Success Beyond Podcast

Discovering how to make a full-time income in your photography business is the key to living your dreams. No matter if you’ve been working in your photography for days, months, or years, you have to know your numbers and recognize whether or not you’re truly making money. 

Gina Brocker and Angie Bonin are two amazing photographers who have come together to create a program for new and struggling photographers. Rather than winging this business thing, they help you step fully into your numbers and strategy to create real success. 

I find it so fascinating when business owners come together to create entirely new ventures together. Listen as they share their story and why they felt the need to create their program. 

We also chat about the program itself and how you can start figuring out your numbers now. If you’ve been struggling to generate income and truly build a business that supports you and your dreams, then listen in and consider joining them in Revealing the Narrative. 

[00:51] Welcome Gina and Angie of Revealing the Narrative to share their story. 

[02:25] How did their partnership spark? 

[03:40] What is the strategy behind making a full-time income in a photography business? 

[06:06] Don’t charge based on other people’s businesses. Your prices are your prices.

[07:49] How do they support their students in saying no to opportunities that aren’t right for them? 

[10:53] The work you’re saying yes to is keeping you from taking the jobs that you’re excited about. 

[13:40] Do they help their students calculate their numbers to better understand their pricing? 

[16:23] What kinds of hidden expenses could you be forgetting in your business? 

[20:01] Are there expenses that new photographers should avoid when they’re starting out? 

[23:06] You should definitely have an emergency fund. 

[25:09] How I felt after getting my first profit and loss statement back. 

[27:08] Gina and Angie help their clients to raise rates even when it feels scary. 

[28:15] Your pricing should not be directly related to how good a photographer you are. 

[31:42] Angie and Gina share their favorite quotes. 

[32:29] What are their favorite business tools?

[34:28] How often should photographers re-evaluate their expenses? 

[36:43] Where would we get drinks if I were in their town? 

[38:57] Connect with Gina and Angie. 

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There is a huge difference between being consistent in creating content and constantly creating content. Just as there is a difference in being consistent in your business and constantly working in your business. You need to be consistent. You do not need to be constantly “on”.

The hustle culture that has been bred in recent years has been heavily influenced by the whims of social media algorithms. That being said, it has been proven that if you’re posting twice a day every day you’re actually hurting your post reach. 

Algorithms change. Rather than catering to the algorithm, create a consistent posting and engagement schedule that works for you and your business. When you are consistent with your schedule and time, you will attract better clients and find more balance in your business. 

Listen in as I share ways that you can create consistency and give yourself space to step away and take care of you and your family. If you feel like you’re constantly doing things for your business, then you need this episode. 

[00:51] I’m super excited to have you here today!

[02:02] I write my goals down on my Aqua Notes in the show and the reminders app on my phone to keep me on task.

[03:14] There is a difference between consistency and constantly.

[05:07] It is better to post on social media twice a week than never. You don’t have to post every day.

[07:18] Look at your work week in advance. It will give you the opportunity to plan your week accordingly.

[10:30] There is a lot of volume in the photography industry right now.

[11:32] Thinking you have to do so many things constantly can lead to burnout and overwhelm.

[13:04] Have a great week!

Organize Your Life to Run Your Business More Efficiently - Episode 21

Preparing to Be Booked Out in 2021 - Episode 25

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Sparkle Hustle Grow

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I am so excited that you’re listening to this conversation. (If you haven’t started it yet, don’t delay. Hit play now!) Adam and I dug into so many different things both personal and business related. He shared so many fantastic tips and advice but the best was why it’s important to find your why. 

Adam was raised by a single mom in a small town and was very involved in his church. He went to college with a focus on music but due to his own actions was kicked out. He was later offered his dream job but he realized that he wanted and needed more. 

He took the leap and started doing photography full time after building his business on the side of his full time job. He has since built a multiple six-figure photography business and is helping others to do the same. 

What has been constant through all of this? His why. Though the actual why has changed over the years as his life has grown and expanded, he's constantly working toward his goals. When things get hard, when the business seems impossible, he thinks about his why and it keeps him motivated. 

We also dive deep into the issue of burnout. It seems so prevalent this year as the world starts to open back up after the lockdowns. He himself is shooting over 70 weddings this year. How does he avoid burnout? 

For Adam it’s all about living in his purpose. If you’re living in your purpose you’ll never experience burnout. On the flip side, if you’re feeling burnout, it may be time to make some changes. 

If you’re ready to hear some amazing advice from a fantastic photographer, then listen in and keep a notebook handy. Adam really is dropping all the truth bombs!

[00:53] Welcome to the show Adam!

[01:16] He shares his background and what he is doing today.

[04:01] Adam talks about the diversity he shoots in D.C.

[07:00] He discusses his journey to photography.

[11:51] Adam speaks about going out on a limb to start his business and some mistakes he made along the way.

[17:17] He talks about finding your why and how that can get you through the tough times.

[22:23] If you are fulfilling your purpose, there will not be any burnout.

[27:31] “Imposter syndrome only occurs when you try to be someone else.”

[32:30] Adam believes that marketing to your ideal client is beneficial.

[34:36] His cats’ name is Penny, and he shares some never heard info.

[37:27] Adam shares some things that are important to grow your business.

[42:08] “The more you sweat in peace the less you sweat in war.” Is his favorite quote.

[43:13] Tava is his number one business tool.

[45:29] Adam shares where he would take me for a drink and what we would drink or eat.

[47:30] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Mason Photography

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What is one thing you do to make your clients and customers feel as if they are number one in your business and that you’re interested in their needs and wants? For Brooke Van Groningen it was to create a questionnaire. Listen as she shares how she started off, what she’s doing now, and then we dig into how to create and use questionnaires to uplevel your business.

She started her questionnaires in Google just to gather the pertinent information but then later realized that she needed everything in one place. She got hooked on HoneyBook and created her questionnaires there. 

After we discuss what she’s doing now, we chat all about the ways she can uplevel her questionnaires. We dig deep into the actual questions she’s asking, different ways she can use the information, and how the questionnaires can help her create content and marketing assets. 

This was an amazing conversation with some fantastic takeaways. It was so much fun to dig into all of the awesome things Brooke is already doing and then making just a few tweaks to make things even better. 

If you haven’t started incorporating questionnaires in your business, you need to listen to this one.

[01:11] Brooke shares her background and what she is doing now.

[04:03] She talks about the system she uses to keep track of her clients and emails.

[06:31] I want to know how much information you get when you have them fill out the intake form.

[09:50] I share what I believe needs to be on the client questionnaire and intake form.

[13:01] A way to build your SEO and portfolio is to do a blog off of your questionnaires.

[14:58] Make sure to tag the locations you are shooting at.

[17:24] The questionnaire is 100% one of the best tools you can use.

[19:35] I discuss which questions I would keep on the intake form and which ones I would move to the questionnaire or remove altogether.

[23:33] You could use the answers on your intake or questionnaire to send them a gift card to uplevel their experience.

[27:04] HoneyBook is Brooke’s favorite business tool.

[27:31] Her favorite quote is; “Take notice of what light does to everything.”

[28:02] She shares where she would take me for a drink in St. Louis.

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What is the hardest thing for you to do in your business? If your answer is, hand over the reins, then you’re not alone. Across all industries and most business owners, letting go of control is one of the most difficult ideas to process, but you have to do it to grow. Listen in to learn more.

Here’s the deal, as a business owner, you do not have to be good at everything. You do not need to be the expert in every facet of your business. You simply need to be the expert at your main offering, right? 

Which means that you need a team to handle the other pieces of your business. 

Believe it or not, when you hire properly, your team really will believe in the business as much as you do. They will know how to do things, sometimes better than you do. They will make your life and your business run much more smoothly because you don’t have to think about every single detail. 

I’m passionate about helping business owners feel jazzed about their businesses. To do that, they have to trust me to take care of their business and, in some ways, them. 

Listen in to hear my thoughts on how you can begin to relinquish control and take back the time and space to nurture your own genius!

[00:45] Hey friends, thanks for joining me today!

[01:22] The most common thread between all industries and clients is letting go of control.

[03:22] I want you to consider the belief that no one can do it as well as you can.

[05:21] Find your weaknesses because those are the things that you probably aren’t doing well and are the first things you should outsource.

[08:10] In order for your business to succeed, you have to do things outside of your comfort zone.

[09:31] Wedding season is the time that photographers feel the pressure of getting behind.

[10:41] Outsourcing your email or CRM management, in my opinion, is the best thing to outsource during peak season.

[13:15] When you allow yourself to give up control, you will gain the space you need to take care of the things only you can take care of.

[16:22] You gain emotional and mental space when you give up control.

[18:11] Good luck during this peak season!

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Our meet the team series continues with Taylor Prince. Taylor is one of our amazing Client Experience Managers and she is an invaluable member of our team. Listen as she shares more about her business, her role, and her life. 

Taylor started in the virtual assistant world just after having her first daughter. She tried a bunch of different things, as you should, and realized that the executive assistant role and tasks were her favorite. 

Now at Success Beyond the Lens, she is responsible for making sure client accounts run smoothly. She is in charge of email inboxes, calendar management, and some very light content creation and she said she loves it. 

When she’s not working, she’s spending time with her daughter doing learning activities and potty training in preparation for her new little one’s arrival. 

Taylor truly is one of our standout team members and it has been so much fun to watch her grow and flourish in this role. She is a key component of what makes this company successful and I’m so happy to share her story with you.

[01:32] Welcome to the show, Taylor!

[01:39] She shares a little about herself and her life.

[03:43] LIsten to hear what a day in the life of a Client Experience Manager looks like.

[05:42] In this role, time management challenges her the most.

[07:50] Making inquiry phone calls is something she really enjoys doing when she has time.

[09:30] Taylor talks about what she likes to do when she has time off.

[11:42] She shares a tip for anyone who wants to hire a virtual assistant or is looking to work with Success Beyond The Lens.

[14:42] “Never give up on your dreams.” Is her favorite quote.

[15:18] Monday and Dubsado are two of her favorite business tools.

[15:54] If Taylor wasn’t pregnant, she would take me to have a margarita at one of the small bars in town.

[16:50] Thank you for being on the show!

Taylor’s VA Biz

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I’m so excited to continue our On Air Coaching Series with Emily Ross of Lavender & Light Photography. Emily has recently gone all-in with her photography business and is feeling the squeeze of needing automation to stay on top of her work. Listen as she shares her concerns and we tackle some of the ways to uplevel your client exposure through simplifying. 

Emily lives in a small town where most of her work comes from people she already knows, knows through acquaintances, or who are referred to her. She loves the community that she is slowly building and doesn’t want to lose that personal touch. 

That being said, it’s very time consuming to still be managing all of the details of the lead, intake, and client management process when some things really can be automated. 

We touch on her need for a streamlined communications process as well as scheduling process. While she has her Google Calendar connected to her HoneyBook there are still some issues with her availability that we work through as well. 

So that she can keep that personal feel, we also chat about ways to update the automated emails within HoneyBook so that they read more like personalized emails coming directly from her. 

Are you struggling with some of these issues as well? Listen in to learn ways that you can uplevel your client experience, simplify your processes, and continue to grow and scale while remaining personable and customer-focused.

[01:04] Emily shares her background and what she is doing now.

[03:01] She speaks about what inspired her to make photography her full-time business.

[06:46] I asked her to tell me three things that she needs help with around her business.

[06:50] Listen as Emily talks about what her process is right now and where she gets her inquiries.

[08:20] Scheduling is an issue because her process isn’t streamlined.

[09:11] She knows she could do better with the automated workflow through HoneyBook.

[11:16] I share how she can streamline all the communication she has with her clients.

[15:45] They discuss HoneyBooks followup capability.

[20:25] I talk about the different responses you can set up in your workflow that send out information automatically.

[22:46] With Google calendar you have the opportunity to tell whether you are free or busy during times you have blocked in your calendar.

[24:22] Create a scheduler that can read your Google calendar.

[27:50] I am taking a few minutes to talk about automation.

[31:03] If you have regular check-ins with your clients, they are more likely to keep you informed of last-minute changes.

[35:59] “Actually I can.” Is Emily’s favorite quote.

[37:02] Google Sheets is her favorite business tool right now.

[38:29] She talks about where she would take me if I came to Charlotte and we went out for drinks.

[40:58] Thank you for being on the show!

LucidChart

Lavender & Light Photography

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It’s another meet the team episode! Gracie is our amazing social media assistant and she helps with all of the social media for our clients. She has been a fantastic asset to our team and to our clients and I’m excited for you to get to know her. 

We met through pretty unconventional means. Her husband Isaac gives my horses pedicures every eight weeks or so and as we were talking one day, he told me all about his amazing, then girlfriend. Once we hopped on a call, I knew that we would hit it off great!

Since then Isaac and Gracie have opened up their own school of martial arts and she uses all the skills she’s learned to better market their business. Gracie is truly gifted in the social media world. Not only is it something that she loves, she also has a knack for creating huge growth. 

Listen as we chat about her role, why she’s so perfect for it, and what she loves most about being on the Success Beyond the Lens team. I am loving introducing you to our team members and can’t wait for you to meet more.

[01:09] Welcome to the show, Gracie!

[01:14] What she does for Success Beyond The Lens.

[04:03] Her role in the company and what she loves about it.

[06:40] Listen as Gracie talks about what a day looks like for her when she is engaging on social media.

[08:47] Her college education, her goals and what she wants to do in her life.

[12:49] What’s her favorite part of working for the company?

[16:39] Her favorite quote is “The grass is greener where you water it.”

[16:52] Instagram is her favorite business tool.

[17:11] Gracie shares where she would take Jenn if they were to meet up for drinks in Alabama.

[17:52] Thank you for being on the show!

MadCity Kenpo

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No matter how long you’ve been in business, you know that there are days that just feel heavy. Those days are an indication that you need to stop and evaluate where those feelings are coming from. Listen in to hear my five tips for how to manage a funk. 

When you’re having one of those bad days, the first thing you need to do is figure out what your non-negotiables are. What has to be done and cannot wait? Those are the only things you need to worry about. 

If you have a moment to sit down and pinpoint where the funk is coming from, then do it. It may not be your funk that’s bringing you down, but if it is, try to cleanse it. For me that means writing it out and throwing it away. 

If you can’t cleanse it, then it may be time to just call it a day and take a walk. Release the energy in whatever makes the most sense for you. 

Now monitor the funk. Does it happen at certain times of the day? Month? Week? If it is a measurable funk, then plan your work around those bad days!

What do you do to manage your funk days? 

[00:43] Hey friends, thanks for joining me today!

[01:40] It’s normal to have days when you don’t want to work or you have no brain power left.

[04:47] Today I’m going to talk about five tips to help you when these days happen.

[05:03] The first thing you should do is figure out your non-negotiables that have to be done and only do those things.

[07:34] If you can sit down and pinpoint where the funk is coming from.

[10:15] Try to cleanse what is causing the funk.

[14:01] Step away and take a walk or figure out how to release the energy is the next tip.

[15:53] Monitor this funk and see if it happens at a certain time during the month regularly and plan your schedule around it.

[17:54] Thank you for listening!

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Your marketing is less about getting a sale and more about connecting with the person you’re hoping will buy the product. The same is true for photographers. Listen as Leslie Amman of Weathered Frame Photography and I chat about her client processes and marketing to better capture the attention of her ideal clients. 

Leslie is a portrait photographer based in Edmonds, Washington. She shoots families, branding sessions, and recently landed her very first wedding, but she’s most inspired by shooting people. No two faces are the same and she loves highlighting her client’s differences and strengths. 

One of her biggest issues with client onboarding and lead capture has been a disconnect in systems. Rather than using multiple lead forms and contact sheets, we honed in that she needs to start using her HoneyBook CRM more effectively.

After we dig into her systems issues, it’s all about the marketing. We chat about her use of hashtags, creating captivating captions, and how she as a photographer should use Reels to boost her visibility. 

This was another amazing on air coaching session and I loved how willing Leslie was to implement the changes we discussed. Stay tuned for our next session!

[01:06] Welcome to the show, Leslie!

[01:22] Her background and what she is doing now.

[03:39] Why she got into photography.

[08:53] What she is struggling with and what she would like to see happen around the flow of getting new customers.

[11:02] My recommendation of using the contact form on HoneyBook.

[13:15] Why it is important to let your clients know what your email hours are and when you will respond.

[15:02] The difference between HoneyBook and Dubsado when streamlining your contact process.

[17:28] Time to dive into Leslie’s marketing strategy.

[20:45] Hashtags! How many you should use when marketing on Instagram.

[21:50] Leslie shares her strategy when writing captions.

[24:56] Marketing is less about getting a sale and more about the person you want to buy your product.

[27:20] The good and bad with captions I see on Instagram.

[32:06] Why you should create hashtag banks.

[33:55] All about Reels and how to use them to gain new followers.

[39:11] Leslie shares her favorite quote.

[39:40] Her favorite business tool is Squarespace and her website.

[40:36] Leslie tells Jenn where they would go and what they would drink if they met up in Seattle.

[42:09] Thank you for being on the show!

The Weathered Frame

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