The Bright Growth Podcast (Melissa Madden + Keith Pitts)

Embracing the Road Less Traveled: Overcoming Fear and Following Your Passion In this episode, Keith and Melissa, discuss the significance of taking the road less traveled, inspired by Robert Frost's iconic poem.

They share their personal stories of making unconventional life and career choices—Keith's switch from pre-med to photography, and Melissa's shift from a high-pressure job in New York City to a more fulfilling lifestyle.

The duo emphasizes the impact of societal expectations, the role of fear in decision-making, and the importance of following one's passion. Listen as they recount their move to Paris and how making brave choices has led to a more rewarding life. Join Keith and Melissa for an honest conversation about defining your path and finding true happiness.

00:00 Introduction to Keith and Melissa 00:07 Choosing the Road Less Traveled 01:18 Keith's Journey from Medicine to Photography 04:12 Melissa's Career Shift 06:55 The Fear Factor in Decision Making 08:17 Facing Judgments and Embracing Choices 10:11 Overcoming Personal Fears 14:20 The Howling Dog Metaphor 18:53 Redefining Success and Happiness 22:31 Planning and Executing a Life Change 24:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

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Our interview with Matt Dutile, travel photographer, is our first interview in the Road Less Traveled Series. We want to have discussions with people that have a fork in the road and choose a different path than the one they were currently on.

What drives someone to abandon the stability of a PR firm in Arizona and brave the unforgiving landscape of New York's photography scene during a financial crisis? Meet Matt Dutile, a remarkable NYC-based photographer, who shares his exhilarating journey of rediscovering his passion and turning it into a thriving career. From a pivotal trip to Australia that reignited his love for the lens to making calculated moves in a competitive industry, Matt's story is one of resilience, strategic planning, and artistic evolution.

Journey with us as we explore how Matt captures the soul of a destination through his travel photography. Learn the art of storytelling by framing vast penguin colonies in Antarctica or catching the perfect lighting at Bhutan’s Tiger's Nest Monastery. Matt reveals the secrets behind building authentic connections with locals and how a simple Polaroid camera can open doors to compelling and genuine portraits. Discover how Matt's personal aesthetic and meticulous planning create images that are not only beautiful but deeply immersive.

In our conversation, we also touch on the enriching balance between cultural exploration and professional challenges. Hear about Matt's adventures with semi-nomadic yak herders in Bhutan and the magic of lesser-known sites like Oaxaca. We discuss the growing demand for interior photography and the intricacies of balancing travel with commercial projects. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a seasoned traveler, Matt's insights into capturing the essence of diverse environments and his upcoming photo workshops promise to inspire and educate. Join us for an episode filled with stories, strategies, and a celebration of the world's hidden gems.

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Prosperous Photography Mindset: The Key to Business Success

In this episode, hosts Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners with over 25 years of experience, emphasize the importance of mindset in achieving business success. They reveal that a strong belief in oneself, beyond just technical skills and business tactics, is crucial. They discuss how mindset impacts various aspects of business, including client relationships and financial success, and share personal stories about overcoming limiting beliefs and self-sabotage. The episode underscores the connection between mindset and business outcomes and promises to explore this connection further in future episodes.

00:00 Believe in Yourself: The Power of Mindset
00:26 Meet Keith and Melissa: Your Photography Mentors
00:44 The Role of Mindset in Business Success
03:36 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage
04:49 Personal Stories: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
08:20 Setting Specific Goals and Manifesting Success
13:37 Resilience and Daily Intentions
14:03 Conclusion: Developing a Prosperous Photography Mindset

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The Power of Mindset in Transforming Your Photography Business

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, experienced photography business owners, discuss the crucial role of mindset in achieving business success. 

They explain how focusing on negative thoughts can hinder progress and emphasize the importance of self-awareness in changing thought patterns. Using an example, they illustrate how negative thinking can lead to inaction and stagnation, while positive thinking can inspire hopeful and proactive steps towards business goals. 

Keith and Melissa provide two actionable exercises: a thought download to understand current business thoughts and a priority list to track actions towards achieving business goals. 

By becoming aware of thought patterns and shifting focus to positive and constructive thinking, listeners can improve their business outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Mindset and Business Success

00:14 Welcome and Our Mission

00:29 Understanding Your Business Thoughts

01:24 Identifying Negative Thought Patterns

03:04 Changing Your Thoughts to Change Your Results

06:53 Personal Experiences and Overcoming Doubts

17:01 Exercises to Improve Your Business Mindset

18:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

18:53 Like or Comment

Thought Download Worksheet
5 Priorities Worksheet

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Story vs. Fact: Transforming Your Business Mindset

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, photography business owners, discuss the critical difference between 'story' and 'fact' in shaping business success. 

