Success Beyond Podcast

There’s really nothing else to say about it… but I will. When it comes down to it, the relationships that you grow and foster each and every day help you to thrive in this entrepreneurial world. 

As photographers there are several different relationships that you should be working to cultivate, but one of the most important is your vendor relationships. I’m not talking about just the wedding planners and venue hosts. I’m talking about your florists, bakers, dress makers. All of your vendors can be wonderful sources of referrals. Especially when you provide them vendor galleries for no additional charge. Let them know  that you’d LOVE them to tag you in any images they use, but if they don’t, oh well. That’s still your work and when asked they’ll tell others who took those photos.

Last but certainly not least you NEED to be attending conferences and in person events. The relationships that you make and thus build over time from those events are priceless. It doesn’t matter if they turn into clients now… in the very near future you will see the fruits of your labor. 

Relationships are the lynchpin of small business. Don’t forget to love on yours.

In This Episode:

[01:58] Learn one of the most important pieces of building a long-term business. 

[04:43] One of the most amazing connections I made was at a retreat and I still talk to most of those ladies. 

[05:48] If you’re a wedding photographer then you need to cultivate vendor relationships.

[08:26] Send galleries to your vendors PRIOR to them asking.

[11:08] Go to networking events… those relationships are so important.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

When you think social media marketing… what comes to mind? If your first thought is to run away screaming… then you’ve obviously never talked with Megan Breukelman. She is a social media marketing guru on top of running her own successful photography business and is dedicated to helping other photography professionals build profitable businesses.

One of the biggest challenges photographers face is maintaining a stable and profitable business. She wants to help change that through solid social media marketing strategy. 

Megan has worked in and around fashion and marketing, and her experiences shape the way she sees, thinks, produces, and shoots. She has also co-founded and built an international digital and print fashion magazine called Atlas Magazine, and does all of her social media marketing herself.

We are taking a deep dive into the benefits of using various social media platforms and how you can use them more effectively. If you’ve been struggling with Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, or are super confused by TikTok, then you’ll want to take notes.

In This Episode:

[00:54] Welcome to the show, Megan!

[01:58] Megan shares a little about her background and where she got her passion for photography.

[03:12] She discusses when she started her magazine and how that led to social media marketing.

[04:44] Megan speaks about living in Florida and going to college there and the friends she made there, including her now-husband.

[06:01] Megan chats about taking social media marketing slowly until you learn all the ins and outs.

[06:39] Megan gives her insights into the benefits and strategies of Instagram.

[09:58] Megan describes how she uses Twitter.

[11:11] Megan believes that Pinterest is a super essential platform and an enormous opportunity for photographers.

[13:16] Megan chats about TikTok and who uses the platform.

[14:16] Megan thinks Facebook groups are where it’s at for lead generation.

[17:15] Megan says to take diving into social media marketing slowly. 

[18:04] What one actionable tip can you give listeners to implement that will improve their social media marketing?

[21:29] Megan discusses the MailButler tool.

[22:50] She shares another one of her favorite business tools called ShootProof.

[24:17] Megan shares her favorite.

[24:54] Megan, thank you so much for being on the show!

[25:21] Any parting words for our listeners today?

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Find Megan:

Megan Breukelman

@meganbreukelman

Instagram | Twitter  | LinkedIn

Photographers Pinterest Guide

The Covid-19 pandemic is still going strong and as such I’ve had to completely revamp my workflow and processes. I’m sharing the strategy I’m using to get a full day’s work in with 40% less time than normal.

You may or may not know this, but I have a VERY active two year old. Also, on the days my husband works, he is gone at least 16hrs at a time. Prior to the current state of events, my son was going to a Montessori style school and I was able to work in my office space downtown.

Fast-forward to now. I get maybe 2 full days in the office each week and my son is home completely. My business is still running at max capacity and I’m still getting everything done, but the way I work has seen a massive change. 

I’m sharing how I’m coping with the loss of “work” time and how I’m making sure to keep my clients top of mind in the process. Five tips you can use any time your life takes a turn and your work capacity changes!

After you listen, shoot me a DM or an email and let me know how you’re getting #allthethings done right now!

In This Episode:

[01:40] What my work life looked like before Covid.

[04:53] … and what it looks like now.

[05:28] First things first, I have to communicate more about my capacity with my clients. 

[07:19] I have restructured when and how I work. 

