Your Systems Are Doing Too Much (and Clients Feel It) — Simplify Your Systems

Business-First Creatives

#Entrepreneur #Business #Marketing #Colie James

25:00

It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…

about a year ago 9:07

MP3•Episode home

Find it Quickly:

[00:29] The Importance of Client Experience

[01:23] Simple Offers Explained

[03:20] Stop Overcomplicating Your Systems

[04:28] Essential Elements for Simple Offers

[05:49] Summarizing and Upselling

[07:02] Evaluating & Simplifying Your Systems

Mentioned in this Episode

Get Paid with Schedulers

212 episodes

Your Systems Are Doing Too Much (and Clients Feel It) — Simplify Your Systems

Business-First Creatives

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Find it Quickly:

[00:29] The Importance of Client Experience

[01:23] Simple Offers Explained

[03:20] Stop Overcomplicating Your Systems

[04:28] Essential Elements for Simple Offers

[05:49] Summarizing and Upselling

[07:02] Evaluating & Simplifying Your Systems

Mentioned in this Episode

Get Paid with Schedulers

212 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Marketing #Colie James

All episodes

Business-First Creatives

1
How I Turned My Podcast into a Revenue Generator: Celebrating 3 Years of Business-First Creatives ft. Haylee Gaffin 49:01

15 hours ago49:01

49:01

Ever wondered what three years of podcasting can really do for your business? In this special episode, I switch seats with my producer, Haylee Gaffin, as she interviews me about how I’ve used Business-First Creatives to grow, market, and evolve my business. Listen in as we walk through launching my podcast three years ago to turning it into a strategic, revenue-driving content engine, I share the pivots, lessons, and behind-the-scenes of what’s actually working in my podcast strategy. Find it Quickly: 00:47 - The Journey of Starting a Podcast 04:29 - Launch Strategies and Initial Challenges 07:18 - Evolving Content and Audience 10:10 - Leveraging Podcasts for Business Growth 14:47 - Repurposing Content and Marketing Strategies 22:23 - Feed Drops and Collaborative Opportunities 25:05 - Integrating Podcast Goals with Business Objectives 25:32 - The Importance of Client Testimonials 26:48 - Feedback from Chat GPT 27:53 - Revamping Podcast Content Strategy 29:43 - Email Marketing Strategies 35:55 - Testing and Adapting Strategies 38:10 - Podcasting ROI and Success Stories 45:55 - Future Plans for the Podcast 47:42 - Three-Year Podcast Anniversary Mentioned in this Episode: Airtable Content Hub This Can't Be That Hard with Annemie Tonken Talk Copy to Me with Erin Ollila Copywriter on Call with Sara Gillis Unprofessional Entrepreneur with Felly Day Shoot It Straight with Sabrina Gebhardt Connect with Haylee: gaffincreative.com instagram.com/hayleegaffin clockinginpodcast.com…

Business-First Creatives

1
The Follow-Up Framework That Still Closes Clients [2025 Replay] 19:28

4 days ago19:28

19:28

Ever sent a proposal and heard crickets? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doomed. In this replay of one of my most downloaded episodes, I’m breaking down why follow-up emails are non-negotiable if you want to book more clients (without being pushy). Then I’ll fast-forward to 2025 to show you how I’ve upgraded this strategy with a storytelling twist that makes your emails feel personal, powerful, and high-converting. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to follow up without feeling awkward or salesy My exact 3-email sequence to turn leads into clients What email tracking actually tells you (and what it doesn’t) The 2025 glow-up: how mini case studies boost conversions The magic email I use to get closure—or a yes Want my plug-and-play follow-up templates? Grab them for just $9 in the Systems Shop: https://coliejames.com/follow-up-emails/ Let’s make ghosting a thing of the past.…