They emphasize how personal beliefs and subconscious programming from life experiences influence perceptions and actions in business. 

Through sharing their own journey, they illustrate the importance of changing one's narrative to overcome business stagnation. 

The episode also provides actionable steps for setting specific business goals and stresses the value of mindset shifts in achieving desired outcomes. 

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their internal stories and take concrete steps to rewrite them for business growth.

00:00 Introduction: Perception vs. Reality

00:14 Meet Keith and Melissa

00:34 Understanding Story vs. Fact

00:51 Recognizing Internal Programming

02:08 Breaking Free from Stagnation

03:53 The Turning Point: Changing the Narrative

05:32 Creating a New Path: The Paris Decision

06:11 Practical Steps to Change Your Business

12:36 Conclusion and Actionable Tips

14:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Exercise Worksheets:
10 Results you Want for your Business
10 Action Steps to Take

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Transform Your Photography Business: The Power of Goal-Setting and Mindset

In this episode, we emphasize the importance of setting deliberate and well-thought-out goals to transform your photography business. We explain how shifting your mindset from past failures to future possibilities can create a fresh start and new beginnings. We also discuss the importance of making decisive, future-focused decisions and employing the scientific method to systematically test and refine your strategies.

As always, we share personal anecdotes about our own experiences, such as burning the boat and moving us and our business to France, (to illustrate our points).

The episode concludes with an exercise aimed at visualizing future success and writing a letter from your future self to guide your present actions.

Exercise: Letter from your Future Self

00:00 Introduction: A Fresh Start for Your Business

00:28 Meet Keith and Melissa: Your Guides to Success

00:45 The Power of Setting Goals

01:10 Making Decisive Decisions

02:04 Future-Focused Planning

02:32 Overcoming Past Failures

04:50 Applying the Scientific Method

07:50 Think Big and Take Action

08:38 Personal Anecdote: Our Move to France

10:34 Conclusion and Next Steps

11:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell

11:39 Support Us: Follow, Share, and Review

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Secrets to Sustaining a Photography Business for Over 25 Years

In this episode, we share 3 tips (that really are more common sense than 'secret') that have helped us tremendously in our 25-year journey in our photography business. 

Despite the statistic that only 15 percent of photography businesses survive past three years, we've managed to thrive by focusing on three key elements: determination, giving, and integrity. 

We discuss the importance of perseverance, the impact of altruism, and how maintaining honest and consistent practices has been crucial to their long-term success. They also clarify the distinction between genuine giving and business networking, emphasizing ethical commitments and reliability.

Our mission is to make sure more photographers don't fall into the 85% of photography businesses that don't make it past the first few years!

00:00 Introduction: Defying the Odds in Photography

00:26 The Harsh Reality of Photography Business

01:06 Key Factors for Long-Term Success

02:47 Determination: The Driving Force

04:39 The Power of Giving

12:29 Integrity: The Foundation of Trust

15:30 Conclusion: Sustaining Success

16:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Photography Business

In this episode we focus on the concept of self-sabotage, drawing from 'The Mountain is You' by Brianna Wiest, explaining that it stems from conflicting conscious and unconscious desires. We share personal experiences and examples of how self-sabotage can impede progress in a photography business. Key self-sabotage tactics include resistance, perfectionism, hitting upper limits, justification, and fear of success.  We emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviors to move forward and achieve one's full potential in the photography business.

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

00:27 Morning Walk Reflections

01:56 Today's Topic: Self Sabotage

02:20 Understanding Self Sabotage

05:55 Personal Stories of Limiting Beliefs

08:15 Examples of Self Sabotage in Photography

10:30 Metaphors and Real-Life Examples

16:27 Breaking Through Upper Limits

18:41 Perfectionism and Justification

22:52 Fear of Success and Failure

26:25 The Busy Trap

30:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Transform Your Narrative: Unlocking Success in Your Photography Business

In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of changing your narrative toward achieving success in your photography business. We emphasize the impact of mindset on business outcomes, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the shift from negative to positive thinking.

The episode also touches on our journey of embracing new skills like video editing and the importance of journaling and self-reflection in evolving your business narrative. We highlight the stark contrast between defeatist and optimistic perspectives, and how having clear goals and plans can lead to a thriving business. Listeners are encouraged to redefine their stories and be deliberate about their business goals for success.

