to keep the doors open for your business. You can find out what that price needs to be by doing a Cost of Doing Business or CODB. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f372fBLCSDQ&t=547s (THIS) tutorial to find out yours! Invest in Education before GearI did this backward when I first started. It set me back at least a year. I could have launched faster and gone farther in my business early on had I invested in education first! As far as gear goes, get together a full frame body, one solid lens and a cheap flash and you're good to go. Find CommunityEspecially in the photography industry you should find yourself to find a good community. I know it seems like there are...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/078-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://freebies.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-organic (Free Email Marketing Guide) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/blogging-and-seo-mini-course (Blogging and SEO Mini Course)Blogging is honestly one of my FAVORITE things, specifically for long-term marketing. Now I will say I didn't enjoy this in the beginning because it's for the long term play. I'll be sharing why I still blog every week in this episode. But, before I do, I wanted to give you this new, completely free, Email Marketing Guide. If you want to see your subscriber list go from 0 to 100 then be sure to grab it. This step by step guide will walk through exactly what to do to see growth in your subscriber list! So, when it comes to blogging let me say: blogging is not dead! Getting Found on GoogleBlogging is HUGE when it comes to SEO (search engine optimization). This is important because although social media is grabbing attention it's also based off of algorithms. That means you may or may not get found. But, I use a platform called Wordpress that has a free plugin called Yoast SEO. So, it gives me a checklist of things to do in order to optimize my blog! This is why I still blog every week. I am increasing my SEO which gives me the ability to be found on google. The Shelf LifeA blog's "shelf life" is YEARS. I still get hits on blogs I wrote years ago which connects them to my site, etc. You can't really say the same for social media. People are not seeing posts you made 1, 2 or 3 years ago. The beauty of google is they don't just store blogs in the posts section, but also images. I've had people reach out to me because they found an image of a session I blogged about and now they are a new client! Easy to RepurposeBlog content is so easy to repurpose. For instance, if I write a blog on a family session I did I can reuse the content for social media posts or, one of my favorites, Pinterest! Pinterest is great for visuals like photography. I use tailwind and to automate my Pinterest and I do it once a month. We load up the queue which does take a few hours, but then Pinterest is sending out pins automatically for me for the next month! That is my #2 resource for driving people to my website. My #1 resource is definitely YouTube. An Extended PortfolioAnother reason why I still blog every week is because it acts as a portfolio. This is super helpful when you have someone asking to see examples of specific sessions. Sure your Facebook and Instagram might seem like they cover that in marketing, but when you have blogs you can easily search and send them a link! Maybe they're wanting to see images from a specific location. You can have blog posts that act as location spotlights. Blogging really is such a resource for your future clients. Answer FAQsPay attention to questions that people ask leading up to their sessions. For example, "Can I bring my dog to my session?" You can literally have an entire blog post about pets and policies. By creating blog content that answers common questions or gives tips you can send these to clients! I can't tell you how much I recommend blogging. These were just a few reasons why I still blog every week. And maybe the thought of every week is overwhelming to you, then start with once a month. Blogging and SEO Mini CourseBlogging is such a powerful way to get found on Google, to be able to create content to share on your social media, to share with your email list and serve your clients well. Have you been wondering what to write? How to create a blog? How to optimize for SEO? I created a course called https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/blogging-and-seo-mini-course (Blogging and SEO Mini Course) that answers ALL the questions! It gives you 52 blog ideas, specific FAQs...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/077-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://freebies.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-organic (Free Email Marketing Guide) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-mini-course (Email Marketing Mini Course) | https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (50% Off Flodesk!)Today we're talking all about my favorite email marketing platform! Before breaking down all the info I wanted to give you something that goes hand in hand with this topic. I have a https://freebies.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-marketing-organic (free guide) to help you dive deep into email marketing. This is designed to grow your email list from 0 to 100 subscribers. So, if you are looking to get your first 100 subscribers, this download is for you! Now onto my favorite email marketing platform... Flodesk! You can try it out for 50% off using https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (this code)! The PriceI have used so many different platforms and landed on Flodesk for a reason. I've done mailchimp, mad mimi, ConvertKit, but in the end Flodesk became the winner! The founders are so sweet and truly listen to their customer feedback. What makes Flodesk unique is their price. Every month you pay the same amount regardless of how many subscribers you obtain. This is different from other platforms because you don't get penalized for growing your email list! The DesignI call Flodesk the Canva of email systems. Flodesk is so user friendly and absolutely beautiful! Maybe it has changed since I used it, but ConvertKit required me to do coding in order to add a simple button in my emails. Flodesk makes it simple and easy with a drag and drop design. Choosing layouts, dropping in images and having the choice of pretty fonts made it easy to design around my brand! We are talking about marketing. If your emails don't match your brand then your marketing isn't where it could be. The Features: SegmentsNow it may have fewer bells and whistles compared to ConvertKit, but it has what you need. Sometimes too many features can be overwhelming! A