Business-First Creatives

1
Marketing Mondays Will Transform Your Business Strategy with Melissa Arlena and Alison Bell 56:04

8 days ago56:04

56:04

Are you managing your marketing tasks efficiently in your business? In this episode, I sat down with Melissa Arlena and Allison Bell, co-hosts of the Keep It Moving podcast, for a no-notes-required conversation about what it really takes to market your business, how to balance multiple brands, or just trying to figure out what’s working and what’s not. We talk about Marketing Mondays, email strategies, and moving your business across the country (or the world). Plus listen in as we highlight why SEO is the key to your long-term marketing strategy and what happens when you get too comfortable with your rankings (spoiler: Google notices). This episode is part pep talk, part strategy session, and a whole lot of real talk. If you’ve ever said, “I’m doing everything and still feel behind,” this one’s for you. Find it Quickly: 01:13 - Marketing Monday: The Importance of Marketing in Creative Businesses 01:48 - Allison's Journey: Relocating a Photography Business 05:13 - Melissa's Story: From IT to Photography and SEO 07:35 - The Role of Email Marketing in Business Growth 10:38 - Strategies for Effective Marketing 15:47 - Utilizing AI for Content Creation and Marketing 26:31 - Marketing Mondays: Planning and Execution 28:53 - Marketing Monday Routines 31:07 - Content Creation Strategies 31:26 - Ideation and Content Hubs 32:33 - Podcast Planning and Execution 40:58 - Effective Marketing Activities 50:18 - Email List Management Mentioned in this Episode: This Can't Be That Hard Riverside Descript ChatGPT Loom Airtable Zapier Kajabi Stripe Kit Flodesk MemberVault ThriveCart Google Tasks Marco Polo Trello Shannon Vondy Content Hub Connect with Melissa and Alison: Keep It Moving Podcast instagram.com/keep.it.moving.podcast instagram.com/alisonbellphotog…

Business-First Creatives

1
Getting Paid for Travel Photography Sessions with Kellie Llewellyn 37:32

15 days ago37:32

37:32

If you want to get paid to travel to your sessions, there are so many logistics to consider. While Kellie Llewellyn was coordinating her sessions to fit her own travel schedule when she started, she eventually shifted to where she is now traveling specifically for sessions. Listen in as Kellie shares her experience in coordinating and photographing travel senior sessions! Today’s episode is brought to you by DIY Template Shop ! Grab the exact email, form, and workflow templates that I include inside the CRM Blueprint Course. Steal my templates and customize them to match your brand and process. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off. Find it Quickly: 00:25 - Meet Kellie Llewellyn: Senior Photographer 00:50 - The Unscripted Conversation Approach 1:42 -Kellie's Unique Travel Photography Offer 3:35 - Kellie's First Travel Session Experience 7:01 - Traveling to Glacier National Park 8:00 - Planning and Logistics of Travel Sessions 11:09 - Handling Travel Fees and Client Coordination 18:41 - Contingency Plans for Travel Sessions 19:41 - Lessons Learned from Early Travel Sessions 22:02 - Promoting Travel Sessions on Social Media 22:55 - Managing Travel Session Inquiries and Bookings 30:37 - Collaborating with Clients on Locations 33:47 - Final Tips and Encouragement for Travel Sessions Connect with Kellie Website: kellierochelle.com Instagram: @ kellierochellephotography Kellie's Travel Freebie: kellierochelle.com/scout…

Business-First Creatives

1
Before You Buy Anything… Here’s How to Know Which Offer Is Really Right for You [2025 Replay] 10:25

15 days ago10:25

10:25

Okay, y’all—this one’s a little different. I’m resharing a solo episode from May 2023 because it’s just that relevant right now. Whether you’re staring at someone’s offer suite trying to decode what’s right for you, or you’re the one with multiple offers trying to help people make a decision, this episode breaks it all down. I’m also sharing why I’m bringing back my survey (yes, the one I still hadn’t fixed 🙈), what I’ve learned from asking better questions, and a peek at my newest offer: Systems in Session. If you’ve ever waffled between DIY, Done-With-You, or Done-For-You—listen to this before you swipe your card. Find It Quickly: 00:24 – Why I’m resharing this solo episode (and what I still hadn’t fixed) 02:13 – The Systems Glow Up + CRM Blueprint launch recap 03:07 – The core question: how do you choose the right offer? 04:43 – Why clients don’t always choose the most expensive option 06:06 – Survey results: DIY vs Done-For-You preferences 07:25 – What I wish I had asked during client interviews 08:00 – How to help your clients make better buying decisions 09:08 – Introducing: Systems in Session (a new middle-ground, done-WITH-you container)…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Use AI in Your Business and Create Tools for Your Offers 32:51

