The Profitable Creative

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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Rodney Miles, a self-publishing consultant and author. Rodney shares his journey from a non-creative background to becoming a successful author and consultant. He discusses the importance of resilience, the self-publishing process, and the therapeutic nature of writing. The conversation also touches on the impact of criticism on creativity, the significance of passion in writing, and the role of editing in producing a quality book. Rodney emphasizes that writing should be an enjoyable process and that authors should align their goals with their publishing choices.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• You can start a creative career at any age.
• Everything in life contributes to your current path.
• Failures can lead to significant personal growth.
• Self-publishing allows for greater creative control.
• Understanding your audience is crucial in writing.
• Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet.
• Criticism can shape your creative journey.
• Passion is essential for sustaining creative work.
• Finding flow in creativity enhances the experience.
• Choosing the right editor is vital for success.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of the Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim interviews Leslie Lane, a third-generation photographer and owner of Studio 13, a corporate photography business based in Indianapolis. Leslie shares her journey of taking over the family business at a young age, the challenges she faced, and how she adapted to technological changes in the photography industry. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding client needs, the role of customer service, and the strategies Leslie employs to identify her ideal customers. Additionally, they discuss delegation, compensation structures for photographers, and the ongoing challenges of business development and marketing in a competitive landscape.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Leslie took over the family business at 23, facing many challenges.
• Adapting to digital photography was crucial for survival.
• Understanding client needs is essential for success.
• Customer service plays a significant role in photography.
• Identifying the ideal customer is key to business growth.
• Delegation is important for managing a photography business.
• Compensation structures should reflect the value of work.
• Business development is a major challenge for Leslie.
• Experience in photography helps in handling difficult situations.
• Building relationships is more important than just selling services.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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PROFITABLE TALKS

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim interviews author Joe J.V. Hilliard, who shares his journey from being a defense lobbyist to becoming a successful fantasy novelist. Hilliard discusses the challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of passion in writing, and the intricacies of navigating the publishing industry. He emphasizes the need for authors to understand the business side of writing and the value of building a brand in a competitive market. In this conversation, JV Hilliard shares his journey as an author and entrepreneur, discussing the importance of professional voice talent, navigating the publishing landscape, and the critical role of marketing and book covers. He emphasizes the challenges of turning passion into a business and the commitment required for success in entrepreneurship. Hilliard also reflects on the supportive community within the writing industry and the lessons learned from his experiences.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• Hilliard transitioned from a defense lobbyist to a novelist during COVID.
• His entrepreneurial journey shifted from consulting to writing.
• Burnout in lobbying was a significant factor in his career change.
• Writing has always been a passion for Hilliard since childhood.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of writing.
• Hilliard's novels blend epic and dark fantasy elements.
• He believes in the necessity of building a brand as an author.
• The publishing landscape has changed with self-publishing options.
• Hilliard invests time and effort into marketing his books.
• He aims to create engaging stories that resonate with readers. Investing in professional talent can enhance your book's appeal.
• Learning the publishing industry is crucial for new authors.
• Book covers significantly impact sales and reader interest.
• Marketing is often more important than the quality of the product.
• Building a community and networking is essential for authors.
• A newsletter is more valuable than a website for capturing readers.
• Rapid release cycles can help maintain reader interest.
• Passion projects may not always translate into viable businesses.
• Commitment and focus are key to entrepreneurial success.
• Understanding the industry is vital for long-term success.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim interviews Seth Lowe, a Midwest-based commercial photographer, producer, and director. They discuss Seth's journey into entrepreneurship, the evolution of photography with technology, the importance of balancing craft and business mindset, and the challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs. Seth shares insights on identifying strengths, the significance of community, and the value of pricing in business. The conversation emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and self-discovery in achieving long-term success.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Seth Lowe is a commercial photographer and director with 10 years of freelance experience.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding both craft and business in creative entrepreneurship.
• The rise of digital photography has increased the demand for authentic images.
• Seth believes in identifying personal strengths and delegating tasks to others.
• Community support is crucial for creative entrepreneurs facing challenges.
• Self-discovery and overcoming fear are key to personal and business growth.
• Pricing should reflect the value of the work being done.
