PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

605: Jeff Brown – The Business Failure That Changed Everything—And What You Can Learn From It


Listen Later

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Jeff Brown of www.thephotographersmentor.com needs no introduction if you've been listening for any time!

He's appeared on the podcast multiple times, focusing mainly on LinkedIn and utilising that platform to attract and book clients.

He also has a couple of courses on PhotoBizx—one on LinkedIn with a very recent update and another on building a high-converting and very simple website, recently mentioned by Richard Grenfell in his Advertise Like a MoFo course.

His primary focus is Photography Business Mentoring, Accountability, and support, where he works with photographers worldwide.

In addition to all that, he has published multiple books for photographers, which you can find on Amazon, including:

The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100-Day Daily Self Help Diary—the perfect stepping-off point to kick-start your year.

In this interview, Jeff shares the business failure that changed everything—and what you can learn from it to grow your photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

  • Your mindset is your biggest asset – A strong, positive mindset will help you attract more clients, charge your worth, and build a thriving business.
  • Gratitude fuels success – Focusing on what’s working (even in tough times) boosts resilience, confidence, and momentum.
  • Visualise the business you want – Act as if you already have the success you’re aiming for—this shifts your thinking and actions to make it a reality.
  • Big goals need small steps — Breaking down big dreams into daily, achievable actions makes them feel doable and keeps you moving forward.
  • Failure isn’t fatal—it’s a launchpad – Jeff’s rock-bottom moment led to his most successful business. Learn from setbacks and come back stronger.
  • Mentors accelerate your results — The proper guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes and fast-tracks your success.
  • It’s not about the gear — your mindset, marketing, and client experience matter more than the latest camera.
  • Journaling keeps you on track – This simple habit of gratitude and goal-setting keeps you focused, motivated, and making progress.
  • Resilience beats temporary setbacks – Every challenge you overcome builds the confidence to handle bigger opportunities.
  • Your success starts in your mind – If you can see it, believe it, and take action, you’re already on the way.
  • Morning routines shape your day – Jeff’s 4:44 AM start fuels creativity and productivity—what habits set you up for success?
  • Struggling with social media? – Consistency and storytelling transformed one photographer into an industry leader—it can work for you too.
  • Your mental health matters – Success isn’t just about business; looking after yourself is just as important.
  • Gratitude + goals = unstoppable momentum – When you combine the right mindset with intentional action, your results will skyrocket.
  • Failures are stepping stones, not stop signs – Each setback is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow into a more profitable, confident business owner.
  • Want more bookings? – Visualise the clients you want, create content that speaks to them, and watch your calendar fill up.
  • Writing a book builds authority – Publishing your expertise helps you stand out, attract premium clients, and open doors to new opportunities.
  •  

    What’s on Offer for Premium Members

    If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

    Plus, special member-only interviews.

    There's no such thing as a goal that is too big, because the process of achieving a big goal is exactly the same processes of achieving a small goal. It's just the time span is different. – Jeff Brown

    You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

    Seriously, that's not all.

    Realize that…not everything is bad as it initially seems….remember that there's so many people in the world who you influence and rely on you and love you and care about you…speak to somebody, take professional advice. – Jeff Brown

    In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

    What is your big takeaway?

    Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Jeff shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

    I had a breakdown 10 years ago, and had a pub venture that went completely wrong…and that actually led me to running away…because I felt like a complete failure. And from that point, I had to reset my life. – Jeff Brown

    If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Jeff or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

    PhotoBizX with Johl Dunn presents this FREE training…

    Last year was a shocker. The last 4yrs even!

    Let’s not sugarcoat the fact that it has been challenging and that there has been a lot of uncertainty in the market.

    So why have some businesses struggled and some thrived?

    It all comes down to mindset, habit and our distorted view of reality (Johl will explain more in the training).

    In the training. Johl will share:

    • The Real Reason Some Businesses Thrive While Others Struggle
    • Breaking Free from Burnout: Practical Strategies to Reclaim Your Energy
    • How to Create More Balance & Still Run a Thriving Business
    • Productivity & Focus: Working Smarter, Not Harder
    • Unlocking Joy & Fun in Your Business (Yes, It’s Possible!)
    • The Ultimate Mindset Shift: You Are the Key to Your Success
    • When: Thursday, February 27th @ 7AM AEDT – your local time is here

      Cost: FREE

      Recording? Yes, if you are registered, I'll have a recording available after the live training with free access. If you're not registered for the live training, the cost will be USD$47.

