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How to Automate Client Communication Without Losing a High-Touch Photography Experience with Ina Jalil

2026-03-2645:57

What if automation didn’t make your client experience feel colder, but actually made it feel more personal? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Ina Jalil, a pet photographer who specializes in high-touch, full-service photography for dog lovers. When Ina joined my Email Like You Mean It live sprint, it became clear almost immediately that her business was the perfect example of something so many photographers wrestle with: how do you automate communication when your process is deeply personal, intentional, and customized?Ina walks us through how she built an in-person consultation model for her pet photography business, why that shift improved both client understanding and sales, and how email still plays a critical role in keeping clients engaged between touch points. We also talk about the “messy middle” of the client journey, the silent gaps that hurt momentum, and why even seasoned photographers need to revisit their workflows from time to time.Find It Quickly01:49 - Meet Ina02:50 - Why In Person Consults08:52 - Scheduling and Studio Sales11:43 - Email Automation Role14:09 - Filling the Messy Middle19:31 - Custom Templates That Feel Personal22:03 - VA Workflows and CRM Notes26:15 - Post Session Education and Sales35:45 - Sprint Results and Three PsMentioned in this EpisodeHow to Transform Your Pet Photography Client Experience with Colie JamesEmail Like You Mean ItConnect with InaWebsite: inajphotography.comEducation: inajphotography.com/for-photographers Skool community: Pet Photographers CollectiveInstagram: @inajphotographyInstagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo Podcast: The Pet Photographer's Journal

The “Oops, This Is Episode 300” Update

2026-03-2111:17

Hey y’all… so apparently this is episode 300 😅This episode snuck up on me so fast I didn't have a chance to plan a milestone moment. My 4th Podcast Anniversary in 2 months away, so maybe I'll do better then!🎙️ In this episode, I’m sharing:Updates inside Systems in Session (and what that means for availability & pricing)The 3 biggest changes I made to improve client momentum and results inside Systems in Session and how it panned out 60 days laterA peek at my upcoming live training and why you should joinGrab your FREE seat for From Hello to Booked, happening on April 2nd at Noon MT/2pm ET.Final note: if you’ve been here for a while—or even if this is your first episode—thank you. Seriously. 300 episodes is kind of wild, and I wouldn’t still be doing this without you.If this episode gave you a little clarity (or a kick in the pants to finally fix your systems 😉), share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps more creative business owners find the show—and start building a business that actually supports their life.

Done-for-You vs. Done-with-You: Which Model Fits Your Business? with Brittany Herzberg

2026-03-2057:05

What happens when the thing you’ve always sold so well no longer fits the life or business you want to build? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Brittany Herzberg to unpack the real difference between done-for-you and done-with-you services, what it looks like to sit in the messy middle of an offer evolution, and why both of us are rethinking how we help clients get results.Brittany shares how she supports business owners with SEO, from website strategy and keyword research to helping them understand how all the pieces of their visibility strategy fit together. I also share more about my own shift away from done-for-you systems work and into a done-with-you model that gives my clients more confidence, more ownership, and better long-term results.If you’ve been wondering whether your current service model still fits the way you want to work, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.Listen to Brittany's Other Episodes on Business-First Creatives:Episode 81: SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg (Part 3)Episode 159: Embracing Workflows & Automations in Your CRM: HoneyBook Case Study with Brittany HerzbergEpisode 202: SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany HerzbergMentioned in this Episode:The Resonance Effect - How to Attract Action Takeers with SEO Queen Brittany HerzbergDubsadoHoneyBookGoogle Search ConsoleKeysearchChatGPTConnect with BrittanyWebsite: brittanyherzberg.comInstagram: instagram.com/brittany_herzbergThreads: threads.com/@brittany_herzbergPodcast: brittanyherzberg.com/the-basic-b-podcast

The Rebooking Strategy You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be)

