In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, Aura McKay, founder of Business of Creativity, provides practical tips and tools to help freelancers and creatives confidently discuss budgets with high-profile clients. 

By addressing common fears and misconceptions surrounding money conversations, Aura highlights ways to reframe these discussions as partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency. 

She offers specific phrases and approaches to facilitate smooth and effective budget talks, ultimately aiming to improve client relationships and project outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Budget Conversations
01:27 Understanding the Importance of Budget Talks
03:32 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
07:00 Practical Tips for Budget Conversations
08:57 Practicing and Perfecting Your Approach
12:56 Final Thoughts and Challenges

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In this episode of Coaching for Creatives hosted by Aura McKay from Business of Creativity, listeners learn essential strategies for raising their rates as photographers, graphic designers, and other creative freelancers. 

Aura outlines three key steps to communicate rate increases effectively to clients: giving advanced notice, being transparent, and offering a grace period. 

She also discusses five compelling reasons to justify rate hikes, including new skills, high demand, expanded scope, increased business costs, and years of experience with proven results. 

The episode aims to help creative freelancers confidently implement price adjustments while maintaining client relationships.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:17 Why It's Time to Raise Your Rates
01:08 Three Steps to Communicate Rate Increases
01:49 Overcoming the Fear of Losing Clients
02:59 Justifying Your Price Increase
03:35 Advanced Notice Strategies
05:32 Transparency and Value Communication
06:35 Top Reasons to Raise Your Rates
13:16 Effective Communication Methods
14:46 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Book a free call today:  https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, business coach Aura McKay discusses the concept of pricing as a bridge between a freelancer's desire for profit and a client's desire for value. She highlights the importance of understanding costs, calculating profits, and connecting with clients to meet their budget expectations effectively. Aura also encourages freelancers to reframe their thinking around pricing and provides resources such as a free pricing guide and an upcoming pricing bootcamp to help creatives master their pricing strategies.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing for Creatives
00:37 Understanding the Pricing Challenge
01:06 Reframing Pricing as a Bridge
01:43 Calculating Costs and Desired Profit
02:47 Connecting with Clients' Expectations
04:47 Addressing Common Objections
05:34 Resources and Further Learning
06:24 Join the Pricing Bootcamp
07:14 Conclusion and Next Steps

download the free Freelancer Pricing Guide or book a free call with Aura today!

Reacting vs. Responding: Mastering Emotional Control in Creative Business

Aura McKay, founder of Business of Creativity, discusses the critical difference between reacting and responding in a professional setting. 

Addressing freelance creatives, she explores how strong emotional reactions to feedback or rejection can negatively impact communication and relationships.

Aura shares strategies for managing these emotions, including pausing to reflect on feelings before responding. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, she emphasizes the importance of deliberate, empathetic responses to foster positive outcomes and maintain professional relationships.

00:00 Introduction to Coaching for Creatives
00:25 Reacting vs Responding: An Overview
00:36 Common Triggers and Emotional Reactions
03:02 The Importance of Pausing and Reflecting
03:40 Practical Steps to Manage Reactions
05:43 Real-Life Example: Handling Rejection
09:18 Encouragement to Create a Response Gap
10:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/book-a-call

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, host Aura McKay explores the motivations behind choosing a freelancing career. 

Aura shares her personal journey of becoming a reluctant entrepreneur, discusses common reasons why many of her clients opt for freelancing—such as autonomy, flexibility, and creative fulfillment—and highlights the importance of embracing business principles. 

She also addresses challenges freelancers face, especially in managing time and energy, and offers support in achieving success. 

00:00 Introduction to Coaching for Creatives
00:20 Aura McKay's Freelancing Journey
02:31 Embracing the Business Side of Freelancing
02:54 Reasons for Choosing Freelancing
04:31 Challenges and Solutions for Freelancers
04:53 Creative Fulfillment and Business Connection
06:03 Financial Motivations for Freelancing


For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

Brain, Body, and Business: Prioritize for Success

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, Aura McKay discusses the important relationship between your brain, body, and business.

She shares personal experiences and insights from her business accelerator mastermind, emphasizing the need to balance work demands with personal well-being. Learn practical tips on how setting healthy habits and prioritizing your mental and physical health can significantly impact your success as a creative freelancer or solopreneur.

00:00 Opening Thoughts and Introduction

01:16 The Importance of Physical Movement

02:38 Balancing Work and Health

04:38 Setting up Healthy Habits

05:10 Morning Routines for Creatives

06:56 Prioritizing Physical Health

08:58 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

The True Costs Of Working Alone

Most creative freelancers are solopreneurs.

Many feel like because they are freelancers they are on their own.

For a long time I felt like I would never get as far ahead or be as successful as the photographers that worked with their spouses....because I had to do everything alone.

This episode of Coaching for Creatives looks at the costs of running your freelance business all alone.

For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

Chapters

0:00 Costs Of Working Alone
1:24 I Came From Corporate
2:38 The Cost Of Isolation
5:13 A Solitary Process
6:53 Why I Am Grateful For My Coach
8:01 Isolation Costs You Time, Efficiencies, And More

#coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #salestips

Pricing on Your Website: Yes or No?

Should you put your pricing on your website? Yes or no? 

It really isn't that black and white. It depends on several different factors.

This episode of Coaching for Creatives explores when (and if) freelance creatives should put their pricing on their website. 

Join the conversation in the comments and let me know what you think. Yes or no?
 
#coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #pricingtips

0:00 Pricing On Website Yes or No
2:16 The Pros And Cons
3:05 Buying Psychology Tip
3:49 Do Not Anchor Price As The Most Important Element
5:48 Eliminate Anyone Not Ready To Invest
6:20 When Pricing On Your Website Is A Mistake
6:44 Price Is The Last Information People Need
8:49 Connecting To Value

For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

Focus on Success Stories 

It's time to celebrate!

This episode of Coaching for Creatives shares some success stories from today's Business Accelerator Mastermind group members. 

All have different learnings to take away from their wins. 

Let me know which story inspires you most. 

#coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #evidenceofawesome

0:00 Focus on Success Stories
1:34 Exceeding Sales Goals
5:19 Purposeful Social Messaging
7:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
7:58 Imposter Syndrome
10:50 Focusing On Our Successes

For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

Stop Getting Ghosted

Tired of getting ghosted on your quotes or proposals?

Getting 'ghosted' is typically a term applied to dating. However, most freelancers are all too familiar with getting nothing but crickets after sending out a quote or proposal. 

This episode of Coaching for Creatives looks at how you can adjust your sales process to stop getting ghosted and start closing more clients. 

#coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #salestips

0:00 Welcome To Coaching For Creatives
2:12 A Funny Story
4:35 Number One Tip
5:19 Getting In Front Of The Right People
6:13 How To Get To Present Your Proposal
6:33 The Two Part Sales Process
8:38 The Critical Question
10:00 Booking the Presentation Call


For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor