What happens when you have problem vendors and clients? When running a business in a service industry, it’s good to be prepared and know how to handle a negative situation.

The Creative Banter girls talk about their experiences with vendors and clients when things didn’t go so smoothly. They also discuss the importance of managing expectations and communication, being empathetic towards clients, and when to say no.

“The key to all of this is communication and you learn how to communicate better with experience because of trial and error……These are things that could potentially happen….make sure you restate everything that is written in your contract and guides and in your emails. You have to repeat yourself like a broken record. Just know that there are a lot of ways where things could go wrong so it’s good to be as prepared as possible in case things could go wrong.

Show Notes:

00:25

Introducing topic. What does it mean to have a problem client or vendor? What are you willing to tolerate?

00:50

What is a problem client? We all share our main client experiences when we receive push back or issues.

5:23

What do you do if your clients dislike your work? We talk empathy versus protecting your business.

9:29

What do you do when your client won’t pay you?

#1 Contracts

#2 Deposit

#3 no delivery til pay

11:30

We talk our experiences on clients from different price points in the market. Are there different sets of issues that might occur from different markets?

13:25

We talk problems that often occur in our job.

20:00

The importance of questionnaires and qualifying your clients.

20:45

What does it mean to be a problem vendor?

25:55

What happens when vendors use your photos without paying / permission?

32:05

When does someone become a problem vendor? Are there red flags?

36:57

At what point do things go so wrong that you return the money and back out of your project?

39:35

Follow your gut.

45:06

Issues can be greatly reduced by education via managing expectations and communication.

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Jill is a USA Weightlifting athlete and coach, a nurse, a women’s health life coach, and a Birthfit coach. She has molded all her knowledge, experience, and passions into a very important career path.

Creative Banter Podcast brought Jill on for many reasons. Not only does she live an entrepreneurial (and badass) lifestyle but she also focuses on maintaining a positive and determined mindset, which we should all strive for.

She helps women, is a feminist, and focuses on moms! Many of us creative entrepreneurs balance our jobs with having kids or being pregnant so Jill’s knowledge and passion is really enlightening for our listeners.

Here are some amazing quotes from our session with Jill so you can learn about the amazing work she does.

“I’ve created a hybrid program between my Birthfit coaching, coaching prenatal and postpartum women, and also (focusing on) the mindset that goes alongside that.”

“You are only confined by the context of your mind. You can do anything that you put your mind to.” Jill has competed against Olympic level athletes so she know this to be true.

“Once baby is born, a mother is also born. And we don’t, as a culture, look at mom the way we are looking at that baby. All the attention and energy is going towards this baby when that same attention and energy now needs to also be looking at this mom. She just became a mother in a whole new realm and a whole new body. And it is so much bigger than ‘oh just get your body back.’ That concept does not exist and it literally just needs to go away”

You can find Jill Dowty on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/jill.dowty/

Show Notes:

1:30

Intro: Jilly Dowty tells us about her background and journey to being a Birthfit Coach and what Birthfit is.

7:22

Jill defines Birthfit and talks about the four pillars: fitness, nutrition, connection, and mindset.

11:20

The 5 Questions

16:30

Harlee asks, “Where do you think your passion for helping women and particularly moms come from?”

Jill discusses a lack of high-level female coaches in the athletic world so she became the role model she always wanted. “I’m a feminist and all about women empowerment” – Jill

18:05

Jill sees her loved ones who recently became mothers have to redefine themselves in a new chapter of their lives. She felt a strong urge to serve this population, especially because there’s a major lack in the department for pregnant and postpartum women.

19:40

Jill shares her vulnerabilities and truth as a soon to be mom.

22:10

Following a passion vs living in a stressed and unfulfilling way.

24:08

Jill talks the importance of continuing education in the health world, evolving for growth, and always striving to be better.

25:30

Pregnant women express that their doctors tell them not to work out. Jill speaks out on this problem.