few of the features that Flodesk has is what they call segments. It allows you to separate your subscribers into groups of people. For instance, you can separate your list into demographics like young families, wedding, seniors, etc. This allows you to send specific emails to these different groups. Now you won't be losing subscribers because they aren't getting emails that don't apply to them. I also use segments with my associate team. I can set up segments for Dallas clients then Richmond clients or Nashville clients, etc. The Features: Opt In FormsI love that I can create beautiful and easy opt in forms. An opt in form collects basic info. So, someone fills out their first and last name along with their email and they automatically get added to my email list. You can set this feature to add them to a specific segment too! Flodesk forms have the ability to be embedded into your website or as a pop up and voila you grow your email list. The Features: Workflow AutomationsThis feature helps serve your clients well. You can create these automations that when someone enters a segment it then triggers a series of emails to go out. For instance, you can have a 3 day welcome sequence. If someone joins your email list from a pop up they will receive an automated email welcoming them to your business. Then the next day an email automatically goes out introducing who you are and how you got started. Then the last day they can receive an opportunity to book with you or inquire for more session info! These automations save you so much time in the long run! I created a mini course called Email Marketing because taking all this in can seem like a lot. It walks you through the set up, what kind of emails to send out and how to have...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/076-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/ (Profitable Minis 2.0) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/intro-to-mini-sessions (Intro to Mini Sessions)Let's get into Profitable Minis 2.0! If you're listening live the course is OPEN and 50% off! Maybe you're wanting to level up your mini sessions game and need to learn how to make them profitable. Today I'm answering questions about my signature program, so here we go! Intro to Minis vs. PMC 2.0Basically Intro to Minis began as the start to minis. It's about 3 hours of content and was launched as a basic foundation for mini sessions. It covers things like structuring your minis and shooting workflow, but it is very different from PMC 2.0. I realized after doing Intro to Minis that there was SO much more information I wanted to put in. So, PMC 2.0 has everything Intro to Minis has but a lot more! The course is a one stop course including 15 hours of content and preparing you start to finish for successful mini sessions. Plus it has plenty of items from the shop like templates, other mini courses, etc. included. What About Marketing?Profitable Minis 2.0 takes a deep dive into marketing. That's one of the major differences between minis booking out or not. There are complete modules set aside solely for marketing and multiple types! Inside this course you'll have screen shares to see how to set up campaigns and tie all your marketing together. That's the beauty of marketing, once you learn how to set it up, it doest the work for you! Where Should I Start?I'm often asked, which course is a better starting place: Intro to Minis or PMC 2.0? I suggest PMC 2.0 for those of you that are more advanced in your photography. Intro to Minis is better for beginner photographers (especially those with a more restrictive budget). If you can afford to do PMC 2.0 I still would highly suggest this course. There are payment plan options to help, so if you can swing it I would do PMC 2.0! What Is Ultimate PMC 2.0?Here's the thing, I don't do the best job letting people know about this option. Ultimate PMC 2.0 is the same course, but it includes a 1 on 1 call with me! So, if you're the kind of person that likes more of a "hands on" approach or you need some accountability for implementing this is a great option! Maybe you're looking for individualized feedback and guidance on how to make mini sessions work for your specific business then that's the goal for Ultimate PMC2.0. It's one thing to watch a course, but sometimes you need eyes in on what you're doing. You want someone to look at your work and say "make this tweak, adjust this here" and give you specified advice. This gives you that ability! Already Have Intro to Minis?Some of you already have Intro to Minis and either want PMC 2.0 or wish you had that instead. I've actually got an upgrade payment option. This way you can get in, but won't feel stressed about the budget. Again, I wanted to make this attainable for anyone so if budget is holding you back there are some options for you! If you want to upgrade just reach out to my team hello@rebeccaricephoto.com! What Is the Success Guarantee?I believe in this course so much I wanted to give you some security since you've not taken it. Basically the guarantee says if you don't make your investment back (the money invested into the course) after your first set of major minis you can be refunded! I've just seen this time and time again how students invest in the course and make more than they've invested back. So I am confident that once you've applied all that the course offers you will be profitable. Don't miss that part though, you do need to apply ALL that the course instructs. Which makes sense right? PMC 2.0 will walk and...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/075-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/july-workshop-sign-up (Free Minis Class) There is a time and place for themed minis. Today we'll be talking through the pros and cons to themed mini sessions! But, before we get into it I want you to know I'm hosting a LIVE free class all about MINI SESSIONS! I'll be sharing secrets I use and tips for fully booked minis. Especially with Fall minis literally around the corner it's the right time for you to start prepping! Choose the time that works best for you and join me live (I'll have a Q&A at the end), but if you can't make it live be sure to register for a replay! Now, on to the pros and cons of themed mini sessions... Pro: Perfect for SeasonsThemed mini sessions are ideal for those seasonal things like Christmas or Easter. My team does Red Truck Minis and they are such a hit! This is when everyone wants to do nostalgic set ups like Christmas pajama minis, Tree Farm minis or Easter minis. I do a fun picnic mini setup in the Spring and people love it! Pro: Pinterest WorthyThey typically are like the "Pinterest worthy" shots that everyone is looking for. Here's the thing: if