Success Beyond Podcast

Have you ever considered adding pet photography to your offers? Kirstie and Caitlin of The Pet Photographers Club join me to share their stories and why they’re passionate about pet photography. They are the perfect people to help you decide if pet photography is for you. 

Kirstie originally hired Caitlin to do photographs of her own pet. What is normally a 1 hour appointment turned into over 4 hours and they knew they’d found their new best friends. They were both already photographers and they got stuck in talking shop and enjoying each other’s company. 

Their friendship continued to grow and they realized that the things they were talking about were likely things others in their field were talking about. Instead of keeping their conversations to themselves, they started recording their podcast which has now grown into a membership. 

They love helping other pet photographers to elevate their skills while giving them a community to share their woes and wins. 

Listen in to hear all their amazing advice and maybe decide if pet photography is for you. These two were a blast to talk to, obviously since this is one of the longest episodes we’ve ever shared. So tell me, do you want to add in pet photography? 

[00:02:09] Welcome to the show, Kirstie & Caitlin!

[00:05:29] They share how they met, the beginning of The Pet Photographers Club, and the podcast.

[00:10:10] They have never recorded any of their podcast episodes in the same room.

[00:11:56] Listen as Kirstie and Caitlin share how the business went from an idea to where it is today.

[00:17:16] Caitlin discusses who she believes isn’t suited to being a pet photographer and why.

[00:19:28] Kirstie talks about other things you should consider.

[00:21:19] If you want to photograph horses you need to have knowledge of horses and their behaviors.

[00:24:45] Caitlin does a lot of work with an organization that pairs service dogs with kids.

[00:26:52] They both love doing shoots with owners who believe their pets can’t be photographed.

[00:29:29] They share some tips on how to get great photos of pets that are more difficult.

[00:34:58] Kirstie gives some great advice on ways to build and market your pet photography business.

[00:46:30] I think that building relationships in photography is very important when marketing your photography business.

[00:47:33] Kirstie compares pet photography to other niches in photography.

[00:50:56] They discuss end-of-life photography and how beautiful but devastating it can be.

[00:56:05] Caitlin shares a story about one of her favorite photo sessions.

[00:59:20] Kirstie talks about one of her favorite sessions.

[01:04:22] They speak about some of the really cool wild animals they have taken photos of.

[01:07:53] Acuity is Caitlin’s favorite business tool.

[01:09:18] Zapier is Kirstie’s favorite business tool.

[01:11:07] “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” is Caitlin’s favorite quote.

[01:11:51] They share where they would take me in their respective cities to get a drink.

[01:14:58] Don’t forget to connect with these amazing ladies.

[01:16:55] Thank you both for being on the show!

The Pet Photographers Podcast Episode S11E08 - The Easy Pinterest Strategy for Photographers with Jenn Bays

The Pet Photographers Club

Podcast | Blog | Instagram

Success Beyond The...

Passive revenue streams are an amazing add to your business, but they take time and energy to get up and running. That being said, if your goal is to bring more money in without working more hours, then it may be time to incorporate some. Listen in to learn more about easy revenue streams you can start today to grow your business in 2022. 

Quick disclaimer, if your goal this year is to get more visible and build a bigger following, then bookmark or save this episode and listen to it toward the end of 2022. Focus on the big goal for the year before trying to incorporate more. But if your goal is to bring in more income, listen away. 

First things first is determining which direction you want to go in your business. Are you leaning toward education? Digital products? Networking and affiliate relationships? Which makes the most sense for your personality and where you want to take your business? 

Then you want to consider the right fit. For instance, if you’re a wedding photographer, then providing a digital product prepping for boudoir photography might not be the best offer for your business. You want your passive income stream to fully align with your overall business goals. 

Last, take your time to create this stream. Again, passive revenue streams are not initially very passive. Be sure you’re putting the proper care and attention toward the creation of this product or low touch service, and then promote the heck out of it. 

What ideas do you have for passive revenue streams? 

[01:07] Getting your passive income streams up and running is anything but passive on your end.

[02:02] “Make sure you are trading less time for more money.”

[04:18] Listen as I share some ideas for making passive income.

[08:05] Think of some other ways you can bring in money.

[10:58] Now figure out how to deliver it to your clients.

[13:00] You also must consider when you have the time to launch it.

[16:40] Do what feels good and authentic to you and take your time.

[18:41] Here is your homework.

[19:36] Thank you for listening!

Where Should I Focus My Marketing Efforts For My Photography Business

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

I don’t know about you, but I’ve seriously considered bringing my husband home to work in my business about a thousand times. But how? How do you make sure that each partner is aligned in their work and that you’re bringing in the money to support it? 

Abby and Matt share how they’re running a successful business as a wife and husband team!

It wasn’t initially in Abby’s plan to build a business that would bring her husband home. She loved taking pictures and was excited to make money doing it. As her business grew however, it made sense to put Matt’s administrative expertise to work. 

They didn’t make the shift immediately. They took it slow and tried to be sure it was the best fit, and it definitely was. They’ve had some learning curves and have definitely had to make shifts to properly detach from work time to home time, but it’s been worth it. 

Listen as they share their story, why having a clear vision and goal in mind is important, and what you can do to set your business up to bring in more help. They were a joy to chat with and I’m excited to use their tips and advice in my own business. 

Who knows, maybe Success Beyond the Lens will become a husband wife team after all. 

[02:02] Welcome to the show, Abby & Matt!

[02:13] Abby shares her background and when Matt came into the business.

[02:42] Matt talks about being the integrator for the business.

[04:38] Abby discusses needing help in her business and not knowing if Matt would be able to integrate successfully.

[08:40] They speak about the first few months and the challenges of being business partners.

[12:44] It’s important to communicate the vision for the business and the customer experience you envision with whoever you hire.

[14:25] Listen as they share how they would onboard Matt differently today versus 7 years ago.

[21:41] Abby talks about the light bulb moment when she realized she needed to give Matt’s ideas a chance.

[23:42] Matt discusses what changed for him a few years into working with Abby.

[25:36] Abby says she won’t do something if she can’t do it well.

[27:43] They talk about the courses they offer.

[31:44] They discuss how they step away from the business to be a married couple and parents.

[39:17] Matt shares how they spend time as a couple.

[44:25] They speak about the get-a-way house and how that came about.

[51:11] Freedom is Abby’s favorite business tool.

[51:35] FG Funnels is Matt’s favorite business tool.

[52:08] They share their favorite quotes.

[54:13] Where they would take me to get a drink in DC and what we would drink.

[55:16] Thank you both for being on the show!

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Abby Grace Photography

The Artisan CEO Podcast

Blog

Instagram 

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook |

Have you ever heard the phrase, “the sale is in the follow-up”? I cannot tell you how true it is. I noticed a HUGE change in my business and my conversion rate when I took this phrase to heart and started following up with potential clients. Listen in to hear my process and how you can adapt it for your business. 

So first things first, after you have a consultation call, do you send a proposal? If you don’t already, you need to add this into your process. It makes all the difference with your client experience and gives you a touch point to follow up on. 

You’d want to send your proposal before the end of the day. That way you have a reason to follow up the next day to be sure they received it and give them a chance to ask additional questions. 

After that initial follow up, I typically recommend following up three days later, then a week later. Just quick touch points to keep the conversation open. 

Now, this next step I don’t do, but I think it’s an amazing idea for building authority and giving your potential client additional reason to work with you. A couple weeks after the initial proposal is sent, it’s amazing to send them a more detailed email with links to previous work, testimonials, and more. 

Does all of this sound like just what you need? Listen in to hear all of my tips and tricks for automating your follow ups and making more sales. 

[00:58] The sale is in the follow-up!

[01:45] We are all busy and it’s easy to forget to follow-up or not move forward.

[02:53] I’m sharing my follow-up process and how you can implement it in your business.

[04:08] The step after a consultation call needs to be in your corner, not theirs.

[05:13] Follow-up the next day to make sure they received your proposal.

[05:41] A week after I will contact them again and see if they are still interested in working with you.

[06:23] The next email will be sent two to three weeks after the original email with the proposal.

[08:26] If you still haven’t received a response, listen as I share what I would do.

[11:30] Your follow-up process should feel good to you and your potential client.

[14:07] I like follow-up sequences to be short and sweet.

[14:55] It helps to have a workflow when doing this process.

[16:47] I challenge you to go ahead and write some emails so that you are prepared for the busy season.

[18:09] I hope this was helpful, thank you for listening!

Creating a Business That Generates Wealth with Tia Nash

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Are you ready to create a safe space within your business for the LGBTQIA people in your life and community, but unsure of the best way to share it? Listens as Ez Powers shares their thoughts and advice about photographing these amazing communities. 

Ez has had a love of photography since they were 8 and their grandfather put a camera in their hand. They traveled together all over the country photographing state parks and beautiful landmarks. Ever since then a love and passion for photography has simmered in Ez’s heart. 

When they were 15 they even went to Kenya and helped bring awareness and help to people who were without water. They have known for years that photographs and representation means something very important. 

As they grew in their craft, they realized what about photography really drew them in. They have now created an unapologetically representative business. Beyond that, they also give back with every full service package. 

Here’s the deal. You have to go beyond advocating for the LGBTQIA community. You have to understand them deeply and without any bias or subjectivity. Ez shares the power of using the right words and moving past acceptance and into understanding. 

Keep reading for some amazing resources if you are not ready to go deeper with this community but know other photographers who are! You’ll definitely want to take notes during this one!

[01:46]] Welcome to the show!

[01:56] Listen as Ez shares about childhood, life, and the photography business.

[05:29] After years in the industry, sharing what things have been learned became their passion.

[06:45] Learn what misgendering is and what you can do to be more aware of it.

[08:23] Ways photographers can curb mistakes when working with trans, queer and non-binary clients.

[11:19] How to affirm and serve the demographic of transgender, non-binary, and meta gender clients without tokenizing.

[13:54] Hear techniques to make sure you are not ostracizing in your copy.

[17:21] Why some people won’t hire a transgender photographer.

[21:09] Are you ready to create a safe space for this community in your business?

[22:19] One thing you can do today to become more knowledgeable about this demographic.

[27:10] “Don’t do what’s easy, do what’s right” is Ez’s favorite quote.

[28:26] HoneyBook is Ez’s favorite business tool.

[29:33] If we were to meet for a drink we would go to Cast Iron Mustache where we could drink coffee or an adult beverage.

[31:40] I appreciate you being on the show and sharing your knowledge.

Jeffrey Marsh - TikTok

Evey Winters

Transnormativity

Suggested Google Searches on YouTube:

Intro to Trans 101

Trans 101

Non-binary explained

Non-offensive phrases you can use if you don’t feel ready to work with transgender clients but want to refer them out:

“I am someone who is not super fluent in working with transgender people and I am actively working on that right now but I do not feel like I am qualified to give you the best experience you could possibly have with a photographer. I think that this person who I know has been working on themselves for a very long time and/or this person happens to be queer or trans might be a 100% full proof photographer for you.”

“I’m happy to work with you if you are aware of those things that I am learning and going through but if you want a space that is all around ready for all aspects and doesn’t remind you of microaggressions then I would go to this person.”

Ez Powers Photo

Would your business survive if you had to take time away unexpectedly? Would the people in your life know how to manage things if for some reason you couldn’t tell them how to do it? Listen in to learn the benefits of having a business headquarters for your photography business. 

God forbid anything ever happens to you that requires you stay away from your business for any amount of time unexpectedly. But things happen, so you need to be prepared. 

So, what is a business headquarters? 

To put it simply, a business headquarters is a hub to quickly and easily find everything you need to run your business efficiently and effectively. Your brand voice, your contracts, your systems and processes all in one place so that you can quickly find them rather than wasting time digging through emails and your Google Drive. 

For my business, we use Clickup. We have an entire space dedicated to Success Beyond the Lens and additionally we have spaces for each client as well. This way, any time we hire a new contractor they can quickly and easily get the lay of the land for the business.

Even if you never plan on hiring anyone else to join you in your business, the amount of time you’ll save by knowing where all of your business assets are is insane. 

Haven’t convinced you yet? Listen in to hear all the reasons you should have a business headquarters for your photography business.

[01:24 ] Let’s talk about why you need a business headquarters.

[02:26] The first thing you need to consider is what project manager you are going to use to store the information needed to run your company.

[04:30] It’s also great to have someone in your company you trust to take over if you aren’t able.

[06:02] Having a CRM is important because you can automate parts of your business so take it one step further by having your headquarters in place.

[08:23] First make a running list of the systems you need to document.

[10:15] Make it simple by making screen recordings of everything you do and letting someone else write up your SOP’s.

[12:30] Do your business headquarters in bits and pieces and update it as your company evolves.

[14:20] Even if you are a solopreneur and plan on staying that way, these processes will help you.

[17:14] I highly recommend just starting with the basics.

[18:14] Thank you for listening!

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

When good people make money they empower more good people to make more money. Which is why Theo Nash helps others create businesses that generate wealth and help speed the process of change. Listen as they share their story and why they’re so passionate about changing the landscape of wealth and weddings. 

Theo is a queer, trans, non-binary photographer and business coach who has dedicated themself to changing the image of weddings. When they were getting engaged to their now wife, they realized that there weren’t any websites showing images of their kind of love. 

Now there is!

From trauma-informed marketing to inclusive imagery, Theo is living their mission and values each and every day. But that wasn’t enough. 

If their anti-capitalist, punk rock loving teen self could see them now… As Theo has grown into their business, they realized what generating wealth really means. It means being able to make a difference while still financing their own life and dreams. 

It means being able to source and pay for resources when family, friends, and acquaintances see hard times. It means being able to give with their time as well as their money because wealth opens up avenues of possibility. 

Listen in to hear their story and learn more about their current business and how they want to continue to grow and create opportunity in the future. 

[01:43] Welcome to the show, Theo!

[02:03] They share what they do and who they serve.

[06:26] Listen as Theo discusses what trauma aware marketing is all about.

[10:29] How they built a consent-based business.

[11:58] They built their business to align with their values.

[14:53] They share how they prepare their clients for the views they may get if they allow them to release their photos.

[17:20] Ways to be aware of ensuring we are affirming people instead of putting them in a place of vulnerability with social media marketing.

[20:05] Learn about their followup policy after sending a proposal.

[24:29] Good people need to make more money and they share ways to generate wealth.

[28:04] Not everyone has time to start their own business, so their mission is to hire people and pay them a good wage with great benefits.

[33:20] How to raise your prices in a way that you are comfortable with.

[36:03] Tia shares one actionable tip you can do today to get your prices where you need them.

[41:07] “Do not let how I was raised with money affect how I let people pay me.” 

[42:50] Their favorite business tool is Dubsado and favorite marketing tool is TikTok.

[44:24] They share where they would take me for a drink if I were in New Orleans.

[45:43] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Season 2 Episode 6: Manifesting a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From with Billy Alice

Theo Nash Photography

Blog

Instagram | TikTok

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Ever felt ridiculously overwhelmed with how to market your photography business? There’s social media, local outlets, ads, organic marketing, and do you or do you not incorporate video? Listen in to learn where you should focus your marketing efforts for your photography business. 

Here’s the thing about marketing, if you don’t feel good doing it, you won’t do it. Which isn’t really an option as a photographer, or any business owner really. You need to market your business and you need to do it in a way that feels authentic to you. 

For instance, perhaps you’re falling into the “shoulds” of video, if it doesn’t feel authentic, don’t do it. If it doesn’t work for your audience, don’t do it. But if you’re genuinely interested in trying out a new medium, then try it!

So, here's a quick breakdown of my thoughts on where you should start looking to market your business in 2022. If you’re already on Instagram, try reels. If it doesn’t feel good, then stop, but try it! If your reels are going really well, it’s time to look at marketing on TikTok. 

Are you a branding photographer for professionals? Check out LinkedIn. In all of the above, Pinterest is a good idea. It’s main purpose is to boost your SEO and get traffic to your website. More traffic equals more leads. 

Lastly, build your email list! Emails are now and will likely always be one of the most important marketing channels because you get to have a real conversation with you potential clients.

You don’t have to do all of these things. Pick just one. Try it out. Play with it. Get really good at it. Then consider adding on. That’s the beauty of creating a marketing plan that supports your business and life. It caters to what feels good and right for you!

[01:00] Welcome to the first episode of 2022!

[01:25] I want to help you on a path to marketing your business in a way that feels authentic to you.

[02:28] You don’t have to do videos to grow your business, but it can help.

[03:20] For any photography business, Instagram Reels and TikTok are good places to be.

[04:26] If you are already on Instagram, then Reels is where I would start.

[07:12] If you have the time and ability to learn TikTok, I would recommend it for 2022.

[08:38] LinkedIn can be a great resource for photographers that are in professional markets.

[12:38] The benefit of Pinterest is that it can help your SEO.

[13:02] Email marketing is one of the most important tools that you can have in your marketing tool kit.

[17:30] I love blogging! When you consistently blog for your website, you are constantly boosting your SEO.

[20:09] Focus on where you feel the least resistance.

[21:52] Thank you for listening!

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

I don’t know about you, but lists are my jam. Which is why, since I started the podcast, I always create a “year in review” episode. I know that 2021 is not over, but season 1 of the podcast is, and I wanted to be sure I did a recap of this year before we take a break and come back in 2022.

First of all, this has been our absolute best year in business. We hit our very first five-figure month in January and have not gone below it since. Which of course is amazing, but this quick growth definitely revealed some holes in the business. 

As we continued to bring on new clients and new contractors, I realized that though systems are near and dear to my heart, I’d failed to implement them in my own business. 

Cue, stepping into the CEO role like a boss. 

Okay. There have definitely been some bumps and bruises, but think about it this way. In what business ever, have you had an entry level employee become the CEO of the business in four years? Because that’s essentially what happens when you own a business that goes from being an idea to a reality. 

Listen in to hear all about this year and why I fully believe that my focus on myself and putting myself first has led to the massive growth we’ve seen in the company. I am so excited to see what 2022 has to offer. 

Let’s do this!

[01:20] I love hearing and watching a year in review!

[03:28] Since I have been doing this podcast, I review the previous year because it’s fun and there are lessons to be learned for the new year.

[04:09] 2021 has been an incredible year for Success Beyond the Lens.

[04:45] My challenge this year has been figuring out how to be a CEO.

[08:02] In January 2021, we hit our first five-figure month and in October we officially crossed the hundred thousand dollar mark.

[11:00] With growth, there were challenges that had to be worked out.

[13:59] I also had to figure out how to grow a company while still taking care of myself.

[16:13] I had to learn how to put myself above the business.

[17:18] I hired a therapist and laid down all of my issues and anxieties and we have been working on straightening my **ish out.

[22:07] One of the most exciting things I have done to make time for me is riding my horse and the freedom and power felt amazing.

[24:27] It’s been a foundational year for the business and for my personal life.

[25:33] My one actionable tip would be to invest in who you are as a person.

[29:24] It’s been an incredible year and I am so excited for 2022.

[29:50] I will see you guys with new episodes in January!

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies

Are you ready to start planning for 2022 for your photography business? If your response to that is heck no. I’m still recovering from this year. Then this episode is your ticket to making 2022 better! Learn why you need to complete a business audit for next year. 

Think about this past year. What words would you use to describe it? Would you say you had more negative or positive words come to mind? 

If your answer is negative, then it’s time to dig in. Systems issues? Assign time in January to learn them. Time management? You need to work on creating a better calendaring system.

What went wrong this year is key for what you should focus on fixing for next year. 

Next, review the positive words that came up for you. Those are usually the things that went well or that you’re happy with. Find ways to do more of those things in 2022. You may need to consider hiring in 2022 or upleveling your skills. 

Business audits are key to growing and scaling any business. For photographers, these audits can mean the difference between a business that excites and one that drains you. Listen in to learn all of my tips and tricks to properly perform your photography business audit.

[01:07] Thank you for joining me today!

[02:16] I am focusing on auditing your business so that you are ready for 2022.

[03:00] I want you to grab a pen and paper and brain dump the words and feelings you would associate with this past year.

[05:02] Let’s dive into the negative words you have chosen for 2021.

[08:05] If systems are your problem, plan on taking a few hours each week in January to learn it.

[11:56] It’s imperative that you are working with a setup person who will allow you the time to learn the system.

[14:08] Finding a happy balance between your business and personal life is important if you are trying to figure out how to keep from being overwhelmed.

[18:10] It’s easier to have your assistant hold your boundaries and say no to requests than it is for you.

[21:38] I discuss being overwhelmed, but not overbooked.

[25:00] Let’s talk about the positive words you have on your list.

[28:13] If you have positive thoughts about some things in 2021, try to continue doing those things in the new year.

[32:17] Look at your business and see what tasks you can delegate that take up too much of your time.

[36:16] As you delegate tasks, your business will grow.

[37:10] Have a great Thanksgiving week!

[37:24] Thank you for listening!

Success Beyond The Lens

@successbeyondthelens

Instagram

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Facebook | Picbabun

Grab your Boundaries Resources

Editable Welcome Packet Template

Pinterest Freebies