Success Beyond Podcast

Proposal season is coming! Are you ready? Honestly, by the time you listen to this podcast it will already be upon us, but as long as you start implementing some of these tips each day, you will be golden. 

So, take the time to enjoy Thanksgiving, finish up your fall sessions and editing, and then it’s time to get down to business on your marketing plan!

One of the best ways to approach proposal season is to make sure that you have your organic feeds up to date and feeling current. You don’t have to post multiple times a day or even daily. Up to four times per week is optimal to make sure that you always have fresh content. 

Then as usual, be sure to hone in on the hashtags that are important to your area. Look up things like engaged in a pretty location in your area, or recently engaged and your city. There are so many ways to approach this, but have your hashtag strategy laid out so you don’t waste any time.

Also, don’t forget to pitch yourself as you engage with people on social media. When it comes down to it, you have to ask for the sale. So don’t be afraid to ask.

Listen in to hear all my tips and tricks and stay tuned to get special information on my upcoming CRM training!

In This Episode:

[00:45] Welcome to the show!

[03:55] Hear some social media tips to get you ready for proposal season.

[10:48] When engaging with people on Instagram, make sure to pitch yourself and other vendors that you work with.

[14:24] Some quick CRM Tips.

[15:25] I’m doing CRM training! Join the email list and get a special Dubsado workflow training.

[19:04] The sale is in the followup.

[21:30] Have a followup plan with potential clients.

Links and Resources:

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Building a national photography business is certainly not easy, but for Morgan Nagle staying local was never the plan. A year after starting her business she had to move and she realized that she didn’t want to miss out on the growth she’d seen in that market. Listen as she shares her story and how she’s begun to build a team to better serve her clients. 

Being able to photograph couples and clients around the nation is a dream come true for Morgan. She now travels all over the country with open dates and sells her packages in person. This shift has helped triple her income even during this pandemic. 

It was then that she realized that she needed to build out her team so that she could work with more clients over more space. She’s sharing how she built her team and how she’s managed it as her business grows. But building a team wasn’t her original goal.

Listen as she shares her tips, her tricks, and why building a team has changed her business and her life. Morgan has learned so much as she’s grown her business over the past few years and she’s sharing it all with you today. You won’t want to miss out on her brilliance.

In This Episode:

[01:12] Welcome to the show, Morgan!

[04:14] Morgan discusses moving her business from Ohio to Tennessee and how she branded to make the relocation easier.

[07:21] Morgan shares some locations she has done photoshoots.

[10:18] Listen, as Morgan speaks about the growth of her company in 2020, even with the pandemic.

[14:11] She discusses the transition from being a solo photographer to have associates that can take over.

[19:26] Morgan speaks about her hiring process when adding team members.

[22:27] Morgan discusses what 2021 looks like for her business.

[25:20] Morgan believes that in-person sales are imperative if you want to have a sustainable photography business.

[29:31] Listen as Morgan gives a tip for anyone wanting to grow their team in 2021.

[31:08] HoneyBook and Fundy are Morgan’s favorite business tools.

[31:43] Morgan shares her favorite quote.

[34:54] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources

Find Morgan:

Morgan Nagle

@heckdesigns

Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

I have had anxiety my entire life. At times it has been crippling and other times it’s just an annoyance but either way anxiety is something I live with and battle. Becoming a business owner, and all the things that it entails, has had me re-evaluating how I manage my anxiety and ways to productively push through. 

I didn’t always know that I had anxiety. In many ways I thought I was just paranoid or that it was normal to immediately think the worst of every situation. It took an old boss of mine pointing out that my thoughts and the narrative in my head were not normal for me to realize that I might have anxiety. 

Before starting my business I decided to see a therapist because I didn’t want to just assume what was wrong with me. I wanted to know. Anxiety is not something to lessen or to downplay. It is very real and it can be debilitating. 

Going to therapy helped me to develop coping mechanisms and helped me reframe my thoughts. Now I use those coping mechanisms to approach each and every day in my life and business and it has been a game changer. 

Listen as I share my thoughts on gratitude and manifestation as ways to cope with anxiety. Almost every business owner that I know deals with some form of anxiety, but this episode is not just for them. If you struggle with anxiety, listen as I share ways that you can battle anxiety in a positive and productive way.

Stop beating yourself up when things aren’t flowing. Use the techniques to stop, reframe, and refocus.

In This Episode:

[00:45] Hey, hey friends, welcome to the show!