22 days ago32:51

32:51

What if you could create custom AI tools that save you hours, elevate your client experience, and make your business run smoother? (Spoiler: you can.) In today's episode, I’m joined by my real-life bestie and AI-building genius, Kate Hejde, where we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re both using AI to level up our businesses. We’re diving into how Kate is creating custom GPTs for herself and her clients, along with the first thing you need to know before building your own AI-powered tool. You'll also hear how to use AI far beyond just writing copy—think brain dumps, buyer personas, project organization, and more! Find it Quickly: 00:41 - Diving into AI Obsession 01:10 - Kate's Journey with AI Tools 02:59 - My AI Tool Experience 05:26 - Creating Custom AI Tools 06:38 - Building Advanced AI Applications 09:07 - Using AI for Business Efficiency 15:21 - Launching New AI Tools and Memberships 24:01 - Future Plans Mentioned in this Episode: 101: What Your Website Really Needs with Kate Hejde ChatGPT Loveable Airtable Make Connect with Kate Instagram: @dearkatebrandstrategy Website: dearkatebrandstartegy.com Shop: dearkatebrandstrategy.com/shop Youtube: @dearkatebrandstrategy…

Business-First Creatives

1
Why ChatGPT Is My New Favorite Team Member (Sorry, Airtable) 18:59

24 days ago18:59

18:59

ChatGPT just beat out Airtable as my most-used tool—and y’all know that’s saying a lot . In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve trained custom GPTs to think like me, work like me, and help me serve my clients better than ever. We’re not just talking about AI for the sake of it. I’m walking you through the three custom GPTs I’ve built—what they do, how I use them daily, and why I can’t stop creating new tools for my AI Systems Squad. (Speaking of AI tools… I’m also cooking up even more inside my CRM Blueprint course 👀) Whether you’re AI-curious or just tired of starting content from scratch, this is the pep talk + strategy breakdown you didn’t know you needed. Your first AI assistant doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to sound like you . 👀 Want access to the AI Systems Squad? Join CRM Blueprint before May 9th and lock in the current price before it goes up to $997 . More AI-powered client experience tools are coming, and this is your backstage pass. Learn more HERE . Find it Quickly: 01:25 – Why ChatGPT is now my most-used business tool 02:18 – Why I started building custom GPTs instead of using pre-built AI features 03:33 – Tool #1: The Strategy Call Summary Assistant (and why note takers don’t cut it) 06:12 – Tool #2: The Systems Professor Email Assistant (inside Email Like You Mean It) 11:25 – Tool #3: The Repurposing Content GPT and how it ideated this very episode 14:43 – Why AI won’t replace my human team (and how it helps us all work smarter) 16:19 – A working weekend that turned into an AI teaching moment 17:26 – Encouragement for those overwhelmed by AI—and how to get started Mentioned in this Episode: Email Like You Mean It - Join the Waitlist HERE…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Nail Your Offer Introduction 15:33

29 days ago15:33

15:33

You've got the skills. You've got the offer. But if your leads are ghosting after you introduce it—we have a problem. In today’s episode, we're digging into one of the most critical (but often overlooked) parts of your client experience: the offer introduction . It's not just about rattling off prices or services — it's about creating clarity, building trust, and making the next step a no-brainer for your leads. Whether you’re hopping on a live sales call, recording a walkthrough video, or using tools to guide your leads, this episode will show you how to prep, present, and close with confidence. Your offer deserves a powerful introduction — let's make sure it gets one. Find it Quickly: 00:28 - The Importance of Offer Introduction 02:05 - Preparing for Your Offer Introduction 04:42 - Effective Communication During Sales Calls 05:30 - Using Video Ask for Client Engagement 13:59 - Final Tips and Strategy Calls Mentioned in this Episode: VideoAsk…

Business-First Creatives

1
Why Your Best Leads Don’t Convert 11:00

5 weeks ago11:00

11:00

You’re doing the marketing. Your portfolio is strong. You’re attracting the right people… but then they disappear. Sound familiar? Let's dive into why potential clients ghost—even when everything seems like it’s working. Spoiler: it’s not about your pricing or your talent. It’s about what happens after they hit “submit” on your contact form. I'm breaking down the common gaps in your client experience that are causing leads to fall through the cracks—from delayed replies and overwhelming next steps to missing emotional connections and unclear proposals. If you’re ready to stop getting ghosted and start getting booked, this one’s for you. Find it Quickly: 00:48 - Understanding Client Ghosting 02:03 - Four Common Client Experience Breakdowns 06:30 - Building Confidence Through Clarity 08:16 - Effective Sales Calls and Proposals…

