Business-First Creatives

If you still think that a system for booking and onboarding new clients has to be complicated, this is the episode for you. What if you could take a potential client from inquiry to payment in under five minutes? In this episode, I sit down my copywriter Kara Duncan to show exactly how a fast, thoughtful, and human booking process changed her business.You’ll hear how a simple CRM, a quick Loom video, and thoughtful follow-up emails turned missed opportunities into the fastest payment she’s ever received. The best part? No sales calls required.Find It Quickly:00:25 - Welcome Kara Duncan00:52 - The Five-Minute Booking Process02:01 - Client Communication: The Key to Success05:21 - Enhancing Proposals with Loom Videos14:17 - The Importance of Follow-Up Emails22:11 - The Importance of Detailed Proposals23:22 - The Power of Loom Videos23:58 - Overcoming Sales Call Challenges24:57 - Effective Client Communication26:07 - The Value of Personalized Videos27:41 - Sales Calls vs. Video Proposals28:54 - Client Communication Strategies32:32 - The Five-Minute Booking Process39:53 - Reassuring Clients Post-PaymentMentioned in this Episode:Email Like You Mean ItEpisode 39 of The Kara Report: How to Create One (+ More Tips to SIMPLIFY Your Life With Your CRM) with Colie JamesEpisode 14 of The System for Everything: The System for Keeping It Personal (Even When It’s Prewritten) with Colie JamesEpisode 123 of Business-First Creatives: 3 Videos to Create for Your Client Experience Right Now (Video Visibility Series)Connect with Kara:Website: thekarareport.comPodcast: thekarareport.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/thekarareport

If you think the key to business growth is chasing website stats, are you considering the fact that those numbers may not tell the full story? In this episode, metrics and data specialist Zoë Dew shares how tracking behaviors, not just clicks, can transform your revenue and clarity.Zoë explains how she helps creative entrepreneurs grow by using data already sitting in their business, and not by chasing fleeting “industry-standard” metrics. We dig into the four core behaviors that predict sales and how to start tracking them, even if you hate spreadsheets.Find It Quickly00:42 - Meet Zoe01:18 - The Importance of Data and Metrics02:25 - Behavior-Driven Business Strategies02:57 - Tracking and Analyzing Business Activities04:53 - The Four Key Business Behaviors06:15 - Email Marketing Insights07:44 - Compounding Visibility and Customer Journey09:36 - Effective Email Strategies19:28 - Growing and Managing Your Email List20:57 - Collaborations and Ads for List Growth22:26 - The Creator Network Experience24:34 - Challenges of List Growth and Audience Size25:18 - Importance of Data-Driven Decisions26:20 - Tracking and Analyzing Audience Behavior31:23 - Tools for Tracking Website and Sales Data33:49 - Understanding Customer Behavior and Sales Patterns37:49 - Re-engaging Potential Customers44:16 - The Power of Consistent MessagingMentioned in this EpisodeZero Google Moment of TruthCeels Lockley - Email ParadeGoogle AnalyticsMicrosoft ClarityHotjarHannah Isted - 10 Minute MarketingConnect with ZoëWebsite: zoedew.comInstagram: instagram.com/zoerdew Threads: threads.com/@zoerdewHabit Tracker: zoedew.com/business-first-creatives

Do you dread the word launch, because you think that "doors open/doors close” structure feels icky? We're flipping the script in today's episode with Samantha Hoillett! She's showing us how to build urgency into our launches that doesn’t feel pushy, but it does feel aligned.Listen in as we explore what urgency normally means in marketing, why so many of us do it the usual way (limited spots, price‑going‑up soon, and hurry), and then how you can shift into urgency rooted in your client’s real internal motivations, not just your business timetable.Find It Quickly00:24 - The Ickiness of Traditional Launches00:59 - Introducing Samantha and the Concept of Urgency01:08 - Redefining Urgency in Marketing02:03 - The Evolution of Online Courses05:12 - Internal vs. External Urgency09:40 - The Importance of Clear Messaging14:36 - Balancing Pain Points and Results19:35 - Diagnosing Business Problems24:42 - High Converting Proposals: The First Win26:01 - The Importance of Micro Wins27:37 - Documenting Client Journeys29:44 - Value Stacking and Communicating Results33:21 - Email Marketing Strategies40:16 - Personalizing Email CampaignsMentioned in this EpisodeUrgency on Evergreen: samanthahoilett.com/urgency-on-evergreenUrgency Upgrade: samanthahoilett.com/urgency-upgrade-2026Connect with SamanthaWebsite: samanthahoilett.comInstagram: instagram.com/samanthahoilett.writesYoutube: youtube.com/@samanthahoilettTheads: threads.com/@samanthahoilett.writes