[02:31] My experience with anxiety.

[04:18] More about doomsday anxiety.

[06:28] Why I reached out to a therapist.

[08:07] My true diagnosis.

[11:20] Why I write things down and have a gratitude journal.

[14:30] You have to reframe the thoughts in your brain with positive reinforcement.

[18:11] An exercise I use to manage my anxiety.

[22:13] Thank you for listening!

Links and Resources:

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Building a successful business takes time, dedication, and drive. Building a successful business while still in high school? That takes grit and determination as well. Hope Taylor was able to do it and she is sharing her story and how she managed a successful relocation to build her business bigger than ever. 

Hope started her photography business as a junior in high school, but senior year it really started to take off. She was doing senior portraits for her peers and realized that she loved it. After convincing her parents that this was the path she wanted to take, she registered her business and things really took off.

She has since moved into wedding photography and has built a successful course to help other photographers start their business off right. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been one hundred percent worth it. 

In 2019 she moved from her hometown of Fredericksburg, VA to Charleston, SC and essentially had to start from scratch. She was able to do it by strategically using social media and dialing in her marketing strategies. 

Listen as Hope shares more about her journey, all of her transitions, and what it has taken to pursue a full-time business right out of high school. She’s been doing this for years now and has so much to say on what it takes to build a business right now. You won’t want to miss this!

In This Episode:

[01:34] Welcome to the show, Hope!

[02:43] Hope was a senior in high school when she first started her photography business.

[06:20] How she managed to get her dad on board with starting a business versus going to college.

[07:49] Listen, as Hope discusses transitioning to a new area where people didn't know who she was and how she built her company back up.

[12:11] Hope believes there has to be a strategy behind networking.

[15:23] Hope doesn't use Pinterest as much as she does Instagram.

[16:51] Educating is something that Hope has always done because she likes to help photographers pursue their dreams.

[19:58] Hope shares that they have completely revamped her course, and it will reopen the first week of November 2020.

[20:47] Her course is a complete from start to finish course of her senior portrait client experience.

[23:19] Hope gives her best tips for people who want to be a senior photographer.

[24:54] HoneyBook is Hope's favorite business tool.

[25:37] Hope shares a couple of her favorite quotes.

[26:41] If we were to grab a drink in Charleston, where would we go, and what would we drink?

[27:56] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources

Find Hope:

Hope Taylor

Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

If you’re ready to get your books overflowing for 2021, then you need to focus on your marketing strategy. Listen as I share the best ways to stay on top of your marketing today in order to build your business in the coming year. 

First things first, you have to know that 2021 is going to be huge for photographers. Many people had to move their weddings from 2020 to 2021 and as such, will be looking to re-establish communication and relationships with their vendors. 

You need to work on your marketing plan and your overall visibility. How can you do that? First you need to pick a social platform and stick with it. Where are you getting your leads? Where are people finding your business? 

That is where you need to focus your time. Then you need to be sure and always showcase your best work. Make sure that your page is filled with amazing photos of beautiful weddings. Indoor, outdoor, a mixture of both. Show the world what you can do. 

Then double down on your hashtag research. Dig in and make sure that you are covering all of your hashtag bases so that people in your area find you when they start searching for photographers. 

I have so many more tips and advice for ways to get your 2021 calendar booked. Listen in to hear them all!

In This Episode:

[00:48] Welcome to the show!

[01:47] Jenn believes that 2021 is going to be bigger for photographers.

[04:39] It’s important that your marketing showcases your best work consistently.

[06:16] Pinterest is important for your marketing strategy.

[07:12] Focus on the platform you are already getting leads from.

[09:52] Make sure you are getting testimonials for the clients you are working with now.

[11:15] you must engage with potential clients.

[14:08] Have your systems ready to go.

[17:58] Thank you so much for listening!

Links and Resources:

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Horses are amazing creatures. They can help you make a living in so many ways, but they’re also intuitive, kind, caring animals that deserve all the love and attention you can give. Erica Hills has always loved horses, but when she realized that she could combine her love of horses with her passion for photography she knew she’d found her calling. 

She initially went to college to pursue a degree in psychology. In fact she earned her Bachelors and later went back for her Master’s as well. But a career in counseling teenagers coupled with a lack of concern for herself led to a state of burnout. She knew there had to be something better. 

Luckily she already had a pretty decent camera and connections with several friends who had horses and stables which were imperative to her equine photography business. And that, as they say, was that. She has since made leaps and bounds in her business and is quickly becoming known as the go to equine photographer in her area. 