Exercise: Journal entry or Grab a piece of paper
Write down what you believe your current narrative is for your business
Then write down what you would like your narrative to be

Books Mentioned:
Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth, Jen Sincero

00:00 Introduction: Changing Your Business Narrative

00:37 Meet Keith and Melissa: Photography Business Owners

01:00 Embracing New Creative Outlets

03:15 Defining Your Business Narrative

04:08 Learning from Past Experiences

07:24 Crafting a Positive Business Story

12:29 Personal Transformation and Growth

17:43 Conclusion: The Power of a Positive Narrative

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Harnessing the Power of Your Brain for Business Success

In this episode, Melissa discusses the importance of building trust in yourself to achieve a business and life you love. She explains how understanding and retraining the brain, particularly the conflict between the prefrontal cortex and the primitive brain, is crucial for overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors.  

Melissa introduces the concept of the Motivational Triad and how shifting it can lead to more beneficial outcomes. 

They also share information about their upcoming six-week group coaching program designed to help you achieve your business goals. 

00:00 Introduction: Building Trust in Yourself

00:36 Meet Keith and Melissa

00:52 Understanding the Brain and Mindset

01:31 The Conflict Between the Prefrontal Cortex and Primitive Brain

04:10 The Motivational Triad

05:24 Planning and Taking Control

06:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Coaching Program

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Building Self-Integrity in Your Photography Business

We delve into the importance of self-integrity in achieving business success. In this episode, we emphasize the significance of consistently doing what you commit to, outlining how personal integrity directly impacts business reliability and growth. 

Through discussing concepts like the motivational triad and specific strategies for overcoming mental obstacles, they encourage listeners to set and achieve concrete 30-day goals. By planning ahead, managing time effectively, and using one's higher brain, listeners can build resilience and discipline, leading to significant strides in their business and personal fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction to Integrity

00:10 Meet Keith and Melissa

00:50 Understanding Self Integrity

01:13 Building the Brain Muscle

01:41 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

02:06 Overcoming the Brain's Programming

02:37 Planning Ahead for Success

03:27 Handling Seasonal Rush

04:23 Maintaining Personal Integrity

08:16 Setting and Achieving 30-Day Goals

15:07 Listing Obstacles and Strategies

17:26 Final Thoughts on Integrity

19:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Exercise: 30 day Goal

Definitions
Prefrontal Cortex: One part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, is what truly makes us human. We use the prefrontal cortex to think about our thinking, make decisions, and plan ahead. The prefrontal cortex is reflective. It ponders. It considers. It isn't reactionary and instinctive like the lower brain, also known as the reptilian brain or the primitive brain.

Primitive Brain / Lower Brain / Reptilian Brain: Because the lower brain likes to be efficient, it is in charge of a lot of our basic functions that keep us alive and instinctive type behaviors like fight or flight and since it doesn't argue logic with you it doesn't object to you doing things that aren't always in your best interest like skipping the gym, sitting on the couch, binging your favorite show instead of attacking that to do list. It helps keep you in your comfort zone and keeps you safe from trying new things that might scare you.

Motivational Triad: a simple definition is that our lower brain is always seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and reducing effort. To put it simply, it is our basic instincts.

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Make a $1M in 12 Months: Our Audacious Goal for our Photography Business

Breaking Mindset Barriers: Achieving Financial Success in Photography

In this episode, we discuss our *new* audacious goal of making a million dollars in 12 months. We emphasize the importance of shifting mindsets and beliefs around money to achieve financial success. The episode includes personal anecdotes about overcoming limiting beliefs and strategies for creating a prosperous photography business. It concludes with an exercise featuring five questions (see below) designed to help listeners examine their relationship with money and envision new financial possibilities.

00:00 Introduction: Transforming for Success

00:10 Welcome and Mission Statement

00:27 Discussing Money and Mindset

01:04 Personal Experiences with Money Beliefs

01:55 Keith's Journey and Abundant Mindset

06:41 Setting Big Goals: $1 Million in 12 Months

07:11 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

17:12 Visualizing Success and Taking Action

18:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

20:31 Outro and Call to Action

5 Exercises Worksheet (DOWNLOAD)

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Embracing Change: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

In today's episode, Melissa highlights the importance of readiness in achieving business success. They discuss how stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth, tackling issues like attracting more clients, reducing stress, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The conversation delves into overcoming fear, setting ambitious goals, and taking strategic actions to unlock new opportunities. Listeners are encouraged to reflect and act boldly to achieve their aspirations.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Readiness