you're going to do a theme you want to go all out! Choose something that will grab people's attention. Most of the time when you have a setup that is elaborate and Pinterest worthy people will book. They just have to have that robust flower truck for Spring or that fireplace Christmas setup. Con: $$$ ExpensesA lot of those elaborately themed minis are expensive. Renting all the things or purchasing the right furniture can add up quickly. This can eat into your profit before you know it. So, you have to be prepared to factor that into your cost. Be sure you increase the price of your mini sessions to cover the cost! Con: Super SpecializedSometimes when you're too specific you miss your audience. A lot of times people want something more generic. For instance, in the Fall I don't do an "autumn themed" setup. I've found that most clients just want updated family photos for cards or frames around the house. Which means they don't necessarily want a specific Fall theme. When nature provides something beautiful enough like colorful leaves, blue bonnets or wildflowers don't add to it! Save your themes for more seasonal or holiday shoots. Back to school is a great themed idea that's not necessarily a holiday! Think through pros and cons of themed mini sessions before diving in and you'll save yourself time and money! What We DiscussedPro: Perfect for Seasons (3;11) Pro: Pinterest Worthy (4:58) Con: $$$ Expenses (6:57) Con: Super Specialized (7:27)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/073-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (Free Minis Class) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f372fBLCSDQ&t=547s (CODB Tutorial) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide)Ready to take a stroll down memory lane? Let's take a look back at my very first mini sessions and what I learned! Before that I've got this https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (free class) to walk you through all things mini sessions. It's a perfect time with Fall minis just ahead and the best part is it's free! You can invest into yourself and business by setting time aside and taking this class. I know it's June, but it really is time to start preparing for marketing Fall minis. This is why I want to walk you through my very first mini sessions. How It Got StartedI saw a post on Facebook from someone looking for a photographer to do live bunny Easter minis. So, I responded on a whim and said I would do it! I literally decided I'll find a bunny and do sets of minis and priced them at $125. That number was pulled out of thin air and I don't suggest doing that! You need to do a CODB (cost of doing business) and if you don't know how check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f372fBLCSDQ&t=547s (THIS) YouTube tutorial. I did 4 hours of minis with a lunch break and it was way too much. Each set was 15 minutes and I learned I prefer not to do such a long timeframe. You have to find what works for you! Have An AssistantThe location we were shooting was quite a distant away from where clients showed up. I had my assistant escort them back and forth so I could effectively do sessions back to back. You can find out how to shoot back to back by taking that free class mentioned above! Now, you don't need an assistant, but it is so worth it. I pay them an hourly rate and often used people I know personally. They don't have to be a photographer either! Communication Is KeyI've experienced poor communication and knew if I was going to start a business or do this part time I wanted communication to be bliss. I discovered how important it is and what an impact it makes on a client experience. This is where my Final Info Email comes into play. Inside the email includes information like specific directions to our location, parking instructions, what to expect when they arrive and the fact that I shoot sessions back to back. This way they know they can't be late! The wording states that if they are late they forfeit their time and they will not be refunded. It goes out one week before the session and has several last minute reminders. You can find it in my https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates) in the shop! Client Experience GuideI send out my https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide) to prepare clients as best as possible. This all goes into communication and allows clients to have a handle on their session. They come dressed well and with bribes to accommodate kiddos! My clients rave about my communication because I hold it as high priority. I'm telling you start preparing for mini session season so you can succeed! I use my very first mini sessions to learn and grow so I encourage you to do the same with yours! What We DiscussedHow it Got Started (2:33) Have An Assistant (7:17) Communication Is Key (9:02) Client Experience Guide (10:39)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/073-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (Free Marketing Class) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/portrait-contract-template (Portrait Contract Template) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Client Questionnaire) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide) | https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk) | https://www.dubsado.com/?c=rebeccaricephotography (Dubsado) | http://share.honeybook.com/rebecca28637 (Honeybook) | https://usesession.com/?via=rebecca-rice (Session) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/mini-sessions-playbook (Mini Sessions Playbook)I'm diving into my favorite topic: Mini Sessions! More specifically, I'll be talking about Christmas in July and when to start preparing for Christmas minis! I do have a https://profitableminisessions.rebeccaricephoto.com/workshop-sign-up-times (FREE class) to help you market your minis. So jump in and get all the free info/resources on how to grow your photography business with mini sessions! Ready to unfold what exactly is Christmas in July, how this campaign works and how you can implement it in your photography business? Let's go! Christmas in July CampaignStarting July 1st we open up booking Christmas minis with one of our biggest themes: Red Truck Minis. These are not shot in July, they're shot in October. But, we fully book our dates with this campaign in about 2 days every year! The way we open this or start promoting is to our email list first. We give our email list 24 hours, maybe 48 and then we move to Facebook. If needed we promote these to our Facebook groups and if then do Facebook ads. Typically, because we've done this a while now, we book with our email list alone. How to PrepStart now! Choose date to do indoor studio, pajama, pictures