Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Ashley Kirkwood joins us to discuss the trademarking process and why it’s important for your brand. Listen in as she describes when to trademark your business and three ways to go about doing it!

After graduating top of her class at Northwestern Law and going to trial around the country for Fortune 100 corporations, Ashley left her mid-six-figure salary to be a full-time entrepreneur. Now, Ashley runs both a law firm and a speaking business, where she speaks at colleges, conferences and corporations around the world delivering her signature speech, The Currency of Confidence!

Get to Know Ashley (:59)

Three Reasons you Should Trademark (7:21)
1. You have a brand name that you use in commerce.
2. You don’t want someone else to steal your business name.
3. You don’t want to receive a cease and desist.

Ways to Trademarking (13:51)
1. Hire a Lawyer (best option)
2. Take a DIY Class
3. Do it on your own

Costs Associated with Trademarks (17:02)

Things to Consider (19:55)

Ashley’s Unpopular Opinion (24:14)

Links
ashleynicolekirkwood.com
instagram.com/thelaswschoolhustle
facebook.com/groups/SpeakYourWayToCash
twitter.com/ashnicolespeaks
ashleynicolekirkwood.com/sywtcacademy
Jess Ekstrom’s Episode
uspto.gov

The post Episode 52: The Importance of Trademarking Your Brand with Ashley Kirkwood appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Julie Painter joins us to discuss why systems are important in your business, along with the tools you should be using to create them. Listen in as she shares how her role as a VA can help you manage and further automate those systems.

Dallas Girl Friday (and the Girl Friday behind it, Julie) is a wedding systems obsessed service providing system setups, audits, and virtual assistant services to wedding pros. Julie loves to make people laugh, is passionate about the enneagram, and is a bibliophile.

Get to Know Julie (1:00)

Systems in Creative Businesses (3:17)

Asking for Testimonials (5:15)

Avoid Waiting Until You’re Overwhelmed (7:17)

Systems You Need (8:19)
1. Use a CRM
2. Blogging and Social Media
3. Finances 
4. Legal (Contracts/Invoices)

Simple Systems to Automate (10:57)
1. Scheduler
2. Questionnaire 

Working with a VA (13:43)

What a VA Can Do For You (16:22)
1. Inbox Management
2. Calendar Management
3. Editorial Calendar Creation and Management
4. Blogging
5. Publication Submission
6. Vendor Communication
7. Client Communication
8. Automation Approvals

Finding the Right VA (17:44)

Growth Management with Your VA (20:36)

Julie’s Unpopular Opinion (23:41)

Links
dallasgirlfriday.com
instagram.com/dallasgirlfriday
Dubsado
Honeybook
Outsourcing with Love
kindlybykelsea.com

The post Episode 51: Setting Up Systems in Your Business with Julie Painter appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Candice Coppola joins me to discuss the components that will help you craft a solid business plan. Listen in as she discusses the purpose of developing a business plan and how it can guide your success!

Candice Coppola is an author, podcast host, business coach, and entrepreneur who believes that if you want your dream business – you have to become the owner that dream business needs.  As a successful entrepreneur who grew a business from the spare bedroom of her home into a multi-country, multi-six figure company – it’s safe to say she’s navigated the bumpy road of entrepreneurship.

Her 5-star podcast, The Power in Purpose, explores how to build a profitable business with purpose—and the stories behind successful entrepreneurs who have.  Candice’s work and voice can be seen in many publications, but most recently and most notably in her two books The White Dress in Color: Inspirations for the Modern Bride and The White Dress Destinations: The Definitive Guide to Planning the New Destination Wedding.

Get to Know Candice (1:17)

Selling Your Business (3:35)

What is a Business Plan (7:41)

5 Components of a Business Plan (9:30)
1. Vision Casting: Mission, Vision, & Purpose (MVP)
2. How your mission helps to solve the problems of your customers.
– What do you do for your customers?
– How do you do it?
– Who are you doing it for?
– What value do you bring to them?
3. Focus on who your ideal customers are.
4. Chart a pathway to profitability.
5. Marketing & Sales

Unpopular Opinion (43:15)

Links
candicecoppola.com
instagram.com/candice.coppola
The Power in Purpose Podcast
blog.candicecoppola.com/ep/42

The post Episode 50: 5 Tips for Crafting a Business Plan with Candice Coppola appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Natasha Coyle joins us to discuss the benefits she’s found in short form video marketing while using Instagram Reels and TikTok. Listen in as she highlights how to get started and what you should be sharing for your audience as a business owner!

Natasha Coyle is a Charleston wedding photographer, who started her business as a 34 year old stay at home mom. Three and a half years later, she is not only serving couples in Charleston on their wedding days, she is also helping other photographers and aspiring photographers chase their dreams. Natasha shares tips and tricks on everything from photography to business through her YouTube channel, Tik Tok, and educational resources! And when she is not doing all of that, she is a mom to Jackson and wife to Mike, who you can occasionally see in her Instagram stories!

Get to Know Natasha (2:03)

Instagram is Prioritizing Reels (8:03)

Three Ways to Show Up on Reels (9:02)
Educate 
Empower
Entertain

Using & Planning for Reels (11:44)

Mindset Shifts for Video (18:04)

Unpopular Opinions (27:22)

Links
natashacoylephotography.com
Freebie: natashacoylephotography.com/7-content-ideas-for-reels
instagram.com/natashacoylephotography
facebook.com/natashacoylephotography

The post Episode 49: Short Form Video Marketing: Reels & TikTok with Natasha Coyle appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Stephanie Kase joins us to highlight the importance of building a personal brand and four things to consider when developing it.

Stephanie is a photographer and educator from Columbus, Ohio. She offers practical small business education through online courses, shop products, and in person speaking. When she’s not working in her business, she’s probably cuddling her dog, hanging out with her hubby, or drinking a chai latte. 