What if you could create just one piece of content and let it do the work of fifty? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in today’s episode. Latesha Lynch joins us in today's episode to introduce us to her concept of inception marketing—the idea that you don’t need a million pieces of content to drive engagement, conversions, and trust. Through smart structure and intentional seeding, one high-value piece can become the engine of your entire ecosystem.Find It Quickly00:50 - The Social Media Exodus01:27 - Inception Marketing Explained02:12 - Balancing Motherhood and Business05:07 - Inception Marketing Strategies09:12 - Content Organization and AI Tools11:59 - Adapting Marketing to Different Channels15:39 - Understanding Different Buyer Types18:10 - Content Consumption Habits18:37 - The Importance of Guiding Your Audience18:45 - The Shift from Blogging to Social Media19:19 - Seeding Content Across Platforms20:32 - Planning Your Marketing Strategy21:27 - Setting Up Core Content22:44 - Connecting Content for Better Engagement23:42 - Creating and Tracking Content26:50 - Balancing Marketing and Sales30:12 - Engaging with Your Audience32:28 - Tools and Tips for Effective MarketingMentioned in this EpisodeContent Organization HubSegmentation EpisodeConnect with Lateshahermarketingcoach.cominstagram.com/hermarketingcoachlinkedin.com/in/lateshalynch

So many photographers swear their workflow is “the exception” — too many what-ifs, too many touchpoints, too many edge cases to fit inside any kind of universal framework. But here’s the truth: every single client journey still moves through the same five phases… and that’s exactly why the CRM Blueprint works for every photographer.In this episode, I’m breaking down how weddings, births, branding, newborns, seniors — all of them — share a common structure, and how the Blueprint uses genre-specific templates and a universal framework to make your workflows both personalized and predictable.I’ll also walk you through what makes this launch different: the live Map Your Process workshop, the 3-week support sprint, and why this is the closest the DIY course ever gets to done-with-you support. If you’ve been telling yourself your systems are too complicated to fix… this episode is the proof they aren’t.Grab the Birthday Bash Bonuses before they're gone!https://coliejames.com/blueprint

Have you been wondering what's the best way to set up your CRM? Today’s session is going to be a mix of a case study and answers to some specific questions I’ve been getting lately about Systems in Session. I thought Megan Norman would be the perfect person to bring on because she’s been part of my world for a while—first as a Blueprint student, then as a one-on-one client when she hired me for an audit. After that, she joined Systems in Session and gave her entire business a serious glow-up from that perspective. Now, she’s part of my retainer program.Find It Quickly00:25 - Client Relationships and Long-Term Engagements01:24 - Megan's Journey with Systems in Session04:42 - The Blueprint Course Evolution06:37 - Audit and Systems Overhaul09:42 - Customizing Workflows for Maximum Efficiency22:07 - Reintroducing the Baby Plan26:36 - Client Experience Enhancement27:09 - Adapting to Business Changes28:08 - The Value of Revisiting Systems29:20 - Hands-On System Implementation32:29 - Maximizing Efficiency During Peak Times33:41 - Elevating Client Experience Post-Booking36:35 - The Importance of Detailed Workflows44:02 - The Benefits of System AuditsMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in SessionCRM BlueprintSystems in Session: Mastering Your Client Journey ft. Erin Belles (a Done-With-You Dubsado Setup Case Study!)Connect with MeganWebsite: megannorman.comInstagram: instagram.com/megannormanphotographyFacebook: facebook.com/MeganNormanPhotography

