Shine and Thrive Photography Podcast

Today, I want to talk about the difference between struggling photographers and time and income abundant photographers. Yesterday, I watched a show called "Million Dollar Listing" and it got me thinking about success and abundance. There was a couple on the show who seemed to have it all - a successful real estate business, a beautiful house, and all the material possessions one could desire. But as I watched, I realized that they were overworked, stressed, and constantly on the verge of burnout. It broke my heart to see them sacrificing their well-being and family time for the sake of their business. 

This got me thinking about photographers who are in a similar situation - overworked, underpaid, and struggling to find balance. Many photographers are doing everything themselves, which leads to exhaustion and low income. In fact, when you calculate the hours worked and the income earned, most photographers are making less than minimum wage. It's a heartbreaking reality. That's why I'm so passionate about teaching photographers how to work smarter instead of harder. 

Outsourcing is the key to reclaiming your time and increasing your income. By delegating tasks like editing, culling, and album design, you can free up your schedule and focus on what you love most - capturing beautiful moments. 

I've been outsourcing for nine years now, and it has been a game-changer for my business. It allows me to work fewer hours, make more money, and have more time for my family and well-being. 

I want to share this knowledge with you all because I believe that success is not just about money and possessions. It's about living a slow, abundant life where you have the time and freedom to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

If you resonate with any of the symptoms of an underpaid and overworked photographer - constantly playing catch-up, feeling low energy and creativity, and hitting an income ceiling - I encourage you to explore the possibility of outsourcing. It may seem daunting at first, but it's the fastest and most effective way to reclaim your time and increase your income. 

I'll be hosting a free masterclass where I'll be sharing “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer”. I'll also be sharing my three-step outsourcing made easy framework, which has helped hundreds of photographers transform their businesses! This masterclass is live, so you'll have the opportunity to ask me questions and connect with other photographers in the community! 

Cheers to slow, abundant living and becoming time and income abundant photographers together! I'm here to support you every step of the way. Click the link below or DM me the word “masterclass” on my Instagram @saramonikaphoto for the registration link.

RESOURCE + LINKS:

 “The 4 Secrets To Becoming a Time + Income Abundant Photographer” FREE live Masterclass 

Imagine being able to work as little as 2 to 4 hours a day and still run a thriving six figure photography business (← yep, read that again) 🤯

This has been my reality and the reality of many of my Outsourcing Made Easy students for a while now… I remember feeling like nobody could do things as well as I could in my business… 

Like it was a badge of honor to do everything myself… Like my clients would think less of me if they saw I had support… Like I couldn’t afford it, where would I even start, what if the person I brought in got things wrong and MY WHOLE BUSINESS BURNED DOWN…  Okay a liiittle dramatic but you get my drift, right? 😅

Which is why whether you’re new to my community or an old timer, you’ll notice that I constantly share REAL, “no-details-held-back” examples from my students to help PROVE what’s possible for you, too #cantstopwontstop 😂

Because truthfully, the “doing” part of outsourcing is the easy part. The hard part is getting over all of those limiting beliefs that stop you from getting started in the first place.

Which is why I’m so excited to share that it’s *that* time of year again! 🎉 For the next few weeks, you’ll get to hear directly from my Outsourcing Made Easy students about their experiences. And boy, do I have a great episode to kick things off with this week 🙌 

On this week’s episode of The Shine + Thrive Photography Podcast you’ll meet Jessica, who was able to get back a minimum of 15 hours per week, sometimes only working 2 hours a day 🤩

Tune in to discover:

✨ How Jessica was able to get over the belief that nobody can do things as well as she can in her business AND her desire to want to do all of those things herself

✨ The first “baby step” things Jessica started outsourcing and in what order 📋

✨ How quickly Jessica was able to find a VA, the number of hours they started with, and how much Jessica paid for this support (hint: it’s WAY more affordable than you might think!)

✨ What Jessica’s life looks like now and how she’s adjusted to working sometimes as little as 2 (!!) hours a day 🤯

✨ All of the things Jessica’s VA now helps with that give Jessica back a minimum of 15 hours a week (including things you may not have even realized you could outsource yet!) 

✨ How many hours Jessica has saved across the year vs. how much she spent on this support 💸

✨ What Jessica loved most about Outsourcing Made Easy and her final words of advice for anyone who may be toying with getting started on their outsourcing journey

Resources + Links:

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Jessica’s Annual Pet Calendar Contest Fundraiser: GoGo Photo Contest

Jessica’s Website

Jessica’s Facebook

Jessica’s Instagram

I LOVE a good student success story and this one with Katie Silva, one of my Outsourcing Made Easy students, gives me all the feels! Come on a journey with us to discover how Katie was able to transform her life and business through OME these past few years, plus her advice for starting your own outsourcing journey (whatever that may look like for you!)...

Tune in to learn…

• Katie’s pre-Outsourcing Made Easy journey – from leaving her government job, to Covid cancellations in 2020, to discovering boudoir photography, to opening her own studio [10.21]
• A snapshot of Katie’s life at her most overwhelmed, and how she was able to move through her fear and throw herself into outsourcing [17.06], [20.47]
• Why looking for a “magic pill” won’t work if you’re feeling burnt out right now and the *real* secret to sustainable, long-term success as a photographer [22.42]
• A deep dive into all the things Katie now outsources and her learnings along the way [25.38]
• How Katie hired an in-person assistant to maximize her time on shoot days and stay firmly in her zone of genius (+ keep her clients even happier!) [29.00]
• Katie’s most stubbornly-held false belief around outsourcing, which she has now overcome (and how you can too!) [31.59]
• A handful of the pursuits Katie now channels her new-found energy into and how her relationships have changed for the better thanks to OME [39.59]
• The number #1 thing you NEED to hear if you think paying someone else to do something you “could” technically do yourself is a waste of money (and why it’s a sure-fire way to keep yourself in burnout city) [36.51]
• Katie’s favorite parts of OME and the importance of a strong, supportive community throughout your outsourcing journey [43.54]
• What happened when two of Katie’s Tik Toks went viral and McDonalds slid into her DMs… (yup, for reals!) [47.52]
• Why it’s NEVER too early (or too late!) to get on the outsourcing train [49.34]
• Katie’s final words for anyone considering Outsourcing Made Easy <3 [56.34]

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

Have you ever thought about beginning to outsource in your photography business but didn't take action on it because you wondered what the cost would be and if it would be worth it? If you are stuck in a world of burn out, and overwhelm, while not making the income you need and desire as a photographer, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Hit play now to find out the true cost of outsourcing, and what you are leaving on the table when you choose NOT to outsource in your business.

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

Who doesn’t love a good student success story? Especially one this inspiring!

This week I’m talking with Rachel Bowman – photographer, mom of two, and student of my program, Outsourcing Made Easy. We’ll be diving into her incredible journey and how she was able to gain back so much time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom through the program, in just 10 months.

Tune in to discover…

• What Rachel’s life looked like before outsourcing as a mom and a full-time photographer [9.23]
• Why letting go of the belief that hiring someone = losing money changed everything for Rachel and what you should know if you’re feeling the same way [16.37]
• How to know if you are on the brink of burnout and the moment Rachel knew she needed to make changes [18.15]
• The transformation Rachel experienced in the quality of her life just 10 months after starting her outsourcing journey, plus everything she now outsources in her business [19.23], [23.28]
• What to do if you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” in your business and how to reignite the love for your craft [22.52]
• How to let go of control and why it’s important to let your business baby grow into an adult! [24.27]
• Why taking your time with your outsourcing journey and doing it your way is the key to success [26.28], [40.41]
• The very first thing Rachel let go of in her business [30.56]
• Rachel’s biggest takeaway from Outsourcing Made Easy that allows her to stay focused and make space for new ideas in her business [28.15]
• Rachel’s final thoughts on her experience and why she’ll be coming back to OME  time and time again as her business grows [37.17], [42.33]

I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step in your outsourcing journey! If you’re curious about hopping on the outsourcing train, then be sure to join my priority list for Outsourcing Made Easy in the show notes below ;)

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

How can a photographer know if they are ready to start outsourcing in their business? Also, is it worth it? After all, it can be scary to let go of control, and also let go of some of the money you've earned, but as you learned in the last episode it's possible to train someone to do tasks exactly how you do them, and you're leaving money on the table if you're not outsourcing yet. Aka, it's costing you MORE money NOT to outsource. Tune into this episode to learn the 3 signs that are proof you're ready to start outsourcing in your photography business!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer

If you a burnt-out and overwhelmed photographer, and you're not sure how to stay sane right now, then this episode was literally made for you!

Jess is one of my Alumni students from my Outsourcing Made Easy for Photographers program and she shares how she went from working long hours 7 days a week, missing precious time with her husband and 2 boys, and just feeling plain overworked to sunshine + rainbows. She said that she was basically able to find more freedom for herself in her life and keep the same income she was earning as a photographer! She no longer remembers what burnout even feels like! If you dream of this kind of lifestyle freedom then tune into the episode now and enjoy hearing Jess's transformation story!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom

At the start of the year, you get all excited to finally start shooting again, and for the opportunity to get creative. You really believe that this year will be different than the last. Meaning, you won't get overworked and burnt out because you feel like you are more organized than you were last year and you made a promise to yourself that your health and life is a priority and that burnout is no longer welcome in your life.

Then, you somehow find yourself in the final 2 or 3 months of the season, backlogged with editing work, culling, and emails flooding in that make you feel more overwhelmed and even sometimes resentful of your clients. You can't seem to catch up even though you are working every single day for 12-15 hours. Sound familiar? Tune into this episode right now to learn how YOU can avoid burnout all year round to have the quality of life you desire!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

Free Masterclass Registration: The 4 Secrets to Having More Time + Financial Freedom While Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer
https://courses.saramonika.com/4-secrets-to-freedom

I’ve been waiting for the right time to share this. I’m not going to lie– it feels pretty vulnerable for me to share. But I know that vulnerability = connection, and if I can help just ONE person feel less alone by sharing my story, it’s all worth it to me!

If you’re a mom photographer trying to balance motherhood and work…

Or if you just want to discover how you can earn more and work less… 

This week’s episode is for you.

Tune in to discover:

✨ How clinging onto “pre-mom Sara” caused me unnecessary suffering

✨ How I was able to re-define my own personal version of success (and why I’m PUMPED to go after it)

✨ How I uncovered the limiting subconscious belief that I need to work 8 hours a day to be success

✨ Signs in my life that slow, abundant living is meant for me and may be meant for you!

✨ How creating outsourcing systems allowed me to go from working 12-15 hour days to just 2-4 hours a day in my photography business

✨ Why understanding the law of reciprocity can help you shed your guilt about desiring more money

✨ How mastering outsourcing is way more affordable than you might realize

✨ Why my old version of success doesn’t align with my life today (and why this evolution is totally normal and natural)

Want to hear my raw, unscripted, vulnerable share with all the juicy details? Hit Play now!

RESOURCES + LINKS:

Get your spot in the workshop on September 18, 2024: Reclaim Your Time + Energy Workshop for Photographers
https://calendly.com/saramonika/reclaim

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Priority List:
https://courses.saramonika.com/omewaitlist

I didn’t expect this! My mind is still blown about the 11 powerful life lessons that my recent 10-year anniversary trip with Rory taught me…💍 In just 11 days! That’s like 1 profound lesson a day! …But that’s exactly what happened. 

Rory and I recently spent a week vacationing in France and Belgium to celebrate us and the life we’ve built together! ✈️ And while getting a minimum of 25k steps a day in Paris… 🍷 And riding e-bikes through the gorgeous French countryside… 😍 And dancing our asses off at TOMORROWLAND🎊… 🔊

I gathered some powerful life lessons that you can totally apply to your business! But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some moments were downright challenging and forced me to lean hard on my mindfulness skills. 🧘

I wanted to share these “aha-s” with you with the intention of unlocking a new dimension in your mind so that you can start to notice all the possibilities surrounding you each day! 

Tune in to discover:

✨ How a passionate sommelier reminded me to avoid the “I’ll-be-happy-when” trap 🍷

✨ A synchronistic encounter that proves people are noticing us online (even when we feel like no one is paying attention)

✨ An example of how I was unapologetically myself at a high-end restaurant + how empowered I felt 💅

✨ How to stop seeing things as “good” or “bad” so you can handle challenges better and find more joy in what’s all around you

✨ Why I don’t complain about jet lag, and how you can steal my trick to better deal with challenges in life + business

✨ How I got HIGH off good music and good vibes (no joke! - tune in to hear these juicy details!) 

✨ An inside look at the 12/10 customer experience at 🎉TOMORROWLAND (the world biggest EDM music festival), and how you can recreate this in your photography business

✨ How to create “evangelists” that will promote your business FOR you 🤯

✨ The time I drew a crowd with shuffling (an EDM style dance) and why you’ll feel inspired to share your gifts with the world too!

✨ How to choose happiness regardless of your circumstances

✨ How balancing your feminine and masculine energy can improve your life, career, and relationships, and a real example from my life

✨…And so much more!

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get on the Outsourcing Made Easy Waitlist here!

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