The Business Journey Podcast

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Portrait Contract Template | Free Business & Marketing Class

This is one of those topics that, although it's not fun, is necessary. Especially as we head into a busy season you need to know how to set boundaries with difficult clients! After being in this industry for years I'll just let you know that if you haven't had a challenging client... they're coming. Which is why this episode will be helpful! I'll share some of my personal experience and give you pointers on how to work with them. But before unpacking that, I have a free class just for you! It's all about how to double your photography revenue this year. We'll touch on some business basics but dive deeper into business marketing! Rather than relying solely on pretty pictures you can drive your business with excellent marketing. Now, onto the "fun" clients...

Stay Professional and Kind

It is so important to deal with clients with kindness. Remember, you're running a business and your conversation or interaction represents the brand/the business. It's very easy to match your client's attitude and energy especially if you don't mind confrontation. Some of you may be people pleasers and negative confrontation is a challenge, but remember kindness goes a long way. Stay professional and give your client a hefty helping of kindness! You have an opportunity to handle situations with grace and I suggest doing it over the phone. You don't want to give clients ammunition so even an email would be beneficial.

Refer to Your Contract

Pointing back to your contract gives you a backbone to lean on. And that's why it's crucial to have a legal contract that will hold up. I have one in my shop you can grab and they are there for a reason! A few things I have in my contract that protects me is found in editing. I have it in my contract that I do not remove things that wouldn't be gone on their own within 1-2 weeks. I won't altar someone's body because all bodies are beautiful and deserve to be captured. I also hold the right to including or excluding photos from their gallery. Sometimes the shot is blurry or simply doesn't turn out. I want to include photos that will not only be a good representation of my work but turn out well!

Give a Yes with a Boundary

This is one of my favorites because it helps you illuminate the positivity and serve your client but protects you as well. You need to be taken care of which is why we are talking about how to set boundaries with difficult clients! So, give your client a yes but with a realistic boundary. For example, if a client wants something edited that's outside of your normal scope of editing....

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Live Webinar | Posing Workflow | Contract 

Let's talk about Mini Sessions! I'm doing a Mini Sessions Q & A from a thread in my Facebook group. There were tons of great inquiries so I'm taking the time to go through and answer now!  I'm also hosting a LIVE webinar this coming Thursday (if you're reading this current and up to date) all about MINI SESSIONS! This is a brand new class I've never taught and we'll have a Q&A section at the end for that too! So, if today's podcast hits home you'll definitely want to join. Be sure to register HERE regardless of if you can make it live or not. Thursday, July 13th @ 1:00pm CST. Once you register you'll receive the replay and get all the fresh content. Now, let's jump in!

What do you do with uncooperative kids?

This specific question stated, "If your sessions are 20 minutes and one of your children doesn't cooperate what do you do?" Here's the thing, my mini sessions are 10 minutes and most of my students do 15 minutes. So, when a child is crying the whole session or not wanting to participate you just do your best. If you're booking with a family and the parent knows ahead of time the child will struggle, opt for a full session. So what do you do? Keep snapping, try posing different angles to avoid the crying face, book with them in 6 months from now! Most of the time kids are uncooperative because it's new. I did this with a family and the second session was incredible. We got to celebrate the major growth. I'm also a believer in capturing true memories. The reality is kids cry. They don't always cooperate and that's part of life's memories!

How do you advertise your minis?

This is a loaded question because there is so much that goes into marketing. Join the free class to go deeper! I would say good advertising doesn't just post to your business Facebook page or Instagram. You need all the pieces of the puzzle to present a full picture.

How do you get comfortable with short time slots?

Practice, practice, practice! Start at 15 minutes and use a posing workflow. If you're worried about clients feeling like they aren't served well, it's because you need confidence in your delivery. It's important to know you've captured the right shots so you can deliver a full gallery. But how do you get to this place? Practice. Have family and friends over and do 15 minute sessions with them back to back. I use this

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: $3k Mini Sessions Blueprint | Portrait Contract | Questionnaire | Email Templates | Client Experience Guide| Dubsado Discount

All month long we've been talking about our Christmas in July Minis Campaign. Today, I'm so excited to finish this out with tips for ding a Christmas in July Mini Sessions Promotion! It's hard to believe we are at the end of June and our promos will be ready to go live soon. Before wrapping up how to do this promo I have a FREE guide to help you make your first $3k or more on your first set up mini sessions. Count it as a gift for those of you that have followed along and apply it during your actual Christmas Minis! Ready for some big tips?

Get Started...NOW!

I know we're down to the wire, but it's not too late to get started! Ideally you want to kick off this campaign at the beginning of July. I know you technically have a whole month, but you don't want to promote this at the end. Start the first week when this campaign is fresh and no one has been advertised to yet. That also means you need promo shots! If you're doing Red Truck Minis, Tree Farm or Indoor Studio Christmas Minis, talk to your vendor and see if you can get in there with a real family for promos. Make sure they are real families because they advertise so much better. Don't just show the setup. And of course use past sessions if you have them!

How Long Do You Advertise?

I suggest advertising for 2 weeks or until your spots fill. I have an associate team spread out in 9 different cities and in Dallas we open up July 1st. Our goal is to book 3 dates which is the equivalent of 54 sessions. Remember, I have multiple photographers so it's not all one person. We start by opening to our VIP email list, social posts ready to go and fb ads! These are all things we've prepped in June which makes it a lot easier with automated workflows. Once the 2 weeks is up, we switch to advertise Fall minis. We book these from mid-July to the end of August or so. Then we switch back to Christmas Minis!

Hot Topic Question

Something I get asked often is whether or not to take a retainer. We do a 50% retainer at the time of booking and they pay the

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free Minis Class

Do you have a Christmas in July promotion? Today I'm unfolding the 5 reasons you SHOULD do a 'Christmas in July' Mini Session promo. But before we start the countdown, be sure to grab this FREE class all about mini sessions. As fall mini sessions are around the corner, this will be incredible useful for you. It walks you through the main marketing tips to get you fully booked! Now let's talk about Christmas in July!

Greater Exposure

Let me clarify, I am not suggesting you shoot mini sessions in July! I grew up in Texas and I couldn't imagine going out in the brutal heat for 2-3 hours of mini sessions especially as Christmas! I am talking about doing a promotion to book those minis in October. Each year I do Red Truck Minis and some sort of indoor studio Christmas minis. For my Christmas in July promo I book out my Red Truck Minis that I shoot in October. A big reason I love doing this promo is because my business gets put in front of A LOT of eyes. Red Truck Minis are desirable and capture the attention of clients.

Get Ahead of Demand

For too long I waited to advertise mini sessions when I started hearing people ask for them. The goal here is to advertise and make Christmas Minis available before your clients request it! You will be the first ones to mention these minis and chances are clients will stick with you because you brought it to them first!

Kickstarter

Good marketing takes time and that means at least 6-8 weeks. Doing this in July gives you a major kickstart to the busiest time of the year! Regardless of whether or not your spots are fully booked, you're relieving the pressure by starting early. Once you've done the promo the ground work has already been laid and when Fall comes you will easily book out the rest. You won't be scrambling to get promo shots or workflows ready. You'll be prepped!

Influx of Revenue

July is usually a slower month for mini sessions, so having something in this month carries you over to busy season! We collect 50% retainers (which I highly suggest you do) to lock clients in. This is a nice perk to having some sort of income during summer. For some of you that alone is enough!

Overall Estimate

The last reason I love doing a 'Christmas in July' promotion is you'll have a good expectation for your Fall. For one, you know what to expect from the second half of your booked sessions. But it also gives you a gauge of people's interest. Many clients may see your promotion and decide to book a fall mini with you. They may not be ready to jump to Christmas, however, it gets the ball moving for the next season!

I hope this encourages you to give it a try! There's a lot of beneficial...

Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free $3k Blueprint

We're at episode 100!!! I'm thrilled to be able to look back and share how this began as well as how it evolved along the way. It's going to be fun, but before heading down memory lane I have something ALL about mini sessions for you. My students call me the Queen of Mini Sessions and it truly is the bread and butter of my business. I've learned a lot over the years and put together a blueprint for you to follow! If you've never made $3000 in a single day (2-3 hours) of mini sessions then be sure to grab this! It's called the "$3k Mini Sessions Blueprint" and lays out exactly how to structure a mini sessions day. This will be so helpful for Fall Minis just around the corner! Now, let's go back in time...

Not a Glamorous Start

Back in 2020, we uprooted our family and moved to Nashville, TN! We were living in a townhome waiting for our house to be built and The Business Journey Podcast was birthed. We didn't have a studio, but my husband wanted to make sure it sounded excellent. So, we set up the computer, the microphone and there I was in my closet recording my first episode! I say this because not all starts are glamorous. Maybe you're not starting a podcast, but whatever it is just go for it. It doesn't have to be perfect or look like your long term vision. For me, I had this dream of being able to serve and connect with you in a way that was a lot more personal than just an email. And now, here we are!

Short and Sweet

Knowing the audience I have I wanted to be intentional to make episode consumable. Most of you are on the go, busy running a business or in the thick of it with family! That means you've got maybe 15 minutes in the car to listen in. When creating episodes I had to make it short, sweet and to the point. After all, the intention is to serve you with valuable content. Allowing you into my life and equipping you with business related content! This journey has not always been easy, but now 100 deep I am happy to say so worth it!

What Do You Want to Hear?

The goal of this podcast is to talk through topics or things that serve you well. I'd really love to hear from you! So, send me a DM and let me know what you'd like to see in the next 100. Maybe there's a special guest you'd like to hear from or topics for your business you need covered. I want to dive into areas that help you grow and give you insight. I always pepper in more personal subjects that allow you to have eyes into my life and business because I believe we grow from one another! Your voice is incredibly valuable to me so send an email with feedback or shoot me a DM. I take your suggestions to my team so we can coordinate and serve you better.

There's lots...

More Resources: Free $3k Blueprint 

I felt it would be helpful for other business owners and photographers to hear what my schedule really looks like! I want to pull you in behind the curtain to see how I go about a typical business day. But, before jumping into those details I do have a FREE blueprint to help you successfully navigate a day of minis. If you've never made $3000 on a single day of minis then you definitely need to grab this guide! Now, I was at the Graceful Gathering conference speaking when a photographer asked me about the structure of my business day. I'm very strategic in what that looks like and there's been an evolution throughout the years. I started part time, moved to full time with kids then to adding team members. So, what's worked best for me...

Focused Work Hours

I am not the best at multi-tasking. I'm a mom of 2 little ones and I also enjoy my work. With that being said, I currently have my kids in a hybrid homeschool. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday my kids are at school or with Mimi and I can solely work on my business. My work day starts at 8:00am and kick it off with meetings on Tuesday. I will say my business has grown and I have a staff team. So when I'm not "in the office" they are still getting work done. It's incredible, and yes, it is possible! Next, I hone in on projects like culling sessions or tasks from team call. I stop working my work days at noon. And fun fact, I take a nap EVERY day. It fits perfectly into my afternoon right before I need to pick up kids!

Intentional Use of Time

Since I only work about 10-12 hours a week I have to utilize my time efficiently. I use filters to place priority on things. For instance, if it requires my face - YouTube, Instagram stories, etc. If it uses my voice - podcasts, interviews, etc. Or just showing up in communities on Facebook and lastly things like strategy or launches fall on my plate. Everything else I pass on to other team members. That's why I have a team under me to be able to accomplish everything while still being able to have a work week that looks like this. Now, I still have slack and voxer on my phone so my team can reach me throughout the week. But I strive to stay in my zone of genius while serving my family and business well. This took years of trial and error, but I finally feel like I've figured out what works for me.

Next Steps

If you're a solo-preneur this can be hard to imagine. But I hope this episode at least encouraged you that it is possible! Feel free to DM with any questions because I would love to help you get to your dream. If you want to work towards a lifestyle like this, I encourage you to start with just one team member. Find one thing you can outsource. Inbox, editing, etc! My first team member was hired as an outside contractor and I paid them $30/hr for 10 hours a week. Because I got 10 extra hours in my month I was able to book more sessions and bring in more income! So, start somewhere and begin taking those steps to creating your dream work life. There's so much more in the podcast so be sure to give it a listen and get yourself in the place you want to be!

What We Covered:

Focused Work Hours (5:04)

Intentional Use of Time (9:17)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

More Resources: Free Class | Client Experience Guide | Portrait Contract Template

Let's dive into the topic of model calls. I get asked about this often and today I'll be sharing some secrets to successful model calls! How do you run one, what are they useful for, how do you set them up. Before we get into the all the good things, I've got a FREE class for those of you that are ready to go beyond simply taking pretty pictures. It's called "6 Steps to Double Your Revenue" and full of educational content you can start applying to your business. This class walks through the importance of having a true marketing strategy so you can bring in more revenue.

What's the Purpose?

There are definitely right and wrong ways to do a model call. First, you need to know what the goal is. Are you trying to grow your portfolio or like me, when I first moved to Nashville, you're starting over with your clientele? Maybe you're needing more content that you can blog about! Whatever it is you need to clearly define the purpose. If you just say you're doing a free shoot, people will come flocking! Be clear on what you're looking for. Lifestyle newborns, multiple siblings in the session, etc.

Model Call Structure

I set up my model call similar to a mini session. I'll give 5 free photos, but deliver a full gallery! Most of the time clients will purchase the full gallery. There are some important things you should require like having clients follow your style guide. You should pick the location and state that the session is 30-60 minutes or however long you need. I use my Client Experience Guide to help them choose outfits and make sure they send photos beforehand so I know what to expect! Remember, it's a model call which means it's for your business.

Grow Your Email List

This is a valuable opportunity to collect emails and grow your list. In order for people to apply for your model call you can get their info from a form. You can include questions to help with the verification process. I have them include a photo of who they will have in their session. It adds an extra layer of protection to be sure you have the models needed! And the best part is by having them on your email list when you advertise for sessions later in the year they often book you.

Model Call Must

Use a contract! Yes, it's a free session, but having a contract guarantees everyone is clear on expectations and what's included.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Let’s continue a conversation that got started on my Instagram a few weeks back. What does freedom look like for you? This is a convo worth having friends! As we come into the new year I like choosing a word to move forward on for the year. This year I decided that my word was simple. I want to enjoy the simple life that I’ve come to love! It may seem boring to others, but for me it’s not a common freedom in our industry.

We All Need Freedom

The thing about freedom is it looks different from one person to the next. I have enjoyed baking bread which is a long process, I love reading while watching my kids play outside and I thrive when I get to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. You didn’t become a business owner to quit a 9 to 5 job just so you could start working 24/7. But the reality is, if we aren’t intentional to carve out freedom in our day we’ll become so consumed with our businesses we don’t end up living a full life! Hear me, I am so thankful for my business and I enjoy doing what I do. But I started it so I could have time with my family, travel and have a say in what my day looks like.

What Does Freedom Look Like For You?

If money was no object, you could do anything you put your heart to? What would you do in your life? Once you discover what kind of things give you life and bring you joy you can structure your business accordingly! You can allow yourself to have the freedom to do the things that bring you joy.

Make Goals

The first step is defining what freedom looks like, then start making some adjustments in your work. If money is the problem, start setting a goal of 1 more session per month. Start making some of those changes to allow yourself the ability to do what you’ve always wished you could do. Maybe that’s reading 12 books a year? Start by giving yourself 15 minutes in your work day to do it. These moments of doing what you want will refuel your tank and give you the extra push to tackle your business goals!

If you have questions or want some feedback, DM me on Instagram! It’s really me in there responding to your comments and messages and I’d love to hear from you.

What We Covered:

We All Need Freedom (5:42)

What Does Freedom Look Like For You? (11:18)

Make Goals (12:47)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Class | StoryBrand Script

Welcome to the Business Journey Podcast! Today I'm sharing all about how I use StoryBrand in my business! I also have a FREE class that will be helpful this Spring in your sessions. It's called "Keys to Effective Family Posing" and you'll walk away with creative ideas on how to pose well! Posing isn't something you should "wing" but rather something you excel at. Now, StoryBrand is something that comes from a book by Donald Miller called "Building a StoryBrand". Let's dive in!

StoryBrand Outline

This has been incredibly helpful for me in marketing. The StoryBrand script starts with the main character, villain and guide. The main character is your client! Then we look at who their villain is. Maybe their villain is a lack of time. It breaks down why they don't have time, what that makes them feel and what they are being robbed of. Next the outline introduces the guide who comes in and brings a solution to their problem (that's YOU)!

Mapped Out Process

Once all the people are in place we get to build this story. Maybe you have 3 or 4 steps that's going to take them to their answer. It's going to lead the client to a place of finally getting to book with you. You'll list out steps for clients to take to get photos taken with you! Along the way you're answering questions, removing fear or doubt, etc.

Call to Action

Finally, we give our clients the invitation to do something. Make the change of feeling like time is robbing them and giving clear steps for them to book with you! You can address the issue and boldly state, if they don't make a change they miss out on these memories for life! I know that seems intense, but you're making a clear story here. You want your client to relate and see the reality of their current decisions. It's a call to act!

Market with StoryBrand

This is an awesome way to emphasize your brand messaging through marketing. There's more in the podcast and I breakdown the application in depth so be sure to listen! Marketing just got easier with this StoryBrand outline in place. I encourage you to follow the script and create your own StoryBrand HERE!

What We Discussed

StoryBrand Outline (3:10)

Mapped Out Process (9:07)

Call to Action (11:23)

Market with StoryBrand (15:25)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue | Mini Sessions Playbook | FB Ad Tutorial

Let's talk about how to MARKET your mini sessions in 2023. I know we've talked about marketing before, but times are changing and this episode has some new things that need applying! Before jumping in I'm so excited to share a NEW live class I'm offering. It's called the "6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue" and let me just say it's possible to double what you did last year! I'm sharing the 6 steps I did in my own business so I know they work. Be sure to register and save your seat so you don't miss out on 2023 strategies! Now let's get to how to market your mini sessions in 2023...

 Give Yourself a Head Start

The ideal amount of time to market for minis is 6-8 weeks. The absolute minimum is 4 weeks, but the more time the more likely you are to be fully booked! First, pick out your date and work backwards from there. If you're not sure what the timeline should look like you can grab my Mini Sessions Playbook!

Get Your Promo Shots

Next you need to have photos for advertisement! I try using photos of the location from previous years or go out and get them now. If the weather isn't working or they are seasonal minis like blue bonnets, cherry blossoms, etc. use a stock photo! Never use another photographer's work as your advertisement - it's illegal. And I've seen this a lot, try to stick with just one photo.

Open to VIPs First

When it comes to advertising, start with your email list. And more specifically your VIP list! That's basically clients or people that have joined your email list. Do this before going public on your social media and opening it to the public. I've got more to say on this topic that applies to 2023 in the podcast so be sure to listen!

 Run Facebook & Instagram Ads

I normally wouldn't push this, but this day and age requires us to utilize ads. Facebook and Instagram want you to pay for advertising and if you don't it's likely your posts won't be seen. The Facebook/Instagram advertising platform is very intuitive. You can target a dream client and truly get in front of them! The best part is you can see your return on investment due to analytics! Trust me and give this a shot after you've exhausted your free advertisement!

Be sure to give...