00:18 Meet Your Hosts: Keith and Melissa

00:32 Understanding Readiness in Business

01:13 Overcoming Fear and Buffering

02:30 Defining What It Means to Be Ready

03:48 Taking Action Towards Your Goals

05:05 Setting Outlandish Goals

06:11 Embracing Challenges and Growth

07:03 Conclusion: Unlocking Your Potential

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In this engaging conversation, Melissa interviews Claudia Johnstone, a talented photographer who shares her inspiring journey from a diverse career path to becoming a successful photographer. Claudia discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's gut, the value of mentorship, and the significance of personal growth in the creative field. The conversation highlights the power of resilience and the belief that anything is possible with determination and support. In this conversation, Claudia and Melissa explore the significance of community in photography, the personal journey of discovering ADHD, and the transformative power of coaching. They discuss how these experiences have shaped Claudia's approach to her photography, particularly in raising awareness about ADHD through creative projects. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, emotional awareness, and the courage to pursue one's passions while fostering connections with others.

Takeaways

• She faced challenges in pursuing her passion due to self-doubt.
• Assisting other photographers was crucial for her learning.
• Claudia found her niche in dog photography, which was fulfilling.
• Listening to her gut led her to make significant career changes.
• Winning a photography competition opened new doors for her.
• Editorial work helped build her confidence and connections.
• Personal development has been a key part of her journey. Community support is vital for overcoming imposter syndrome.
• ADHD can be a source of creativity and understanding.
• Coaching can lead to significant personal growth.
• Self-awareness helps in managing emotions and challenges.
• Finding a unique voice in photography sets you apart.
• Emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD, but manageable.
• Connection with others enhances personal well-being.
• Investing in personal development is crucial for success.

Timeline

00:00 Claudia's Journey into Photography
04:05 Career Shifts and the Architecture Background
10:26 The Transition to Photography
16:45 Building Confidence and Finding Opportunities
24:17 Winning the Photography Competition
27:26 Navigating the Editorial World
33:23 Mental Health and Self-Advocacy
36:12 Navigating Client Relationships and Personal Growth
37:45 The Phoenix Her Stories Project
43:29 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact
50:08 Combining Coaching with Photography
56:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
01:09:40 Future Aspirations and Community Impact

Dasfotohaus + Instagram
ADHD Portrait Project: Website + Instagram

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Building Momentum in Business: The Power of Consistency

Grab our FREE 3 Part Video Series on Building Momentum in your Creative Business

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners, discuss the importance of perseverance, showing up consistently, and the role of mindset in achieving business success.

They emphasize that building a successful business is akin to going to the gym—requiring consistent effort and commitment, even when immediate results aren't evident.

The episode also highlights insights from interviews with other creatives, including last week with Claudia Johnstone, emphasizing the diverse paths to success while recognizing common elements like consistency and setting goals.

The hosts reference books like 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport and 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear as valuable resources for managing time and focusing on tasks that drive business progress. This episode serves as encouragement for listeners to embrace the journey of continual improvement and maintain momentum in their business endeavors.

00:00 Introduction and Key to Business Success

00:29 Meet Keith and Melissa

00:54 Interview Insights and Creative Journeys

02:18 Consistency and Perseverance in Business

04:05 Momentum and Overcoming Challenges

10:40 Effective Time Management

11:23 Recommended Reads for Business Growth

12:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Shifting from Reactive to Proactive: Building a Creative Business That Thrives

In this podcast episode, Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners, discuss the pitfalls of running a reactionary business and emphasize the importance of being proactive, with systems in place, to prevent burnout and achieve success.

They explain how not having a structured system can lead to unnecessary repetition, inefficiency, and exhaustion. The episode encourages creative business owners to develop operational roadmaps, streamline workflows, and understand the real time investment in business tasks. They highlight the significance of understanding the actual hours contributed versus the time billed, and the value of hiring help when needed.

Towards the end, listeners are invited to self-reflect on areas of their business that are handled on the fly and consider creating solutions to streamline operations. The hosts conclude with a reminder that transforming from a reactionary to a proactive approach can effectively enhance both business and personal well-being, reducing frustration and boosting success.

Journal Exercise: Write down something that you are avoiding in your business. And write down something in your business that is more reactionary - or something you can create to make your business more proactive.