• Listening to clients can uncover new opportunities for business.
• Seth's podcast, The Solo Creative, focuses on individual operators in the creative industry.
• Connecting with others and sharing experiences is vital for freelancers.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of the Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Robert Downey, co-founder of Simply Be Found, about the evolution of marketing for small businesses. They discuss the challenges faced by business owners in navigating the marketing landscape, the disconnect between marketers and business owners, and the importance of clarity in messaging. Robert shares insights from his extensive experience in the marketing industry, including the need for businesses to adapt to changing search engine dynamics and the significance of content, authority, and trust in effective marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from past business ventures and the reality of achieving marketing results.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• Simply Be Found was created to empower small business owners.
• Marketing often resembles a drug that businesses chase.
• The disconnect between marketers and business owners is significant.
• Search engines are evolving, and businesses must adapt.
• Content, authority, and trust are the pillars of effective marketing.
• Clarity in messaging is crucial for business success.
• Perfectionism in business can lead to costly delays.
• Marketing results take time and effort to achieve.
• Business owners must understand their own value propositions.
• The importance of pivoting when marketing strategies don't work.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode, Christian Brim interviews Alex Sanfilippo, the founder of Podmatch, who shares his journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Alex discusses the challenges he faced in the corporate world, the inspiration behind Podmatch, and the importance of courage in overcoming fear. He also delves into the SaaS business model and how he achieved profitability within three months of launching Podmatch. In this conversation, Christian Brim and Alex Sanfilippo explore the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the creative and podcasting spaces. They discuss the emotional impact of criticism, the dynamics of working with family, and the strategic shift in focusing on hosts rather than guests in podcasting. Alex shares valuable advice for aspiring podcasters, emphasizing the importance of keeping it a hobby and understanding the value of a niche audience.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• Alex Sanfilippo transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship due to a culture shift.
• He started Podmatch to solve the problem of connecting podcast hosts and guests.
• Courage is essential for creatives to overcome fear and take action.
• Alex achieved profitability within three months of launching Podmatch.
• The podcasting industry has a significant imbalance between guests and hosts.
• Alex's journey involved numerous side hustles before finding success with Podmatch.
• He emphasizes the importance of community in building a business.
• The initial investment for Podmatch was only $5,000, showcasing the potential for low-cost startups.
• Alex's experience highlights the value of taking risks and embracing uncertainty in entrepreneurship.
• The conversation underscores the significance of creativity and resilience in pursuing one's passion. Every entrepreneur goes through moments of self-doubt.
• Courage is doing the right thing despite fear.
• You must be willing to suffer for your passion.
• Working with family can be rewarding but challenging.
• Focusing on hosts can lead to better retention in podcasting.
• Podcasting should be a hobby before a business.
• Podcast listeners are often more engaged than social media users.
• Articulating your message improves with practice.
• Niche audiences can be more valuable than large ones.
• The perception of having a podcast boosts authority.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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PROFITABLE TALKS

In this episode of Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Collin Strachan of Every Mile Creative about his journey from agency work to establishing a creative business in Alaska. They discuss the challenges and rewards of living in Alaska, the importance of storytelling in connecting with clients, and the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed in the creative industry. Collin shares insights on overcoming financial hurdles, the significance of maintaining a full pipeline of work, and the power of emotional connections in marketing. In this conversation, Christian Brim and Collin Strachan explore the importance of compelling narratives in branding, the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, and the value of networking. They discuss the rebranding process and the need to understand customer perspectives, as well as the significance of building a community on platforms like LinkedIn. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and experiences of working in aviation and filmmaking in Alaska.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• Collin and his wife started Every Mile Creative after falling in love with the West Coast.
• Living in Alaska offers a unique community and environment for creativity.
• The decision to leave a stable job was driven by a desire for autonomy.
• Financial challenges are common in creative businesses, but can be overcome with strategy.
• Maintaining a full pipeline is crucial for project-based work.
• Emotional storytelling is key to connecting with clients and their customers.
• Creatives must focus on building relationships and networks.
• Success in business is not confined to geography; storytelling can happen anywhere.
• Understanding client needs is essential for providing effective solutions.
