This Can't Be That Hard (Annemie Tonken)
Explore every episode of This Can't Be That Hard
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 31 Jul 2020 | EP 031: [MM] Understanding Print Credit and Sales with Kayla Kohn | 00:16:32 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I chat with Kayla Kohn about the strategies and benefits of adding print sales to your business. Kayla is a family and newborn photographer based in Lawrence, KS. You can find her here and here. Resources:
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| 14 Apr 2020 | Ep 014 - You Know What Assuming Does, Right? | 00:21:55 | |
What assumptions are you making that are hurting you and your photography business? Assumptions may be a necessary part of the way we navigate the world, but if this past few weeks has taught us anything, it's that assumptions can also be dangerous. Today I want to talk about some of the more harmful assumptions that you may be making so that we can flip the script and open up some possibilities in your life and your business. Show notes at www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/014 Resources:
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| 08 Dec 2020 | EP 067: Holiday Special - Rewind Edition | 00:21:15 | |
During the month of December, I’m taking a break from creating new content for the podcast, and instead sharing some stuff I think you’ll enjoy from the past year. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/067 Resources:
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| 12 Feb 2021 | EP 083: [MM] Diversifying your income and your brand with Emily Hines | 00:18:35 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Emily Hines and I talk about the why and how of diversifying your income as a photographer. What’s the best strategy when it comes to diversifying, and when should the different areas of your brand be kept separate or showcased together? Emily is a lifestyle family photographer based in Austin, TX. You can find her online here and here. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/083 Resources:
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| 02 Mar 2021 | EP 088: SEO Strategies for Photographers with Sarah Landa | 00:44:55 | |
Of all the SEO experts I could’ve asked to come on the podcast, Sarah Landa got first pick. Why? Because not only is she an active SEO consultant with a client roster populated by friends of mine who RAVE about her services, she also happens to be a fantastic family portrait photographer herself, so she truly understands the ins and outs of getting recognized in a crowded field. Her superpower is helping photographers and creatives find their why, connect with their ideal client, and reach page one of Google, one click at a time, and on the podcast today, she’s sharing some of her best strategies.
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| 26 Jan 2021 | EP 078: Creating a Video for your About me Page | 00:24:42 | |
Video is an extremely effective but also extremely underutilized tool when it comes to educating our photography clients, whether it’s before they’ve hired us, when they’re getting ready for their session, or when it’s time to purchase products. Today we’re talking about that first part, and how we can use video to help get noticed by potential clients noticed, make our brands stand out from the competition, and book more of the right clients. I’m giving you a formula for what to say, how to record it, and where to post it once you’re done… all without requiring any special video or editing skills. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/078
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| 23 Mar 2021 | EP 094: News and Announcements and Freebies, oh my! | 00:20:20 | |
There are some big (and perhaps overdue) changes happening at This Can’t Be That Hard - all exciting and all shared on today’s podcast! I’m introducing the newest (and actually, the first!) official members of Team TCBTH, as well as giving you a sneak preview of what I have in the works for you in the next few months. Listen in to hear all of that… and to learn how you can get access to my newest free resource for you. This is a good one! The Simple Sales System Masterclass Resources:
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| 27 Nov 2020 | EP 065: [MM] Getting a Different Perspective with Kristyn Miller | 00:18:53 | |
When Kristyn Miller and I scheduled time to record this episode of Mini Mentoring, we had one plan for what we were going to talk about. Then, once we set the timer and actually talked it through, it turned out we had a whole different conversation on our hands. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/065 Resources:
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| 08 Jan 2021 | EP 073: [MM] Marketing From Scratch with Anouk Briere-Godbout | 00:18:47 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Anouk Briere-Godbout and I talk about the mindset and strategies necessary to get some marketing traction when you’re brand new (never mind trying to do so in the midst of a pandemic). Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/073 Resources:
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| 14 Jul 2020 | EP 027: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset with Caro Cuinet Wellings | 00:43:29 | |
As photographers, we generally don’t have very complex business models. Once we learn some basic systems and strategies, it seems like everything should just fall into place. The big stumbling blocks for a lot of us - things like pricing, marketing, selling, workflow - those things are all pretty technically straightforward. So why is it that we get stuck? Caro Cuinet-Wellings is a French photographer with a background in education, and today she’s sharing some invaluable - and very practical - insight on the differences between fixed and growth mindsets, and how you can train yourself to recognize and approach the speed bumps in your own business in a much more effective way. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/027
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| 11 May 2021 | EP 106: Helping Photographers and Clients Connect with Lachlan Shum | 00:27:38 | |
Connecting with the right photography clients can feel overwhelming: what do they want? Where are they hiding? What’s the right price point or message or strategy? One of the most important things you can do as a business owner is put yourself in the shoes of your clients, and today’s conversation with Lachlan Shum - founder of the Focal Marketplace - is going to help you do just that. Lachlan’s entire business idea came from his experience, not as a photographer, but as a client. He built a business based on his own attempt to hire a photographer - one he found difficult and confusing - and is now full of golden insights on how to make sure you’re making it as easy as possible for the right clients to find you.
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| 19 Mar 2021 | EP 093: [MM] Managing a Business and a Chronic Illness with Donna Craddock | 00:18:36 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Donna Craddock & I talk about strategies for staying consistent in your marketing and messaging, even when life is anything BUT consistent. Juggling chronic illness and a one-woman business? It can be done. Resources:
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| 25 Sep 2020 | EP 047: [MM] How to Run Profitable, On-Brand Mini Sessions with Dana Walsh | 00:17:36 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Dana Walsh and I discuss the best way to navigate the minefield that is mini-sessions… setting yourself apart, maintaining your brand, attracting the right clients, and pricing your minis in a way that brings people in the door without sacrificing profit. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/mm-047 Resources:
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| 19 Mar 2020 | EP 010: Interview with Elena S. Blair | 00:44:48 | |
I could not be more excited to share today's interview with you. As you know, it is my very first time interviewing someone for the podcast and who better to interview than the fabulous Elena S. Blair! I first got to know Elena because she taught for us at the Family Narrative in 2019. Elena is a woman who is a self taught photographer with no background in business, much like a lot of us, who went against a lot of industry norms and never let the naysayers stop her from following her dreams and who now runs an extremely profitable and very sustainable business that she loves. I want to be sure that you stick around to the end because not only does Elena drop a huge amount of great information, she's also got a great freebie to share with all of you too. And we're going to share that at the end. So, without any further ado, let's dive in. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/009
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| 17 Nov 2020 | EP 062: Are You Overcomplicating Things? | 00:20:46 | |
Most photographers set out to run a relatively simple business, but it’s surprisingly easy to quickly make things more complicated than they need to be. In this episode, I’m going to give you a quick way to assess whether you’re overcomplicating your business, and if you are, an easy strategy for identifying where things need to be streamlined and simplified. Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/062 Resources:
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| 28 Apr 2020 | EP 016: The Band-Aid and the Cure | 00:15:58 | |
Despite what you may think, your job as a photographer is not making amazing photos. Your job is to help your clients transform in some way, or experience a feeling that they want or need to feel, and the tool that you use to create that transformation or experience that feeling is your amazing photos. But making amazing photos is just one part of that job. This week on the podcast, I'm going to talk about the job we think we have versus the job that we actually have, and then once we've defined our actual job, we're going to talk about what it takes to do our job in a way that creates loyal, raving fans. Resources:
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| 06 Apr 2021 | EP 098: Don't get Dragged Down by Price Anchors | 00:36:16 | |
Have you ever been told your prices were too high? When you were - because we ALL have been - did it ever make you want to yell “too high compared to WHAT?!?!” Well, here’s the answer: your prices are being compared to price anchors, and if you don’t pay attention to them, those anchors can sink your business. Today on the podcast, I’m teaching you what price anchors are, how they affect buying decisions, and how being aware of price anchors and how to unmoor them can help you dramatically increase your booking rates.
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| 05 Feb 2021 | EP 081: [MM] Transitioning from Part-Time to Full-Time with Tiernae Salley | 00:17:16 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Tiernae Salley and I talk about moving past your comfort zone and making the leap from part time to full time. How do you know when it’s the right time? Tiernae is a lifestyle family photographer based in Indianapolis. You can find her online here and here. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/081 Resources:
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| 04 May 2021 | EP 105: How Automations Help You AND Your Clients | 00:27:21 | |
Automations: friend or foe? If you think automations are only for big businesses or have avoided using them because you believe they limit your ability to deliver a personalized service, today’s episode is for you. I talk about three common misconceptions about using automations in your business, and about how - when used properly - automations can benefit not only you as the business owner, but your clients as well.
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| 07 Jul 2020 | EP 026: Five Rules for a Profitable Product Portfolio | 00:28:51 | |
Product sales are SO important when it comes to running a professional and profitable photography business - not to mention one of the cornerstones of the Simple Sales System - but they’re also a pretty big hurdle for a lot of photographers, either because they’re not currently offering products and don’t know where to start, or because they’ve been trying to offer products but haven’t seen much success. Today I’m diving into five strategies for choosing, pricing, and delivering products that will help transform your product sales into a strong source of revenue and client satisfaction! Show notes: www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/026
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| 06 Oct 2020 | EP 050: This One's Dedicated to You (yes, YOU) | 00:05:13 | |
FIFTY WHOLE EPISODES!!! Today’s episode is a quick one where I give the credit for this milestone where it’s due: to YOU. Thank you so much for tuning in and being part of This Can’t Be That Hard… whether you’re a member of the Facebook Group, are one of my Blueprint Students, or just subscribe and listen. To show my appreciation, I collected and put together 50(+) pieces of photography wisdom from everyone willing to contribute. The compilation turned out - unsurprisingly - to be pretty awesome, so I for one am printing it to hang by my desk! It will be a reminder not only of each important bit of advice contained therein, but also of the fact that there’s a whole community of positive, supportive photographers spread all over the world who are dedicated to making this a more profitable, sustainable industry that we can all love. If you want a copy of your very own, you can download it below - no email required. P.S. If you’re feeling inspired to share the love, sharing the poster on social with a link to @thiscantbethat or leaving a review for the show on iTunes would mean the world to me!!! Resources:
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| 09 Apr 2021 | EP 099: [MM] Donkey or Workhorse? with Candra Schank | 00:14:21 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Candra Schank & I talk about the nuanced differences between business models, and how to ensure that the model you choose aligns with your unique gifts. Resources:
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| 12 May 2020 | EP 018: Setting Boundaries with Leslie Kershaw | 00:50:47 | |
Leslie Kershaw is a documentary family photographer in Washington, D.C. I first met Leslie Kershaw through The Family Narrative - she was one of the teachers at our very first conference in 2017, and over the course of the three years that I’ve known her, I’ve always been so impressed… not just by her work (which is incredible), but by what has always struck me as her incredibly strong internal compass. As creatives and entrepreneurs, I think most of us struggle to stay focused, to prioritize, and to know when to say no, but Leslie always seems to have a clear path, and follows it 100%. She balances the demands of a successful photography business, a full-time job working for a pharmacy association, and life as a wife and mother of three all with incredible grace. My original intent when I asked Leslie to be on the show was to find out more about how she did that, but our conversation going deeper. In today’s episode, in addition to talking about boundaries, Leslie and I chat about
You can see Leslie’s work at lesliekershaw.com, and on IG @lesliekershawphoto or @lesliekershaw
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| 21 Aug 2020 | EP 037: [MM] Niching Down with Ana Vallejo | 00:17:08 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I talk with Ana Vallejo about the challenges of getting started in a big, oversaturated market. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/037 Resources:
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| 14 Aug 2020 | EP 035: [MM] Starting Over in a New Location with Andrea de Anda | 00:17:35 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I chat with Andrea de Anda about the challenges (and opportunities!) involved in relocating your business across the country. Andrea is a wedding and family photographer (soon-to-be) based in Atlanta, GA. You can find her here and here. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/035 Resources:
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| 13 Nov 2020 | EP 061: [MM] An Unschooled Post-Mortem with Dreama Spence | 00:22:36 | |
In this slightly unusual episode of Mini Mentoring, I’m chatting with Dreama Spence, a photographer who planned and executed an UnSchooled portrait session concept this fall. She’s giving us all the details - from her offer and marketing strategy to how things went and what she’ll do differently next time. She’s even included a link to her sales page for you to take a peek at! Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/061 Resources:
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| 18 May 2021 | EP 107: Our Favorite Business Tools | 00:55:31 | |
Every other Friday, at 2pm Eastern, I join up with a group of talented people on the social media site, Clubhouse, to discuss topics relating to photography and the business of photography. We pick a different topic and this week’s topic was Our Favorite Business Tools. People in the room are able to ask questions or add to the discussion and we never know who might join in. This week, Sarah Landa, everyone’s favorite SEO guru was there; and we got some great insight from Carolina Guzik, host of The Tog Republic. In case you’re not on Clubhouse, I’m posting our most recent get together so you can listen in (with everyone's permission, of course!) If you'd like to learn more, below are the participants and links to the tools and sites we mentioned. I think I’ve listed them all, but forgive me if I left something out. These are non-affiliate links to the tools and services we discussed. We are not getting any compensation for recommendations. We are simply sharing the tools and apps we like and use. Productivity tools and apps: Full Focus Planner https://fullfocusplanner.com/ Asana https://asana.com/ Dubsado https://www.dubsado.com/ Zapier https://www.zapier.com/ Flodesk https://flodesk.com/ Pic-Time https://www.pic-time.com/
Carolina Guzik’s podcast The Tog Republic https://thetogrepublic.com/
Services, Communities, and Education: Image Salon https://imagesalon.com/post-production Sarah Landa (SEO) https://www.sarahlanda.com/complete-seo-basics The Family Narrative https://www.thefamilynarrative.com/ Illuminate Classes https://www.illuminateclasses.com/ Sabrina Gebhardt’s education site, https://www.sabrinagebhardt.com/education The Simple Sales System Masterclass www.thiscantbethathard.com/simple Colie James’ education site, https://coliejamesphotography.com/dubsado/ Brooke Schultz http://brookeschultzphotography.com/love-soaked-family-photography-the-course/
Participants’ sites: Amy Sanusi (Kinship Photo) https://www.kinshipphoto.com/ Mary Otanez https://www.maryotanezphotography.com/ Sabrina Gebhardt https://www.sabrinagebhardt.com/
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| 16 Mar 2021 | EP 092: Studio Manager Magic with Amy Sanusi | 00:45:26 | |
Outsourcing doesn’t need to be limited to hiring an accountant or an editor! In this episode, Amy Sanusi and I chat about all the aspects of hiring and working with a studio manager - from where to find one to how to train and pay one. Whether you’re ready to start outsourcing yet or not, this conversation will help you understand the who, what, how, & when of that process so you can be ready to maximize the amazing potential of a studio manager!
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| 03 Nov 2020 | EP 058: The Win-Win-Win $1000 Year-End Challenge | 00:17:43 | |
I don’t know ANYONE who wouldn’t benefit from a real win at the end of this insane year, so in this episode, I’m announcing that registration is open for an end-of-year challenge I’m putting on, and giving you all the details you need to know. As the name suggests, this challenge has been designed to earn you big money (at least $1000), but that’s just ONE of the wins… and there are two more after that! Click play for all the details… Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/058 Resources:
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| 15 Sep 2020 | EP 044: Little Lessons from Big Business | 00:13:10 | |
Today I’m talking about a sneaky mistake that most of us make at least occasionally - something that seems when we’re doing it like it’s a way to make big changes less risky, but which often derails our efforts entirely. HBS professor Michael Porter calls this particular mistake “straddling,” and as I’ll point out in my examples everyone - from individuals to giant corporations to YOU - is vulnerable… at least if you’re not careful! Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/044 Resources:
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| 27 Apr 2021 | EP 104: Building a Community with LaShawn Wiltz | 00:30:09 | |
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up focusing on how many followers we have on social media. LaShawn Wiltz coaches us on a different way to view that metric, which can help us zero in on what’s important and might just also lead to new business opportunities!
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| 24 Jul 2020 | EP 029: [MM] Connecting with New Clients after a Price Jump with Kendra Greenberg | 00:17:50 | |
In the very first episode of Mini Mentoring, I talk to Kendra Greenberg about how to find a new client base after she significantly increased her prices. Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/mm-029 Resources:
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| 15 Jan 2021 | EP 075: [MM] Tweaking the System with Melissa Dorman | 00:18:23 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Melissa Dorman and I talk about tweaking the finer points of the SImple Sales System… specifically the pros and cons of adding more collections and the concept of sending a proofing gallery. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/075 Resources:
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| 28 Aug 2020 | EP 039: [MM] Time Management During Quarantine with Carolyn Soling | 00:16:52 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I talk with Carolyn Soling about how it’s still possible to make time for your business while quarantining at home with kids. Resources:
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| 07 Apr 2020 | EP 013: Stop Waiting For Life to Get Back to Normal | 00:30:05 | |
Over the past few weeks, I have caught myself many times thinking "Ah, I cannot wait for things to get back to normal". And then sometime last week, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Things are not going back to normal. We are not going to go back to pre-COVID 19 life anytime soon. So, I have been doing some thinking about what that means and that is what I want to talk to you about in today's podcast.
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| 25 May 2021 | EP 108: Mini-Session Success with Rebecca Rice | 00:33:46 | |
Rebecca Rice is known as the Queen of Mini Sessions, and for good reason! Her approach is a great reminder that good things can absolutely come in small packages! In our chat, Rebecca and I discuss marketing mini sessions, timelines for promotion, and the importance of knowing your ideal market. Additionally, Rebecca discusses pricing, location choices, email marketing, and using automations to ensure great customer service for her high volume. This episode is jam-packed, so have a pen and paper ready!
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| 30 Oct 2020 | EP 057: [MM] Booking Boundaries with Amy Sanusi | 00:16:20 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Amy Sanusi and I chat about the enviable but still problematic situation of being fully booked, but still wanting to serve your returning clients. The conversation ranges from good communication to setting boundaries to creating systems that allow you to prioritize returning clients. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/057 Resources:
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| 29 Sep 2020 | EP 048: The Decision Maze | 00:21:35 | |
If navigating your business sometimes feels like going through a maze, that’s because it is. Standing between you and the next big goal or milestone is a series of decisions that can feel very much like turns in a maze - some giving you a short cut to the solution, others leading to a convoluted series of twists and turns. But there’s a secret to the maze that any successful businessperson knows, and that’s what today’s podcast is all about. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/048 Resources:
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| 07 Aug 2020 | EP 033: [MM] Managing Problem Clients with Rachel Castro | 00:25:51 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I chat with Rachel Castro about two problem clients she’s currently dealing with - what to do now, and how to prevent similar issues in the future. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/033
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| 24 Mar 2020 | EP 011 - What if Your Business Came Out Even Stronger? | 00:40:17 | |
I will be completely honest: this last week has been a little less productive than I had initially hoped. I think I had my sights set on taking advantage of some extra space in my schedule to get some really big things done, but I have been in something of a fog. And if you're like me or most of the people who I'm chatting with on social media, you feel that way too. And here's the thing: we all need to give ourselves some grace for all of that. But I wanted to record today's podcast in response to some of issues that I'm seeing in certain circles of our industry, and then I want to talk about how you can actually use this time to come out stronger on the other side.
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| 13 Oct 2020 | EP 052: The Bookkeeping Big Picture with Amanda Evans | 00:43:31 | |
Bookkeeping is one of those things… you know you need to take care of it, but you’d probably rather not dedicate one minute more than absolutely necessary to it, right? Trust me: I get it. That’s more or less how I feel, too, but today’s conversation is so straightforward, actionable, and filled with great pointers that I PROMISE it’s worth your time! Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/052
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| 19 May 2020 | EP 019: The One Pricing Rule You Can't Break | 00:19:40 | |
There are very few one-size-fits-all rules when it comes to pricing your photography, but there is at least one: It is ALWAYS better to calculate and charge the correct amount per session - even if you’re not booking enough sessions to meet your overall income goals - than it is to charge less than the correct amount - even if it means you book more sessions. In today’s podcast, I explain why that rule is universal, then talk you through the steps you need to take if you’re not charging enough per session to get your business on the road to success. Resources:
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| 10 Nov 2020 | EP 060: Creativity in the face of Covid | 00:45:05 | |
Get ready to be inspired! Carolyn Fong, Posy Quarterman, Sarah Sido, and Maryam Salassi are on the show talking about their creative solutions to Covid restrictions that they’ve introduced in their businesses, and even if these aren’t the right solutions for you and your business, they’re bound to get the wheels turning. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/060
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| 09 Jun 2020 | EP 022: What Do I Say Now? Authentic Messaging with Nick North | 00:57:11 | |
This episode was pre-recorded a couple of weeks ago - before George Floyd was murdered. I considered postponing the drop date and focusing on more pressing issues this week, but although current events and the conversation around them has changed, my chat with Nick North focused on a topic that happens to be highly relevant to business owners right now, and that topic is messaging.
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| 09 Oct 2020 | EP 051: [MM] Getting to the Next Level with Briana Averwater | 00:16:36 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Briana Averwater and I discuss how to break through the inevitable plateaus in business, namely, once you’ve gotten established, moving from “good enough” to truly great. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/mm-051 Resources:
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| 23 Feb 2021 | EP 086: The Simple Sales Addition | 00:11:33 | |
On March 1st, the Simple Sales Blueprint is getting its first major update since I launched it over a year ago. From the beginning, I’ve had filmmakers, wedding photographers, and documentary photographers asking if there was a way to apply the principles of Simple Sales to their business models, which is trickier than it sounds. Simple Sales was originally created as a portrait sales solution, and the core of the system relies on being able to divide the deliverable into three-tiered options. But most wedding photographers can’t ask their clients to choose a set number of digital files, right? And a filmmaker can’t exactly deliver only part of a film. Module 5 - entitled the Second Story Addition - drops March 1st as a free upgrade to existing Blueprint owners. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/086 Resources:
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| 19 Jan 2021 | EP 076: New year, new goals, & a New Format for The Family Narrative with Kate Thompson & Posy Quarterman | 00:36:35 | |
Community is such an essential resource for any successful entrepreneur… no matter what we think, we actually CAN’T do it all alone! Today I’m sharing a conversation I had this weekend with the core of my photography community… my ride-or-die ladies, Kate Thompson & Posy Quarterman. We’re chatting intentions and goals for 2021, the talks each of us is giving at our upcoming conference, The Family Narrative, and our thoughts and feelings about the fact that the conference will - by necessity - happen online this time around.
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| 15 Dec 2020 | EP 068: Holiday Special feat: Shoot Edit Chat Repeat | 01:17:13 | |
Today I’m sharing the replay of an interview I did with Vicki Knights and Eddie Judd over on their fantastic podcast Shoot, Edit, Chat, Repeat where we talked about how to respond to inquiries, why it's so important to educate your clients before they book (and the best way to do that), how to get a client to make a spending decision, and how collections are an important part of the sales process. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/068
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| 29 Dec 2020 | EP 070: Holiday Special feat: We Are Photographers | 01:06:43 | |
On this, the last installation of the holiday special episodes for 2020, I’m sharing my guest appearance on We Are Photographers, the Creative Live podcast hosted by Kenna Klosterman. I’m a long-time fan of Creative Live and of Kenna, and her podcast is one of my favorites - the guests she chooses and the stories she explores are always so inspiring. Kenna and I go way back (see the video below for evidence), and perhaps because of that, I particularly loved this conversation. I hope it inspires you to think big and aim high in 2021! Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/070
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| 16 Jun 2020 | EP 023: The Four Quadrants | 00:09:50 | |
This is a short episode designed to help you get a big-picture view of your business. Whether you’re brand new or have been in business for years, one of the harder things to do - especially as someone in a one-person business - is to keep an eye on the big picture as you necessarily navigate the day to day minutia. The big picture is important, though, and the way I look at it is by breaking it into four main quadrants. Today, I’m talking about what those four quadrants are, how they fit together, and what I’m focusing on here at This Can’t Be That Hard. Resources:
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| 02 Apr 2021 | EP 097: [MM] How to Know What You're Doing Wrong (or right) with Klayne Rolader | 00:21:40 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Klayne Rolader & I talk about the self-doubt that creeps in when you’re not booking as many clients as you’d like to. Is it your work? Your prices? Your clients? Resources:
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| 24 Nov 2020 | EP 064: Kahran & Reg Bethencourt and Their GLORY-ous New Book | 00:37:35 | |
Kahran and Regis Bethencourt are on fire. Their new book Glory was released last month and instantly hit the New York Times Bestseller list, and yet in the midst of promoting that, managing a full roster of private and commercial clients, working on their second book, and chasing their new puppy Pixel around, they made time to chat with me on This Can’t Be That Hard. You absolutely can’t miss this conversation! Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/064
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| 01 Sep 2020 | EP 040: The 5P Alignment Approach | 00:25:54 | |
In 2019, I gave a talk at The Family Narrative called “Creating a Business that Feeds Your Soul (and Your Family)”. My initial intention was to put together a talk on pricing, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt like the talk needed to be about alignment. Pricing, after all, isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing… but in order to work, pricing DOES need to be in alignment with your business model and your market. This episode is the second part of that talk, covering the five areas of your business that need to be aligned in order to be successful (check out Episode 38 for part one if you haven’t listened already). To go with these episodes, I’ve created a MONSTER download that will guide you through the alignment process, with questions, examples, and a summary of the important parts of both episodes. Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/040
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| 02 Jun 2020 | EP 021: Fundraising With Your Photography | 00:25:37 | |
Feeling outraged by what is going on right now? Good. Now is the time for action, and today’s podcast is about fundraising, which is one way you can turn your outrage into something meaningful. As a photographer, you have a useful set of skills - this is a short guide to help you think through how to put them to work to raise money. If you are unsure what to fundraise FOR, you will find a brief list of just a few of the well-vetted organizations that merit your consideration in the show notes. There are many more important voices out there right now than mine, so I’m just going to put this out there and shut up. Let’s get to work.
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| 20 Nov 2020 | EP 063: [MM] Keeping long-term clients happy when your business changes with Jaye McLaughlin | 00:20:02 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, I’m chatting with Jaye McLaughlin about making changes in an established business and helping long-term clients adjust. Resources:
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| 16 Feb 2021 | EP 084: An Insider's Insight | 00:45:08 | |
I started my photography business in 2010, and went full time with it in 2011. In 2017, I co-founded The Family Narrative, which was - in a way - a second business, then in 2019, I launched This Can’t Be That Hard, which is now the business on which I spend the most time. As a three-business-running parent, you can bet I stress about the impact my work life has on my home life and my ability to show up meaningfully for my kids… and I know I’m not the only one that stresses about that issue. So today I’m going straight to the source and chatting with my almost-15-year-old son Oliver about his experience from the other perspective. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/084
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| 26 Mar 2021 | EP 095: [MM] So You Built It And They Didn't Come (Right Away)... What Next? With Evelynne Gomes-Greenberg | 00:18:50 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Evelynne Gomes-Greenberg & I talk about the head game that happens between the launch of a new business and that time when business really starts rolling in. How is it possible to stay upbeat, positive, and confident while your inbox remains quiet? Resources:
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| 12 Mar 2021 | EP 091: [MM] Getting Clients To Make The Leap with Cara Burk | 00:19:04 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Cara Burk and I talk about getting clients to consider and make the leap to a higher end product… in her case, family films. Is there a way to shift demand from a lower-priced product to a higher-priced one? Resources:
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| 22 Jan 2021 | EP 077: [MM] Mind your Marketing Mentality with Nikki Shefchik | 00:20:46 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Nikki Shefchik and I talk about not just the HOW of marketing, but the WHY… What is the real goal of marketing a photography business, and how can fine tuning your thoughts on the subject help you more effectively focus your efforts? Nikki is a lifestyle photographer based in Appleton, Wisconsin. You can find her online here and here. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/077 Resources:
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| 16 Apr 2021 | EP 101: [MM] Dialing In Your Messaging with Marc DeCarli | 00:19:59 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Marc DeCarli & I talk about creating targeted messaging on your website that will attract the right customers. We talk about what needs to go first, video strategy, and the nuances of taglines. What’s the best way to quickly capture the attention of your visitors, then educate them in a way that takes them from wanting to hire A photographer to wanting to hire YOU? Resources:
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| 19 Feb 2021 | EP 085: [MM] Pricing & Marketing in a New Area with Tara Fjetland | 00:18:13 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Tara Fjetland and I talk about launching your business in a new area. Is it better to start at a low price point and work your way up? How do you get new business in the door? And how do you adjust your business model? Resources:
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| 18 Sep 2020 | EP 045: [MM] How to introduce a big price increase to your existing clients w/Melissa Jeffcoat | 00:14:45 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Melissa Jeffcoat and I discuss the best way to introduce a big price jump to the clients you love and don’t want to lose… a necessary and often intimidating step that most of us have to make at least once in a while! Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/mm-045 Resources:
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| 25 Aug 2020 | EP 038: The Donkey, the Workhorse, and the Unicorn | 00:22:40 | |
In 2019, I gave a talk at The Family Narrative called “Creating a Business that Feeds Your Soul (and Your Family)”. My initial intention was to put together a talk on pricing, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt like the talk needed to be about alignment. Pricing, after all, isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing… but in order to work, pricing DOES need to be in alignment with your business model and your market. Over the course of this episode and next, I’m presenting a modified version of that talk that I hope you’ll enjoy (AND find helpful). Today, I’m talking about the three aligned business models that can work, and three misaligned models that often fail. Show notes: www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/038 Resources:
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| 01 Jan 2021 | EP 071: Looking Back, Looking Forward | 00:05:25 | |
Happy 2021, everyone! Before we get back to our regularly scheduled Mini Mentoring episodes, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on what 2020 has meant and what I believe 2021 can bring in our businesses and our lives. Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/071 Resources:
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| 27 Oct 2020 | EP 056: The What/When/Why of 1:1 Coaching with Maz Pedersen | 00:34:03 | |
There are a million ways to learn what you need to learn to be a successful photographer - books, youtube videos, online courses, workshops, conferences… even podcasts! But navigating that enormous number of resources can be frustrating, especially when the help you need is either very specific or very broad. One solution is to find a coach or mentor who has been there and figured things out, and who will work with you individually to help you cut through all the confusion. Maz Pedersen is one of those coaches, and on this episode, she shares her insights on how to know when hiring a coach is the right move, how the coaching process works, and how to find the right mentor for you. Show notes: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/059
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| 23 Oct 2020 | EP 055: [MM] How to know when it's time to bump your prices with Angie Wynne | 00:14:21 | |
In this episode of Mini Mentoring, Angie Wynne and I discuss whether it’s a good idea to raise your prices when it means that your prices will be higher than those of other local photographers in your area - particularly photographers with more experience. Show notes: thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/055 Resources:
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| 08 Feb 2022 | EP 145: Work-Life Balance is a Work in Progress | 00:15:22 | |
If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram and found yourself gazing longingly at someone else’s perfect-looking life, wondering why you don’t have your ish together like they do, this episode is for you. Given that I’m always talking about systems and streamlining and automating, I don’t doubt that some people might imagine that I’ve got it all figured out, particularly when it comes to business. Well - spoiler alert - I don’t... And I really don’t want you to think I do. We all live messy lives, and some seasons are messier than others. Today I’m giving you a peek at the chaos behind the curtain. Join me! Resources:
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| 10 Feb 2022 | EP 146: Bonus! Student Stories | 01:04:54 | |
It’s hard to write the show notes when you haven’t listened to the episode, but that’s exactly what I’m doing, because this episode was fully managed - from concept to final edit - by my amazing marketing wingwoman, Dayna… and I’m not going to listen to it until it drops. What I CAN tell you is that it features the stories of five of my amazing students, and who doesn’t love a good story? I seriously can't wait!