with Santa or tree farm minis. You need to set dates and reserve rentals. The next step would be to prep your emails. Don't be worried about sending too many. We've increased the amount of communication when it comes to marketing. Typically we email five days in a row and trust me, it's not too much! Now, you may have some unsubscribe, but the people supporting you appreciate the fact that you are serving them well. Obviously if you book out in the first day or two you don't need to send the rest of your emails. So get them ready now so they are scheduled and ready by July 1st. I use https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk) for a number of reasons and you can get 50% off by using this link! I've used other email systems, but https://flodesk.com/c/REBECCARICE (Flodesk) takes the cake. Next Step PrepAfter emails are ready to go it's time to look at your CRM, automations and workflow. My preferred CRM is Dubsado. In my opinion, the automations are unmatched! A lot of people use Session or Honeybook. And I have discounts for all of these. So what you need to do is prep the automations within the workflow. We have automations for those that book. They get added to an automation that sends them emails leading up to their session. It sends their https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/portrait-contract-template (Contract), invoice, https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Client Questionnaire) and https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Guide). The purpose of the https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Questionnaire) is to get to know our clients before the session. Then the https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Guide) helps answer questions, tips for getting kids to cooperate, styling for the family, etc. All proving to be an excellent client experience in the end! Need a Timeline?If that all seems overwhelming to you or you...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/072-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Keys to Effective Family Posing) | https://rebeccaricephoto.com/2021/12/06/building-an-associate-team-2021-case-study/ (Episode 45) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/fb-ad-mini-course (FB Ad Mini Course)Have you been wondering if you should add associate shooters to your team?! It's something I've navigated through for the past year and a half so I'm thrilled to be talking about it today! I do have a free posing class that focuses on families. It's called "https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Keys to Effective Family Posing)". I've had tremendous feedback from those that have taken already. My heart is full hearing back from you all, so be sure to jump in this free class and learn helpful tools for all things posing! Now, are we ready to dive into the big question - Should you add associate shooters?! What is an Associate Photographer?Most of the time an associate photographer is a contract photographer that works for you. So they essentially photograph sessions for you. Once the session is finished they give you all the raw images for you to edit, deliver, etc. You handle all the marketing, the booking and the client communication. One of my favorite perks is that you multiply yourself in a way. You can be in two places at once and get more done! I got to a place where I was fully booked but had more inquiries. Having associate photographers allows me to serve more people and in more places! Scale Back Without a Financial HitHaving a team allows you to continue taking on clients, without using up all your time. You're able to continue bringing in revenue without forfeiting family time or every weekend, etc. Maybe you want to pivot. This may be a season where you want to shift your focus. You might want to adjust your full time job. I've had students that love being photographers, but pivot into becoming social media managers or full time editors. I personally made a transition into education. Adding an associate team allowed me to put some major focus on creating education without worrying about enduring a financial hit. New Market - New Price PointHaving an associate team allows you to have multiple price points. I know I shoot in a luxury price point. So for someone to want to book with me, but maybe it's not in their budget my associate team is a great solution! Clients that want to book with you don't have to be turned away due to price. Now you can suggest one of your associates because you're still handling the edit and delivery. Clients still get to work with you, but you don't have to limit yourself to one market! Facebook Ad Leads!When I launched my associate team they had zero client base. So, we started them off with Facebook ads and grew to six figures last year! It was incredible and entirely built on Facebook ads.  Now if using Facebook ads scare you, don't shy away! You just need a little encouragement and maybe educating on this topic. I have a https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/fb-ad-mini-course (FB Ad Mini Course) that walks you through using Facebook ads start to finish! The proof that it works is in my associate team. The marketing gets done for you and it truly is a lead generating team! Signs You're ReadyLet me just preface: you don't have to start with multiple associates! You can start with just one and grow from there. One sign you may be ready is that you've solidified your style. Your editing and shooting are consistent. It's hard for associates to match your style when it's not clear. And for marketing purposes alone you want to showcase consistency to your business. Now, I will note we are reminding our associates often to shoot in my style (light and airy). An edit...