00:00 The Pitfalls of a Reactionary Business

00:16 Introduction to Keith and Melissa

00:35 The Dangers of Running a Reactionary Business

01:28 Personal Experiences and Early Struggles

02:45 The Importance of Systems and Organization

05:21 Balancing Creativity and Business

08:06 The Value of Time and Proper Pricing

12:55 The Benefits of Proactive Business Management

14:54 Overcoming the Starving Artist Mentality

20:28 Final Thoughts and Homework

21:37 Closing Remarks

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Navigating the World of Photography: Inspiration, Authenticity, and Career Growth with Raina Virginia

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Raina Virginia, a talented wedding photographer who has transformed her passion into a thriving career. Starting from her roots in a creatively inclined family and a background in film studies, Raina shares her experiences transitioning into photography and the challenges she's overcome along the way. Key topics include the importance of authenticity in documentary-style wedding photography, finding a niche, and the resurgence of film photography. Raina underscores the significance of embracing failures as stepping stones to success and emphasizes continuous learning and growth. Reflecting on her path, she offers insights into balancing client relationships, avoiding burnout, and maintaining creativity under pressure. The discussion also touches on the underrepresentation of AFAB and non-binary creators in photography education and encourages diversity and inclusivity in the field. Join us to hear Raina's story, gain valuable advice, and discover her ongoing and future projects, including contributions to Moment and a collaborative short film gaining traction at festivals.

Raina Virginia Website
Instagram
Moment

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

00:36 Meet Raina Virginia: From Hobbyist to Professional

02:40 The Early Struggles and Mentorship

04:20 Building a Photography Business

06:12 Finding Stability and Success

15:24 Discovering the Niche: Documentary Wedding Photography

22:33 The Importance of Failure and Growth

28:35 Maintaining Creativity and Evolution

34:17 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

35:05 Exciting Project Updates

35:16 Creative Book Ideas

36:29 Inspiration from Other Photographers

39:25 Writing for Moment Cameras

41:14 Transparency in Photography Business

43:20 Reflections on Wedding Photography

45:40 Future Goals and Aspirations

48:57 Encouraging Diversity in Photography Content

52:30 Unique Book Concept

58:07 Parting Advice for Aspiring Photographers

01:01:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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Mastering Your Creative Business: Essential Tips for Success

Join Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners, as they explore the essential components of building and managing a successful creative business.

This episode covers critical topics, including setting up the right business structure, effective management and bookkeeping with tools like 17 Hats and QuickBooks, and the benefits of hiring a bookkeeper. Gain insights into transparent pricing strategies, the importance of contracts, showcasing your work, and maintaining a professional image.

Perfect for both newcomers and experienced professionals, this episode provides practical advice to solidify your business foundation, streamline operations, and ensure long-term success and client satisfaction.

17Hats
Quickbooks

00:00 Understanding Your Worth: Don't Undercharge!
00:11 Introduction to Keith and Melissa
00:25 Setting Up Your Creative Business
00:57 Business Designation: Choosing the Right Structure
02:12 The Importance of Insurance
04:04 The Necessity of a Business Bank Account
05:24 Establishing Client Policies
06:47 Basic Bookkeeping: The Cornerstone of Your Business
12:18 Essential Tools for Business Management
14:05 The Importance of Basic Pricing
15:16 Creating a Transparent Pricing Structure
18:17 The Necessity of Having a Contract
19:17 Showcasing Your Work Professionally
21:30 Responding to Client Inquiries Promptly
23:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Building a Successful and Sustainable Creative Business

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, experienced photography business owners, offer invaluable insights on establishing a prosperous business by creating a solid foundation and maintaining consistent client relationships. 

They discuss the necessity of professionalizing your enterprise through clear policies, consistent pricing, and good bookkeeping. Key advice includes avoiding sliding scale pricing, valuing your work to prevent burnout, planning for financial variability, and treating your small business with the seriousness it deserves. 

They also emphasize the importance of delivering on promises and engaging with top clients to build lasting relationships. The ultimate goal is to help wedding industry creatives achieve prosperity and sustainable success.

00:00 Building a Business on Repeat Performance

00:17 Introduction and Rebranding Announcement

00:41 Creating a Solid Foundation for Your Business

00:50 Mission to Help Wedding Industry Creatives

01:08 The Importance of Professionalizing Your Business

03:15 Valuing Yourself and Setting Boundaries

04:32 Consistency in Pricing and Policies

05:32 Planning and Preparing for Business Success

07:12 Planning for Lean Months

07:38 Setting Boundaries and Saying No

08:15 Valuing Your Business and Yourself

09:35 Building Client Relationships

10:37 The Power of Referrals

12:51 Actionable Steps for Success

13:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Exciting Rebrand Announcement and Expanding Our Reach

In this short episode, the hosts explain that they're undergoing an exciting rebranding from 'The Prosperous Photographer' to 'Bright' to better serve a wider community of creatives, including florists, hair and makeup artists, illustrators, and more. They discuss how their new mission aims to help over 10,000 creatives improve their business strategies for free, and share plans for new branding and a forthcoming website. Listeners are encouraged to follow, share the episode, and leave a review.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:02 Exciting Rebrand Announcement
00:11 Expanding Our Audience
00:43 Introducing Bright
00:52 Mission and Future Plans
01:22 Conclusion and Farewell
01:28 Call to Action

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This is a 5 min highlight reel from our FREE 3 Module Video Series called Bright Momentum. This training is for wedding industry pros that need a little momentum in their business to start making more money and attracting more of the right clients!