Dubsado 3.0 is officially here… and y’all, the internet is having feelings.In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s new, what’s missing, and what photographers actually need to pay attention to. No fluff. No hype. Just the real talk you need before jumping into the new version.Read the full breakdown here → https://coliejames.com/dubsado-3-0-whats-new/Work with me inside Systems in Session → https://coliejames.com/systemsJoin CRM Blueprint → https://coliejames.com/blueprint00:00 — Why everyone is freaking out about Dubsado 3.0A quick reality check on the rollout, expectations, and why mixed opinions are completely valid.01:17 — The 3.0 switch + how to go back to 2.0 if you need toIf it’s your busy season, do NOT force the transition.02:44 — My biggest disappointments (aka: my Dubsado wishlist that still isn’t here)Contracts on schedulers, conditional logic, project dates + appointments, multi-client emails, and team accounts.07:28 — What is coming soonA few features currently in progress that will make life better in the next updates.09:36 — The rebuild: why 3.0 matters even if features didn’t changeNew backend → faster future updates (finally!).10:28 — Dashboard changesWhat’s actually better, what’s hidden, and why Threads users are spiraling over revenue numbers.14:06 — New Messages areaA real inbox inside Dubsado — finally.18:06 — The new Flows BuilderSame triggers, new layout, and why this matters for future conditional logic.19:52 — Time tracking improvementsHelpful update for those who bill hourly.20:08 — Scheduler availability upgradesA legitimately great improvement — no more clicking nine to five a million times.22:54 — Project view strugglesWhat feels off, what’s improved, and what I hope changes next.23:44 — Final thoughts + what to do nextWhy this update sets the stage for an actually powerful Dubsado… once the features catch up.

You’re never going to find time to fix your workflows — you have to make the time. And today, I’m giving you the exact place to start.In this episode, I’m breaking down the three microsystems every creative needs before building a full workflow: your instant inquiry response, your five-minute booking proposal, and your booking confirmation email.These simple assets become the anchor activities for your inquiry, booking, and onboarding workflows — and they’re the fastest way to build momentum (and confidence) inside your client experience.If mapping workflows has ever felt overwhelming, unclear, or like something you’ll “get to eventually,” this episode shows you how to begin without building everything at once.And if you want to build these microsystems with me, join the January Support Sprint inside CRM Blueprint at coliejames.com/blueprint.Mentioned in this episode:3 Must Have Elements in Each Client Communication5 Workflows Every Photographer NeedsHow to Create a 5-Minute Booking Process

If your workflows act like needy toddlers—constantly breaking, needing approvals, or demanding supervision—you’re not alone. Over the last few weeks I’ve heard the same frustrations on repeat: “I don’t trust my workflows unless I’m watching them,” and “I’ve tweaked things so much I think I broke something.”In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many creatives end up with workflows stuck in the toddler stage… and how to finally build systems that run like grownups.I’m also sharing why this launch of CRM Blueprint includes two powerful bonuses inspired by my Systems in Session clients: a 21-day January Support Sprint and a full workflow + communication audit for everyone on the waitlist who joins now. Plus, a $200 savings through Thursday.If you’re tired of babysitting your CRM, now’s the time to build systems you can trust.https://coliejames.com/waitlist

She was homeschooling her kids, charging less than $300 a session, and running her photography business on pure hustle—until she realized that passion alone wasn’t enough to build the life she wanted. Erin Vestal is one of my former students from the CRM Blueprint, and her journey is one that so many creatives will relate to.Erin shares her story—from pricing family sessions under $300, to more than doubling her rates, to surpassing her teaching salary (yes, really!). We dig into how she balances homeschooling, launching weddings, outsourcing, refining her offers, and creating work rhythms that actually support her family life—not pull her apart.Find It Quickly00:27 - Meet Erin01:36 - Erin's Journey: From Chaos to Structured Success04:47 - The Importance of Pricing and Value in Business08:42 - Balancing Homeschooling and Business15:05 - Seasonal Photography and Expanding Horizons21:12 - Venturing into Wedding Photography22:02 - Discovering the World of Wedding Photography22:36 - First Wedding Experiences and Realizations23:22 - Building Systems for Success23:37 - Marketing and Overcoming Doubts25:09 - Balancing Family and Business26:08 - Integrating Different Photography Niches27:30 - Rebranding and Streamlining28:10 - Setting Goals and Finding Balance39:45 - The Importance of SystemsMentioned in this EpisodeCRM BlueprintEpisode 015: Dubsado Case Study with Alison BrettMarketing Mondays Will Transform Your Business Strategy with Melissa Arlena and Alison BellConnect with ErinWebsite: erinvestalphotography.comInstagram: instagram.com/erinvestalphotography