      REGISTER HERE: https://learn.photobizx.com/unblock-your-business-registration/

      iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

      I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

      Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

      Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

      Now, 10 years later, I look back and realise that that was the best failure I ever had in my life, because it's changed my direction. – Jeff Brown

      If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

      Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

      I'm making sure that I'm directing my product and myself as a brand towards pet lovers… I'm not just a pet photographer, I'm a pet expert in a way. – Jeff Richards

      Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

      I've always said that if you listen to the podcast without implementing anything you hear, it's purely entertainment and not the business resource it should and could be. 

      ★★★★★  Four reviews with one simple idea!

      Late last week, I received an email from a premium member and Las Vegas corporate event, convention and conference photographer Adrienne Angelo.

      She listened to the recent interview with Noel Marcantel, who talked about using a QR code that people scan at his business.

      I will try this tomorrow at a headshot station for a business with about 14 people who need new headshots.

      Fast forward a couple of days later, and Adrienne messaged me to say… “4 reviews at my 1st business today ”

       

      Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

      Jeff Brown The Photographer's Mentor Website

      The Photographer's Mentor on Facebook

      Jeff Brown on LinkedIn

      Jeff Brown on Amazon

      The Ambitious Photographer's Journal – Overcome Procrastination and Grow Your Photography Business Faster, 52 Week Photography Business Success by Jeff Brown

      The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100 Day Daily Self Help Diary by Jeff Brown

      The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100 Day Daily Self Help Diary by Jeff Brown

      Episode 397: Richard Grenfell – The Coaching Diaries with Steve Saporito

      Episode 549: Richard Grenfell – The successful and profitable move from family to boudoir photography 

      025 Premium Only Episode: Johl Dunn – Facebook Ad tactics with competitions and third party alliances

      Episode 330: Johl Dunn – How to create a money making portrait photography business

      Episode 526: Johl Dunn – Modern day marketing and success for portrait photographers

      Episode 556: Johl Dunn – Unlock Your Photography Business Potential and Stop 

      Unblock Your Photography Business – FREE TRAINING

      Thank you!

      Thanks for tuning in! A huge thank you to Jeff for sharing his invaluable insights and personal stories on building a successful photography business. His journey proves that success isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s about mindset, strategy, and consistent action. Whether mastering your niche, attracting high-value clients, or staying resilient through setbacks, Jeff’s advice is a game/life-changer for any photographer looking to grow their business successfully.

      Life is a massive roller coaster, and it's all about having more ups than downs, because you're going to have downs anyway, right? But you're going to get back up there. – Jeff Brown

      That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

      Thanks, and speak soon

      Andrew

      The post 605: Jeff Brown – The Business Failure That Changed Everything—And What You Can Learn From It appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business PodcastBy Andrew Hellmich: Photographer, Interviewer, Podcaster and Owner of Impact Images

      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9

      4.9

      180 ratings


      More shows like PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

      View all
      The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

      The School of Greatness

      21,063 Listeners

      The Six Figure Photography Podcast With Ben Hartley by Ben Hartley

      The Six Figure Photography Podcast With Ben Hartley

      316 Listeners

      The Beginner Photography Podcast by Raymond Hatfield

      The Beginner Photography Podcast

      394 Listeners

      Photography Xperiment Podcast by Andrew Hellmich

      Photography Xperiment Podcast

      27 Listeners

      The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo

      The Marie Forleo Podcast

      1,657 Listeners

      The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

      The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

      6,407 Listeners

      Book More Photography Clients Podcast | Photography Business, Marketing, Leads, Business Plan by Brooke Jefferson - Oklahoma Family Photographer, Photography Business Coach

      Book More Photography Clients Podcast | Photography Business, Marketing, Leads, Business Plan

      277 Listeners

      The Profitable Photographer by Luci Dumas

      The Profitable Photographer

      57 Listeners

      The Heart & Hustle Podcast by Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman

      The Heart & Hustle Podcast

      1,013 Listeners

      The Portrait System Podcast by Sue Bryce Education

      The Portrait System Podcast

      621 Listeners

      This Can't Be That Hard by Annemie Tonken

      This Can't Be That Hard

      121 Listeners

      Freedom Focus Photography by Nicole Begley

      Freedom Focus Photography

      107 Listeners

      Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne by Cassidy Lynne, Bleav

      Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne

      471 Listeners

      Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer by Nathan Chanski - Photography Business Coach

      Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer

      520 Listeners

      The Vendor Table - A Wedding and Photography Podcast by Mike Cassara and Lauren O'Brien

      The Vendor Table - A Wedding and Photography Podcast

      161 Listeners

      Refocus Your Photography Business with John Glsaer by John Glaser

      Refocus Your Photography Business with John Glsaer

      3 Listeners