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| 15 Feb 2022 | EP 147: What's Holding You Back in your Business? | 00:11:07 | |
The Pareto Principle (aka the 80/20 rule) tells us that only 20% of our actions are responsible for 80% of our success… so the big question is: how do we find that 20% and do MORE of it? Well, one thing that definitely WON’T help find the 20% is dragging your feet on taking action. Today I want to remind you that the thing that makes your art better - getting out of your own way and trying (and yes, sometimes failing), will also ultimately make your business better… then inviting you to dive in. Resources:
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| 22 Feb 2022 | EP 148: Pitching Yourself with PR Expert Gloria Chou | 00:21:06 | |
Gloria Chou is an expert when it comes to P.R. and how to pitch yourself. And maybe “pitching yourself” isn’t on your radar as something you believe you need to do, but it should be! Think about it: you’re pitching yourself when a client contacts you, when you’re applying for a job, when you’re asking to be considered as a speaker at a conference or a guest on a podcast… as entrepreneurs, we’re really pitching ourselves all the time! So today, Gloria’s sharing her CPR method for nailing your pitch each and every time. Resources:
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| 08 Mar 2022 | EP 150: Getting the Byline with Carolyn Fong | 00:44:12 | |
If you’ve ever stared longingly at the photo byline in a major publication and wondered “how can I get THAT job?!?" today’s interview is for you! For the last couple of years, Carolyn Fong’s portraits have frequently been seen illustrating stories in top news publications and ads for major brands, but the path to get there was neither short nor easy. In our conversation, Carolyn shares the details of her journey and what she’s learned along the way.
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| 22 Mar 2022 | EP 152: Better Business Boundaries With Sabrina Gebhardt | 00:36:51 | |
Several years ago, right in the middle of one of her busiest seasons at work, Sabrina Gebhardt had a series of major, totally unpredictable personal issues hit all at once - a health emergency, a natural disaster, and a death in the family. When you run a solo business, you can't just call in sick... you have to manage the explanations, the reschedules, and the apologies, even when you may not be feeling up for it. Today, Sabrina's sharing the lessons she learned from that situation, and how the boundaries she's set in response have changed her business - and her life - for the better.
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| 01 Mar 2022 | EP 149: Defending your Art with Cornell Watson | 01:03:37 | |
Since his last guest appearance on This Can’t Be That Hard, a lot has happened in Cornell Watson’s career. Most of it has been hugely positive: he’s become a regular contributor to several major news outlets, including the New York Times and the Washington Post; he’s received several awards, including a grant from the Alexia Foundation, and - last summer - was offered an artist’s residency at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History at UNC-Chapel Hill. Last week, though, the exhibit set to display the work created during that residency was abruptly canceled by the university. Cornell joins me in today’s episode to tell his version of the story - a complicated one that serves as a great reminder of the power and importance of our work as artists. First interview with Cornell on TCBTH
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| 15 Mar 2022 | EP 151: 3 Ways to Increase your Income WITHOUT Raising your Prices | 00:20:36 | |
Want to make more money? I mean… who doesn’t?!? But most of the time, we think the only way to make more is to charge more. Not true! Today, I’m sharing three super-effective strategies for earning more money that you can implement quickly and easily in your business without raising your rates (or worse, discounting your work to try and get more clients). Resources:
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| 03 May 2022 | EP 158: Investing In Yourself with Cassidy Parker Smith | 00:28:15 | |
Have you ever heard the term “your strength is in your struggle?” The Simple Sales System was born as the result of a life transition that forced me to take a good hard look at my business and my numbers. Once I got over the struggle of doing that (and saw the massive results it created in my business and my life), I wanted to help other photographers do the same thing, ideally before they were forced to do so by events outside of their control. Today, Cassidy Parker Smith is sharing about the set of personal circumstances that forced her to make some hard changes in her business, and how that struggle actually turned out to be one of the strongest things she has ever done... for herself, her family, and her business.
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| 29 Mar 2022 | EP 153: Connecting with Clients | 00:22:44 | |
When photographers want to increase booking rates, we tend to think about the things people see BEFORE they reach out to us - our social media or our websites. And although working on those can bring more inquiries in, a much easier issue to address is what happens AFTER they reach out... getting the people who inquire to you to actually hire us. The number one factor that will sway someone to hire you over the other photographers they've found is connection. Authentic connection can feel vague and hard to achieve, but connecting with a potential client can actually be pretty straightforward. In today's episode, I'm sharing 3 steps to creating an intentional connection with your future clients to put them at ease, see your unique value, and ultimately book with you. Resources:
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| 05 Apr 2022 | EP 154: Navigating Niching Down with Tavia Redburn | 00:31:02 | |
It’s easy to fall into the trap of advertising that we do ALL THE THINGS - saying "no" to work that comes your way can be scary, especially when you’re first starting out as a photographer! But the last thing you want is for your business to come across as a “jack of all trades, master of none.” The fact of the matter is that niching down can really benefit your business… if you do it the right way. Today, I’m talking to Tavia Redburn about how she successfully niched down into one of the most esoteric subgenres of the field: birth photography. If you’ve been thinking about getting more specific in your business, Tavia gives us a step-by-step process for how to do that (without losing all your income in the process)!
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| 11 Apr 2022 | EP 155: Riding the Financial Waves with MicKallyn Elis | 00:38:25 | |
A few weeks ago my refrigerator (finally) died. I knew it was on the outs, so it wasn’t totally unexpected, but surprise expenses like that can be a big bummer, right? Today’s guest, MicKallyn Elis, calls those kinds of surprises “Oh 💩! Expenses”, which is exactly how I feel about them! MicKallyn is a financial coach who specializes in helping solopreneurs gain control of their finances. She understands that in a business like photography, income can fluctuate, and in this episode, she's sharing her brilliant strategy for anticipating those ups & downs so you can feel more in control of your finances. LINKS: The Cash Coach Pro Website
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| 19 Apr 2022 | EP 156: Life After Photography with (my fiance!) Riley MacLean | 00:46:18 | |
I'm always surprised when people express an interest in my personal life... you come here for photography business strategies, not the latest on this single mom's love life, right? Well, today you're going to get a bit of both. Back in February, I announced I'd gotten engaged, and instantly started getting pinged with questions about who this guy was and what our story was all about. So today, I asked Riley to join me on the show for a little introduction. But just in case you're worried that this is going to be all fluff, I promise: I wouldn't have had him on if I didn't think he had some value to share with you. As a wedding photographer of 15 years, Riley took Covid as the sign and opportunity he needed to pivot to the next leg of his career journey, and I think you're going to get a lot out of his insights on the art of photography, the business of being a lifelong creative, and how to live life on your own terms. It's a peek behind the curtain with a bunch of valuable business lessons all tied in... hope you enjoy! Links:
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| 21 Apr 2022 | EP 157: Money Doesn't Make the Model | 00:21:12 | |
There's more than one way to run a successful small business... photography or otherwise. But with all the variety out there, successful businesses share one important trait: they are fully aligned under one of three models - The Donkey, The Unicorn, or the Workhorse. Back in episode 38, I described each of these business models in detail (so if you haven’t listened to that yet, I’d suggest doing so), but today I want to dive deeper on clarifying how you can determine which business model you are. Hint: it’s more than just your pricing! Resources:
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| 10 May 2022 | EP 159: If You Hate Selling, You're Doing it Wrong | 00:20:34 | |
The most common complaint I hear from other photographers is that they hate trying to get people to buy. On one hand, I get it - there’s something inherently uncomfortable about tooting your own horn and asking people for money. On the other, I worry that mindset is hurting you! Years ago, working in New York City in a totally different industry, I learned the difference between what makes selling feel gross and what makes it feel really good. Today, I’ll be sharing those lessons with you and giving you 4 steps to start approaching your sales from a place of authentic service, instead of a place of greed or manipulation. Sign up for the Simple Sales Masterclass where Annemie teaches the 6 steps to running a profitable, sustainable photography business you love. Join the free This Can’t Be That Hard Facebook Group - the most supportive, business-focused group for photographers out there! Resources:
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| 17 May 2022 | EP 160: Being a Catalyst for Creativity with Paige Ray | 00:32:05 | |
If you believe a task or a project is going to be easy, the smallest roadblock can seem insurmountable. But if you're mentally prepared for a challenge, those roadblocks become an expected part of the journey. A lot of photographers go into business believing that their side hustle won't require much effort - what's so hard about doing something you love and getting paid for it, right? Running a business - even a simple one - is a major undertaking, and expecting otherwise is setting yourself up for frustration and failure. Today, I’m talking with Paige Ray about what it means to be a creative, the journey we take, how universal our insecurities are, and most importantly how finding our community can help us normalize and prepare for challenges we all face.
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| 24 May 2022 | EP 161: What Waiting Costs | 00:13:32 | |
One of the easiest traps entrepreneurs can fall into is filling our time with the busywork of running a business, and in so doing, postponing or missing bigger opportunities or changes that could dramatically improve our businesses and our lives. A lot like having a baby, there is never a “perfect” time to make changes - especially big ones - in your business. There’s always going to be a good reason to wait - but what does waiting cost you? Today, I’m talking about a skill that is essential to master as an entrepreneur: how to prioritize and tackle the bigger, longer-term projects that keep your business moving forward. Listen to Episode 15 Join the free This Can’t Be That Hard Facebook Group - the most supportive, business-focused group for photographers out there! Learn how to create even more stability in your income with Revenue on Repeat. Resources:
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| 31 May 2022 | EP 162: The Four Types of Buyers with Courtney Fanning | 00:31:34 | |
As photographers, we spend a lot of time focusing on our visual storytelling, but as entrepreneurs, our written communication is just as important. Like it or not, your words are as likely as your photographs to land you your next job... or to lose it. Today, creative copywriting specialist Courtney Fanning is sharing the 4 different types of buyers in the world, and how we can use our writing to connect with each of them. Don't forget your pencils, people - this is a jam-packed episode you’ll want to take notes on! Links:
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| 07 Jun 2022 | EP 163: The Importance of Taking a Break | 00:20:38 | |
When you're a solopreneur, your to-do list can feel never-ending. Taking a break, stepping away, or even (gasp!) going on vacation can seem like a luxury reserved for the non-self-employed. After twelve years in business, I wish I could say I no longer have a hard time taking time off from work, but to be honest, it's still something I struggle with. That said, I've finally come to understand that breaks are not an indulgence but a non-negotiable requirement for the health of my creative business - as important as marketing or client communication - and have to be taken, even when I think I shouldn't (or perhaps especially then)! If you can relate to the fear of stepping away from your to-do list, today's episode is just for you.
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| 14 Jun 2022 | EP 164: Clone Your Best Clients with Heidi Thompson | 00:27:53 | |
You know when you have that perfect client experience? From the moment they reach out, they're excited to work with you, there's no pushback on your pricing, the shoot is a breeze, and when you deliver their images they absolutely gush? It’s just an amazing experience from start to finish. Don’t you wish you could clone those clients? Today’s guest, Heidi Thompson, is showing us how to do exactly that. Heidi’s method for finding and attracting your bluebird clients is different from anything you’ve heard before, so get ready to get inspired! Links:
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| 21 Jun 2022 | EP 165: When Should You Raise Your Prices? | 00:24:36 | |
We all get to the point in our business where we need to raise our prices. But if you aren’t taking the time to understand why your prices need to go up (and even more importantly, how you're going to align that price increase with your overall business model), you're setting yourself up to fail. Today I'm covering 5 questions you should ask yourself before you increase your prices and walking you through the exact steps you should take to successfully raise your prices.
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| 28 Jun 2022 | EP 166: The Business of Filmmaking with Courtney Holmes | 00:53:25 | |
Adding films to your photography business can be a great way to up-level your client experience, and can be rewarding both artistically and financially. That doesn’t make it an easy transition, though! The business of offering films to your clients is totally different from the business of offering still images. If you've ever considered adding films to your repertoire - or if it's something that you've tried and had a hard time making it work - then today's conversation is going to be a great one for you. LINKS: Download Courtney's Free Guide: Getting Started with Films on Your Camera Sign up for the Simple Sales Masterclass where Annemie teaches the 6 steps to running a profitable, sustainable photography business you love.
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| 05 Jul 2022 | EP 167: Breaking the Rules | 00:31:53 | |
It's not uncommon for my new Simple Sales students to have lots of questions about the "rules" of the system. If they change this thing or tweak this step, will the system still work? Today I want to discuss the three modifications I most commonly get asked about in our Facebook group - how I have seen them work (or not work) for other photographers, and why I think that is. If you are new here and haven’t yet learned the 6 steps to the Simple Sales System, you may want to save this one until after you watch the masterclass (at www.thiscantbethathard.com/simple). And if you're looking for support around the business side of photography, join our Facebook Group where we talk all things photography business.
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| 12 Jul 2022 | EP 168: Preventing Problems with TheLawTog® Rachel Brenke | 00:44:13 | |
Dealing with the legal side of running a business is complicated, confusing, and can feel like an overwhelming item on your to-do list... but the cost of NOT addressing it can be enormous. Luckily for us, Rachel Brenke - better known as The Law Tog - has spent the last 10+ years using her expertise as both a lawyer and a photographer to make the legal side of things accessible to us as creatives. Today on the show, Rachel and I talk about the importance of creating a great client experience, and how taking a thoughtful approach to educating your clients will not only create a rave-worthy experience but can help avoid potential legal issues as well. Links:
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| 19 Jul 2022 | EP 169: An Idea for Capturing Ideas | 00:17:14 | |
Have you ever had a brilliant idea while driving or walking the dog that felt so clear and exciting at the moment, but then even a few minutes later when you try to write it down… it’s gone? This has happened to me so frequently that I actually created a system (shocking, I know!), not only to capture the ideas that occur to me (even at the most inopportune times), but actually get them into my workflow so I can act on them later. Today, I’m sharing that system with you in a short but actionable episode. Get your pens ready, you’ll want to take notes for this one!
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| 26 Jul 2022 | Ep 170: Purposefully Part-Time with Erin Brown | 00:36:32 | |
In the world of photography education, there seems to be an assumption that everyone is after the same goal: to make 6 figures and have a completely full roster of clients that’s booked out 3 years in advance. But there’s a very large subset of photographers for whom that doesn’t resonate… because that’s not in alignment with what they want or need from their businesses. Erin Brown artfully dubs herself a “purposefully part-time photographer,” and in this episode, she's sharing some of the specific challenges that part-time photographers face, as well as how to stay true to your own goals in a world that tells us we should always want to do and be more.
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| 02 Aug 2022 | Ep 171: Preparing for the Economic Storm Ahead | 00:28:47 | |
When the economic forecast looks dark and stormy, it’s easy to get panicked about whether your photography business is up to the challenge. Panic, though, doesn't help... a plan does. Even in boom times, it's smart to keep our businesses ready for whatever storms may come. In today's episode, Annemie shares four important ways that you can sure up your strategy and take some of the fear out of the unknown. If you are feeling apprehensive about the next few months, or just want to bulletproof your business plan, then this episode will be one to get your gears turning.
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| 09 Aug 2022 | Ep 172: Check Your Tech with Colie James | 00:41:26 | |
Every photographer uses technology to some degree or another. In this day and age, tech is required for everything from bringing new clients in to giving them a good experience to editing, backing up, and delivering the images themselves. And if you're not careful, it's far too easy to let your “tech stack” get away from you. Today, Colie James and I are having a conversation about the tech you absolutely need, the places where you may be able to consolidate, and strategies for not letting technology overwhelm your brain or your budget.
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| 16 Aug 2022 | Ep 173: Marketing in Hard Times | 00:22:52 | |
For many photographers, self-promotion can feel a little painful even in the best of times. But what about those days (and weeks and months) when there are much bigger events (rightly) dominating our headlines and headspace? How do you send out a sales email or post about your upcoming mini sessions when those things seem trivial at best compared to what's happening in the world? Balancing the need to book work with our genuine sensitivity can be tricky... no one wants to be an insensitive jerk, but we all have bills to pay, too. Today’s episode gives you a strategy for how to stick to your marketing plan while remaining tactful and tuned in to the bigger picture.
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| 23 Aug 2022 | Ep 174: Seven Strategies to Reduce Business Stress with Heather Lahtinen | 00:50:06 | |
As the busy season creeps up on us, often our stress creeps up right along with it. While some stress is inevitable (more clients = more work to do), it’s important to remember that at least part of the reason we chose to be photographers was to have freedom, flexibility, and control over our schedules and lives, so we need to run our businesses accordingly! This week, my guest is Flourish Academy founder Heather Lahtinen. With over 20 years of experience as a wedding photographer, Heather's got a lot of wisdom to share on finding balance in your business. We talk about how to reframe your overwhelm, and cover 7 practical strategies to reduce your stress this busy season.
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| 30 Aug 2022 | Ep 175: The Path to Profitability as a New Photographer | 00:34:07 | |
When your first start your photography business, you need to make a plan for a period of time where you're building your client base up. It's normal to run at a loss for a year or two, but you need to have a plan in place for moving from that deficit into the land of profit. (If your profitability runway is too short, you’ll risk feeling like a failure. If it’s too long, you may never get off the ground) There are so many things to think about when you run your own small business that it can be difficult to find the right balance between marketing, education, customer experience, and of course pricing yourself profitably. Today, I want to spend some time talking about how to navigate being a new photographer and share some advice on how to become profitable as soon as possible.
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| 06 Sep 2022 | Ep 176: Unusual Marketing Strategies for Photographers with Raymond Hatfield | 00:43:40 | |
One of the most common questions that I get asked here at This Can't Be That Hard is: “How do I get more photography clients?" Right? It's the photography marketing magic bullet (say that 10 times fast!) that we are all looking for. But as you know by now, I’m a believer that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for your marketing. It’s about trying different things, seeing what sticks, and above all, staying consistent. That said, I sure do love sharing fun, interesting strategies when I hear about them.... Today’s guest, Raymond Hatfield of the Beginner’s Photography Podcast is sharing a unique marketing tactic that worked like gangbusters for him. It’s a fun twist on marketing that I think will get your wheels turning and leave you with a smile on your face! Links:
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| 13 Sep 2022 | Ep 177: Booking Clients WITHOUT a Phone Call (Student Success Stories) | 00:35:35 | |
For years, I've encouraged photographers to talk to prospective clients on the phone. For a variety of reasons, I believe it's the best way to not only book more clients, but to start the process of working together off on the right foot. But these days, more and more people - photographers AND their clients - are reluctant to pick up the phone... which has led some of my students to explore different ways to initiate contact. Sabrina Jill and Melissa Arlena are students of mine who've been using a different strategy that's been very successful for them. Instead of an initial call, they both use personalized videos to respond to inquiries, and their results have been fantastic. Today, they're taking us behind the scenes on the details of the strategy and why it works! Links:
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| 20 Sep 2022 | EP 178: Avoiding Data Disasters with Ryan Hamic | 00:39:07 | |
If you’ve been a photographer for any amount of time, you’ve probably had a card malfunction, or a drive corrupt, or watched as Lightroom choked in the middle of exporting a session. Oh 💩, right? In those moments, I always wish I could just pick up the phone and call my own personal IT department to make THEM fix it. This past spring, in the wake of the worst data nightmare that I have personally experienced, I was connected with Ryan Hamic of Zen Flow tech, who - it turns out - is exactly that: on-call tech support for photographers. He's a specialist in data recovery (and helping you avoid losing data in the first place). Tune in to hear my tale of woe, along with Ryan's best tips and secrets for protecting your photography data... this episode could save you thousands of dollars and even more headaches! Links:
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