Are you ready to seriously level up your email marketing this Black Friday season? I sat down with Dawn Richardson from Flodesk, where we unpack everything from plan changes to new automation features, and why now is the time to leverage your email list.Listen in as we explore the integration options available, how you can use ManyChat to grow your email list, and what features to take advantage of within Flodesk to make the most of your Black Friday campaigns!Find It Quickly00:24 - Meet Dawn Richardson 01:08 - Flodesk Unlimited Plan Changes04:15 - Cost Comparison and Feature Needs06:37 - Exploring Flodesk's New Features09:40 - Integrations with Other Platforms13:22 - ManyChat Integration Benefits17:05 - Flodesk Checkout Capabilities20:04 - - Upcoming Features and Payment Plans20:51 - Checkout Platform Benefits21:42 - Selling Digital Products for Photographers24:46 - Engagement Strategies with Polls26:41 - Google's Algorithm Changes and Email Engagement32:09 - Black Friday Email Marketing TipsMentioned in this EpisodeFlodesk - Get 50% Off Your First YearKitThrivecartEpisode 106: Beyond Discounts - 3 Alternatives for Creating an Awesome Black Friday OfferConnect with DawnFlodesk - Get 50% Off Your First Year@itsdawnrichardsontechsavvycreative.com

What happens when you’re no longer struggling to get clients, but you still feel like your business has hit a ceiling? If you’ve got inquiries rolling in, your conversion rate is solid, yet you’re still not satisfied, this episode is for you. Emylee Williams of Sold Out Services and I unpack the business moment when “capacity full” meets “what’s next?” We dig into the strategy behind productizing your service, building an offer ecosystem, and unlocking more value from your best clients.Find It Quickly00:24 - The Struggle Beyond Success00:46 - Meet Emylee Williams01:56 - Understanding Productization04:06 - The Importance of Results07:50 - Defining Your Offer Ecosystem11:32 - Identifying Level 10 Clients15:11 - Maximizing Lifetime Client Value20:10 - The Journey of Offer Refinement21:59 - The Importance of Workflows23:14 - The Blueprint Launch23:46 - The Value of Complete Systems24:39 - Communication and Workflow Effectiveness27:38 - The Joy of Client Success31:25 - Productization in Photography40:52 - Register for the WebinarMentioned in this EpisodeSell the Damn Service: Ep 12 with Colie JamesAnnemie's Business Model QuizProductized Services Framework Webinar on November 11th, 2025Connect with EmyleeWebsite: soldoutservices.comInstagram: instagram.com/emyleesaysYoutube: youtube.com/@EmyleeWilliamsPodcast: soldoutservices.com/podcast

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling too many offers, too many audiences, or just feeling like your message got a little… fuzzy — this one’s for you.In this episode of Business-First Creatives, I’m sharing the story behind my own full-circle moment: why I’m returning to my roots as a Certified Dubsado Specialist for Photographers, and how refinement — not expansion — is the real growth strategy.But first, I want to invite you to my brand-new free training, Untapped Revenue, happening Wednessday, November 12th at noon MT.If you’re a photographer who’s tired of chasing new leads, you probably don’t need more inquiries — you just need smarter systems that help you book, rebook, and retain the clients already sitting in your inbox.👉 Save your free seat at coliejames.com/revenue

If you’ve ever felt like traditional business advice just doesn’t fit you, this episode is your permission slip to stop trying to follow someone else’s blueprint and explore one that works for you. In this episode, Breanna Owen joins me to unpack what it actually means to run your business in alignment with your human design.Turns out, I’m a 3/5 Emotional Manifestor, and before today's conversation I had no idea what that meant. Listen in as Breanna breaks down what that means, why I do things the way I do, and how I can leverage this information to transform my business strategy.Find It Quickly00:24 - Getting My Birth Time for My Human Design Reading01:07 - The Human Design Journey02:49 - Discovering the Manifester Type07:11 - Applying Human Design in Business11:29 - Embracing the Manifester Energy17:34 - Guilt Motivation and Leadership23:50 - Exploring Other Human Design Types24:11 - Understanding Generators in Business26:20 - The Role of Business Coaches29:30 - Human Design and Ideal Audience30:17 - Profile Lines and Their Impact32:54 - Marketing Strategies Based on Human DesignConnect with Breannaowenyourmark.cominstagram.com/owenyourmark