Business-First Creatives

1
Communicate with Clients Like a Pro: 5 Tips for a Better Experience with Christine Dammann 29:40

5 weeks ago29:40

29:40

Is your lack of communication holding you back from creating an amazing experience for your clients? In today's episode, Christine Dammann joins us to share 5 essential tips to setting up clients for success through effective communication. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process. Listen Now >> Find it Quickly: 1:09 - Meet Christine 2:57 - Tip 1 - Send a pre-session guide 9:55: Tip 2 - Set the tone with a warm welcome email 10:35: Tip 3 - Text like a pro, not a clingy ex 14:36: Tip 4 - Underpromise and overdeliver 20:25: Tip 5 - Ask for the review Mentioned in this Episode Dubsado Connect with Christine Website: christinedammann.com Instagram: @ christinedammannphotography Christine's Freebie: christinedammann.com/google-freebie Youtube: youtube.com/@christinekdammann…

Business-First Creatives

1
The 3 Must-Have Elements for Every Client Experience Email 8:11

5 weeks ago8:11

8:11

Want your client emails to actually get read ? In this bite-sized solo episode, Colie shares the three things every email in your client experience must include—whether it's automated or not. If your messages are getting ghosted or you're stuck rewriting the same email over and over, this is your sign to simplify and streamline. These tips will help you write emails that sound like you and actually move your clients forward. Find it Quickly 00:00 – Why most emails fall flat 01:11 – The real purpose of your emails 02:25 – How to inject personality (yes, GIFs count!) 04:57 – The secret power of a preview 06:13 – Quick challenge to improve your emails Ready to write emails you're actually proud of? Join the free 3-day Systems Glow-Up: Email Edition starting April 29th → coliejames.com/glowup…

Business-First Creatives

1
What I Got Wrong About Workflows (and What I’m Focusing on Now) 8:40

6 weeks ago8:40

8:40

You’ve heard me preach the power of workflows for years—but what if that’s not where your client experience actually starts? In this episode, I’m sharing the mindset shift that’s changed how I support creative entrepreneurs and why I’m putting client communication front and center. We’ll talk about what most people really need before they’re ready to automate, the truth about writing emails that connect, and why your words matter more than your workflow (at least at first). Mentioned in this Episode Systems Glow-Up Challenge: Email Edition Find it Quickly 01:05 – Why I’m shifting focus from workflows to communication 02:36 – The real difference in your client journey 03:42 – What held me back from teaching email strategy 04:37 – The spark (not a framework) you actually need 05:22 – Why most people aren’t ready for workflows 07:06 – Communication comes before automation 07:41 – A sneak peek at the Systems Glow-Up challenge…

Business-First Creatives

1
SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany Herzberg 46:50

6 weeks ago46:50

46:50

Did you know the benefits of SEO expand beyond your website? Brittany Herzberg joins us to share how you can optimize for search across multiple platforms and content types! Listen in as she defines SEO, walks us through optimizing our content, and shares how to be intentional with your optimization! Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process. Listen Now >> Find it Quickly: 02:34 - Understanding SEO Basics 06:34 - Optimizing Your Website Pages 19:30 - The Importance of Blogging for SEO 24:11 - Starting with a Blank Page: Overcoming Writer's Block 24:16 - SEO Strategy: From Keywords to Content 25:23 - Engaging with Leads: Setting Expectations 25:59 - Blogging Frequency and Content Opportunities 26:54 - Optimizing Blog Posts for Client Engagement 30:11 - SEO Tips: Intention and Technicalities 32:13 - Podcast SEO: Show Notes and Descriptions 40:16 - Optimizing Social Media Profiles for SEO Mentioned in this Episode SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg Embracing Workflows & Automations in Your CRM: HoneyBook Case Study with Brittany Herzberg Google Search Console Resource Video Digital Communications Etiquette w/ Michelle A. Whyte michelleawhyte.com Connect with Brittany Website: brittanyherzberg.com Instagram: @ brittany_herzberg Podcast: The Basic B Podcast Private Podcast: SEO & Grow…

Business-First Creatives

1
Your Systems Are Doing Too Much (and Clients Feel It) — Simplify Your Systems 9:07

7 weeks ago9:07

9:07

Does every single offer need a fully built out client experience? While I think it's necessary to create a powerful experience that leave your client raving about you, I also am a huge fan of simple systems. In this episode I'm walking you through how you might be overcomplicating your systems for some of your offers and why you should leave the more robust systems for your signature offers. Find it Quickly: [00:29] The Importance of Client Experience [01:23] Simple Offers Explained [03:20] Stop Overcomplicating Your Systems [04:28] Essential Elements for Simple Offers [05:49] Summarizing and Upselling [07:02] Evaluating & Simplifying Your Systems Mentioned in this Episode Get Paid with Schedulers…