Grab the FREE Bright Momentum Series here!

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Building a Strong Business Foundation: Essential Steps for Success

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners, provide crucial tips on creating a solid foundation for your business. They cover defining your target clients, crafting a basic business plan, legitimizing your business structure, setting up a bookkeeping system, and enhancing customer experience through a professional website.

Additionally, they introduce their free video training 'Bright Momentum' to help businesses gain the momentum they need. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding your numbers, maintaining professionalism, and standing out in a competitive wedding market.

00:00 Introduction and Free Training Offer

00:34 Meet Your Hosts: Keith and Melissa

00:46 Episode Overview and Recap

01:28 Defining Your Business and Ideal Client

02:41 Creating a Business Plan

05:38 Legitimizing Your Business

07:22 Bookkeeping Essentials

08:08 Creating an Incredible Customer Experience

09:42 Preview of Next Episode and Closing Remarks

Listen to Episode 18

DOWNLOAD our FREE guide to help you determine your Ideal Client and your Niche

PODCAST RECAP with all the details we mentioned!

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17 Essential Marketing Tips for Wedding Industry Professionals

In this episode, Keith and Melissa, seasoned photography business owners with over 25 years of experience in the wedding industry, share 17 invaluable marketing tips that significantly influenced their business's success.

They emphasize the importance of maintaining an audacious goal and overcoming past limitations. The tips cover a range of strategies, including defining your superpower, identifying your ideal client, optimizing SEO, and building industry relationships.

The episode also highlights practical advice for utilizing Google My Business, improving iPhone photography, and the significance of blogging. By implementing these tips consistently, listeners can enhance their visibility and client base, ultimately leading to greater business success.

00:00 Setting Audacious Goals for Your Business
00:31 Introduction to 17 Marketing Tips
00:42 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
02:05 Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies
02:32 Identifying Your Superpower
03:13 Understanding Your Ideal Client
03:52 The Importance of Niching Down
04:44 Leveraging Google My Business
05:28 Boosting Your Website SEO
07:38 The Power of Blogging
09:29 Improving Your iPhone Photography
10:08 Networking and Vendor Collaboration
12:21 Building a Preferred Vendors List
13:01 Creating an Email List
14:06 Gathering Testimonials and Reviews
14:47 Showcasing Your Work
15:24 The Value of Volunteering
15:48 Outsourcing Tasks
16:27 Defining Your Audacious Outcome
16:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Download the ICA + Niche Worksheet
Claim your Business on Google
How to Set up Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google my Business)

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The Journey of a Boudoir Photographer: Pamela's Story of Resilience and Creativity

In this podcast episode, Pamela, an experienced boudoir photographer, shares her 15-plus-year journey in the niche of boudoir photography. She discusses the evolution of her career, from shooting family photos to discovering her passion for boudoir. 

Pamela highlights the challenges she faced, including market saturation, advertising roadblocks with Google and Instagram, and the impact of COVID-19. She also elaborates on the importance of personal projects, the significance of in-person sales, and her future aspirations, including writing and expanding her artistic endeavors. 

Throughout the conversation, Pamela emphasizes the importance of resilience, creativity, and stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Pamela's Journey into Boudoir Photography
02:30 Challenges and Realizations in the Photography Business
03:27 Impact of COVID-19 on Business
05:20 Advertising Struggles and Rebranding Efforts
10:11 Community and Industry Insights
22:50 Artistic Ventures and Personal Growth
30:05 Overcoming Comfort Zones
31:22 Exploring New Artistic Ventures
35:03 The Impact of Personal Projects on Business
41:00 The Power of In-Person Sales
45:11 Future Aspirations and Creative Challenges
53:44 Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth
57:52 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

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Mastering Cashflow: The Key to a Thriving Business

In this episode, Melissa, seasoned photography business owner, discusses the critical importance of understanding cashflow for small business success.

Highlighting that many boutique business owners overlook their financials, she explain that knowing what money comes in and goes out is essential. With insightful examples and practical advice, like monitoring expenses and maintaining a rainy day fund, she emphasizes that grasping this concept can differentiate a struggling business from a profitable one. 

