Why every yes, is a powerful no?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and entrepreneur Steve Jackson breaks down what it really means to take the right opportunity—and why saying yes to everything can quietly block your growth.

This episode is a mindset-driven conversation for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are navigating offers, gigs, collaborations, and commitments. Jackson explains how every “yes” is also a “no” to something else, and why evaluating opportunities through the lens of brand alignment, mental health, physical energy, and long-term value is critical.

Using real-world examples from photography, media production, sports, and personal development, this episode emphasizes the importance of practice, preparation, and discernment so you’re ready when the right opportunity shows up.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Why saying yes to everything can hurt your business
• Evaluating opportunities beyond just money
• Brand alignment and personal boundaries
• When discounted work makes sense—and when it doesn’t
• Practice as a strategy for long-term excellence
• Preparing your skillset before the opportunity arrives
• Photography, sports, and real-world practice examples
• The difference between practice and perfect practice
• Building worth through consistency and preparation
• Protecting your time, energy, and focus

Key Takeaways

• Every opportunity deserves evaluation—not obligation
• Financial need should be balanced with long-term impact
• Practice builds confidence, value, and readiness
• Excellence is developed, not declared
• The right opportunity requires preparation before arrival
• Only you can define what “right” means for your life and brand

Notable Insights

• Saying yes to everything means saying no to the right thing
• Practice outside of paid work creates professional excellence
• Preparation is what allows opportunity to convert into growth
• Relationships and communication strengthen long-term success
• Skill-building applies across all industries, not just creative work

Who This Episode Is For

• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Photographers, videographers, and creatives
• Freelancers and independent contractors
• Students and early-career professionals
• Anyone struggling with boundaries and decision-making

Mentioned: choosing the right opportunity, entrepreneur mindset podcast, creative business decisions, saying no in business, photography entrepreneurship, freelance boundaries, preparation meets opportunity, career

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe

For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.