Business-First Creatives

1
Don’t Blame Your Prices, Fix Your Systems First 15:18

8 weeks ago15:18

15:18

We made it to 200 episodes—and I’m bringing the fire 🔥 I’m taking this opportunity to revisit one of the first truths I ever shared on the podcast: just because someone says no to your offer doesn’t mean your price is the problem. If your bookings have slowed or leads keep ghosting you, it’s time to take a hard look at your systems—not your rates. I’m breaking down what actually moves someone from “just curious” to “ready to book,” what your system might be missing, and how to figure out where things are falling through the cracks—so you can finally build a client experience that earns more YESes. Find it Quickly: [00:00] Celebrating episode 200 + shoutout to Haylee [01:11] The real reason people aren’t booking (it’s not your price) [01:33] Your offer needs a system that supports it [02:19] Why your website can’t do all the heavy lifting [04:15] Most creatives build task lists, not client experiences [04:46] Client journey vs. client experience [06:16] Are your leads ready to buy? [07:31] Why consultation calls aren’t just about closing—they’re “decision calls” [10:32] Sales videos as an alternative to calls [11:32] Why lowering prices or adding deliverables won’t fix broken systems [12:25] The role of a client experience audit and what to look for [13:49] Why offboarding is key to referrals and retention [14:08] What comes next? Mentioned in this Episode Episode 1 - If you keep hearing NO Episode 101 - What your website really needs Episode 123 - 3 Videos for Your Client Experience Client Experience Audit Gaffin Creative…

Business-First Creatives

1
I Audited My Freebies—Here’s What I Found 17:25

8 weeks ago17:25

17:25

Ever wondered if your freebies are helping people buy —or just taking up digital space? In this episode, I’m sharing how a single podcast (shoutout to Jenn Green!) made me rethink everything I’ve ever created. I ran my freebies through her mini/medium/large framework, pulled in ChatGPT to help, and uncovered a few surprising gaps—and a lot of hidden potential. If you’ve got a few too many opt-ins floating around… this one’s for you. Find it Quickly [00:00] Something strange started happening with my freebies… 👀 [01:07] What does it really mean when someone downloads three freebies at once? [01:56] Did my “everything” page work a little too well? [02:43] Multiple freebies, multiple formats… but where’s the journey? [03:51] A single podcast episode flipped how I think about every freebie I’ve made [05:18] Do you have a strategy beyond opt-ins? [05:46] So I fed ChatGPT the podcast transcript and said: analyze this for me [06:57] The moment I realized I wasn’t repurposing my best content [07:58] When AI told me I had no large lead magnets 😅 [08:39] What actually is a high-value freebie? [10:09] Can a 20-minute video be considered “in-depth”? [10:53] Spoiler: I don’t want to teach anything for 90 minutes [12:41] Revisiting my “email guide” freebie [13:29] Will turning one training into two formats = a better experience? [14:48] My new non-negotiable: every freebie must lead to a win [15:35] Want to clean up your own freebie graveyard? Start here [16:23] It’s not about more content. It’s about making it all work together Mentioned in this Episode My Everything Page Client Hub for Airtable Content Hub for Airtable Workflow Magic Systems Saved Me Podcast (Guest Host Jenn Green)…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Create a 5-Minute Booking Process Inside Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 4] 11:56

9 weeks ago11:56

11:56

Ready to make booking you effortless for your clients? In this episode, I’m breaking down how to create a five-minute booking process using a well-structured proposal (or quote/smart file, depending on your CRM). If booking feels like a scavenger hunt, leads will ghost instead of sign—but with the right setup, you can take them from inquiry to booked in just minutes! If you’ve been following along in the Client Experience Series, this final step ties everything together! Plus, if you need an easy button , check out my pre-made booking proposal templates for Dubsado & HoneyBook. No Canva or coding required! 🔗 Grab your proposal template here → coliejames.com/booking-templates Don't forget to use the code PODCAST for 10% off. Find it Quickly 1:09 - Why You Need a Five-Minute Booking Process 2:38 - Key Benefits of Proposals & Smart Files 3:29 - What Makes a Highly Converting Proposal? 3:55 - The Header Section 4:52 - The About You Section 6:00 - The Process Section 6:33 - FAQs & Handling Objections 7:25 - Simplifying Your Offers 8:59 - Making This Work Without Dubsado/HoneyBook 9:23 - Final Tips for a High-Converting Proposal 9:47 - Easy Button: Proposal Templates 10:41 - Next Steps & Wrap-Up…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Design Workflows That Enhance Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 3] 16:19