[12:53] Get super clear about your task list and what your true priorities are.

[15:27] Batch your work as much as you can.

[17:11] Stop being so hard on yourself! Give yourself grace. 

[19:31] - Quick recap of all my tips.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Get ready to learn my top ten tips to move your business forward so you will come out on the other side of this pandemic ready to go. I’m touching on some mindset tips, productivity tips, and ways you can uplevel your skills until you get to start using them again. 

How much attention do you pay to your website? I know you’re posting and adding new content, but have you paid any mind to your SEO? The process can be pretty time consuming, so now is the time to take a minute and spend some time updating your website.

Now’s the time to review your processes as well. Create that welcome packet, review your automated emails, set up your CRM. Make sure that everything is in place to hit the ground running once social distancing is in our rearview.

Also, spend a few minutes and declutter your office space. Put things away, dust, decorate. Clean up your workspace so that you minimize distractions. 

I have so many awesome tips prepped and ready for you, so you definitely don’t want to miss this episode. Most of these are things that you need to be doing regardless of the current social and political climate. It’s possible you have LESS time now than usual, but if you make a few of these a priority now, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the near future!

In This Episode:

[00:43] Hey there, friends!

[01:09] Ten tips to move your business forward that you can do right now that will improve your business on the other side of the pandemic

[01:59] Tip #1 Create SEO (search engine optimization) rich blog content.

[04:39] My second tip is to practice a new skill at home.

[06:03] Tip #3 is to improve and or create your welcome package.

[08:04] Declutter and reorganize your workspace is number four.

[09:47] Tip #5 pre-plan your social media content.

[11:29] Number six is to clean up your email inbox.

[14:13] Tip #7 go outside, keep yourself mentally healthy.

[15:35] Flex your creative muscles is my eighth tip.

[16:33] Tip #9 is to offer face-time sessions.

[17:23] My last tip is to work on your systems and automation.

[19:32] You are going to be needed once this is over.

[20:35] I believe that photographers are some of the most incredible people in the world.

[21:13] If you have questions or would like to brainstorm, I am offering free twenty-minute strategy sessions.

[21:37] I hope you have an awesome day and I will catch you next time.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Do you believe it’s possible to go from being a graphic designer to a booked out wedding photographer in eighteen months? Listen to my guest, Joy Michelle, and I chat about how she did it, the importance of branding, and much more on this episode. 

Joy is an intimate wedding photographer, a YouTuber, and a coach to other creatives like herself. She helps photographers go from passionate to profitable through courses, her Facebook group Photo Boss, and coaching. 

Learn how she got her start in photography, why she believes education is so important when building a small business, and why she teaches and coaches today. Joy also shares the one book she thinks everyone should read called Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller and his course Business Made Simple University.

Joy shares her course Hook and Book Brides, one mistake she made when building her business and why it is so important to niche down and market to your ideal clients. She also gives one piece of advice for anyone who is thinking of becoming a wedding photographer.

We finish up with three final quick-fire questions, where she shares that HoneyBook is her number one business tool. This was such a fun and exciting conversation so grab a margarita and join us.

In This Episode:

[00:43] Hey there, friends!

[01:33] Joy, thank you for joining me today.

[03:01] Can you tell us where you got your start and how you got to where you are today?

[06:06] Joy shares why she believes education is so important and why she teaches and coaches today.

[07:28] What book would you suggest a person wanting to be a wedding photographer should read?

[09:47] Joy speaks about one mistake that she made that she doesn’t want anyone else to make.

[12:00] Joy discusses her course Hook and Book Brides that focuses on marketing and branding.

[14:30] Joy speaks about marketing to her ideal clients and niching down to be memorable.

[16:01] What is one piece of advice that you would give listeners today?

[16:51] Joy shares what her favorite business tool is and why.

[19:37] What is your favorite quote?

[20:17] What is your favorite nightcap?

[20:57] Thank you so much, Joy, for coming on the show today!

Links and Resources

Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller

Business Made Simple University with Donald Miller

HoneyBook

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Find Joy:

Joy Michelle Photography

Hook and Book Brides

@joymichellephotography

Leaving a corporate career is never easy, but Jodie Brim is here to discuss how she made the transition successfully. She is an amazing photographer and shares how she plans her year, why Dubsado is her go-to tool of choice, and the things you should consider as you’re building your business. 