28:44

Birthfit typically attracts women who appreciate a holistic approach but it’s for everyone and Birthfit has made it a goal to reach and educate everyone.

31:33

Jill talks the healing process. “It takes 9-10 months to build a baby. It takes 280 days to heal tissue. That is the same amount of time it took you to build baby.”

40:20

The game of This or That.

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Heather, Harlee, and Madeline get together for a Thanksgiving episode! 

The Creative Banter girls talk about what they're grateful for, their most cherished Thanksgiving memories, their favorite dish, and then play a game of Thanksgiving Trivia. 

One of us doesn't like gravy (gasp, I know!). One of us claims to have a dead turkey in their bathroom. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy the trivia!

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Welcome to this episode with McLernon & Co. with Amanda and Emily.

They run a social media agency with an important mission. Their campaign of Keep Social Media Social is taking off!

“We help brands and business have a healthy relationship with their social media.”

Although she runs a social media marketing agency, Amanda reminds us that being on social media was initially and should still be about the social aspect. There are so many “marketing rules” that businesses now focus on when posting and that consequently means people have lost sight of genuine interaction and engagement.

Amanda elaborates on Keep Social Media Social: “We got here to connect with our friends. We got here to deepen our relationships. We came her to be inspired by people but really at the end of the day we came here for community. We came here for people.”

Emily continues, “It’s really about taking that extra step to interact with people both online and in-person. Take those connection you made online and actually meet them in real life! Have a conversation with someone - get to know them and learn about them."

You can find McLernon & Co. here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclernonandco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclernonandco/

Facebook group for Keep Social Media Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepsocialmediasocial/

Website: https://mclernonandco.com/

Show notes:

00:20

Introduction to McLernon & Co.

1:53

We ask them our 5 questions- Learn their favorite curse word and hear Amanda talk about her bartending alter ego career.

7:25

The message behind Keep Social Media Social.

10:20

Amanda tells us about her instameets for offline networking and community.

13:30

Social media trends – how McLernon & Co. analyze, track, and work with trends.

16:00

Amanda and Emily talk their explosive growth and how they are stabilizing their company.

21:26

McLernon & Co. dive deep into their 5 core values.

24:33

Social media vs politics & personal beliefs: the good and the bad. Amanda passionately talks on how we can use online tools to connect but to make real change offline.

28:50

Our thought on the new Instagram movement of eliminating likes.

34:28

Leave your phone at home or stay offline at times. It’s about a healthy relationship! 

35:35

Amanda: “There are 3 things in relation to social media that you can control”

1. You control what you put out

2. You control who and what you let in

3. You control who you release from your life

38:33

The consequences and destruction of IG popularity

40:30

Amanda and Emily focus on the deep impact social media has on everyone and are providing a more controlled environment for online users.

43:10

McLernon & Co. has an ask: If their mission aligns with you then help spread the mission of Keep Social Media Social! If you have an opportunity for them to speak or if you have an idea to help spread the mission then email them @ hello@[email protected]

44:05

The game of This or That

You can connect to Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website: https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast

The women at Creative Banter strongly believe in joining a community that supports your interests and/or career. We talk about how to start a community and the benefits of being in a community.

With community, you receive support and have a trusted network of people when you might need help. We believe in helping others through mentorship and kindness so we give our advice to anyone new in their field reaching out for help!

“Overall, the most important things are to build your network and join as many meetups as you can, connect with as many people as you can, try to find a community that fits your style (and join DFW Creatives!). And be nice to people! You don’t know what state they’re in like if they’re new or in a fragile state of their creative journey.”

Show Notes:

00:33

We have a need to connect to other people for a support system that provides learning, growing, and networking.

4:06

What is DFW Creatives? It’s Madeline’s local community that she created around creative entrepreneurs for North Texas.

6:30

We talk about our perspectives on people who work for MLMs and who pitch their products in these community groups.