10 weeks ago16:19

16:19

This is the third episode of the Client Experience Series! Now that you’ve mapped out your client experience, it’s time to turn those steps into workflows inside your CRM. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to structure your workflows into phases, determine what should happen automatically versus manually, and set up the triggers that keep everything running smoothly. If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode on mapping your client experience, go back and give it a listen first! Find it Quickly: 01:19 - Breaking Your Client Experience into Phases 02:32 - The Four Essential Workflows 04:21 - How to Assign Workflow Triggers 05:13 - Automate vs. Manual Steps 06:11 - Does It Need a Personal Touch? 07:07 - Example: Building an Inquiry Workflow 10:26 - Creating a Workflow Recipe 12:41 - Testing Your Workflows 13:56 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps Client Experience Audit Ep. 195 - A Breakdown of My Audit Process Ep. 196 - How to Begin Mapping Your Client Experience…

Business-First Creatives

1
From Touchpoints to Timelines: How to Begin Mapping Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 2] 12:35

11 weeks ago12:35

12:35

This is the second episode of the Client Experience Series. Today I'm sharing a breakdown of how to begin mapping your processes as the first step to create and implement your client experience inside your CRM. If you haven't listened to last week's episode on how to audit your current client experience, give it a listen and take my new CRM Self-Audit Quiz at coliejames.com/audit Find it Quickly: 00:46 - Recap on Client Experience Series Episode 1 2:01 - Identify Your Touchpoints 3:49 - Required Action or Response? 5:52 - Where will the touchpoint take place? 6:59 - IdentifyTimeline for each touchpoint 9:32 - Recap and Next Steps Mentioned in this Episode Client Experience Series: Ep 195 - My Audit Process Take the Self-Audit Quiz…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Improve Your Client Experience: A Breakdown of My Audit Process [Client Experience Series Pt 1] 14:32

12 weeks ago14:32

14:32

If this is the year you're looking to improve your client experience, you've come to the right place! Auditing your systems and workflows is key to not only improving your experience, but optimizing and refreshing it year after year. To kick off our new client experience series on the podcast, I'm sharing a breakdown of my own audit process and what I'm looking for in your systems! Find it Quickly: 00:29 - Starting the Client Experience Audit 1:19 - Winter is Coming Series Recap 5:17 - Identifying Red Flags in Client Experience 6:21 - Steps in a Client Experience Audit 12:27 - Self-Audit Tools and Next Steps Mentioned in this Episode Winter is Coming Series: Ep 26: Auditing Your Offer Ep 27: Auditing Your Message Ep 28: Auditing Your Systems Take the Self-Audit Quiz…

Business-First Creatives

1
Applying for Grants & Overcoming Adversity with Katrina Cross-Daniels 31:25

13 weeks ago31:25

31:25

Beyond our careers, we're real humans experiencing real obstacles in our lives. Katrina joins us to share how a boudoir session helped her overcome a really dark and insecure time in her life, encouraging her to do the same for other women. Plus, listen in as she highlights how she's been awarded a few grant opportunities and why other creatives need to apply too! Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! Buy Now >> Find it Quickly: 00:24 - Meet Katrina 02:10 - The Journey to Boudoir and Wedding Photography 03:51 - Overcoming Personal Challenges Through Boudoir 05:56 - Balancing Boudoir and Wedding Photography 06:33 - Navigating Studio Spaces for Boudoir Photography 09:51 - The Power of Repeat Clients and Referrals 13:36 - Exploring Small Business Grants 16:57 - Tips for Successful Grant Applications 28:25 - Katrina's Upcoming Boudoir and Portrait Workshop Mentioned in this Episode Episode 70: Know Your Purpose with LaJune King Citizens Bank Verizon Comcast Rise Goldman Sachs HoneyBook Breakthrough Grants HoneyBook Connect with Katrina Website: katrinacrossphotography.com Instagram: @ katrinacrossphotography Workshop: eventshare.link/clicktoelevate…