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/071-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://rebeccaricephoto.com/3k-minis ($3k Mini Sessions Blueprint) | https://rebeccaricephoto.com/2022/05/09/ep-67-is-it-time-to-raise-your-prices/ (Episode 67) | https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaricephotography/ (My Instagram) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/shootproof-up-selling-mini-course (Shootproof Upselling Mini Course)Pricing seems to be a question that always comes up! Last month we did a pricing episode and today we're doing a pricing Q&A. Especially as we head toward our fall season many of you are looking at your pricing structures. Something else that would be helpful is my https://rebeccaricephoto.com/3k-minis ($3k Mini Sessions Blueprint)! This guide that walks you through making your first $3000.00 on a single date of minis. If you've never done that and want to know how, grab that guide and watch this fall season coming up be one of your most successful! Now let's dive into the pricing Q&A... Do You Charge the Full Amount Upfront?I always do a 50% non-refundable retainer at the time of booking then the rest is due before the session. I use that language in the contract that way it truly is non refundable! By splitting up the price, it helps with the sticker shock. Knowing they don't have to make a full payment right away helps clients a lot. I never want the price to deter clients so by giving them the ability to pay part now and the rest later makes a big difference! The reality is people cancel so I highly suggest taking a retainer. What Do You Charge for Headshots?I get this question often! Often people ask about what to charge for groups too, like staff headshots. I choose to charge by the person rather than by the amount of time. Most often these are used for advertisement, basically a "branding" photo. So the cost for 2 photos are $200. I know that seems like a lot, but if it's for a business the corporation happily pays that. Obviously if they have a lot of employees (100 or more) then you could do a bulk price, but never hourly! Mini Session Price that Includes All PhotosSo most of you know the way I structure minis includes upselling. So the mini session includes 5 images and we deliver a gallery of 20. This way if they want more they pay extra for those images. The way that I teach is $65 an image, sets of three for $90, or the full gallery for $200. And that's on top of the mini session fee that they already paid. So when I get this question about not upselling my answer may not be what you want to hear. Don't do it! If they are getting a full gallery then it's a small full session. Now, say you're going to do it, then price it at $450 or $500 because that's what you would get from upselling. If you don't like the sound of that I would just encourage you to consider. You're leaving a lot of revenue on the table in upselling! Upselling doesn't have to be intimidating either. I don't do IPS, instead I use automated emails. If that interests you grab my Shootproof Upselling Mini Course now! Should You Include Venue Fees?So across the board the answer is yes. It should be included in your pricing, but let's break it down by full sessions and mini sessions. My associate team, for example, likes to use this indoor greenhouse in the Dallas area. If a client wants to book there we let them know it's $70/hour. The client will pay us the $70 and we pay to book it. Super simple. Now for mini sessions I advise students to include it in the session. If you are doing 4 minis/hour and the rental for a red truck is $150/hour, then divide that into 4 and add it to the cost of each mini session. You shouldn't eat that out of pocket it should be collectively covered by the clients.  How Do I Price My Full Session?This is specifically aimed...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | https://podcast.rebeccaricephoto.com/070-transcript (Transcript) Resources Mentioned: https://rebeccaricephoto.com/3k-minis ($3k Mini Sessions Blueprint) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Client Questionnaire) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide) | https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates) | https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Free Posing Class)Today we're talking about one of my all-time favorite topics...MINI SESSIONS! We'll be covering how to craft your mini session client experience and it's going to be fun. Before jumping in I want to make my https://rebeccaricephoto.com/3k-minis ($3k Mini Sessions Blueprint) available to you! It's a free guide to walk you through making your first $3000 on a single date of minis. It's not just possible, but it's repeatable! You can use this guide as a blueprint and do it over and over again. Ready to dive into minis? Let's start with crafting your mini session client experience... Look at Your CommunicationAsk yourself, what emails are you sending and how are they serving your clients? Since mini sessions are, well, mini... that means your communication needs to be thorough. You want to connect with clients before and after the session so they feel loved and nurtured. Prior to meeting, what emails are you sending? Right away I think of inquiry emails (what's your response like?), contract and invoice emails, a questionnaire or client experience guide (this is gold because you get to know your client and they feel cared for and attended to). I highly suggest adding a questionnaire to your workflow and if you don't have one grab mine from the shop: https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/questionnaire (Client Questionnaire). I also send a https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide). The goal is to answer any questions they have, give them styling tips, tips to get their kids to cooperate, etc. Last but not least, the final info email! This gives them instructions to the session, last minute details and reminders for what's ahead. If all these are overwhelming don't sweat it. They're all included in my https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/email-templates (Email Templates). You can customize then put them to work for you! Prepare the ParentsFor family photographers, how well the kids do during a session plays a major role in the overall experience. It's my job as the photographer to make sure parents are prepared beforehand. This is also found in my https://store.rebeccaricephoto.com/client-experience-guide (Client Experience Guide).  My job is to equip the parents with some tips for things that they can do before the session with their kids to help prepare them so that the session goes smoothly. I encourage them to bring bribes and assure them I am prepared for kids. This equipping is so important for a mini session! Nail Your PosingWe want to avoid awkward and stiff! Having a posing workflow is vital. It gives a full gallery and ultimately makes the session go smoothly. You want your client experience to be wonderful before they ever get photos back. I've got a free https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (posing class) that will be a big help. You can also grab my posing workflow inside that class for free! Posing really makes a difference in how your client feels throughout the session. Have a plan, use a workflow and nail it! Add Personal TouchesThis is the "surprise & delight" of a session. I actually have a masterclass with my dear friends, James & Jess, who are the masters at this particular topic. It's found inside my Behind the Lens membership. Every month you get access to a new Masterclass and a Behind the Scenes session where you get to be a...