Kelly Bullock was the very first Systems in Session client — before the offer even had a name. In this episode, we dive into how she turned her high-touch, luxury photography experience into an organized HoneyBook system that doesn't feel impersonal.As a full-time CRNA, mom of three, and family photographer, Kelly shares how systems helped her balance it all, delegate confidently, and reclaim time for both her clients and her life. We also talk about what luxury really means—and why it’s more about care and consistency than cost or extras.If you’ve ever wondered how to automate without losing the personal touch, this one’s for you.What You’ll Hear:00:00 How Systems in Session started with a podcast idea03:10 How Kelly was using Honeybook before CRM Blueprint and Systems in Session06:30 Balancing two careers and a high-touch experience10:13 How we built automations that still feel human17:00 Why we redid her automations right after building them20:30 Should you hire before or after you build your systems?24:00 Redefining what “luxury” really means28:20 How systems gave her time back for life and familyMentioned in This Episode:→ Systems in Session — 2 spots left to lock in 2025 rates→ Connect with Kelly - kellybullockphotography.com/mentoring→ Root to Rise Mastermind with Sabrina Gebhardt

Thinking about ditching your CRM after the latest price increase? Before you rage-cancel Dubsado, HoneyBook, or whatever tool’s testing your patience, listen to this episode. In this episode, I’m breaking down what your CRM actually does behind the scenes, why Google Workspace isn’t a true replacement, and how to decide if your CRM just needs a tune-up instead of a total breakup.If you’re ready to get your money’s worth from the CRM you already have, check out Systems in Session — my 60-day sprint to streamline your backend and build a client experience that runs like clockwork. There are 2 spots left for Q1 to lock in a 2025 price.Want personalized feedback on your current client experience instead? Book a Client Experience Audit.

I have a special surprise for you in this week's episode! Over on the Shoot It Straight podcast, I join my dear friend, Sabrina Gebhardt every quarter to debrief our businesses with a business best chat. I decided that it's time to bring that conversation to Business-First Creatives too! I’m giving you full access to the internal workings of my business alongside Sabrina’s: from rebrands and website redesigns to offer launches, capacity shifts, and funnel experiments.Find It QuicklyHow the Business Bestie Chat works (48)Sabrina’s Q3 review (3:40)Colie’s Q3 review (10:48)What’s coming up for Sabrina in Q4 (25:40)What’s coming up for Colie in Q4 (36:05)Wrapping up the Q4 Business Bestie Chat (47:49)Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 152 Q3 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/152-q3-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesLaunch Your Own Way with Coming Up Roses: cominguproses.co/colie (aff link)Connect with Sabrina:Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.comRoot To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Colie:Systems In Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionEmail Like You Mean It: coliejames.com/email-like-you-mean-it

Most system struggles aren’t tech problems — they’re communication gaps. In this episode, I’m unpacking what I learned from hosting the Client Email Glow-Up Challenge and why clear client communication has to come before you start automating anything.You’ll hear the biggest wins from participants, the ah-ha moments that changed how I teach Email Like You Mean It, and the one shift that makes every workflow easier to build and actually use.If your emails still feel stiff, scattered, or inconsistent, this is your reminder: start with the words first. Then build the systems to match.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why automation can’t fix unclear or inconsistent communicationHow better emails lead to better workflows (not the other way around)The simple exercise from the Glow-Up Challenge that revealed hidden touchpointsHow rewriting a few key emails can instantly strengthen your client experienceThe real magic behind combining Email Like You Mean It + Systems in Session🔗 Links Mentioned:Watch the Client Email Glow-Up Challenge ReplaysJoin Email Like You Mean ItJoin the Systems in Session Waitlist

I’m wrapping up week one of my Sales Parade, and Systems in Session 2025 is officially sold out! 🎉But here’s what I’ve noticed after working with dozens of clients inside the program—there’s a moment when everything changes. I call it the confidence shift.It’s when your systems stop feeling clunky or chaotic and finally start feeling like you. You understand how everything fits together, you’re no longer afraid to make changes, and your CRM actually supports the way your brain works.In this episode, I’m breaking down what that shift looks like, why it matters, and how you can experience it for yourself inside Systems in Session 2026 (waitlist now open!).🎧 Listen in to learn:The moment every Systems in Session client experiencesWhy confidence—not tech skills—is the real game changerHow to build systems that reflect your brain and your brandWhat makes Systems in Session different from other setupsHow to join the 2026 waitlist and lock in 2025 rates before Nov 1💻 Join the 2026 waitlist → coliejames.com/sis

Not sure where to start with your systems? In this episode, I’m breaking down three smart places to begin if you’re DIY-ing your setup—your proposal, your contact form, or your delivery phase. I’ll walk you through how each one works, share real client wins, and help you decide which step makes the most sense for your business right now.Want to work together on your systems? Check out Systems in Session and grab one of the 2 remaining spots for 2025, with 2026 dates opening soon.