2026-03-1909:02

If you’ve ever wrapped up a project, delivered the final files, and then… just waited to see if your client comes back—you’re not alone.But here’s the thing: your next sale shouldn’t start after the project ends.In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my recent Disney cruise (yes, I already booked another one 👀) and the simple, strategic move they used to get me to spend more money before I even stepped off the ship.And more importantly? How you can use that exact same strategy in your business.Because if you’re not intentionally inviting your clients to rebook, refresh, or continue working with you… you’re leaving money on the table.In this episode, I’m breaking down:The “onboard offer” strategy Disney uses (and why it works so well)Why your next sale should happen before your project endsThe biggest mistake creatives make in their offboarding process3 different ways to create a rebooking offer for your clientsA simple exercise to help you turn past clients into repeat revenueMentioned in this episode:Systems in SessionDisney CruiseWant additional resources to rebook your clients?Read THIS blog post for an outline of how to implement this strategy.

3 Ways Your Systems Can Generate More Revenue in Your Business

2026-03-1208:41

In the last episode, I sat down with money coach Emilie Nutley to talk about understanding your numbers, paying yourself, and planning your finances like a real business owner. Because once you actually know your numbers, the possibilities for your business start to open up.But today I want to flip the conversation to something that most people don’t immediately connect to revenue: your systems.Most creatives think of systems as organization tools. Something that saves time, reduces stress, or keeps things from slipping through the cracks. And while that’s true… systems can also directly impact how much money your business actually generates.So in this episode, I’m walking you through three ways your systems can help you generate more revenue this year — without simply trying to book more clients.In this episode, we cover:Why raising your prices becomes easier when your client experience actually supports itHow messy onboarding and inconsistent communication can make photographers hesitate to charge moreThe hidden capacity ceiling that happens when you’re manually managing every part of your client processHow structured workflows allow you to serve more clients without increasing your workloadWhy repeat clients are often the fastest path to additional revenueThe simple system touchpoints that turn one booking into referrals, testimonials, and future rebookingsMentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 296 - The Best Financial Strategy for a Sustainable Business is Overflow with Emilie NutleySystems in Session - coliejames.com/systems

The Best Financial Strategy for a Sustainable Business is Overflow with Emilie Nutley

2026-03-1047:09

If you’ve been avoiding your numbers this year—this is your sign to review them. I invited financial expert Emilie Nutley to join me for a powerful, no-fluff conversation about pricing your signature offer, paying yourself consistently, and a financial concept that will completely change the way you think about business finances: overflow.We talk about why you should never price based on competitors, why revenue is not the same as take-home pay, and how to build a business that brings you both joy and a paycheck. If you’ve ever had inconsistent income months, questioned your pricing, or treated your business like an ATM, this episode is for you.Find It Quickly01:19 – Meet Emilie Nutley03:16 – How Much Do You Want to Pay Yourself?04:37 – Revenue Goal ÷ Capacity = Price05:41 – Need vs. Want: What Do You Actually Have to Pay Yourself?06:11 – The Bare Bones Budget Explained09:05 – The Restrict/Binge Cycle with Money16:10 – What “Overflow” Is and Why It Matters18:41 – Profit Isn’t the End: What Happens After Profit21:40 – Using Overflow to Make Strategic Decisions24:20 – Overflow & Growth Decisions (Hiring, Investing, Time Off)25:11 – Revenue-Generating Hires vs. Expense Investments26:43 – The Simple Overflow Spreadsheet28:36 – Stop Living Month-to-Month in Your Business29:42 – The Habit of Paying Yourself Consistently33:08 – How Much Should You Be Saving?38:33 – The Freedom of Owning a Business40:46 – Focus on Your Signature Offer First44:17 – Thinking Long-Term: Retirement & Future PlanningConnect with EmilieWebsite: emilienutley.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/emilienutleyYoutube: youtube.com/@fundthedamnlife

Before the Inquiries Roll In: 3 Systems to Fix Now

2026-03-0806:40

Busy season might not feel close yet—but if you rely on fall bookings, the inquiries that fill your calendar are coming sooner than you think.Instead of waiting until leads start flooding your inbox, this is the time to make sure your client experience systems are ready to support them. Because when your backend is messy, slow, or inconsistent, it becomes a lot harder to book clients confidently… and even harder to justify raising your prices.In this episode, Colie breaks down three essential systems every creative service provider should have in place before busy season begins. These systems help you book clients faster, create a smoother client experience, and build long-term relationships that lead to referrals, reviews, and repeat business.And the best part? When these systems are working well, raising your prices becomes a natural outcome—not a scary decision.In This Episode• Why waiting until slow season to raise your prices often backfires• How a faster inquiry and booking process increases booking confidence for both you and your clients• The role your client communication plays in building trust before, during, and after the service• How better delivery and offboarding leads to reviews, referrals, and repeat clients• Why preparing these systems now makes it easier to raise your prices once you're partially bookedMentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 215: The Confidence LoopSystems in Session- https://coliejames.com/systems

Going From Side Hustle to Structured Business Starts With Better Emails with Christi Dorsey

2026-03-0544:08

What if your side hustle wasn't just extra income, but the most creatively fulfilling part of your life? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Christi Dorsey, a nutrition expert, food science consultant, and full-time government professional. We talk about what it really looks like to build a thriving consulting business alongside a 9–5.Christi isn’t new to entrepreneurship. She’s been running her consulting company, Taste Symmetry, for over a decade. But as her business evolved, her systems and client communication needed to evolve with it. That’s when she joined Email Like You Mean It to overhaul her customer journey and finally build backend systems that matched the elevated experience on her new website.Find It Quickly00:24 - Meet Christi Dorsey03:21 - From nutrition degrees to global food safety work07:20 - The “1099 Queen”10:18 - Why she decided to expand her business again11:40 - Why she joined Email Like You Mean It15:13 - Her Foundation Experience offer explained23:00 - Rewriting her client emails from scratch25:47 - The offboarding email and the power of repeat business29:03 - What she’s working on next in her systems40:05 - Why “my emails are fine” might be holding you backMentioned in this EpisodeEmail Like You Mean ItSystems in SessionConnect with ChristiWebsite: tastesymmetry.comInstagram: @tastesymmetryLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/taste-symmetryMentioned in this EpisodeEmail Like You Mean ItSystems in SessionConnect with ChristiWebsite: tastesymmetry.comInstagram: @tastesymmetryLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/taste-symmetry

Why We Design First (and How to Decide Between Email Like You Mean It and Systems in Session)

2026-03-0313:09

If you’re trying to decide between Email Like You Mean It and Systems in Session, this episode will help you make that decision.I get asked all the time where someone should start if they want better systems in their business — and my answer is never “pick a CRM” or “build workflows.”It’s always: design your client experience first.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why mapping your customer journey comes before toolsWhat happens when you skip client experience designHow communication protects your boundaries (and increases revenue)The real difference between Email Like You Mean It and Systems in SessionHow to decide which offer is right for you right nowWhether you’re ready to build full systems or you need to start with planning and communication, the order never changes:Client experience design first.Client communication second.Systems and automation last.Resources mentioned:Client Experience Series (episode 195-198)Systems in Session → coliejames.com/systemsEmail Like You Mean It → coliejames.com/email

What Happened When I Turned Email Like You Mean It Into a Live Sprint

2026-03-0112:58

I turned Email Like You Mean It into a 5-day done-with-you live sprint… and then immediately invited some of my Systems in Session clients to test it as pre-work.Bold? Yes.A little chaotic? Also yes.Worth it? 100%.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how the first sprint went — what surprised me, what I learned, what I’m keeping, and what I’m changing for the next round.We’re talking:Why your CRM doesn’t actually matter when mapping your client communicationWhat happened when Systems in Session clients completed ELYMI before kickoffHow daily live feedback changed the pace of implementationWhat I’m adding (and standardizing) for the April sprintWhy I’m keeping this offer intentionally small (and intimate)If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build in public, test a new delivery model, or evolve an offer quickly — this is the honest behind-the-scenes.And if you want to join me for the next run of Email Like You Mean It, there are 10 spots available (and one is already gone).Details → coliejames.com/email

Why Every Creative Entrepreneur Needs Systems to Thrive with Megan Smith

2026-02-2648:00

What if the only thing standing between you and sustainable growth in your business is your system? In today’s episode, we're diving into a Systems in Session case study with Megan Smith—a full-time teacher, mom of three, farm wife, and professional home organizer. Listen in as she shares what happened when she finally stopped hiding from her systems and built the structure her business needed.While she wasn't focused on getting more clients, she wanted more confidence and excitement around the experience she was delivering. Yet within 48 hours of installing one simple piece of infrastructure, she booked a client and earned back half her investment.Find It Quickly00:32 – Meet Megan03:32 – How Her Systems Held Her Back09:31 – The ROI of Systems11:57 – Building a Unique Booking System18:55 – Creating Confidence19:27 – Raising Prices24:29 – Automations27:34 – Expanding Offers by Duplicating Systems30:06 – Marketing Meets Infrastructure34:20 – No Quick Fix in Business46:59 – The 3 R’s: Rave Reviews, Referrals & Repeat ClientsConnect with MeganWebsite: megansmithstressless.comInstagram: instagram.com/megansmithstressless

Everything You’re Overthinking About Systems in Session

2026-02-2415:30

Planning this episode felt like getting a dose of my own medicine.When I help clients build their five-minute booking process, I always tell them: your FAQs don’t belong buried on your website. They belong right above where someone is about to pay you.So today, we’re doing that for Systems in Session.If you’ve been wondering:Is this only for Dubsado users?Do I need this if I’ve had my CRM for years?Is this a course or true one-to-one support?How much time will this actually take?Can we build more than one offer?What if I’ve worked with you before?This episode answers all of it.You’ll hear exactly what Systems in Session includes, how the 60-day done-with-you Dubsado setup works, and why most of my clients are not beginners — they’re experienced service providers who are tired of babysitting their backend.Because this isn’t about learning more tech.It’s about building high-touch, low-effort systems that make your premium offers easy to book, effortless to deliver, and impossible to forget.If you’ve ever:Checked Dubsado at 2amHesitated to raise your prices because your backend feels fragileAvoided selling because delivery still feels manualFantasized about sending a proposal and getting paid within minutesThis episode is for you.What You’ll Learn (AKA The Questions I’m Answering)Is Systems in Session only for Dubsado users?I’ve had Dubsado for years — do I still need this?Is Systems in Session a course, a group program, or true one-to-one support?How much time does this actually take each week?What happens if I don’t “finish” in 60 days?Can we build more than one offer inside this container?I’ve worked with you before — do I still need Systems in Session?How do I prepare before we start?If you’ve ever:Checked Dubsado at 2amHesitated to raise your prices because your backend feels fragileAvoided selling because delivery still feels manualFantasized about sending a proposal and getting paid within minutesThis episode will help you decide your next move.Links MentionedSystems in Session → coliejames.com/systemsEmail Like You Mean It Sprint → coliejames.com/emailEpisode 289: Is Systems in Session Only for Photographers?

Is Systems in Session just for Photographers?