Listen as we chat about her background, her love for school, and why she’s so happy she’s made the change into this new business endeavor. To think that she owes it all to a podcast that she used to listen to where she was first introduced to the world of equine photography!

You won’t want to miss this amazing story.

In This Episode:

[02:13] Welcome to the show, Erica!

[03:06] Erica shares how she got started in equine photography and what she is doing now.

[05:10] Listen as Erica speaks about her psychology degree, school counseling, and the transition into photography.

[08:23] How she found out about equine photography.

[10:04] Erica shares some mentors that have helped her the most in her career.

[10:40] Equestrians of Color is a new project that Erica and some others just launched.

[13:30] Erica gives one tip for anyone who wants to become an equine photographer.

[15:21] “Sometimes people don’t take your pursuit seriously, and it can be frustrating.”

[17:16] Erica discusses the conventions she has gone to that have been the most beneficial.

[19:05] Jenn speaks about a retreat she put together with a client before the pandemic.

[21:09] Erica shares what she practiced, giving her the confidence to build a business.

[22:53] Sometimes, you win, and sometimes you learn.

[27:03] Canva is Erica’s favorite business tool.

[30:01] Erica shares her favorite quote of all time.

[30:52] Erica speaks about where she would take Jenn for a drink and what they would drink if she came to her area.

[33:48] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources

Find Erica:

Erica Hills Photography

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Did you know that your successful business starts with your thoughts and your mindset? If you surround yourself with negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, then you’re likely not going to see the success you want and need, because your mindset is off. 

That’s why this episode is all about the mindset shifts you need to make to see greater success in your work and your business. Step one...stop calling yourself and your business a hot mess (or whatever terminology you use.) 

If you don’t want to be a hot mess and you don’t want to be perceived as a hot mess, then don’t associate yourself in those terms. Stop buying the slogans and sayings and stop surrounding yourself with that negative self-talk. Instead, think of ways that you can remove the mess and make yourself and your business feel more streamlined. 

All of that negative self-talk needs to go. Your mindset needs to be a place that’s open and able to receive positive results. I know that sounds a bit woo, but it’s true. You cannot receive the results of success if you’re busy seeding the fields with negativity. 

It sounds hard, but it all starts with shifting your thoughts as you have them. You don’t have to stop thinking negatively, you just have to realize you’re having those thoughts and shift them toward the positive. 

Listen in to hear all of the tips I’ve learned over the years on how to really shift my mindset and my perspective to be more open to receiving positivity. It has made all the difference in my business and my life and I want you to experience the same. 

In This Episode:

[00:48] Welcome to the show!

[01:34] Mindset shifts to improve your business and why they work.

[02:21] Jenn shares her first tip for changing your mindset.

[05:22] Tip number two is to change your negative inner voice.

[09:52] Sign up for a calming app for a boost during the day. Learn why.

[11:46] If you have mindset tips, Jenn would love to hear them.

[13:00] Thank you for listening!

Links and Resources:

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Your marketing strategy is the key to getting eyes on your business. One of the best ways for photographers to do that is with Facebook Ads. Now I’m no Ads expert, but Becky Burgess of Splash Owl Media is. 

She has spent the last decade + navigating the Facebook ads platform and staying up to date with all of their many changes. In that time she has learned amazing strategies for getting the absolute best bang for every buck you spend. 

Becky is joining me today to talk all things ads. Everything from why you don’t need to spend a fortune to make an impact to how to properly set up your very first ad. She has a wealth of marketing knowledge and if you’re interested in running ads, then you won’t want to miss this. 

If you remember nothing else from this episode, keep this in mind, never ever update an ad while it’s running...and if your ad manager tells you it’s okay, run!

Have you been thinking about running ads? What’s stopped you in the past? Just remember, as photographers, half your ad battle is already won. You’ve already got the most scroll-stopping piece of your creative in the bag! Learn what else you need and then pop over and grab Becky’s FB Ads Mini-Course for additional tips and tricks for running your ads! 

In This Episode:

[01:23] Welcome to the show, Becky!

[03:07] Learn what Facebook ads are and why they are important to your business.

[05:56] Why even a small marketing budget will put your brand in front of more people.

[08:32] How to track your leads.

[10:24] For photographers, getting creative with graphics is key.

[13:18] What are retargeting emails and how should you use them?