Aimed at demystifying business finance, this episode is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to ensure their venture's financial health.

00:00 Introduction to Business Finances

00:29 The Importance of Cashflow

01:48 Understanding Cashflow Basics

03:27 Real-Life Example: Jan's Story

05:00 Strategies for Managing Cashflow

06:54 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Achieving Big Audacious Goals for Your Business in 2025 and Beyond

This podcast focuses on guiding individuals in setting and achieving significant, ambitious goals for their businesses over the coming year and beyond. Melissa emphasizes the importance of full participation in the goal-setting process and discusses overcoming mental barriers, thinking creatively, and taking massive action. 

The narrative encourages viewers to focus on the future, disrupt their current thinking, and make decisive changes to achieve their objectives. The episode highlights the transformative journey of pursuing big audacious goals and provides practical advice on projecting targets without relying on past limitations. 

The next episode promises to delve deeper with a worksheet to outline specific goals for 2025.

00:00 Introduction to Achieving Big Audacious Goals

00:06 The Importance of Participation and Commitment

00:41 Believing in Yourself and Your Capabilities

01:13 The Power of Audacious Goals

02:43 Overcoming Limitations and Negative Beliefs

04:27 Taking Massive Action and Building Resilience

05:27 Setting Future-Focused Goals for 2025

08:07 Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles

12:48 Committing to Your Big Audacious Goal

13:15 Envisioning Success and Mental Strength

14:38 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Achieving Your Big Audacious Goals for 2025

In this episode of the Bright podcast, host and money mentor Melissa guides wedding creatives through setting and reaching big audacious goals for 2025. The discussion focuses on essential principles such as paying yourself first, investing in personal growth, and improving your relationship with money.

Melissa emphasizes creating a structured plan with measurable goals and actionable steps to realize these ambitions. Listeners are encouraged to expand their mindset, invest in their health, and take strategic actions to build a profitable and fulfilling business. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the free Momentum Money series for additional support and insights.

DOWNLOAD Big Audacious Goal Worksheet

00:00 Introduction to Bright Podcast
00:38 Understanding Money in Your Business
00:54 Pay Yourself First
02:13 Invest in Yourself
03:50 Improve Your Relationship with Money
04:52 Setting Big Audacious Goals
06:35 Creating Action Steps
08:32 Measuring Success and Taking Action
10:08 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Breaking Money Myths for Wedding Creatives

Link to FREE Resources for your Business

In this episode of Bright, the podcast for wedding creatives, host and money mentor Melissa encourages listeners to challenge their limiting beliefs about business and finance. 

Sharing personal anecdotes and addressing common fears, Melissa emphasizes self-awareness and practical steps to improve financial confidence and business success. Whether it's tracking cash flow or learning to appreciate numbers, Melissa offers actionable advice for creative professionals looking to enhance their business acumen and achieve their desired growth.

00:00 Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs

00:29 A Personal Story on Overcoming Self-Doubt

03:16 Challenging Your Money Beliefs

04:28 Reflecting on Past Financial Experiences

08:03 Creating Positive Evidence for Business Success

10:31 Taking Action Towards Financial Confidence

11:15 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Journal Prompts:
When you say, I'm not good with numbers, so I can't handle my business finances. What is a question you could ask yourself? What specific thoughts come to mind when you think about math or business? Or what evidence do you create to support this belief? And where do you think this doubt comes from? This is critical.

Is it a belief since childhood, something from school, or a past perceived mistake you made around money or how you handled it? Is it something specific someone said to you or you said to yourself? Was it based on someone else's opinion or a specific event? Maybe you've never balanced a checkbook or you're in debt.

Is there something specific that comes to mind when you think about the past and your relationship with money,

What impact do you think not being good on the business side of things? Maybe ignoring your numbers, being afraid of them, or being quote, bad at them has had on your business? How has avoiding learning financial basics affected the success of your business? 

How has this money belief affected your confidence in running your business? Has it ever stopped you from pursuing growth opportunities? What would your business look like if this belief wasn't holding you back?

Write down evidence for yourself of how you create positives in your business, list five things you can think of that prove you are good with the business side of things.

Now write down 2-3 action steps you can take to gain more confidence around numbers, math, business finance?

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Staying Productive: 9 Ways to Enhance Your Wedding Business

In this episode of Bright, host and money mentor Melissa shares nine strategies for wedding entrepreneurs to stay productive even when motivation is low. She discusses the importance of offloading tasks, investing in personal growth, maintaining a clear vision, staying motivated, and managing time effectively. By following these steps, listeners can build a successful wedding business they love while finding balance in their personal lives. Melissa also highlights the significance of creating systems and automating processes to streamline business operations. Tune in to learn actionable tips to boost productivity and achieve your business goals.