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 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | http://rebeccaricephoto.com/068-transcript (Transcript) This is an interesting topic: how to get motivated when work FEELS hard! Honestly, sometimes "work" feels hard. Now I'm not talking about the corporate job you may have! I'm specifically referring to those who are doing photography. You know, those who are running their own photography biz and some days you just don't feel like editing or culling or bringing vision to what you love! Before diving in... I wanted to give you the opportunity to jump into this FREE class called "https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Keys to Effective Family Posing, Goodbye Awkward & Stiff)"! This is a fresh class all about posing families! We put it out a few months ago and the feedback was amazing. So many of you found it beneficial, so if you haven't checked it out you should! You'll leave with very practical things you can use at your next session. Now, by all means when you hit that wall you should pause and decide if need rest. Your body/brain will give you signals to rest. And that is so important to respond and allow yourself to take a day off. But there are times when you've got to do some hard things that need to get done. Today we'll talk about some tips to help you get motivated when work feels hard and you flat out just don't want to! Commit to Your Deadline (With Wiggle Room) We all have our contracts and our goals. I tell my clients I will get their photos back to them in 2 weeks, although, my actual goal is 1 week. I believe committing to your deadlines are powerful and important. When you plan for wiggle room then you can over serve your clients. But, it's important to honor your word and stick to the contract/deadline you put in place. Here's the key: knowing your deadlines and committing to them beforehand makes it that much easier to stick to them when it gets hard. Those deadlines help us to continue to make progress with things! Create Workflows A workflow is simply a checklist of things that are done every time. For example, my team and I use Trello which is a free online business management tool. Basically it's a virtual board of checklists (we LOVE it). This helps me so much because on the days I don't feel like doing anything I can open Trello and look at the checklist. It makes sure everything gets done and allows me to see what HAS to get done for today. Plus, I am a checklist person so there is gratification in checking it off my list! This literally makes me feel productive even when I don't necessarily want to be. Whether the workflow is made up of things you need to do or automations they are valuable! Speaking of automations: I use Dubsado to automate as many things as possible and that is a game changer. I have a Dubsado Workflow in my shop you can take a look at! It translates to Honeybook or other CRMs and shows you how to set up automations. That way you can set it and forget it! Plan With a Playbook Another thing that helps you preserve that brainstorming juice is having a playbook to plan by! I use my Mini Sessions Playbook and it keeps me on track feeling accomplished without having to think about it. It start from 8 weeks out from your session and plans out what's needed each week. This leads up to the day of your minis and after. All you have to do is run the play! Do That One Thing On days you don't have 100% to give choose one thing that you can move the ball forward on. I'm a big believer in progress not perfection. So, it's easier to choose one thing: maybe clearing out your inbox, maybe responding to DMs, etc. Just pick something and complete it. This allows you to clear a part of your "to-dos" and won't exhaust you! Change of Scenery If you'r like me and you work from home your office can either be a...

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  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | http://rebeccaricephoto.com/066-transcript (Transcript) I have special guest Sabrina Gebhardt today to talk all about building a sustainable schedule! It can be a lot to manage: building a business, being a parent, a spouse all while keeping your sanity. Sabrina is a lifestyle photography out of Fort Worth, TX who also educates! You may have seen her on Instagram Live answering ALL the questions. Now, let's jump into the conversation! Squirrel SyndromeCreatives tend to have all kinds of ideas. Usually they don't lack for vision, but because of the amount of new ideas and projects they don't always finish the ones they start. And here's the thing, some of those ideas are to help organize and build a sustainable schedule, but the follow through isn't there. Maybe you've thought, "I'll batch schedule" or "I'll have a routine". But then, while juggling your current things your creative brain starts adding more! Are any of you relating? Sadly, without boundaries, saying no, or having follow through you will meet burn out face to face.  Sustainable Looks Different for EveryoneThe beauty of humanity is just how diverse we all are. There is not one person that's been copied and pasted in the world. So why do we look at others and still battle the comparison trap? Imposter syndrome is a real thing! As photographers we need the internet. Social media is often how we gain new clients. So, we can't just close our eyes to the world around us. That's not solving comparison, it's hiding from it. You each have to determine what matters to you and what you can handle. The amount of sessions one can handle in a month, versus the amount of sessions you can handle in a month is totally different. Because some have kids that are different ages, and we all have different support systems. Just because you CAN do all the things doesn't mean you can do them well. Building a sustainable schedule will look different to everyone. It speaks to what success looks like to you, which is different for everyone! The Reality of Your ScheduleTake a blank calendar (print one off the internet) and put in your dream work. Start with your personal commitments! This is often where entrepreneurs get it wrong. They think the client comes first! No, think through what a standard week looks like. Include carpools, sports, if you have regular therapy or doctor's appointments, if you've got a full time job, if you want to prioritize date night! I mean literally all of your personal things, going to the gym, Bible study, etc. Now you can effectively plan a life you're participating in. If you have an extra hour on Friday that doesn't necessarily mean you can shoot another session! It's not just the shoot you're planning. It's the driving, emailing, culling, editing, etc! So if you've only got 7 hours available per week, for work time, you're probably only taking one client! Stick to your boundaries, and give your best version of yourself to those around you. The Boundary ConversationSetting appropriate boundaries are healthy. This starts with knowing yourself. When are your best work hours? Are you a morning person or night owl? It's ok to set work hours and when those hours are up literally shut off that part of your brain. For some, you need to start utilizing auto responders for client emails. Maybe you need to put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" at a certain time in the evening. Understanding that in order for others to effectively be served by you means you have to be taken care of. Photographers, you have contracts in place to help you operate in boundaries! Because we are the CEO, we created this business, we decide the rules. As long as we have clearly defined boundaries and laid out those expectations up front we protect ourselves and those inquiring of us. 5 Step SummaryNumber...