[16:20] Learn her recommendations for Campaign Budget Optimization.

[19:56] A step by step walkthrough on how to set up a Facebook Ad.

[24:04] What is the learning phase of Facebook Ads?

[26:55] Why you should never change an ad while it’s running.

[28:44] One actionable tip you can use today.

[31:21] Multiple coffee chats are a great way to build a reputation.

[34:17] ClickUp and Voxer are her two favorite business tools.

[36:23] Learn her favorite quote.

[38:03] If we were to grab a drink in your neck of the woods, where would we go, and what would we drink?

[39:15] Need a free Facebook mini-course?

Links and Resources

Find Becky:

Splash Owl Media

Free Facebook Ads Mini Course

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Here’s the thing, we all have a life to live, and if you’re listening to this podcast, then you also have a business to run. You shouldn’t spend your life worried about your business because if you’ve organized everything properly, they’ll both have the right amount of time and space.

Now, does that mean that everything goes perfectly 100% of the time? No! But you shouldn’t be spending the majority of your days feeling stressed and unsure of how things are going. 

I’m sharing my tips for properly organizing your life to run your business efficiently and it all starts with writing out a typical day and time blocking it on your schedule. Include everything! If you drop your kids off at school and pick them up, time block it. If you’re the one responsible for the morning routine, time block it. Literally write out everything that your day consists of both in life and business. 

Listen in to learn what you should do with the white space on your calendar and why using a digital planner makes life so much easier. Don’t be afraid of making adjustments and changes to your schedule, but know that you have to start somewhere. 

Organizing starts with your calendar but there are so many facets that lead to a well-run life and business. Listen in to learn more.

In This Episode:

[01:56] Everyone has to juggle life and business.

[04:21] Listen as Jenn shares how to organize your life so you can have more freedom.

[05:02] Jenn speaks about writing out your typical day so you can time block it on your calendar.

[07:58] Now write down what happens often and put that on your calendar.

[08:55] Write a list of everything you need to get done.

[13:40] Do you have any white space available on your calendar?

[14:49] Listen as Jenn shares ways to give yourself some extra time.

[18:13] Jenn discusses planners and finding the one that works for you.

[20:17] Digital planners like Artful Agenda will allow you to auto-populate your events.

[23:18] The last thing Jenn speaks about is working your calendar around your optimal work hours, no matter what that time might be.

[29:35] You might have to make adjustments at first, but keep working towards your ideal life.

[30:56] Jenn shares the launch of her new Masterclass, so if you are interested, click here to get on the waitlist.

[31:13] Thank you for listening!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Waitlist for Masterclass

When you’ve found the right niche for you and your business, things just start to happen. While it doesn’t always seem like this is true, that’s exactly what happened for Kira Wood. Listen as she shares how she niched down into boudoir photography and why it was one of the best things she’s done for herself and her business. 

Kira started into the business doing family photography. She did everything from engagements, weddings, to newborns. Then one day a friend asked her to do a boudoir session and she realized the power of making women feel beautiful in their own skin. 

She started to understand how important that feeling of confidence really is after having a lack-luster boudoir session of her own. Kira has made it her mission to help all women love the skin that they’re in and the more she has owned the boudoir space the more success she has found.

Giving over the reins of the business side of her career has been nerve wracking but the time she’s gained back has been put to good use. She’s sharing her tips for becoming the best photographer possible and why investing in yourself and your business is a must. 

How could you invest in your business to move forward toward the life and business that you dream of? 

In This Episode:

[02:18] Welcome to the show, Kira!

[03:10] Kira shares why she niched down into Boudoir photography. 

[06:36] Boudoir photography and horses… Do they mix? 

[07:38] How she transitioned from family photography to boudoir.

[10:48] The investments she’s made in her business and why.

[14:14] What is boudoir photography and why is it her passion?

[15:53] Paying someone to handle your business's business side is scary, but once you turn it over, you free up so much time.

[19:42] How she sets herself apart in a saturated market.

[22:08] Listen as Kira shares her process for getting to know her client before the shoot.

[24:41] Just keep working on your craft if you want to become a working photographer.

[25:33] What is your favorite business tool?

[27:00] "Anyone can do anything you can do, but nobody can be who you are" is Kira's favorite quote.

[27:34] If we were to grab a drink in your neck of the woods, what would we drink?

[28:00] Thank you for being on the show today!

Links and Resources

Find Kira:

Kira Wood

Instagram | LinkedIn

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies