How to Get Sponsors, Increasing Brand Visibility, and Getting Scrappy in BusinessThis week’s episode of The Wide Open Podcast is a little different - and in the best possible way. It originally aired live on Facebook as the very first installment of our new monthly segment called No Filter, where I sit down with my friend and fellow business owner Kelly Northlee of Fondy Famous and Not Your Average Marketing.No script. No curated talking points. Just an honest conversation between two business friends showing up exactly as we are.We each brought three things to the table:Something we're struggling withSomething we think the other person is doing wellSomething we're grateful forAnd then we just… talked. For real. Out loud. With no filter.This conversation was real, raw, and refreshingly unscripted. That’s the whole point of No Filter: creating space for honest, supportive conversations that remind us we’re not alone in the highs or the lows of business.We’re doing this every month, so we’d love to hear from YOU:What do you want us to talk about next?What are you struggling with right now?Any ideas to make this segment even better?Drop a comment, shoot us a message, or share this episode with a business friend who needs to hear it.Listen in now, and don’t forget: real business growth happens when we’re brave enough to show up without a filter.Links & Resources:Business Coaching for CreativesWisconsin Branding Photography
How to Build Confidence || Confidence & Networking for Business Growth with Annabelle KleinDoes self-doubt keep you from showing up for your business? Maybe you struggle with posting content, selling your offers, or putting yourself out there. Confidence is the key to consistency—and today’s guest is here to help.In this episode, I chat with Annabelle from the Thought Rebel Podcast, a confidence coach who helps business owners break free from old habits and finally step into their confidence. We’re diving deep into:🔥 How to recognize when a lack of confidence is holding you back🔥 Why confidence is essential for business success🔥 Practical ways to build confidence and create momentum🔥 The hidden mindset blocks that keep you stuck🔥 The role of humility in confidence (and why it’s often misunderstood)If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally go all in on your business, this is it!See the Full Show Notes👉 Want to work with Annabelle?Work with AnnabelleInstagram || Spotify || YouTube
Brand Storytelling for Impact || How to Tell a Better Story Brand storytelling is important for any business - after all, you're always telling a story, but you can always tell a better one. For any business, being able to clearly communicate impact is crucial for growth. But how do you build a compelling case that showcases your value in a way that resonates with potential customers, clients, or funders? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode of The Wide Open Podcast with Emily Taylor, Principal of teenyBIG. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why storytelling is essential for business growth and how to communicate impact effectively. How to gather and use client insights to shape your messaging—even if you’re just starting out. The core elements of a strong story: Context, Approach, Action, Impact, and Opportunity. How to tell a compelling story even when you don’t have all the traditional elements. Actionable steps for creating your own Case for Support to strengthen your brand messaging. If you struggle with making your value clear to potential customers or clients, applying the principles of a Case for Support can help. By listening to your audience, identifying key patterns, and structuring your messaging with impact, you can create a business narrative that resonates deeply and drives action. Want to learn more? Emily is offering a free white paper on Telling Stories with Substance. Download it here! FIND EMILY ONLINE:TeenyBig WebsiteConnect with Emily on LinkedIn See the full show notes...
Using Stories to Connect || Learn Storytelling for Small Business In this episode of The Wide Open Podcast, I’m joined by Jessica, a brand story strategist who helps impact-driven entrepreneurs use storytelling to build authentic connections. We discuss the power of personal stories, how to choose the right ones to share, and why they matter for your business. What You’ll Learn: Jessica’s unconventional journey to entrepreneurship The impact of storytelling on your audience Tips for improving your storytelling skills Advice for choosing stories that align with your brand Links & Resources: Jessica's Website || Instagram || Made for More Community See the full show notes...
Balancing the demands of running a business and being a present mom is no easy feat. In this episode, Kellyn shares her journey as a mompreneur—navigating the challenges of motherhood, setting boundaries, and growing her business authentically while staying true to her values. Kellyn opens up about her current season of life and business, sharing practical tips, hard-earned lessons, and strategies that have helped her protect time for her family and her entrepreneurial dreams. We also dive into her take on hustle culture and the mindset shifts that have allowed her to thrive. If you’re a mompreneur or a creative balancing motherhood and business, this conversation will feel like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend who truly gets it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Kellyn’s journey to becoming a wedding and lifestyle photographer How she manages the balance between business and motherhood The hardest and easiest seasons of blending these roles Tips for setting boundaries and finding time for what matters most Thoughts on hustle culture and redefining success as a mompreneur Kellyn’s advice for making life and work feel more aligned Get the full show notes...
When was the last time you took a hard look at your branding? If it’s been a while, this episode is for you! Branding is more than just visuals—it’s about building trust, connecting with your audience, and sharing your values. When your branding is off, your business can feel out of sync and may even hold you back from growth. In this episode, I’m breaking down three clear signs your brand needs a refresh: Your branding doesn’t match your current business. Your branding isn’t attracting the right clients. Your branding feels inconsistent. We’ll dive into examples, questions to help you assess your brand, and practical tips to get back on track. Plus, don’t miss details about my free branding class—available now for a limited time! FREE BRANDING CLASS:Join my free branding class and learn how to create an intentional, cohesive brand that builds trust and sparks creativity. Sign up at businesscoachsylvia.com/brandingclass before it becomes a paid offer in March 2025! Resources Mentioned: Free Branding Class Connect with me on Instagram: @businesscoachsylvia Subscribe to The Wide Open Podcast so you never miss an episode! Next Episode:We’ll be talking with Kellyn Oftedahl about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship—the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Follow the show to be notified when it drops! Get the full show notes...
2025 is here, and it’s time to take your creative business to the next level! In this episode of Wide Open, I’m sharing 10 actionable ideas to help you grow your business, achieve your goals, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re refining your brand, improving your mindset, or focusing on strategy, these tips are designed to empower you to thrive as a creative entrepreneur. 🎉 Plus, I’m introducing an exciting free branding class you won’t want to miss—perfect for starting the year with a cohesive, intentional brand. Read or watch it instead! Here’s what you’ll learn: How to set clear, values-aligned goals. Why boundaries are essential for creativity and avoiding burnout. The impact of strong branding and how to achieve it. The power of professional brand photography. Tips to overcome mindset blocks like imposter syndrome. How prioritizing your health boosts creativity. The importance of focus and doing less for better results. Creating a smart business strategy for sustainable growth. How batching and scheduling content saves time and energy. Why self-compassion is key to long-term success. Resources Mentioned: 📢 FREE Branding Class: The Intentional Brand Blueprint 💻 Updating your website to match your brand? Check out these resources. 🎡 Get solid on your goals with the Wheel of Life. 🦋 Ready for personalized support? Book a coaching discovery call. Next Week’s Episode: Don’t miss "3 Signs Your Brand Needs a Refresh" with actionable tips, journal prompts, and examples to take your brand to the next level. Hit Follow to stay updated! Get in touch on Instagram.
We're diving into a powerful goal-setting tool: the Wheel of Life template. If you’ve felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help you get clear, focused, and ready to take action in the areas that matter most. In this episode, we’ll walk you through creating and using the Wheel of Life to evaluate where you currently stand across key areas, like health, relationships, and career. Once we’ve mapped it out, you’ll be able to identify which parts of your life could use a boost and set intentional, relevant goals for the upcoming year. Get Your Wheel of Life Template Key Takeaways for Life Inventory || Setting Goals with the Wheel of Life What is the Wheel of Life? Learn how this practical tool can provide a visual snapshot of your life, helping you to pinpoint where things feel off. Personal Evaluation Exercise: You’ll be guided step-by-step to score areas like mental health, relationships, and financial growth on a scale from 1-10. Where are you thriving? Where is there room for improvement? Setting Actionable Goals: Focus on the lowest-rated areas of your Wheel. We’ll discuss achievable goals for each section, from creating a self-care plan for mental health to establishing regular “date nights” to strengthen romantic connections. Complete your Wheel of Life, set goals in your lowest three areas, and tag @businesscoachsylvia on Instagram to share your journey! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris See the full show notes...
In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, a social media expert, photographer, and CEO of Sunny Social Collective. Hannah is passionate about helping creators, dreamers, and makers grow their businesses through social media. With years of experience working with photographers and small business owners, she’s the perfect person to talk to about growth—especially for those who feel lost on what to post or how to use platforms like Instagram effectively. Hannah shares her journey from small-town girl to CEO, how she fell in love with social media, and why she believes it’s not just a silly app but a powerful tool for changing lives. We dive deep into content creation, consistency, and how to overcome the mindset blocks that often hold people back from growing online. Here's what you have to look forward to: Hannah’s journey into social media management and coaching Why Instagram is her go-to - and why it might not be yours! How to create content when you don’t know where to start Debunking the myth that social media “just doesn’t work” The mindset and practical shifts needed for social media growth FIND HANNAH ONLINE:Sunny Social Collective@sunnysocialcollectiveInstagram See the full show notes...
In this episode, Sylvia V. dives deep into the abundance and scarcity mindsets that shape our lives and businesses—scarcity versus abundance. Ever felt like there’s never enough to go around? Money, time, clients, success—it can all feel limited. Sylvia breaks down the origins of the scarcity mindset, revealing how it often comes from family or environment, regardless of your background. But here’s the twist: an abundance mindset is also contagious and can be learned! Key Takeaways: Do the Math: Get clear on what you really need by calculating your financial and time goals. This clarity can lessen stress and help you feel in control. Talk the Talk: Imagine what success looks and feels like. Visualizing your wins, whether it’s booking those high-ticket weddings or steady client flow, helps you step into an abundant mindset. Spend It Wisely: Invest in your business and yourself—time, money, and energy. Sylvia offers practical ways to reinvest without breaking the bank, emphasizing mindful spending on things that uplift and inspire you. These are just a few of the steps toward embracing abundance. Remember, mental shifts and tangible actions go hand-in-hand. Ready to take your mindset to the next level? If you’re ready to level up, shed limiting beliefs, and get expert guidance, Sylvia has coaching spots open. Head to businesscoachsylvia.com to schedule a call today! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris See the full show notes...
How to Level Up Your Consultations & Discovery Call Script In this episode of Wide Open, Sylvia dives into a personal sales experience that went terribly wrong. After reaching out to a local organization about becoming a member, Sylvia found herself face-to-face with a salesperson who seemed determined to fail at every turn. Instead of their discovery call script providing the information and value needed to make an informed decision, the salesperson's approach left Sylvia with more questions than answers—and ultimately, she ended up spending less with them than she normally would have. Tune in as Sylvia breaks down exactly what went wrong in this sales interaction and what the salesperson could have done differently. Whether you're running a consultation for wedding photography or having casual chats about your offer on social media, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Learn how to ensure your potential clients feel informed, valued, and ready to say "yes." What You’ll Learn: The key missteps that ruined this sales experience. How to sell higher ticket items by understanding and meeting customer needs. Practical tips to ensure your sales approach is effective without feeling icky. Share this episode with your business bestie! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE: businesscoachsylvia.com/podcast Instagram: @businesscoachsylvia Facebook: @businesscoachsylvia Pinterest: @thesylviadamaris Click here to view the full show notes...
Get clear on your goals, craft a strategy that sparks creativity, and build the confidence to create a life-giving business. Welcome to The Wide Open Podcast! 🎉 If you’re a photographer or creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business, find clarity, and unlock your confidence, you’re in the right place. In this short trailer episode, Sylvia shares: What The Wide Open Podcast is all about. How this show can help you set aligned goals, overcome mindset challenges, and craft a thriving business you love. A sneak peek into topics like branding, marketing, strategy, and mindset shifts that will empower your journey. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making progress? Tune in, hit FOLLOW, and get ready for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and everything you need to build a business that feels as good as it looks. 🎧 Follow now and join a community of creatives ready to turn their big dreams into bold results. Your next breakthrough is just one episode away. FIND SYLVIA ONLINE: businesscoachsylvia.com Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
In this episode, Sylvia V. dives deep into the mindsets that shape our lives and businesses—scarcity versus abundance. Ever felt like there’s never enough to go around? Money, time, clients, success—it can all feel limited. Sylvia breaks down the origins of the scarcity mindset, revealing how it often comes from family or environment, regardless of your background. But here’s the twist: an abundance mindset is also contagious and can be learned! Do the Math: Get clear on what you really need by calculating your financial and time goals. This clarity can lessen stress and help you feel in control. Talk the Talk: Imagine what success looks and feels like. Visualizing your wins, whether it’s booking those high-ticket weddings or steady client flow, helps you step into an abundant mindset. Spend It Wisely: Invest in your business and yourself—time, money, and energy. Sylvia offers practical ways to reinvest without breaking the bank, emphasizing mindful spending on things that uplift and inspire you. These are just a few of the steps toward embracing abundance. Remember, mental shifts and tangible actions go hand-in-hand. Ready to take your mindset to the next level? If you’re ready to level up, shed limiting beliefs, and get expert guidance, Sylvia has just five Q1 coaching spots open starting in January. Head to businesscoachsylvia.com to schedule a call today! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris See the full show notes...
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work with a business coach? In this episode, Sylvia V shares her firsthand experience, from navigating the unknowns of her first coaching session to the tangible impact it’s had on her business over time. Sylvia discusses the overwhelm she felt early on in her journey, balancing a successful business with a desire to attract more ideal clients, raise her prices, and truly express her authentic self online. If you’ve been curious about what to expect from business coaching or how it might transform your work, this episode is for you! What to Expect from Coaching – From setting goals to mindset work, accountability, and actionable steps tailored to your needs, Sylvia explains how business coaching goes beyond quick fixes to lay a foundation for lasting growth. Do You Really Need a Coach? – While you can go it alone, coaching provides clarity, focus, and perspective, offering tools you can apply for years. Sylvia describes the rewards of investing in coaching and how it often costs less than common business expenses, like bookkeeping. What Coaching Isn’t – Sylvia highlights the need for commitment. While coaching offers guidance and resources, you have to be ready to do the work. Building a Relationship That Lasts – Sylvia emphasizes the connection she builds with clients, creating a supportive partnership that often grows into a long-lasting friendship. If you’re ready to level up, shed limiting beliefs, and get expert guidance, Sylvia has just five Q1 coaching spots open starting in January. Head to businesscoachsylvia.com to schedule a call today! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris Read the full show notes...
Welcome to episode 18 of the Wide Open Podcast, where we're diving into a powerful goal-setting tool: the Wheel of Life template. If you’ve felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help you get clear, focused, and ready to take action in the areas that matter most. Wheel of Life Template In this episode, we’ll walk you through creating and using the Wheel of Life to evaluate where you currently stand across key areas, like health, relationships, and career. Once we’ve mapped it out, you’ll be able to identify which parts of your life could use a boost and set intentional, relevant goals for the upcoming year. What is the Wheel of Life? Learn how this practical tool can provide a visual snapshot of your life, helping you to pinpoint where things feel off. Personal Evaluation Exercise: You’ll be guided step-by-step to score areas like mental health, relationships, and financial growth on a scale from 1-10. Where are you thriving? Where is there room for improvement? Setting Actionable Goals: Focus on the lowest-rated areas of your Wheel. We’ll discuss achievable goals for each section, from creating a self-care plan for mental health to establishing regular “date nights” to strengthen romantic connections. Complete your Wheel of Life, set goals in your lowest three areas, and tag @businesscoachsylvia on Instagram to share your journey! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris Click for the full show notes...
Are you making the right investments for your business? In this episode, I’m diving into the four key ways to invest—equipment, tools, education, and mentorship—that have shaped my seven-year journey in the industry. Spoiler: the best investment isn't necessarily the newest gadget! Join me as I share my hard-earned insights and tips to ensure your investments fuel sustainable growth and help you thrive. Why Equipment Isn’t EverythingPhotographers, this one's for you: while new tech can be tempting, it might not be the best use of your resources—especially early on. Listen in to find out why being a "late adopter" could actually work in your favor, and how to make the most of what you already own. Choosing the Right ToolsBefore jumping into a new subscription or tool, ask yourself: does it solve a recurring problem? Does it save time or money? Discover some of my favorite time-saving tools (and grab discount codes at businesscoachsylvia.com/resources). Investing in EducationNot sure if that course or book is worth the cost? I’ll share how I decide what’s valuable—and why finding the right teacher is key. The Value of MentorshipMentorship isn’t for everyone, but it’s been a game-changer for me. Learn why personalized guidance can be priceless when you're stuck, lost, or ready to level up, and how to know if it’s the right investment for you. And don’t forget: Q1 2025 coaching spots are open! Ready to start 2025 strong? Let’s make it happen together! FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylviaFacebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris See the full show notes...
In this episode of Wide Open, we're diving deep into a crucial topic for photographers and creatives—how to create an effective sales funnel. Many entrepreneurs make the same mistakes when promoting their business, from vague, non-sales captions to overly pushy pitches or hidden, half-hearted attempts to sell. This episode breaks down how to avoid these pitfalls by understanding and using a sales funnel to meet your potential clients where they are in their buying journey. We explore the three main stages of the funnel: Top of the Funnel: Where awareness is key, and potential clients discover you. Content like social media videos, blog posts (with SEO), podcasts, and collaborations help capture attention. Middle of the Funnel: This is where interest grows, and your audience begins engaging with your content. Think of social media posts, email lists, free offers, and webinars designed to deepen their connection with you. Bottom of the Funnel: When your audience is ready to make a decision, this is where your service pages, discovery calls, and free trials come into play to convert them into paying clients. By the end of this episode, you’ll rethink how to structure your content for each stage of the funnel and understand why a strategic sales funnel is essential for turning followers into clients. Grab a pen and get ready for some actionable insights! Avoid Common Mistakes: Many creatives either don't sell at all, oversell, or hide weak sales pitches. To succeed, align your content with where your audience is in the buying journey. Understand the Sales Funnel: The funnel has three stages—Top (awareness), Middle (interest), and Bottom (conversion)—each with a specific type of content to share. Top of the Funnel (Awareness): Use content like social media videos, blog posts, podcasts, and collaborations to increase visibility and attract new potential clients. Middle of the Funnel (Interest): Nurture your audience with engaging social media posts, free offers, email lists, and webinars to build trust and deepen the connection. Bottom of the Funnel (Conversion): When your audience is ready to buy, direct them to your service pages, discovery calls, and free trials to close the sale. Tailor Your Content: Each stage of the funnel has a different goal—awareness, information gathering, and ultimately conversion. Make sure your content strategy reflects these goals. FIND SYLVIA ONLINE:businesscoachsylvia.com/podcastInstagram: @businesscoachsylvia Facebook: @businesscoachsylviaPinterest: @thesylviadamaris Full show notes here...
In this episode of Wide Open, we dive into the world of creativity with Linda Fabry, an intuitive artist known for her divination art, Paintgazing, and her captivating Windows to the Soul portraits. With over 23 years of experience as a public artist, Linda blends transpersonal psychology, metaphysics, and spirituality into her creative process. Together, we explore the creative process and tapping into your creative energy. Linda walks us through the meaning of creativity and who can exercise their creativity. She even takes us through crazy cool exercise that helps bypass our mental defenses to uncover deeper insights about ourselves. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone who believes they aren't creative at all, this episode will inspire you to rethink the flow between inspiration and creation. Key Takeaways: Creativity is universal: Linda emphasizes that creativity isn’t just about making art—it's about problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and expressing yourself in everyday life. Tapping into your creativity: Whether or not you see yourself as a creative person, Linda offers tips for accessing creative flow, including the importance of play and curiosity. Overcoming blocks: We explore common creative blocks, like fear of failure or perfectionism, and how to work through them. Preferential shapes exercise: Linda walks us through an exercise that helps bypass defense mechanisms, allowing us to better understand our strengths, goals, and motivations. This episode will inspire you to see creativity as a tool for personal growth and transformation, no matter your field. Click here for the full show notes...