00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of a Wedding Entrepreneur

00:18 Welcome to Bright: Meet Your Host Melissa

00:40 The Power of Productivity: Our Journey

01:11 Step 1: Delegate Tasks to Free Up Your Time

02:28 Step 2: Invest in Yourself for Greater Value

04:34 Step 3: Clarity on Your Goals

07:03 Step 4: Take Action and Stay Motivated

08:12 Step 5: Focus and Consistency

10:57 Step 6: Automate and Systematize

11:45 Step 7: Mastering Time Management

14:21 Conclusion: Building Momentum for Success

14:53 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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Breaking Pricing Ceilings: Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Value Your Work

In this first episode of the pricing series, host and money mentor Melissa dissects the complexities of pricing for wedding entrepreneurs. She discusses how self-imposed limitations and money stories can impact how creatives price their services. Melissa emphasizes the importance of valuing one's work and overcoming mental barriers to establish pricing that reflects true worth. She shares personal experiences and offers strategies for setting and believing in higher price points to elevate one's business. 

The episode encourages listeners to challenge their current pricing models and adopt a growth mindset to reach big audacious goals in their entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing for Wedding Entrepreneurs
00:35 Understanding Your Pricing Limitations
02:08 Evaluating Your Current Pricing Model
03:33 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Believing in Your Worth
08:00 Handling Client Reactions with Confidence
09:09 Breaking Through Your Pricing Ceiling
09:41 Conclusion and Next Steps

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The Essentials of Effective Pricing for Wedding Creatives

In the second installment of our three-part pricing series, host Melissa dives into the critical aspects of determining your pricing for long-term business sustainability. Covering topics from understanding fixed and variable costs to setting your desired profit margin, this episode guides wedding creatives through creating consistent income. 

Melissa also addresses common pricing pitfalls like undercharging and frequent discounts, and emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing. With actionable strategies and personal insights, this episode is a comprehensive guide for wedding professionals looking to elevate their pricing game.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing Series
01:17 Understanding Your Costs
03:22 Calculating Profit Margins
03:54 Researching Competition and Assessing Expertise
04:43 Belief in Your Pricing
05:44 Handling Pricing Questions
06:09 Common Pricing Pitfalls
07:20 Personal Story: The Hourly Pricing Dilemma
12:36 Building a Sustainable Pricing Strategy
17:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Creating Your Big Audacious Price List: A Guide to Value and Profitability

In this episode of Bright, Melissa, the host and money mentor, guides wedding creatives on establishing a big audacious price list for their businesses. She emphasizes the synergy between creativity and profitability and addresses common concerns about raising prices. Melissa encourages listeners to envision their ideal business and defines methods to align pricing with the value offered. She illustrates the importance of differentiating oneself in the market, educating clients about unique offerings, and believing in the value provided.

Through real examples, she demonstrates how specialized services can justify higher prices, leading to less work and stress while achieving financial goals. The episode concludes with actionable steps to build a sellable solution that resonates with ideal clients and the promise of an upcoming bonus episode on pricing commandments.

Download the ICA + Niche Worksheet

00:00 Introduction to Audacious Pricing
00:31 Understanding Your Value
01:20 Setting Big Goals
01:55 Breaking Down the Numbers
03:48 Standing Out in Your Niche
08:46 Creating a Sellable Solution
13:36 Educating Your Clients
15:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

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10 Pricing Commandments: Empower Your Creative Business with Effective Pricing Strategies

In this bonus episode of Bright, host and money mentor Melissa shares her '10 Pricing Commandments' designed to help wedding professionals create a profitable and audacious price list. The commandments cover understanding costs, market research, value proposition, identifying ideal clients, value pricing, avoiding overwhelm, transparency, paying yourself, maintaining quality, and setting goals.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing finances, providing actionable strategies for creatives to boost their confidence and business success. Listeners are encouraged to follow these steps to optimize their pricing and ensure long-term growth.

Download the ICA + Niche Worksheet

Tune in next week for more insights and don't forget to check out the episode on the Bright Growth YouTube channel.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing Commandments
00:34 Understanding Costs
00:47 Market Research and Value Proposition
01:23 Identifying Your Ideal Client
01:39 Embracing Value Pricing
02:13 Avoiding Overwhelm
02:31 Transparency and Paying Yourself
02:55 Maintaining Quality and Setting Goals
03:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
03:51 Bonus Content and Subscription Reminder

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