Business-First Creatives

How I Spent Money Inside My Business in 2025

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this end-of-year episode, I’m breaking down how I spent money inside my business in 2025 — and more importantly, how I made those decisions.Thi...

Why Clear Client Communication Is Non-Negotiable for a High-Touch Experience

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is a replay from a conversation that originally aired on the Capture the Chaos podcast with Brittnie Renee—and it perfectly captur...

Stop Fixing Your Client Communication Last

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 2026, I want you to stop fixing your emails last—because it’s costing you money.The last two case study episodes of this podcast prove it.In th...

Personalizing the Client Communication Experience with Geneviève Masioni [Email Like You Mean It Case Study]

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wouldn't it be nice to automate 80% of your client communication, while still sending personalized emails and booking high-ticket clients? That’s ex...

The CRM Emails That Turn New Leads into Booked Clients Faster (Without the Sales Call) with Kara Duncan

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you still think that a system for booking and onboarding new clients has to be complicated, this is the episode for you. What if you could take a p...

Stop Chasing Vanity Metrics: The 4 Habits That Actually Grow Your Business with Zoë Dew

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you think the key to business growth is chasing website stats, are you considering the fact that those numbers may not tell the full story? In this...

Creating Natural Urgency without Discounts and Timers with Samantha Hoillett

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you dread the word launch, because you think that "doors open/doors close” structure feels icky? We're flipping the script in today's episode wit...

How to Build a Content Ecosystem that Sells for You with Latesha Lynch

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could create just one piece of content and let it do the work of fifty? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in today’s episode. Late...

Your Workflow Isn’t the Exception: Why the CRM Blueprint Works for Every Photographer

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So many photographers swear their workflow is “the exception” — too many what-ifs, too many touchpoints, too many edge cases to fit inside any k...

What's the Best Way To Set Up Your CRM? CRM Blueprint vs. Systems in Session with Megan Norman

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been wondering what's the best way to set up your CRM? Today’s session is going to be a mix of a case study and answers to some specific qu...

Dubsado 3.0 First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dubsado 3.0 is officially here… and y’all, the internet is having feelings.In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s new, what’s missing, an...

Workflow Overwhelm? Create These 3 Microsystems First

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’re never going to find time to fix your workflows — you have to make the time. And today, I’m giving you the exact place to start.In this ep...

Stop Babysitting Your CRM: Let's Build Workflows You Can Actually Trust Inside CRM Blueprint

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your workflows act like needy toddlers—constantly breaking, needing approvals, or demanding supervision—you’re not alone. Over the last few w...

Shifting Your Systems as You Pivot in Your Business with Erin Vestal

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

She was homeschooling her kids, charging less than $300 a session, and running her photography business on pure hustle—until she realized that passi...

How You Can Maximize Your Email List for Black Friday ft. Flodesk with Dawn Richardson

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to seriously level up your email marketing this Black Friday season? I sat down with Dawn Richardson from Flodesk, where we unpack e...

How Booked-Out Service Providers Scale with Productization with Emylee Williams

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you’re no longer struggling to get clients, but you still feel like your business has hit a ceiling? If you’ve got inquiries rol...

Why I’m Focusing on Dubsado for Photographers (and How It’s Simplifying My Business)

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling too many offers, too many audiences, or just feeling like your message got a little… fuzzy — this one’s...

Using Human Design to Transform Your Business Strategy with Breanna Owen

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt like traditional business advice just doesn’t fit you, this episode is your permission slip to stop trying to follow someone e...

Systems in Session: How We Built a Luxury Client Experience Inside HoneyBook with Kelly Bullock

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Bullock was the very first Systems in Session client — before the offer even had a name. In this episode, we dive into how she turned her high...

Should You Ditch Your CRM?

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about ditching your CRM after the latest price increase? Before you rage-cancel Dubsado, HoneyBook, or whatever tool’s testing your patienc...

Business Bestie Chat Q4 - 2025 with Sabrina Gebhardt

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I have a special surprise for you in this week's episode! Over on the Shoot It Straight podcast, I join my dear friend, Sabrina Gebhardt every quarter...

Before You Automate, Communicate - Challenge Recap

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most system struggles aren’t tech problems — they’re communication gaps. In this episode, I’m unpacking what I learned from hosting the Client...

The Confidence Shift: When your systems feel like you

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’m wrapping up week one of my Sales Parade, and Systems in Session 2025 is officially sold out! 🎉But here’s what I’ve noticed after working ...

Pick a Path - Where to Start When DIY-ing Your Systems

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not sure where to start with your systems? In this episode, I’m breaking down three smart places to begin if you’re DIY-ing your setup—your prop...

Breaking the Avoidance Cycle in Your Business Systems

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Avoidance can make simple tasks feel impossible. In this episode, I’m sharing why systems are the #1 thing entrepreneurs put off, the anxiety that c...