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | http://rebeccaricephoto.com/065-transcript (Transcript)   Let's continue the conversation circling around masterminds. We'll talk through masterminds and courses and really which one will suit you best! I'm also happy to announce my own mastermind application is OPEN!!! My next round goes from June - November and I can't wait to start filling in the spots for those of you who fit. You can fill out your application https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60f5a80449d924509f1970ad (HERE). It's a first come first serve basis so don't wait, send in your application asap. Can't wait to get started! Time DifferenceLet's walk through the difference of the two - mastermind vs. course. Often, students ask me what they get that's different than taking one of my courses. The first major difference is the time commitment. In a course, it's up to you to go at your own pace. For some personalities that's great, but for others that means you really won't get it finished! A mastermind is much more accountable. The time commitment looks different because we'll go over something (educationally), then you'll get some homework. That requires you to stay invested. Usually you have a call each week or every other, then in between you're applying what was discussed. I think that's a big benefit with masterminds. They typically cost more, but you also are required to stay connected and get work done.  Content IndividualizationCourses really have to be broad. When I say that I mean they teach you an overall concept. Courses can be beneficial to a general public whereas masterminds are specific to those attending. See in a mastermind the coach or mentor is teaching to the individuals in the group. So if you have a specific question to your business you have the ability to ask and get direct answers. There are pros and cons to both, but you just have to identify where you're at and what you want. Maybe you're in a season where you can't be "all" in your photography, but you want to continue growing.. a course will allow you to do that! Masterminds exist to launch you into that next level. My mastermind is called the https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60f5a80449d924509f1970ad (Level Up Mastermind) because it will help you level yourself up! Personalized + AccessibleOne of the things I LOVE about masterminds is the feedback. One mastermind I took was about photography, but I ended up pulling on the coach for financial advice and to this day it has helped me tremendously! Not only are you getting coaching from an experienced person, but the community from those in the group is phenomenal. Maybe you don't look for that or need it, but we can benefit from an outsider looking in, saying "yes, you're doing a great job!" Remember the saying, it's not about what you know but who you know? The connections I've made over the years from masterminds are still ones I'm grateful for.  Mastermind vs. CourseIf you're still on the fence and not sure if you're ready or a good fit, fill out the application anyway! Let me look things over, have that conversation with you and ultimately help you decide if it's the right time. I never accept people into my masterminds if I don't think it's the right fit for them. Maybe you need a few months to get things more solidified and that's ok! I've done this a few times now and can at least point you in a direction that will get you there.   Links Mentioned+ https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60f5a80449d924509f1970ad (Level Up Mastermind Waitlist) What We DiscussedTime Difference(3:29) Content Individualization (8:53) Personalized + Accessible (14:05) Mastermind vs. Course (15;43)

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | http://rebeccaricephoto.com/064-transcript (Transcript) Have you ever been part of a mastermind? Over the past few years the term "coaching" has really taken off in the business world. The idea of gathering with like minded entrepreneurs to learn and be coached along is genius! What is a mastermind? Typically it is a group of 4-12 people who have a mastermind coach. The "coach" facilitates this ongoing discussion with a group coaching style. So, length of time and format can differ producing variations of masterminds. So, if you've been on the fence or questioned, "should you join a mastermind?" by the end of this you will have your answer! First, here's a brand new FREE class just for you called https://posing.rebeccaricephoto.com/sign-up-organic (Keys to Effective Posing)! We've heard such good feedback from those that have taken it already. If you missed the chance to take it, click HERE and dive in. Posing is such an important part of what we as photographers do and I really wanted to hone in on this topic and give you something to grow in. Know the Basics BeforehandFor a photography mastermind you should already know the basics. You should have these 3 things down: Know how to shoot, Have a website, Get bookings from paying clients. If you don't that's ok! I recommend taking a course vs. a mastermind at that point because there are lots of details to learn. It would be a better investment to take a course to learn those basics so you can go at your own pace and get it within yourself! Masterminds are typically for those that are ready to "level-up" and it's just so much easier when you have a foundation established. Go in with GoalsIt's difficult for a coach to get you where you want to go without an end goal in mind! I have a mastermind and I like to ask those attending, "where do you want to see yourself in the next year?". As a coach I know how to take you from point A to point B. I can give you steps to take and tools to help make your goals happen, but