12:50

Madeline discusses how DFW Creatives evolved and how she learned to make a better collaborative community as it grew. She also discusses why she started it!

22:26

Not having co-workers when you are a solo entrepreneur can be lonely. Being in a community or having another part-time job helps a lot!

23:35

Harlee’s experience with being rejected by creatives in the beginning of her career – we all so relate to this. Is it a generational or competition thing? We talk Competition vs Community

25:38

Do you reach out to people in your industry because you need advice? Are you always answering questions to newbies for free? We talk how to ask for help from others + how to respond to those who are reaching out for help. Heather discusses how she mentors so she can offer her time and knowledge.

35:50

TIPS! Look for local meetups and events. Connect with people on IG. Engage with people on IG and comment on their posts.

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

This episode covers many aspects of working with vendors for styled shoots from how to inquire and book as well as post-production.

Styled shoots can be really helpful in building a network, portfolio, and experience. We explain what to watch out for, how you benefit, and processes you can use along the way.

Two amazing (and so very helpful) quotes from this episode:

Harlee, “I am a professional social media stalker.”

Heather, “I am the most awkward person in the entire frikkin world and I hate talking on the phone!”

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Show Notes:

00:23

How to cold call vendors and why you want to

Why would you do a styled shoot?

2:20

A preferred Vendors List is important because it’s based on trust and loyalty.

2:38

Step 1: Get a referral

Your lead is a warm lead vs a cold call

3:33

Stalking on social media? Not such a bad thing here. Do your research!

4:00

Call, Email, or DM? The best way to inquire.

6:45

Know your vendors’ intentions and business niche.

9:45

Actually going into a venue and requesting a styled shoot.

9:55

How and who Harlee collaborated with for a very quickly put together but well-rounded and successful styled wedding shoot.

12:10

Know your pitch and your why when presenting to vendors, be prepared, know your price points, and know every type of vendor you will need.

12:50

Have everything planned- we explain all details necessary. Know the style of the vendors to make sure it matches your vision, too!

14:40

Make it clear that your vendors have creative freedom and should have fun.

15:54

How styled shoots and working with vendors help your target audience.

16:40

You might be told no – here’s why!

17:55

Credit Credit Credit:

-Do NOT use other people’s work for your public mood boards and advertisement!

-Make a group message with all vendors? This can really help with communication.

-Get every vendors’ handles and websites and tag everyone!

20:20

Planning a shoot with senior model teams – some styled shoots are different.

21:30

Doing a styled shoot for fun. Why? For the sake of creativity and experience, of course!

24:30

Be careful with what styled shoots you pay for. Many are not done well when they are monetized. Hear our stories!

29:00

After the styled shoot, do you give the vendors your photos? What’s your copyright for advertising? What do you require for vendors to do in order to use your photos?

32:48

How to present your mood board, theme, and details to vendors in an ethical and clear way

34:00

Again, DO NOT USE OTHER PHOTOG’S WORK FOR YOUR PRESENTATION TO VENDORS

35:35

How to build a preferred vendors list and why: protecting your business AND your client

40:15

Referring vendors to clients VS referring vendors to other professionals in the industry

Creative Banter Podcast talks with Taylor Kern who lives in Reno, is a dog mom, and a full-time photographer.

Before Taylor went full-time photography, she was in nursing school and working part-time as a waitress.

Losing a loved one is what opened Taylor up to photography and that carries into her mission “…these moments that we’re not promised tomorrow, I just love capturing these moments.”

Special moments talking with Taylor:

“My mom is the biggest hype man in the universe”

“Doing what I love is the best frikkin thing in the entire universe”

In Taylor’s other life, she would be a professional dancer.  Harlee asked, “On your IG videos a few weeks ago, there were twerking videos. Was that you?” Yes, indeed, that was Taylor.

Find out what well-known photog Taylor named her dog after. Hint: the name is also a country. This photog is also a major inspiration for Taylor.