• The journey of entrepreneurship involves risks and rewards. Compelling narratives can create a strong emotional connection.
• Rebranding should focus on customer perspectives, not just internal processes.
• Networking is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for community building.
• Talent is different from skill; skill requires investment and practice.
• Engaging with others genuinely can lead to valuable opportunities.
• It's important to humanize yourself in professional settings.
• Continuous education and improvement are essential for growth.
• Aviation in Alaska presents unique challenges and opportunities.
• Safety and meticulousness are vital in aviation.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode, Christian Brim interviews Phil Mershon, a multifaceted entrepreneur, musician, and author. They discuss Phil's journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the evolving landscape of the event industry post-COVID. Phil shares insights on defining ideal clients, the importance of creativity in business, and the intersection of passion, purpose, and profit. The conversation also touches on the significance of team dynamics and the need for processes to support creativity.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS

• Phil Mershon is a polymath with diverse interests and experiences.
• The entrepreneurial spirit can be inherited and nurtured.
• Balancing a day job with entrepreneurship can be challenging.
• Defining an ideal client is crucial for business success.
• The event industry has shifted focus post-COVID, emphasizing connection and experience.
• Events can serve as marketing tools or profit centers, depending on the goals.
• Writing a book can be part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Creativity and focus are often at odds for entrepreneurs.
• Finding the right team dynamics is essential for success.
• Understanding the intersection of passion, purpose, and profit is key to sustainable business.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim interviews author Christophe Morrow, who shares his journey from being a Navy medic to becoming a successful writer. Morrow discusses his experiences with Tourette's syndrome, the challenges he faced in the military, and how these experiences shaped his writing. He also delves into the influence of AI on the writing process and the creative decisions behind his first novel, which tackles themes of climate change and interconnectedness. In this conversation, Kristof Morrow discusses the interconnectedness of his stories, the challenges of marketing and selling books, and the impact of social media on his success. He shares insights on self-publishing versus traditional publishing, the evolving landscape of content creation, and the limitations of AI in creative work. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity and community in the current market.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Christophe Morrow is an author and award-winning journalist.
• Tourette's syndrome can manifest in various ways, often compared to an uncontrollable sneeze.
• Morrow began writing seriously after being encouraged by the government to pursue journalism.
• His first book is part of a literary epic fantasy series called 'The Second Son.'
• Morrow's writing style is influenced by Charles Dickens, but he aims for clarity and accessibility.
• He transitioned from the Navy to writing after losing a sense of purpose.
• Morrow's experiences in the Navy contributed to his writing and personal growth.
• He won an award for a photograph taken during Hurricane Harvey while working as a journalist.
• Morrow's first novel addresses climate change through a unique monster concept.
• He employs a multi-perspective storytelling approach similar to George R.R. Martin. The interconnectedness of stories enhances their depth.
• Marketing can be enjoyable and creative.
• Going viral on social media can significantly boost book sales.
• Self-publishing offers more control and higher royalties.
• Authenticity is key in building a community around your work.
• AI-generated content often lacks the nuance of human creativity.
• The future of content creation is shifting towards independent platforms.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for authors.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective marketing.
• The challenges of living with Tourette's can resonate with readers.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this episode of the Profitable Creative podcast, host Christian Brim speaks with Dustin Pead, a creative business coach who transitioned from a 20-year career in creative church ministry to helping creatives maximize their processes. They discuss the importance of margin—both financial and time—how to navigate the challenges of running a creative business, and the unique value proposition that creatives bring to their work. Dustin shares insights on overcoming fear, embracing change, and the significance of having a plan to ensure profitability. The conversation also touches on the importance of loving what you do and the journey of finding fulfillment in one's work.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Most creatives are great at ideas but terrible at execution.
• Margin is essential for creativity and peace.
• Discipline leads to freedom in creative work.
• Financial and time margins are crucial for business success.
• Creatives need to understand their unique value proposition.
• Delegation and automation can enhance efficiency.
• Fear of the unknown often exaggerates challenges.
• Transitioning careers can be scary but rewarding.
• Loving what you do is vital for success.
• Surrounding yourself with smarter people is key to growth.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2