Why I’m Talking About My Offers 50+ Times in the Next 14 Days

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Parade is back, y’all—and I’m jumping in for another 14-day sprint of talking about my offers. In this episode, I’m sharing why the Parade...

How to Make Clients Repeat Buyers

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you don’t know when your clients should come back, neither will they. Most creatives deliver the final product and send one last email — and th...

Scaling with Less Overwhelm and More Value (Systems in Session Case Study) with Roxanne Engstrom

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're someone who thinks systems just aren't for me—creative chaos is a part of my identity, this episode might change your mind. Roxanne Engstr...

How to Break the Vicious Visibility Cycle in Your Creative Business with Maddie Peschong

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to break the vicious visibility cycle. You know the one, where you disappear for weeks, then expect everything to fall back into place on ...

Why Raising Your Prices Starts with Your Client Experience

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if raising your prices didn’t mean adding more stress to your plate? In this replay from Maddie Peschong’s Take It Personally podcast, I’m ...

Systems in Session: Mastering Your Client Journey ft. Erin Belles

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a creative business owner finally finds the systems support she didn’t know she needed? Absolute magic.In this episode, I’m join...

Shaping a Business That Grows and Evolves With You with Meg Mosher

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m sitting down with one of my long-term clients and friends, Meg Mosher, a lifestyle family photographer out of New York who has been in bus...

Do You Really Need Big Systems to Make Six Figures? (The Bare Bones Version)

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t actually need big, complicated systems to make money in your business — and yes, I’m the Systems Professor saying that out loud. Hitti...

Your Hottest Leads Aren’t on Instagram

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Think your most engaged followers are the ones double-tapping your latest Reel? Think again. 👀In this episode, I’m breaking down why your actual ...

Improve Client Trust & Increase Conversions through Asynchronous Video with Carolyn Leasure

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve been shouting from the rooftops about using video in your client experience—and today, I’ve got backup. In this episode, I’m joined by Ca...

The Taylor & Travis Engagement Test for Your Client Experience

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, the internet went wild. But instead of just scrolling through memes, I started thinking...

Creating Accountability in Airtable with Melissa Arlena

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re not tracking it, you’re winging it. That's why it's important to have a system in place to help keep you accountable. In this episode, M...

Growing Your Email List at In-Person Events with Tiffany Crenshaw

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your next five clients aren’t on Instagram, but actually sitting across from you at an in-person event? Tiffany Crenshaw is a former teacher...

Back to School, Back to Boundaries: Protecting Your Time This Season

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first day of school hits different when your kid starts high school — and when you realize you don’t have to pack a lunch, drive carpool, or e...

Energetics in Business with Sabrina Gebhardt

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I almost made a catastrophic business move by shutting everything down. Thankfully, a conversation with my business bestie Sabrina helped me take a st...

The Month I Turned 46 and Showed TF Up in My Business

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let me just say it—July was fucking awesome. After a season of mostly behind-the-scenes content creation (and zero solo podcast episodes for all of ...

Beyond DIY ChatGPT: The Human-First AI Blogging Tool for Intentional Creatives

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT, typed “write my blog post,” and cringed at the results—you’re not alone. This episode dives into what it real...

How I’m Building My Offer Ecosystem Around the 3 Levers That Drive Client Experience

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need to fix everything at once — but you do need to fix the thing that’s slowing you down.In this episode, I’m walking you through t...

I'm celebrating TWO milestones today

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I am popping in with a short solo today.If you have a moment, and want to give me a birthday present, leave a review for this podcast on Spotify or Ap...

Accessibility Awareness with Erin Perkins

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Accessibility isn't sexy—but it's essential. Erin Perkins of Mabely Q joins us to talk about something most business owners haven't truly considered...

Ping Pong Offers... I swear I have an actual plan for my business

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I thought I’d nailed my warm-up offer.Sales page created in less than 3 hours.Sold a few during my Sales Parade.Two weeks later? I pulled it.In this...

How to Start Running Meta Ads for Just $1 a Day (and Actually Get Results) with Jana Bishop

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to finally hit publish on that Facebook ad you've been scared to run? Facebook Ad strategist Jana Bishop joins us to make paid ads feel accessib...

The 3 Red Flags Hiding in Your Inquiry Response Email

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your inquiry emails turning off your best leads? 😬 In this episode of Business-First Creatives, I’m breaking down the three email red flags I...

How the Enneagram Can Supercharge Your Self-Awareness with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered why you do what you do, the Enneagram might just hold the answers. In this episode, Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober of Enneagram Ashton ...

3 Bottlenecks That Burn Photographers Out Every Fall (and How to Fix them)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fall family photography season is almost here, and if you're already bracing for the wave of inquiries, back-to-back sessions, and late-night editing ...

Embracing Creativity as a Neurodivergent Business Owner with Molly McCauley

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your brain’s unique wiring isn’t a flaw… but your secret advantage? That’s exactly what we explore in my conversation with Molly McCau...

Behind the Scenes: My Mid-Year Offer Reset

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s my birthday month, and I’m celebrating by simplifying my backend and shifting how I sell. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through why...

Ditching the Algorithm: Shifting the Priority from Social Media to Email Marketing with Andréa Jones

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you find yourself dreading content creation and waiting for the algorithm to feature your posts? In this episode, I sat down with Andréa Jones, mi...

Client Experience Essentials: The 5 Layers You Actually Need

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your client experience doesn’t start with a workflow or a fancy journey map. It starts with the words you choose and the tone you set.In this solo e...

Creating AI Content that Sounds Like You with Kinsey  Soderberg

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if I introduced you to the person who completely changed how I use AI in my business? I want you to meet Kenzie  Soderberg, the AI strategist b...

The Secret to More Connection? Strategic Client Videos [2025 Replay]

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m bringing back one of the most practical episodes from the Business-First Creatives archive—Episode 123 from my original Video Visibilit...

Energetic Email Strategy for Connection & Conversion with Breanna Owen

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like your emails just aren’t landing? This episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start aligning. I sat down with email ...

The Confidence Loop: The Secret Behind Every Workflow That Converts

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of Emails Behind the Experience, I’m sharing a lesson straight from inside my course, Email Like You Mean It. It’s called The Confiden...

The 5 Workflows Every Creative Needs in Their CRM (2025 Update)

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, I’m giving a glow-up to my most downloaded and shared episode from this podcast: the workflows every creative business needs.I...

The 4 Buyer Types and How to Sell to Each One with Courtney Fanning

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if I told you that your sales page might be turning buyers away before they even click? Courtney Fanning joins us to dig into why people buy (or ...

The Truth? I Never Really Niched Down — Until Now [2025 Replay]

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for a replay—but not just any replay. This solo episode from 2023 dives into one of the most persistent questions in creative business: ...

How I Turned My Podcast into a Revenue Generator: Celebrating 3 Years of Business-First Creatives ft. Haylee Gaffin

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what three years of podcasting can really do for your business? In this special episode, I switch seats with my producer, Haylee Gaffin,...

The Follow-Up Framework That Still Closes Clients [2025 Replay]

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever sent a proposal and heard crickets? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doomed. In this replay of one of my most downloaded episodes...

Marketing Mondays Will Transform Your Business Strategy with Melissa Arlena and Alison Bell

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you managing your marketing tasks efficiently in your business? In this episode, I sat down with Melissa Arlena and Allison Bell, co-hosts of the ...

Getting Paid for Travel Photography Sessions with Kellie Llewellyn

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to get paid to travel to your sessions, there are so many logistics to consider. While Kellie Llewellyn was coordinating her sessions to f...

Before You Buy Anything… Here’s How to Know Which Offer Is Really Right for You [2025 Replay]

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Okay, y’all—this one’s a little different. I’m resharing a solo episode from May 2023 because it’s just that relevant right now. Whether you...

How to Use AI in Your Business and Create Tools for Your Offers

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could create custom AI tools that save you hours, elevate your client experience, and make your business run smoother? (Spoiler: you can.)...

Why ChatGPT Is My New Favorite Team Member (Sorry, Airtable)

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ChatGPT just beat out Airtable as my most-used tool—and y’all know that’s saying a lot. In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on ...

How to Nail Your Offer Introduction

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've got the skills. You've got the offer. But if your leads are ghosting after you introduce it—we have a problem. In today’s episode, we're di...

Why Your Best Leads Don’t Convert

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’re doing the marketing. Your portfolio is strong. You’re attracting the right people… but then they disappear. Sound familiar? Let's dive in...

Communicate with Clients Like a Pro: 5 Tips for a Better Experience with Christine Dammann

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your lack of communication holding you back from creating an amazing experience for your clients? In today's episode, Christine Dammann joins us to...

The 3 Must-Have Elements for Every Client Experience Email

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want your client emails to actually get read? In this bite-sized solo episode, Colie shares the three things every email in your client experience mus...

What I Got Wrong About Workflows (and What I’m Focusing on Now)

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve heard me preach the power of workflows for years—but what if that’s not where your client experience actually starts? In this episode, I’...

SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany Herzberg

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know the benefits of SEO expand beyond your website? Brittany Herzberg joins us to share how you can optimize for search across multiple platf...

Your Systems Are Doing Too Much (and Clients Feel It) — Simplify Your Systems

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does every single offer need a fully built out client experience? While I think it's necessary to create a powerful experience that leave your client ...

Don’t Blame Your Prices, Fix Your Systems First

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We made it to 200 episodes—and I’m bringing the fire 🔥I’m taking this opportunity to revisit one of the first truths I ever shared on the pod...

I Audited My Freebies—Here’s What I Found

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered if your freebies are helping people buy—or just taking up digital space? In this episode, I’m sharing how a single podcast (shoutout...

How to Create a 5-Minute Booking Process Inside Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 4]

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to make booking you effortless for your clients? In this episode, I’m breaking down how to create a five-minute booking process using a well-s...

How to Design Workflows That Enhance Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 3]

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the third episode of the Client Experience Series! Now that you’ve mapped out your client experience, it’s time to turn those steps into w...

From Touchpoints to Timelines: How to Begin Mapping Your Client Experience [Client Experience Series Pt 2]

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the second episode of the Client Experience Series. Today I'm sharing a breakdown of how to begin mapping your processes as the first step to ...

How to Improve Your Client Experience: A Breakdown of My Audit Process [Client Experience Series Pt 1]

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If this is the year you're looking to improve your client experience, you've come to the right place! Auditing your systems and workflows is key to no...

Applying for Grants & Overcoming Adversity with Katrina Cross-Daniels

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beyond our careers, we're real humans experiencing real obstacles in our lives. Katrina joins us to share how a boudoir session helped her overcome a ...

Client Experience: The Secret to Building Loyalty with Natasha Sewell

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you relying on your clients to become repeat clients solely because they loved their images from their last shoot? Sometimes that's not enough—t...

How to Connect with Your Audience in their Inbox with Hannah Davis

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you sit down to write an email, do you find yourself staring at a blank screen lacking inspiration? Today's episode is meant to inspire you with ...

Transforming Networking into Genuine Connections for Business with Mikki Wilson

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is networking a part of your business strategy this year? If it's never felt like the right move for your business, today's episode may change your mi...

Building Your Content Strategy with the Marketing Jar with Dayna Schaaf

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does your marketing strategy and content fall flat? Maybe you struggle with knowing what to create. In today's episode, Dayna Schaaf of This Can't Be ...

Building a Better Relationship with Money through Storytelling with Katherine Pomerantz

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle with understanding money? Maybe you're afraid to address it. In today's episode, Katherine Pomerantz joins us to highlight the complex...

Strategic Business Planning for Productivity & Growth with Jade Boyd

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you being intentional and strategic in planning for productivity and growth in your business? In today's episode, Jade Boyd joins us to discuss se...

5 Key Metrics Every Business Owner Should Track with Ally Anderson

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into 2025, it is crucial to harness the power of data to streamline and enhance your business strategies. In this episode, Ally Anderson jo...

How to Switch CRMs Without Sacrificing Your Sanity

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode of the Business-First Creatives podcast, host Colie James dives deep into the intricacies of switching Customer Relatio...

Alternative Streams of Income for Photographers with Lissa Chandler

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diversifying your income and creating passive income is something we hear a lot about in the creative world. The best place to start is by creating al...

Creating Blog Posts for Your Client Experience with Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using your blog for more than your SEO efforts? In today's episode, Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative joins us to highlight the value that blog...

Crafting a Distinct Brand Voice that Matches You with Samantha Pollack

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your brand has a voice, you just may not have identified it or honed in on it yet. In today's episode, Samantha Pollack joins us to share the value of...

Leveraging Audio Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and Creative Educators with Lindsay Padilla of Hello Audio

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you dream of launching a podcast? Maybe even starting with a private podcast? You've likely seen others do it and wondered if it's the right move f...

SEO vs SSO: Why Your Online Presence Needs BOTH with Erin Ollila

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Most entrepreneurs know about the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO), but are you considering the role that...

How to Create Systems for Your Worst Days in Business with Sandra Henderson

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your business prepared for bad days—even those worst case scenarios that we don't want to think about? In today's episode, Sandra Henderson joins...

Effective Marketing for Photographers with Sabrina Gebhardt [Marketing with Intention]

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gone are the days where your photos is enough to market your photography business—even if you are an amazing photographer. In an oversaturated marke...

Leveraging AI for Content Creation & Advertising Strategy with Hattie Dunstan [Marketing with Intention]

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you leveraging the power of AI in your business? In today's episode, Hattie Dunstan of Funstans Marketing discusses how you can integrate AI into ...

Hiring a Unicorn Marketing Assistant without Regret with Emily Reagan [Marketing with Intention]

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for a unicorn to help you with your marketing tasks? In today's episode, Emily Reagan joins us to highlight importance of hiring the r...

How to Repurpose Your Content with Intention with Felly Day [Marketing with Intention]

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you leaving content opportunities on the table because you're not repurposing the content you already have? In today's episode, Felly Day joins us...