Business-First Creatives

My Favorite 3 Tools for Content Creation and Management

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So you are READY to market, ask for the sale, and be visible on all your platforms... what tools can you use to create and manage the content?  I...

Want an inside look at how I create podcast content?

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does it surprise you to hear this podcast is my MAIN visibility activity for my business 😉 In today's solo episode I chat about how I come up ...

Use Your Words: Crafting Compelling Content for Your Blog with Kate Wark

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you creating blog content that is compelling for your brand? In today's episode, Kate Wark highlights the power of blogging as a tool for photogra...

How to Leverage LinkedIn for Your Business with Tania Bhattacharyya

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you leveraged LinkedIn for our business? If you serve other businesses, you should be! In today's episode Tania Bhattacharyya joins us to explain...

The Art and Strategy Behind Your Static Instagram 9-Grid with Deanna Seymour

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does creating Instagram content that consistently tells your audience what you do feel impossible? In today's episode, Deanna Seymour joins us to shar...

Creating Your Sustainable Social Media Marketing Strategy with Andréa Jones

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Building a social media marketing strategy that works for you takes time, especially if you aren't creating it to be sustainable. In today's episode, ...

Active vs. Passive Marketing for Photographers with Dan Moyer

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How are you marketing your photography business? In today's episode, Dan Moyer joins me to compare the benefits of active versus passive marketing, an...

Do you have a marketing plan?

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've talked SO much about marketing this month... what's your plan going forward? 😉The Business-First Creatives Podcast is brought to you by CRM a...

My New Gig as an Uber Driver

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode there are a few life and business updates 😉The Business-First Creatives Podcast is brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie J...

Striving for Work-Life-Homeschool Balance with Carly Kewley

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When motherhood meets business, many parents are hesitant to consider homeschooling due to the responsibilities that come along with it. Carly Kewley ...

Branding Lessons from Barbie with Marissa Garcia

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we are joined by the incredible Marissa Garcia to delve into the world of branding and marketing through the lens of one of the mo...

Cultivating Your Brand Magic: The Power of Storytelling in Business with Annie Franceschi

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Clarity through storytelling is powerful when it comes to cultivating your brand. In today's episode, Annie Franceschi joins us to share why your stor...

The Year of Posy's Pivot with Posy Quarterman

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Making big pivots and shifts in your business can be intimidating. My dear friend Posy Quarterman has spent the last year making major changes—from ...

Applying the Rule of 7 with Dayna Schaaf

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As much time and energy as you're pouring into your marketing efforts, are you considering the rule of 7? While the rule of 7 may be slightly outdated...

SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg: Part 3

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we wrap up our Simple SEO Series, in today's episode, we're highlighting the value of case studies. Brittany Herzberg joins us to share how she shi...

On-Page SEO | Simple SEO Series with Samantha Mabe (Bonus)

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a Text Message.In order to have a valuable and thoughtful optimized search engine strategy, you have to connect the dots between the content a...

SEO Best Practices for Photographers | Simple SEO Series with Melissa Arlena: Part 2

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your website's content and keywords might be optimized for search engines, but have you built out an SEO strategy that Google will like? In today's ep...

Getting Started with SEO | Simple SEO Series with Erin Ollila: Part 1

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Search Engine Optimization doesn't come naturally to us all, but it is something that we should be prioritizing as business owners. The best approach ...

You have to repeat yourself over and over again

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Woke up inspired with a parenting analogy to use in my Day 3 training on Automating Your Print Sales. If you think about your clients like your childr...

Too much visibility is exhausting

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Magic of Automated Emails Webinar (YouTube Live Recording)Automate Your Sales (FREE 3-Day Challenge)This is happening July 18, 19, 20th. Grab your sea...

How Automated Processes Can Help Strengthen Client Relationships with Annemie Tonken

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Attention all photographers! Are you ready to reclaim 10 hours a week in your business? If so, I've got great news for you. Today, registration opens ...

Crunching the Numbers: Why Tracking Website Traffic, Inquiries, and Booking Stats Matter

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's my BIRTHDAY month and I have a lot of exciting goodies for you!Magic of Automated Emails (Dubsado Webinar on 7/12 at 10am MT)Grab your FREE seat ...