I can't give you the goal. If I did you may not be committed to it because the idea wasn't cultivated in your heart. So, you may not have the drive to get there for the simple fact that it's not your goal or vision. Should you join a mastermind? Yes, if you have a goal or vision for where you want to be in a year from now! You're Aware of Your StrugglesA huge part of masterminds is the one on one access you get to the coach. For instance, in my mastermind you have access to me through Voxer and Slack. Voxer is basically voice messaging so you can ask questions, get info, etc. A course format only allows the educator to talk. In a mastermind you can ask specific questions and get direction/answers which really play a role in the whole group. The questions often navigate the direction of the group. I say all this to address: if you're unaware of where you struggle you most likely won't know what questions to ask! For my mastermind, you fill out an application and one of the questions pertains to where you struggle. Don't stress! This is a good thing. Identifying the struggle will help eliminate it! You Like Personalized Coaching + AccountabilityWe briefly touched on this, but masterminds are meant to be "intimate". The purpose is to be personal and in your business. But, don't let that scare you - you need someone's eyes on what you're doing. Especially someone you want to glean from. They can see things in a perspective that you may not see. They will hold you accountable which makes you grow. This happens in my mastermind all the time - other people in the group keep you on track and hype you up! I've had students share how the courses they took were great, but the mastermind involved them verbally sharing goals. And when you let others in on your vision there's a level of accountability

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-journey-podcast/id1552627136 (Apple Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/4oIVk1IyDWLd5vCsWjPW8N (Spotify) | http://rebeccaricephoto.com/063-transcript (Transcript) Have you been interested in outsourcing or maybe you're creeping up to that moment? Either category, I believe us business owners should get to the place where outside help is needed and a benefit. I'm very passionate about team building so get ready for some major tips for hiring your first contractors! Before jumping into it I want to give you a FREE resource to help level up your mini sessions game! You can make more with your mini sessions, so this resource will help you make your first $3,000 on a single set of minis. It's called http://www.Rebeccaricephoto.com/3K-minis ($3K Mini Sessions Blueprint) and here's one of the best parts - you can reuse it over and over again! Now let's dive in... What is a ContractorLet's define this. This is not someone who is who is an employee (part-time or full time). They are paid on a retainer basis. Maybe it's monthly and they are required to do a set number of hours, etc. This may look like an editor, a copy writer, an administrative assistant or a social media manager. Let me shatter the idea that you can do everything. Sorry! But we all are limited to a 24 hour day and it shouldn't be spent 100% on your business or hobby. Many of us are moms or work other jobs. The business shouldn't be built on you and you alone. Want to know why? Burnout. It's ok to need help! The best business owners beat burnout by growing their team. Here are some tips for hiring your first contractors: Write Out EVERYTHING You DoWhen you're thinking of hiring your first contractors think about ALL the things you do. Write them down from biggest to smallest, don't leave anything out. What takes up the most time? Now, circle the things only you can do. Before you start circling the entire list hear me out. Some people think they are the only ones who can respond to emails or post on social media... Listen, people are talented to match your brand voice. So don't trip yourself up in the thought process that you should be doing this or that. Delegation is a blessing. Here's my rule of thumb: if someone can do something 80% as good as you can, then you can outsource it! Record Your Processes for Easier TrainingIf you're thinking in the next 6-12 months you'd like to hire, start recording your processes. My team LOVES using loom. This program is free, it has a chrome plugin that you can use, but basically allows you to record yourself. You can talk while screen recording to explain what you're doing and how. So, start recording what you want to train someone on and when the time comes to hire you can have them utilize these videos! Trust me, training just got a whole lot easier. You can put together a whole library of training videos to avoid having to sync up schedules with your new hire to walk them through something! Start SmallDon't overshoot your hire. A lot of contractors of packages you can choose from. My first hire's smallest package was 10 hrs/month for like $30/hr. What could you do with those extra 10 hours a month? Book an extra session and pay for the contractor and you already "bought" yourself more time! Start small and grow from there. This is testing ground for you and your contractor. Develop your processes, grow in your delegation and watch yourself flourish! Learn to Trust and Let GoIt takes time to let someone else run with what you value. For most of us, this business is our "baby". You don't let anyone hold your baby, but over time you should develop trust to hand it off. This doesn't mean you don't care about it, but you can allow someone else to care for your business. I encourage you to lean into discomfort. Things don't grow out of comfort. When I started passing things off I freaked out! I wouldn't even let my administrative assistant respond to...