Get to Know Stephanie (1:26)

Things to Consider When Developing Your Personal Brand (4:06)
1. Who is your ideal client?
2. What is your why?
3. What are your strengths?
4. What’s your personal aesthetic?

Finding Your Personal Brand (10:05)

Planning What You Share Online (20:51)

Stephanie’s Unpopular Opinion (24:36)

Links
stephaniekase.com/
instagram.com/stephanielynnkase
facebook.com/stephaniekasephotography
youtube.com/stephaniekase
Laura Foote
Strengthsfinder
Sarah’s Rebranding Episode

The post Episode 48: Building a Personal Brand with Stephanie Kase appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Anna Wright joins us to discuss how to handle hearing no in your business. Listen in as she shares the value in evaluating criticism and doing the hard work to understanding where you can improve in your business.

Anna Wright is a hybrid wedding and portrait photographer based in Texas! She’s a wife and mom to 3 (plus a goldendoodle)! Traveling, creating community and spending time checking out unique little shops are her fav pastimes.

Get to Know Anna (00:58)

Preparing for No’s in Business: You need to expect it. (2:24)

Getting Comfortable with Hearing No (5:39)

Diving Into Why You’re Hearing No (8:31)

Accepting There Is Room to Grow/Learn (11:55)

Unpopular Opinion (18:16)

Links:
instagram.com/annakay.photography
annakayphotography.net

The post Episode 47: How to Handle Criticism in Your Business with Anna Wright appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Jess Ekstrom joins us to discuss how you can use your story to help others grow! Listen in as she shares how you can become a paid and profitable speaker.

Start Sharing Your Story (5:20)

Finding Your Story (8:48)

How to Get Paid to Speak (11:13)
1. Add Speaker in your bio
2. Focus on One Primary Topic
3. Consider Your Rate

Getting Paid/Negotiating (19:38)
1. Have someone bat for you that’s not you.
2. Create ways for them to afford you (sponsorships).
3. Ask for footage.
4. Ask for a testimonial.
5. Request Referrals.

Just Starting Out as a Profitable Speaker (24:33)

Jess’ Unpopular Opinion (27:08) 

Links
jessekstrom.com
headbandsofhope.com

The post Episode 46: Becoming a Profitable Speaker with Jess Ekstrom appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to So, Here’s the Thing! In this episode, Brooke Taelor joins us to to share about adding philanthropy to your business. Listen in as she discusses the importance of educating yourself on the charities you support, continuing to make an impact, and finding a balance when it comes to your investment.

Brooke is a photographer who creates love and lifestyle imagery to tell stories. She’s been running her own business for three years now and puts generosity on the forefront. Before starting her photography business, Brooke worked in Public Relations and Marketing in San Antonio and Austin, TX. She also works part-time as a writer for Junebug Weddings. Brooke lives in the Texas Hill Country where you can find her hanging with friends at the river or her favorite local Mexican restaurant (margarita in hand).

Get to Know Brooke (1:20)

Philanthropy in Your Business

Educating Yourself on Charities (11:49)

Continuing to Grow (17:24)

Money vs Time in Your Philanthropy (24:23)

Unpopular Opinion (28:22)

Links
instagram.com/brooketaelorphoto
brooketaelor.com
Akua’s Episode

The post Episode 45: Philanthropy and Small Business with Brooke Taelor appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to “So, Here’s the Thing!” In this episode, my dear friend Sarah Erikson joins us to discuss when you should invest in rebranding your business, along with when you shouldn’t. We even talk about the reason behind my recent rebrand, even though we both loved the brand design Sarah did for me a few years ago.

Get to Know Sarah & When to Rebrand (1:37)

Who is an Ideal Client (6:55)
1. Someone who can afford to invest in your services.
2. A client that brings you work that excited you.

What to Do in the In-Between (13:17)
– Uplevel your service and client experience
– Welcome/thank you gifts
– Invest in education
– Copywriting/imagery

When to Not Rebrand (17:31)

Sarah’s Unpopular Opinion 

Links
sarahanndesign.co
instagram.com/sarahann_design
facebook.com/sarahanndesign.co
pinterest.com/sarahanndesign
Elevate Your Brand Workbook

The post Episode 44: How to Know When It’s Time to Rebrand Your Business appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Welcome to “So, Here’s the Thing!” In this episode, Katelyn James joins us to discuss how doing what everyone else in the industry is doing doesn’t always lead to success. Listen in as she shares how she believes you can avoid imitation by being an innovator in our industry.

Katelyn James is a wedding photographer and educator who lives in Richmond, VA with her husband, Michael and their two little people, Evy and Graham! They’ve been in this amazing industry since 2008 and have been educating since 2010! If there is one thing she’s most passionate about in her job, it’s empowering photographers to build profitable and purposeful businesses!

About Katelyn (1:33)

Launching KJ All Access (4:03)

Join the Free Masterclass with Laylee >>

Managing an Education Platform + FB Groups (15:56)

Trailblazing Yourself + Finding Your Unique Gifts (18:33)

The Comparison Struggle (25:02)

Katelyn’s Unpopular Opinion (31:08)

Watch and learn from the Behind the Scenes of Katelyn shooting a wedding for FREE:
katelynjames.com/kj-all-access-trial-sign-up

Links
instagram.com/katelynjames
facebook.com/katelynjamesphotography
katelynjames.com

If you dream of making an impact in your industry and adding a new revenue stream by going from creative entrepreneur to creative educator I’ve got a free training just for you!

Head to thecreativeeducatoracademy.com to register for this totally free masterclass.

Join the Free Masterclass with Laylee >>

The post Episode 43: Trailblazing: Being an Innovator in an Industry of Imitation with Katelyn James appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.