Business-First Creatives

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Client Experience: The Secret to Building Loyalty with Natasha Sewell 38:23

14 weeks ago38:23

38:23

Are you relying on your clients to become repeat clients solely because they loved their images from their last shoot? Sometimes that's not enough—the key to client retention in a creative business is a well-crafted client experience. Natasha Sewell joins us to share how she's created an intentional workflow and client experience that bring customers back to her time and time again. Listen in as she highlights where you should share frequently asked questions, how optimizing contact forms creates a better opportunity for you, why video content is so important, and the value of continuing client relationships post-delivery! Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! Buy now >> Find it Quickly: 02:10 - The Importance of Client Experience 04:18 - In-Home Photography Challenges and Tips 09:11 - Enhancing Client Communication 12:30 - Utilizing Video in Client Experience 15:04 - Post-Session Client Engagement 31:28 - Optimizing Your Contact Page Mentioned in this Episode Episode 123: 3 Videos to Create for Your Client Experience Right Now (Video Visibility Series) Episode 28: Outsourcing for the WIN with Kati Douglas Pic-Time (Use code COLIE for 15% off) Loom Kit Client Experience Freebie Connect with Natasha Website: npsphotography.com Instagram: instagram.com/npsphotography Client Experience Freebie…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Connect with Your Audience in their Inbox with Hannah Davis 47:25

15 weeks ago47:25

47:25

When you sit down to write an email, do you find yourself staring at a blank screen lacking inspiration? Today's episode is meant to inspire you with tools and templates to help get out of your head and into the inboxes of your audience! In this episode, Hannah Davis joins me to talk about her preference for email marketing over social media, her process for writing newsletters, and how tools like templates and AI help her get started in content creation. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub ! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you’re struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That’s why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST! Mentioned in this Episode Ashlyn Carter's Copy Bar Episode 138: Generating Monthly Recurring Revenue with a Membership (Beyond Services: Expanding Your Offer Suite) with Liz Wilcox Episode 044: How to Use Emails to Make Friends with Liz Wilcox Connect with Hannah Website: madewithboldness.com Newsletter: madewithboldness.com/newsletter Instagram: instagram.com/madewithboldness…

Business-First Creatives

1
Transforming Networking into Genuine Connections for Business with Mikki Wilson 49:41

16 weeks ago49:41

49:41

Is networking a part of your business strategy this year? If it's never felt like the right move for your business, today's episode may change your mind. Master connector, Mikki Wilson, joins us to explore the importance of relationship marketing in growing a creative business, as opposed to traditional networking. Listen in as she shares practical strategies for effective networking, both in-person and online, the essence of maintaining a supportive community, and the need to build authentic connections. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! Connect with Mikki Website: dotconnectorconsulting.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikkiwilson Instagram: instagram.com/mikconnectsdots…

Business-First Creatives

1
Building Your Content Strategy with the Marketing Jar with Dayna Schaaf 33:52

17 weeks ago33:52

33:52

Does your marketing strategy and content fall flat? Maybe you struggle with knowing what to create. In today's episode, Dayna Schaaf of This Can't Be That Hard joins us to introduce The Marketing Jar, an analogy which categorizes marketing efforts into rocks, pebbles, sand, and water. Listen in as they share how prioritizing high-impact activities (rocks) and spreading them throughout the year while filling in with medium-impact (pebbles), foundational (sand), and daily tasks (water) can help photographers strategically plan their marketing. Grab the planner mentioned in today's episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub ! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you’re struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That’s why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST! BUY NOW >> Find it Quickly: 00:21 - Meet Dayna 01:56 - The Marketing Jar Analogy: Planning Your Content Strategy 2:47 - The Rocks: High Impact Activities 13:15 - The Pebbles: Medium Impact Activities 17:07 - The Sand: Foundational 19:58 - The Water: Daily Tasks 22:49 - Evergreen Content and Automation Tips 31:53 - Recap and Resources for Effective Marketing…