That Time Erin Ollila Interviewed ME on My Own Podcast

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Business-First Creatives Podcast is usually brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie James. But THIS week she is in the hotseat while Erin O...

Creating a Cohesive Client Experience: Part 1

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The client experience consists of every interaction your business has with your audience and possible clients before & after they inquire about yo...

Creating for Yourself with Tenley Clark

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being a business owner comes with a lot of responsibilities and strategy for success—one thing we often overlook is finding a balance of creativity....

Business Road Trip

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I love a good road trip!  As a child, my family and I would drive an RV from Dallas, TX to Hampton Beach, NH every summer to enjoy the water, san...

Know Your Purpose with LaJune King

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a Text Message.Opening a photography studio had been on LaJune's vision board for years before she ever opened BLK STRY Studio. She knew ...

It's Not Just You

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a Text Message.I want to invite you to hop on over to Episode 43 of the Shoot it Straight podcast with Sabrina Gebhardt, where we chatted all ...

Navigating Motherhood and Business with Amy Sanusi

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Motherhood can change the way you do business—we're talking about the good ways it does in today's episode! Amy Sanusi joins us to share how a move,...

Have you had success using AI for your business?

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everywhere you turn now you see chatter about new AI apps and features added to software you are already using. Have you tried any out for your busine...

The Role of Hiring in the Journey to Becoming a CEO with Angelica Pompy

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you grown and scaled your business by hiring contractors or employees? In today's episode, Angelica Pompy joins us to share how she claims the ro...

Let's talk about audience growth

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Real talk: what is the goal for growing your audience? It's bigger than saying "I have 10k followers on Instagram". In today's episode I am talking ab...

Marketing with Confidence with Fiona Margo

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marketing doesn't come natural to many of us, especially when we have to consider strategies that will convert. In today's episode, Fiona Margo joins ...

1 Year and Counting

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been ONE WHOLE YEAR of the Business-First Creatives podcast.  This anniversary episode is not all fluff, I still give you an actionable take...

Building a Business That's Right for You with Miranda Eorio

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Not every business looks the same, because we all have different personalities, roles, services, and overall goals—that's why it's important to buil...

Eliminate the overwhelm with automations

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Automations can play a vital role is eliminating the overwhelm inside your business and frankly your personal life.  I don't know what I would do...

Exploring Enneagram Types with Katelyn Dekle

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you looked into how the Enneagram has effected your business? From the way you run your business to the people you work with, Enneagram types pla...

What do you do in a single sentence?

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a society we have absolutely no attention span at the moment.  So instead of crafting the perfect 30-second elevator pitch, I want you to dril...

How to Leverage Your Speaking Engagements with Jordan Gill

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is strategy something you're thinking about when it comes to the speaking events you're pitching or securing? Jordan Gill joins us to share how you ca...

Choosing the right container for you

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When a business offers you multiple ways to work with them, how do you choose the best option for you? In this solo episode, Colie discusses whether o...

Community Over Competition with Natasha Sewell

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The community you're surrounding yourself with is one of the most valuable assets you can build as a business owner. In today's episode, Natasha Sewel...

Should you niche down?

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses what niching down does for your business, particularly marketing and messaging.The Business-First Creatives Podc...

Educating Your Audience Using Email with Shannon Vondy

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your email list isn't just a way to sell your products or services, you can actually use it to educate and connect with your audience! In today's epis...

How to Survive a Slow Season

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses the slow seasons of business and how to approach increasing your bookings from your current client roster.The Bu...

Understanding the Financial Health of Your Business with Val Duvick

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Running our numbers likely isn't your favorite part of the job, but understanding the financial health of your business can sometimes be what helps yo...

The 3 Year Itch in Business

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When does it typically come together for a creative entrepreneur? The dream scenario is when you begin to get a continuous cycle of referrals, returni...

Personal Branding in Your Instagram Marketing w/ Angie McPherson

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you showing up on Instagram and taking your audience along on a journey? In today's episode, Angie McPherson joins us to discuss the power of pers...

Are you confident in your prices?

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pricing is a complex and very personal part of running a business.  The key to running a successful photography isn't usually about the actual pr...

Investing in Outsourcing

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Outsourcing isn't out of your reach, like so many entrepreneurs may think. You know I'm a huge proponent of outsourcing, which is why I'm sharing this...

Creating Productive Habits in Your Business

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Organization is key to running a sustainable business, but how do we get there? Today's solo episode is focused on creating productive habits in your ...

The Cost of Disorganization w/ Ashley Shuler

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everything in your business has a process and system, but are you managing your projects well? The cost of disorganization isn't pretty. In this episo...

How To Decide if an Offer is Right for you

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses the biggest sales objection she hears in her own business and how she deals with the same objection for herself ...

Get Uncomfortable

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses how getting uncomfortable in your business decisions can push you forward for growth. Need an example?  The...

Content Planning + Disneyland with Amanda Warfield

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is the content creation process overwhelming to you? Do you get through creating one piece of content and feel drained? Content strategist and Disney ...

Making Buying Decisions in Your Business

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses three buying decisions she made and what to consider for your next purchasing decision for your business.The Bus...

Do You Know Your Profit Margin?

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses how to calculate your profit margin, find your industry standard, and what to do with that information for 2023....

Honeybook PSA

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses why she is expanding her systems offers to include Honeybook. Her Honeybook Done-for-Your setups are now availab...

Let's Write Some Emails

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Colie discusses tips for writing all the emails for your business: newsletters, marketing emails, and client experience emails. ...

How to Use Emails to Make Friends with Liz Wilcox

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The people who sign up for your email newsletter are actual humans, so what are you doing to connect with them and build trust? In this episode, Liz W...

How to Use Your Podcast as a Marketing Tool with Haylee Gaffin

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Showing up for your audience and marketing your business can feel overwhelming—that's why it's important to find something that works for you. In to...

Using Customer Insights to Improve Your Messaging with Melissa Harstine

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your clients can tell you a lot about your business, ultimately driving the messaging you need to better sell your products and services. In today's e...

Data and Marketing: The PB&J of Business Growth with Carolina Guzik

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tracking data in your business? To optimize your business growth and success, understanding the relationship between your data and marketing i...

Making Decisions for YOU w/ Jill Smith

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you recently taken the time to audit your business or offers? In today's episode, Jill Smith joins us after she audited her own offer based on my...

The Digital Nomad Life with Sandra of Damn Copy

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Entrepreneurship allows for freedom—in business and in life. In this episode, Sandra van der Lee of Damn Copy joins us to share how she's pursuing t...

Experimenting in Your Business with Maryam Salassi

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've all been told by someone else how we should be running our business—yet their experience and knowledge may not be the best option for us. I be...

Bringing In-Person Education Back with Alison Hatch

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is something super special, dare I say magical, about attending a photography conference in-person. In a post-pandemic world, I think we are all...

Brand Refresh with Ashlee Burke

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're building a new brand or refreshing an existing brand, there are so many considerations to keep in mind of what you need to be adjusting...

Bookkeeping Strategies for Success with Laura Kelly

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do you financial numbers say about your business? If you aren't sure, it may be time to hire a bookkeeper! In today's episode, Laura Kelly of Tul...

Money Mindset with Dan Moyer

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You likely started your business to create the lifestyle you wanted, which includes specific ideations around money—but how is your money mindset bl...

Preparing for a Recession with Maddie Peschong

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does the concept of a recession make you nervous for your business? You're not alone! We're all worried about the impacts of a recession, especially s...

Top 3 Lessons I Learned from My Podcast in 2022

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of my biggest accomplishments of 2022 was launching this podcast! Today I am briefly sharing 3 lessons I learned since launching the podcast + the...

Creating Copy that Sounds Like You with Sara Vartanian

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you connecting with the right clients within your website copy? In today's episode, Sara Vartanian joins us to chat about creating copy that sound...

Why Your Website Is Your Best Business Asset with Samantha Mabe

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using your podcast as an asset in your business? In my opinion, your website could be your BEST business asset. In today's episode, I've broug...

Let's Get Social with Sarah Huguet

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does your social media work for you and your business? In today's episode, Sarah Huguet of Social and Stuff  joins us to share how to create cont...

BONUS: Outsourcing for the Win with Kati Douglas of Xilo Photography

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a creative soul who has absolutely no interest in the business side of photography? Today's guest readily admits she outsource almost any and ...

Winter is Coming - Auditing Your Systems

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a systems and business strategist, you know I couldn't wrap up this three-part series without encouraging you to audit your systems! There is alway...

Winter is Coming - Auditing Your Messaging

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you reaching or connecting with your ideal clients within their first interaction with you? I'm talking about the messaging you're offering on you...

Winter is Coming - Auditing Your Offer

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may be approaching a slower season in your business, which offers the perfect opportunity to do an audit in your business. Over the next three epi...

Sarah Potts: BTS of Hiring My VA

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have a hundred tasks to managing in your business, but what would that look like if you brought on a little help? In today's episode, Sarah Potts,...

Let's Talk Growth Strategy with Celi Arias

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We put so much effort into developing growth strategies for our business with marketing plans, yet what are we doing to track these efforts? In today'...

4 Workflows Every Entrepreneur Needs in Their CRM

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To get the most out of this episode, make sure you download 4 Workflows Every Entrepreneur Needs. This guide is the perfect way to implement each of t...

3 Years Later with Sabrina Roden

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you found your own secret to success? In today's episode, Sabrina Roden shares how her business has grown in the last three years since she first...

Crafting Copy that Converts with Rachel Greiman

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our website copy allows for you to connect with potential clients and convert them into paying clients. At Green Chair Stories, Rachel Greiman and her...

CEO Marketing Mentality with Mikki Wilson

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shifting your mindset in business is so important as you grow, but what if you made that shift to having a CEO mentality in your marketing? In today's...

3 Tools I Cannot Live Without in My Photography Business

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I never grow tired of talking about tools to reclaim time in your business.  In today’s episode I am discuss the BIG Three for my photography b...

4 Tools to Book and Manage VIP Days

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are a so many things that can go into a VIP Day, so you need to be organized and streamlined in your process! In today's episode, I'm sharing fo...

Working Weekend Wins with Sabrina Gebhardt

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you in need of focused time to just work on your business? In today's episode, my friend Sabrina Gebhardt me to share how working weekends have ch...

Learning without the Sales Pitch with Lisa DiGeso

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you found yourself annoyed by the sales pitches you hear in every online summit you've attended over the last couple of years? Lisa DiGeso felt t...

Dubsado Case Study with Alison Brett

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How much more profitable could your business be if you simply put in the effort to build out solid workflows and systems inside your CRM? As a Certifi...

Audit Your CRM

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To get the most out of this episode, make sure you download Audit Your CRM. This guide is the perfect way to implement each of the four workflows disc...

The Dish on VIP Days

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am 18 months into my VIP Day journey and know with 100% certainty there is no turning back.  While VIP Days are gaining popularity, they are st...

Pick Your Path with Ashley Pendergraft of Systems Over Stress

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I was first introduced to Ashley of Systems Over Stress through her Airtable bonus inside the Done in a Day program.  I downloaded it, watched li...

CEO Talk with Ashley Kang

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I met Ashley while we were both in the Done in a Day program, working on our VIP Day offers.  Since leaving, we spend every Thursday morning at 1...

The Buffer Episode

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We can never talk too much about outsourcing, but in this (short & sweet) episode I discuss two questions you should ask yourself to decide if you...

Conducting Consistent Customer Research with Nadine Nethery of CAN DO! Content

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode with Nadine of Can Do! Content, we are exploring the idea of conducting consistent customer research to fuel all the messaging in...

Honeybook to Dubsado: One Year Later with Mary Otanez

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A little over a year ago Mary hired me to streamline her business in Dubsado. She was switching from Honeybook to Dubsado, but to be honest, she was b...

Webinars, Low-Ticket Offers, and What I Learned About Sales

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week I ask my guests what their biggest f*ck-up was in business and what they learned from it... are you curious about mine?  In today's sol...

Expanding into Education with Annemie Tonken

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am SOOOOO excited this episode when I had a conversation with Annemie Tonken of This Can't Be That Hard podcast. I've been a guest on her podcast 4 ...

Avoiding Burnout with Sabrina Gebhardt

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My business bestie Sabrina Gebhardt loves talking about outsourcing and automation just as much as I do.  The only thing she loves talking about ...

Choose Happy

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Colie chats about evaluating your business to make sure you can answer YES to four key happiness questions.Show noteshttps://coliejam...