“I gain so much when I’m selfess. With my business and purpose in life, I want to give people purpose or gain something from me. Whether I had a following or not, I would be trying to change the world somehow, positively.”

“Most my clients become my best friends….You build such a connection.”

Before bed Taylor asks herself, “What ways was I giver today and what did I learn today and how did today add to the quality to my life?” This process has Taylor looking forward to the next day because “any day you wake up is a bonus day.”

Taylor talks meditation, quality time, journaling, and gratitude. By serving herself she can serve others.

You can find Taylor here:

https://www.facebook.com/taylorkernn/

https://www.instagram.com/t_kern/

http://www.taylorkernphotography.com/

Show Notes:

1:17 Introduction between Taylor Kern and the Creative Banter Podcast hosts

2:30 Taylor tells us about herself, her company – Taylor Kern Photography, and how she got into photography.

7:50 the 5 questions Creative Banter asks every host on the show:

            -What’s your favorite curse word?

            -What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

            -If you weren’t doing what you’re doing right now career wise, what would you be doing instead?

            -How do you take your coffee?

            -Who are what inspired you before you started doing photography

15:00 Mindfulness and serving others: Taylor’s way of living

16:20 Travel lifestyle as a photographer and finding the balance

20:10 Taylor’s passion for her clients and how she shows it on IG

25:00 Positive mindset, gratitude, and manifestation: what caused Taylor to live this way

30:00 We talk Love Languages

33:45 Mentorships: Taylor loves to educate and believes in complete transparency and truly helping others

38:00 The game of This or That

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

In the spirit of October and Halloween, the Creative Banter hosts put business talk on the shelf to discuss our favorite story and shared obsession: Harry Potter!

Find out what house we think we would be in, what HP tattoos we would have, and hear us talk shit about Dumbledore.

Did Umbridge make you so mad you wanted to punch a wall? Harlee explains why. What's your Patronus? One of ours is a buffalo. Imagine that during a Patronus charm.

You'll quickly find out that Madeline is obsessed with Fred and George, Harlee read the books backwards and also loves HP fan fiction, and Heather really really hates a beloved character.

This one is fun: learn more about Hermione's legendary scene punching Draco. 

& to answer one of our questions, Aberforth is indeed in Gryffindor. 

We hope you are having a wicked October and Happy Halloween Month!!

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4S1H6YGTOTqiFAiRk9mBdW

In this episode, Creative Banter talks with Brandi Potter on her journey that led her to photography, her movement for business owners and photographers to be more ethical, and why educating is important to her.

Brandi is a wedding photographer from Kentucky, but soon moving to the West Coast, and she also educates in the photography world. 

We talk:

Quotes from Brandi you won't want to miss:

"I don't like being in jeans. I like being in sweat pants." 

"I just want people to not be dicks. I would love if photographers would stop putting focus on epic shots because that's what's ruining the outdoors because they don't care about Leave No Trace." 

"I like helping people and I didn't really have anyone helping me when I first started so I wanna be the person that I wish I would have had." 

"A lot of these educators don't care - they're in it for the money. After the workshop is done, they just cut people off. ...I don't want to be that person. I want people to have a safe space to grow and learn because I want everyone to be good at what they're doing and to feel confident and comfortable in their own business." 

"Building a community of people that trust and love one another and want to see each other succeed is really important to me." 

You can find Brandi here:

https://www.brandipotterphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/brandipotterphoto/

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Hey all! 

The Creative Banter hosts talk about going full time as photographers:

-The lessons we've learned

-What tools help us run our businesses 

-Pricing and cost of doing business

-Setting goals

If you're in a creative industry but not a photographer then this info will still help guide you for being a full time creative.

Feel free to reach out to us with questions and commentary!

Our mission: The three photographers hosting Creative Banter bring a voice to the obstacles and topics that small and creative business owners have while working towards success.

Find us and follow/subscribe at:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/