Business-First Creatives

1
Building a Better Relationship with Money through Storytelling with Katherine Pomerantz 45:01

19 weeks ago45:01

45:01

Do you struggle with understanding money? Maybe you're afraid to address it. In today's episode, Katherine Pomerantz joins us to highlight the complex relationship most entrepreneurs have with money. Listen in as she explains how to make financial management less daunting by viewing money as a storytelling medium and implementing rituals to ease the bookkeeping process. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! BUY NOW >> Find it Quickly: (01:28) Understanding Money as a Storytelling Medium (03:29) The Importance of Regular Financial Check-Ins (04:51) Forming a Healthy Relationship with Money (08:52) Creating a Money Ritual Framework (18:12) Practical Steps for Financial Organization (22:16) Creating Effective Money Rituals (22:57) Custom Checklists for Financial Management (23:43) Outsourcing Bookkeeping (24:59) Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly Financial Tasks (30:10 Setting and Tracking KPIs (36:30) Learning from Business Mistakes Connect with Katherin e Website: katherinepomerantz.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katherinepomerantz…

Business-First Creatives

1
Strategic Business Planning for Productivity & Growth with Jade Boyd 45:16

20 weeks ago45:16

45:16

Are you being intentional and strategic in planning for productivity and growth in your business? In today's episode, Jade Boyd joins us to discuss setting goals, maintaining your business, and the three key steps for achieving business success: clarity, systems, and maintenance. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! Buy Now >> Find it Quickly: 00:27 - Meet Jade 1:20 - Becoming a Productivity Coach 6:10 - Balancing Business and Personal Life 7:38 - Setting Goals for 2025 18:22 - Quarterly Planning Tips 23:23 - The Importance of CEO Time 24:33 - Planning Strategies for Business Owners 26:04 - The Role of Tools in Business Planning 27:31 - Exploring ClickUp for Task Management 28:44 - Four-Part System for Business Organization 35:40 - Centralization, Organization, and Automation 39:18 - Simplification and Business Strategy Mentioned in this Episode Making Data-Driven Decisions in Your Business with Ally Anderson CEO Talk with Ashley Kang sabrinagebhardt.com thiscantbethathard.com FREE Double your Profit While Working Less Masterclass: jadeboyd.co/doubleyourprofitmasterclass The Quarterly Reset: jadeboyd.co/quarterlyreset Connect with Jade Website: jadeboyd.co Podcast: https://pod.link/1603107498 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeboyd.co…

Business-First Creatives

1
5 Key Metrics Every Business Owner Should Track with Ally Anderson 45:36

21 weeks ago45:36

45:36

As we head into 2025, it is crucial to harness the power of data to streamline and enhance your business strategies. In this episode, Ally Anderson joins us again on the podcast to discuss the art of tracking vital metrics to drive your business growth and success. Whether you're a photographer, digital marketer, or any creative entrepreneur, understanding which numbers to track can significantly influence your path for the year ahead. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own! Mentioned in this Episode Making Data-Driven Decisions in Your Business with Ally Anderson Crafting an Intentional Marketing Plan with Tayler Cusick-Hollman [Marketing with Intention Series] Connect with Ally Website: link.akaridigital.ca/bfc Instagram: instagram.com/akaridigital Training: link.akaridigital.ca/bfc-grow [Use code COLIE to get it for free]…

Business-First Creatives

1
How to Switch CRMs Without Sacrificing Your Sanity 17:53

21 weeks ago17:53

17:53

In this solo episode of the Business-First Creatives podcast, host Colie James dives deep into the intricacies of switching Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Drawing from her extensive experience as a photographer who has transitioned through multiple CRMs and as a strategist assisting other entrepreneurs, Colie offers invaluable insights into when it makes sense to switch CRMs, the challenges involved, and the steps to take for a smooth transition. Whether you're contemplating a switch or simply curious about optimizing your current CRM setup, this episode is packed with essential tips to keep your business running smoothly. If you’ve tried setting up your Dubsado or Honeybook account, yet aren’t actually utilizing all of the features it offers, I want to invite you to check out The CRM Blueprint . My course includes templates for all of the forms, emails, and workflows that you need to get paid in one easy step. Ready to maximize your use of Dubsado or Honeybook, enroll in The CRM Blueprint today! Use the code PODCAST for 10% off. Learn More >> Mentioned in this Episode How to Setup Your Dubsado in Less Than 3 Hours How to Setup Your Honeybook in Less Than 3 Hours How to Switch from Honeybook to Dubsado Without Losing Your Mind Dubsado - Get 30% off your first payment (month or year) with code coliejames (aff link) HoneyBook - Get 30% off your first year (aff link)…

Business-First Creatives

1
Alternative Streams of Income for Photographers with Lissa Chandler 34:25

22 weeks ago34:25