2026-02-2405:14

Niching down your messaging can feel like a catch-22. I talk to photographers a lot—which means non-photographers sometimes wonder if Systems in Session is actually for them.Short answer? Yes.Long answer? Let’s break it down.In this episode, I explain why Systems in Session works for any service-based business—not just photographers. I share who’s currently inside the program (including a stationery designer, a marketing specialist, and a website designer), and why the five core workflow phases—Inquiry, Booking, Onboarding, Service & Delivery, and Offboarding—apply no matter what you sell.Because while the service may change, the client journey doesn’t.If you’ve been wondering whether Systems in Session would work for you, even if you don’t take photos for a living, this episode is for you.Learn more at coliejames.com/systems

Your Offer Isn’t Too Custom for Systems

2026-02-2406:52

“I can’t automate that — my clients are all different.”If you’ve ever said that (or thought it), this episode is for you.Today kicks off a 3-part Objection Day series, where I’m tackling the most common pushback I hear about building real client experience systems.In this episode, we’re talking about:Why your clients are different creatively — but not logisticallyThe difference between customization and infrastructure problemsWhy rebuilding proposals and contracts from scratch isn’t “high-touch” — it’s fragileHow to create systems that are 80% structured and 20% personalized (without losing the magic)Your art might be custom.The process around selling and delivering it does not have to be rebuilt every single time.If your backend only works when you remember every step… that’s not premium.It’s risky.And if you’re ready for high-touch, low-effort systems that match your premium offers?Learn more about Systems in Session here:👉 https://coliejames.com/systems

Am I Loving Notion? (Or Do I Miss Airtable?)

2026-02-2209:50

Ever wonder what actually happens after someone makes a big backend decision?In this episode, I’m giving you a real update on two announcements I made last month:• Hiring a professional Notion strategist to build my marketing team dashboard• Bringing Chelsea on as my fractional CMO for 2026Spoiler: I am not abandoning Airtable. But I did need a better way to coordinate a growing team without becoming the bottleneck.I’m sharing what’s working, what surprised me, and how it actually feels to wake up and not have marketing on my to-do list — while everything still moves forward.If you love behind-the-scenes updates, this one’s for you.Also Mentioned:Systems in Session (Now Booking for Q2)Email Like You Mean It (next live sprint: April 6-10)Ania my Notion ExpertChelsea my Fractional CMO

Why Your Client Experience Is Costing You Money with Emily Mathis

2026-02-1955:13

If your clients are quietly disappearing, not giving testimonials, or not buying again, there is a deeply rooted problem we need to address. In this episode, I sit down with Emily Mathis to talk about outsourcing, but not in the way you think. We didn’t talk about hiring editors, VAs, or handing off social media. We talked about the outsourcing you’re probably ignoring: your client experience.Emily hasn’t outsourced much in her own business, and that’s exactly what makes her perspective powerful. Instead of defaulting to hiring help, she focuses on tightening the backend, improving delivery, and fixing what most business owners ignore: the messy middle.If you’re always chasing new leads but ignoring the people already inside your container, this conversation might change how you grow your business.Mentioned in this EpisodeBreanna Owen: owenyourmark.comEpisode 256 with Breanna Owen: coliejames.com/using-human-design-to-transform-your-business-strategy-with-breanna-owenEpisode 224 with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober: coliejames.com/how-the-enneagram-can-supercharge-your-self-awareness-with-ashton-whitmoyer-oberSystems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionConnect with EmilyWebsite: emilymathis.coInstagram: instagram.com/emilymathis.co

Build It Yourself and Own It Forever: Confidence in Your CRM with David Enloe

2026-02-1236:33

When you're empowered to build your own process and be part of it, everything in your systems can change. While there is always the option to outsource your brain or hand your systems to someone else, it's even more valuable to learn how your systems actually work, build them with intention, and have the confidence to evolve them as your business grows.In today's episode, I'm joined by David Enloe to chat through his experience inside of Systems in Session, the program that (as he puts it) empowers you to build your own process and be a part of it. We talk through how one conversation turned a vague idea into a structured offer, how David’s HoneyBook setup evolved, and why confidence is what most creatives really need.Find It Quickly01:05 - The Origin Story of Systems in Session05:19 - Why Now? Timing the Workflow Overhaul06:52 - Confidence Over Automation08:17 - The Power of Strategic Prep Work10:44 - Rebuilding After HoneyBook 2.012:59 - From Beta Build to Assistant Onboarding18:20 - Should You Include Your Virtual Assistant?21:31 - What Changed in David’s Business24:48 - Evolving the Client Journey26:58 - How the Program Has Changed Since32:22 - Final Advice from David34:55 - The 3 R’s: Reviews, Referrals, Repeat ClientsMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionEpisode 241: Systems in Session ft. Erin Belles: coliejames.com/done-with-you-dubsado-setup-case-studyConnect with DavidWebsite: theenloecreative.com

Why Done-With-You Systems are a Game-Changer with Emily Sterne

2026-02-0641:03

When I sent out a “why didn’t you buy?” survey after a slow launch, I didn’t expect one of those responses to turn into one of my favorite transformation stories. That’s exactly what happened with Emily Sterne, a long-time DIYer who needed guidance, but also didn’t want someone to do it all for her either.What she really needed was a middle ground that offered support, accountability, and someone to walk alongside her. That’s what she found inside Systems in Session with me. Done-with-you gave her the clarity and confidence she was missing without giving up control.284Find It Quickly01:02 - Meet Emily04:52 - The Myth of Outsourcing09:20 - Emily’s Systems Before Systems in Session11:39 - Transition to HoneyBook13:05 - What Emily Had Already Built (and What Was Missing)14:10 - Pricing Comes First18:42 - The True Outcome of Systems In Session23:32 - 12 Sessions Booked While Moving27:24 - Trusting Automations29:35 - Systems Aren’t Set & ForgetMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionEpisode 241: Systems in Session ft. Erin Belles: coliejames.com/done-with-you-dubsado-setup-case-study

Why Pretty Proposals Close Sales Faster (But Yours Aren't Working)

2026-02-0409:33

If you’ve ever thought, “If my proposal just looked better, this would be easier,” you’re not wrong — but that’s only part of the story.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why pretty proposals can close sales faster… and why they stop working when the system around them isn’t doing its job. Your proposal isn’t just an invoice — it’s a WOW moment. And when it doesn’t convert, it’s usually the first place your booking system is breaking down.We’re talking about the difference between design and clarity, why proposals expose gaps in your client experience, and what actually makes a proposal feel premium, intentional, and easy to say yes to.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “I just need a prettier proposal” is such a common (and understandable) beliefHow proposals act as a gateway — not the fix — in your booking systemThe difference between speeding up decisions and creating real clarityWhat makes a proposal feel like a WOW experience instead of paperworkWhy pretty proposals only work when the system around them worksIf you want your proposal to stop working so hard — and start shining inside a clear booking process — this episode is for you.✨ Ready to build a booking system you trust?Learn more about Systems in Session at coliejames.com/systems-in-session

3 Things Making Your Dream Clients Ghost You

2026-02-0210:10

Ever had a dream client inquire, seem excited… and then disappear?No reply.No booking.Just silence.In this episode, I’m breaking down why ghosting usually isn’t about your price or competition — it’s about what happens after someone raises their hand to work with you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” but still losing leads, this episode will help you zoom out and see where the breakdown is actually happening.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe three core elements of your inquiry + booking process that directly affect conversionsWhy fixing your systems in isolation creates leaks you can’t seeHow your instant inquiry response can either build momentum or quietly stall itWhy a “pretty” proposal doesn’t automatically lead to bookingsHow follow-up emails help clients finish decisions they already wanted to makeWhen a sales call replacement video can work better than a live callRelated Episodes Mentioned:Episode 225: Instant Inquiry Response Red FlagsEpisode 198: How to Create a 5-Minute Booking ProcessEpisode 108: The Magic of Follow-Up EmailsEpisode 280: Stop Overthinking Your Follow-Up EmailsIf you’re tired of guessing which part of your booking process is broken, this is exactly what we design inside Systems in Session.➡️ Learn more at coliejames.com/sis

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