Jodie has been in business since 2013 now and has learned so much about the business. If you’re looking to make the transition, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In This Episode:

[01:28] Welcome Jodie Brim to the show!

[03:05] How did Jodie get started as a photographer? 

[05:25] What’s the difference between a branding session and doing headshots? 

[07:06] Listen as Jodie shares her tips for successfully leaving corporate for entrepreneurship.

[10:46] Learn how Jodie forecasts her goals and income for the year. 

[12:43] How does she break down her tasks to move her business forward? 

[16:21] Jodie shares her favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur.

[18:06] What is Jodie’s favorite business tool and why? 

[19:11] Hear Jodie’s favorite quote. 

[22:03] If she’s going to have a nightcap, what’s in her glass? 

[22:46] Jodie shares her parting advice!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Find Jodie:

Jodie Brim Photography

@jodiebrimphotographyInstagram

“You are never building the brand for where you stand today,” Katie Saunders

How secure is your position in the market, and what is your core message? Listen as my guest, Katie Saunders, and I discuss this and more. Katie is a brand designer and strategist who combines artistic talent with an in-depth knowledge of marketing strategy to create beautiful, effective brands and websites.

Katie and I chat about why branding is so important and how it isn’t always about the logo. You need to brand for where you want your business to go in the future. Learn why finding your ideal client is so critical. 

We also discuss how important it is to know what your brand values are and how to build on them for the future. Katie shares one tip that listeners can use today to uplevel their branding, and I have some fun by asking her a few rapid-fire questions.

Creating a brand you love that also speaks to your ideal client takes time. Listen as Katie imparts some amazing nuggets, so you can get started today.

In This Episode:

[00:46] Hey there, friends!

[01:36] Welcome, Katie! 

[02:03] Katie shares a bit about her background and how she got into branding.

[02:56] What is so important about branding.

[05:13] “You are never building the brand for where you stand today.”

[07:50] Katie and I discuss branding for the future and making sure you know what your brand values are.

[09:14] Be clear on where you want your business to go in the future and who your ideal clients are.

[12:25] Can you niche down too far?

[14:59] Branding is so much more than your logo. Learn why.

[19:51] Katie shares the one tip she wants you to leave with.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Find Katie:

Katie Saunders Design

Pop and Grey

@popandgrey

Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Wondering what a CRM is and why you need one? I’m sharing all the benefits of using client relationship management (CRM) software and why I believe it’s a must for running a successful business. 

I am the owner of Success Beyond The Lens, a business management and marketing company for photographers. I went from the corporate world to the virtual one and I’m not looking back.

My CRM of choice is Dubsado and I’m sharing all the reasons why. I was drawn in by their robust suite of tools and automation capabilities, but the owners and customer service have made me a true fan. Dubsado isn’t for everyone however, so another amazing option is Honeybook.

No matter what, if you’re running a business, you need a CRM.

I’m diving into all the ways your CRM can work for you. The goal is to take back your valuable time by putting your repeatable tasks on autopilot. If you’ve been looking to automate your business, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In This Episode:

[00:45] Hey there, friends!

[00:56] Learn what a CRM is.

[01:08] Have you ever heard of Dubsado? It is my favorite CRM software.

[02:18] Hear all about Dubsado’s triggers and branding ability.

[04:14] With Dubsado, the owners are invested in their customers.

[06:05] I’m digging into why you need a CRM, no matter which one you choose.

[08:01] When you manage your business this way, nothing falls through the cracks.

[08:50] Why do I need to send them to a form when I could talk to them?

[10:46] When you use a CRM, it keeps everything in one place.

[12:14] Schedule emails to go out when you want them to automatically.

[16:11] Do you want to get your life back? Is your business snowballing?

[16:56] If you are interested in using Dubsado, I have a discount code JB913 that’ll get you 20% off.

[17:34] My second favorite CRM is HoneyBook.

Links and Resources

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram 

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

**Dubsado Discount Code: JB913

Welcome to the Success Beyond the Lens Podcast! My name is Jenn Bays and I am going to be giving you the actionable tips and advice I use, every day, to run my client's businesses.

You can look forward to amazing interviews with marketing experts, Facebook Ad gurus, and awesome professional photographers (as well as many, many more!)

I want you to KNOW that you're running a well-rounded business, so listen in and get ready to learn! Being an amazing photographer is the first step, understanding how to run and market your business is the path to success.