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Today marks the end of season one of The Business Conservatory! For the past year and change, we've been iterating on this podcast, playing with the format and coming as we are. It's been one big experiment where we've gathered data, iterated, and continued showing up.
And that willingness to come as you are is exactly what I want you to sit with during this break. You don't get brownie points for ideas that you never put out into the world! So start releasing your creations and let yourself be a beginner. Not every idea will be a home run, but no chance of a home run even happens if you refuse to hit the ball.
During the break between season, please stay in touch! I'll still be active on socials and in the membership. So meet me there! I can't wait to see what you all create in the next few months. If you ever need a good dose of accountability, I'm always here. And now, you've got a whole library of content you can come back to. I'm a big proponent of returning to episodes that resonate. See what sticks the second time around!
See you soon!
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Business is supposed to be easy, right? That's what you'll hear from plenty of coaches out there. And for today's guest, business was easy for a time. But what happens when inevitable friction comes up? Do you have the tools to get through?
Chelsea Abril started her business on accident, or so she says. She found herself always returning back to photography. She was surprised when it provided extra gas money at first and then later, she found herself just as surprised at 6 figures. What had landed her there? Was it repeatable? She wasn't sure. And did it even feel good?
When Chelsea realized she was in the throes of burnout and she was standing on rocky foundations in entrepreneurship, she knew she had to take herself seriously. And that meant taking her own freedom and expression seriously, just as much as the cold hard facts and data.
She knew her calling was deeper than teaching people about aperture. So after detangling herself from burnout, she knew she wanted to help others do the same. Now, Chelsea helps her clients reconnect to their creative energy. When the hum of burnout threatens to burn the whole thing down, Chelsea is there to hold space and provide a way through.
I'm so excited for you to tune into this episode. The fact is, creative burnout will hit most entrepreneurs at some point in there journey. And I truly think one of the things we need most to move through it is community. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that it's okay to play a damn video game every one in a while.
In this episode, we chat about:
Chelsea's accidental entrepreneurial beginnings The moment she realized she needed to take herself seriously How talent can squander work ethic The role of gentleness in businessConnect with me:
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You've probably heard me chatting on Instagram about having months of content in advance. It's been such a game-changer for my business. Now, I'm super excited to spill the beans on how you can do this magic for yourself. So seriously, bookmark this episode!
Let me get real with you – 2023 was probably one of my toughest years. With my house under construction, podcasting in closets, cars, and generally dealing with life's chaos, I kept showing up. You may have seen me posting and thought "well, that's easy for you." But news flash: it's not always possible to create new content. And you shouldn't expect yourself to.
I get it; your life is hectic, juggling kids, work, and whatnot. But here's the truth: showing up correlates directly with your earnings. Unsexy reality, but there it is. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you can't be present. That's where planning months of content in advance comes to the rescue.
No more feeling like a slave to your business, and definitely no more excuses. Let's build a content fortress for 2024.
First things first, ditch the Notes app. Get yourself a project management software (I use ClickUp, but there are others like Asana or Notion). Trust me; your creative genius deserves more than the Notes app.
Then let's talk inspiration. Carve out intentional pockets of time for your creative self. Whether it's a morning ritual, a quiet night, or even during your commute – find what works for you. Get inspired and use that energy to fill your project management software with genius ideas.
Oh, and please stop overthinking repurposing. Your audience will literally forget about that reel you posted 5 minutes after exiting the app. They're definitely not going to remember you reposting it as a carousel a month later.
Feeling overwhelmed thinking about 3, 6, 9, or 12 months of content? Start small. Create three pockets of time this week, get inspired, and dump those ideas into your new project management software. Even with just a few ideas, you can create a content flow that'll make your life easier.
And guess what? If you're itching to see this in action or need a kickstart, my agency is back in business! We can build out your content for the first three, six, or twelve months. Check the link below if you want us to do the heavy lifting for you.
Imagine the possibilities for 2024 if you had your time back. More content, less burnout. I can't wait to see what you achieve. Stay tuned for more trainings in the coming weeks. Here's to a fantastic new year!
Connect with me:
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You know, those moments of clarity and creativity that hit you like a wave? Well, I'm riding that wave, and today, we're getting ready for the greatest comeback of our lives.
I've been chatting in the DMs with quite a few people who have had their hardest year yet. In the last episode, I was in deep reflection mode, but dwelling there forever isn't the answer. So here's the scoop for a 2024 comeback that goes beyond empty resolutions.
Drawing wisdom from my friend Todd Collins, a great TikTok creator, we explore the essence of a great story. Think Rocky – his first fight wasn't a win, but the comeback? Oh, that hits different, and your victory will be ten times sweeter after hitting rock bottom.
Confession time: I was ready to throw in the towel on this year, but now I'm in a different space. I've realized that my intense feelings can be leverage for my business and dreams. If I got everything I wanted, I'd be a different person – less relatable, less real. Failure, with the ability to connect and lift each other up, is a far better path.
So we're hitting on some key principles that will take that to-do list that inevitably gets abandoned and create something so much better. In the new year, let's agree to fail forward and fail faster. It's all an experiment that we can keep tweaking along the way until we find the answers.
The second principle is recognizing that there's a solution for every problem. Wrap your mind around it – it's empowering. Operate with confidence, become a solution driver, and reject the victim mentality. Despite a history of rejection, failure, and trauma, you can self-soothe and grow. Your core confidence comes from realizing you're entirely capable.
This is the year that we let go of the old approach. I've been through cycles of productivity that only get knocked down by depressive episodes. I know that none of this is cut and dry. But that's why we're not doing it alone. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us! Thank you for tuning in to another episode of The Business Conservatory Podcast. The next year of the podcast has some super exciting things on the horizon, so stay tuned!
Connect with me:
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We're ditching the polished version of me you might be used to today. This past year has been a whirlwind of growth, both exhilarating and, let's admit it, a tad embarrassing. I've made my fair share of mistakes and missteps, from investing in a direction that lacked clarity to ignoring traumas that needed to be addressed.
But here's the real gem of 2023 – you, the amazing listeners who've been by my side through thick and thin. Your support allowed me to pivot, evolve, and learn some crucial lessons. I ditched the rigid, info-heavy podcast style and found a more authentic way to connect. And it made all the difference.
Now, let's talk about taking risks. I shared some of my bold moves – diving into coaching, investing in a new website, hiring a dream team, and going all-in on a vision. Yet, amid the hustle, I was missing a crucial element: clarity. I realized my audience needed a clearer picture of what I do, and that realization came with a hefty price tag.
As we gear up for 2024, I'm making a pact with myself – more intentional joy. It's time to prioritize happiness, to savor the moments, and to live fully in the present. After all, what's the point of the grind if you're putting off joy for a later date?
So, my friends, let's step into the new year with kindness for ourselves, a commitment to mental well-being, and a deliberate pursuit of happiness. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and here's to making 2024 a year of purposeful growth and genuine joy! Until next time, stay inspired.
Check out the shownotes for more resources!
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As business owners today, we're lucky to have a wealth of option when it comes to helpful apps. But sometimes it can feel like there is almost too many options to choose from. Well i've been in the game for many years now and created and maintained multiple business by using a select few stand out apps.
Today i'm sharing the inside scoop on exactly which apps have been best for streamlining mine and my millionaire clients businesses. In this day and age, we can't fall behind technologically. So let's fast track you past the point of endless youtube videos weighing the pros and cons. We don't have time to waste with more Instagram ads that having you constantly CRM shopping.
In today's episode, i'm chatting about:
Metricool – a social media game-changer. It's not just a scheduler; it's your analytics powerhouse, giving you a clear understanding of your audience's response ClickUp – the project management app that keeps you on top of your content game. From idea phase to creation, ClickUp helps you plan and organize, ensuring your content is relevant, impactful, and seamlessly executed.Descript – a must-have for turning your podcast episodes into engaging content. Transcription and captioning made easy, bridging the gap between spoken word and captivating visuals.Klaviyo takes your email marketing to the next level. This powerhouse platform allows for customization and segmentation based on customer behavior, maximizing engagement and turning leads into loyal customers.Dubsado, the CRM that goes beyond. With unmatched customization, it's a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their processes and elevate customer experiences.Zapier. This automation powerhouse connects your apps, ensuring seamless communication and efficiency. Repurpose.io – your shortcut to being everywhere at once. Automate posting across multiple platforms, ensuring your content reaches a broader audience without the hassle.Check out the shownotes for more resources HERE!
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As my team and I make changes to our systems and processes to enhance customer care, I thought it was the perfect time to talk about the customer experience. Do your customers feel personally cared for while working for you? Do they get a sense of who you are, even over text? Or is there a barrier between you and the client that never seems to come down?
Today, i'm using principles found in the book Never Lose a Customer Again: Turn Any Sale into Lifelong Loyalty in 100 Days to lay out a step by step plan to improve your customer experience. I've personally seen how going that extra mile for a client can double the package they're buying from you and elongate the relationship way beyond a one time exchange. But how can you actually, tangibly put this into practice?
It's actually not a matter of reinventing the wheel with every client you come across. You can follow a very clear structure that leads to clients who feel seen and keep coming back for more. I can't wait for you to tune in and start putting these tips into practice!
Be sure to leave a rating/review and share the show on socials. In a world that's not revolving around an algorithm, it really means the world!
In this episode, I discuss:
When to ditch professionalism and just...speak like a personWhy it's important to create a personalized customer experience So much of the personalization comes from asking the right questionsThe eight phases of the customer experienceCheck out the shownotes for more resources!
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You may have heard of a business audit and wondered whether it's right for you. Am I at the "right" place in my career to invest in this? Is Ellie the right person to facilitate this conversation with me? My live business audits are here to answer those questions.
Today, we're going deep on Caela's wedding photography business. Whether you're a wedding photographer or not, I think you'll see yourself somewhere in Caela's business triumphs and struggles. She's going through a transition phase after raising her prices and grappling with the worthiness issues that come up along the way of wondering "where is my next client coming from?"
She's seeing a slow down of inquiries and a frustration with Instagram as it feels highly curated and disconnected from her core values at the moment. First, we use her current numbers to determine whether she's experiencing a marketing issue or a sales issue. Once we've arrived at the root of the problem, I give her actionable steps to become the highly selective, sought after wedding photographer that she wants to be.
I'm excited for you to tune in because I think every business will have something to glean from Caela's breakthroughs!
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:How many inquiries Caela got from Ads vs. Instagram this monthAre inquiries leading to sales?Getting really clear on what Caela's dream work life looks likeA framework for focusing her marketing more on the transformation her clients are experiencingConnect with Caela:
on InstagramCheck out the shownotes for more resources!
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Have you ever asked yourself, "If not for money or the opportunity to work for myself, why did I start this business?" That is often the beginning of your brand story. Today's guest, Christina Hall, is the owner of Super Lunar Design Co. She helps brands build an online presence in a comprehensive experience that goes way beyond simply creating graphics.
For her, the key to unlocking a new level of visibility online came from finally feeling comfortable enough to share a silly story about her childhood. Sometimes, all we need to do is give ourselves permission to be full of human beings in the online space. Why are we abiding by stuffy rules of professionalism if we're deliberately creating a life and business outside of the nine to five? That's the question we're grappling with on today's episode.
I truly think you're going to walk away from this episode with a newfound excitement to find your brand story and get loud about it online!
In this episode, we discuss:
How Christina was able to escape the "boring" projects and get to the heart of what she actually wanted to do The story that blew up Christinas online presence Embracing multiple brand stories Picking your battles with haters online How she took her earning potential from 2K/month to 20K/monthFor more resources, check out the shownotes HERE!
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What happens when moments of profound grief strike and completely change the trajectory of your life and business? Today's guest, Hailey Roper of Studio Kinship & Creative Kin Lounge, found a new depth to her work after going through the darkest days of her life.
Hailey takes strategy and design beyond the process of simply creating beautiful images. How can an image tell a story? How can a color theme strike a chord and stand out as a unique aspect of your brand? The answer lies in integrating empathy into the entire process. Hailey is generous with sharing her story of grief and allowing design to carry her through.
In her process of healing, she found a new way to incorporate profound symbolism into her design. Now, she's committed to making each client feel seen and heard by putting their story into ta visual format. One definition of branding is "to mark indelibly," and that is absolutely what Hailey is doing in her work.
In this episode, we discuss:
A turning point in Haileys life and businessHow Hailey used design to move through her grief The importance of hierarchy in brandingWhy one logo isn't going to do much for your businessCW: Child loss
RESOURCESThe Color Guide, a free guide to help you choose the most impactful colors for your brand!Creative Kin LoungeCheck out the shownotes for more resources!
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Have you ever wondered what an intensive audit with a business strategist might look like? Is it like coaching? Or does it feel like therapy? Today, I'm giving you an exclusive peek behind the curtain in a live business audit. Emma Parker, a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in St. Louis has been vulnerable enough to sit down with me and open up about her business.
It’s not often that entrepreneurs are willing to be transparent with numbers and go deep on their “why” beyond on Instagram post. So I want you all to head over to Emma’s Instagram after you listen to this show and give her some love! Because Emma was full of astute observations and deep knowledge about her business and the particular blocks she has encountered along the way.
Pull up a chair, because today, you’re getting a front row seat to a conversation that will serve as a catalyst for huge growth. Sometimes, what we desperately need is a mirror. And my framework as a business strategy is really rooted in allowing yourself to hear and connect to your own values. Once you know what you stand for, we work together to inspire action that will propel you to move accordingly.
In this episode, we discuss:
A core issue: inquiries ghosting Emma time and time againA collaborative process to get Emma to root into her “why”Bringing more of Emma into her messaging to stand out from the crowd Demystifying the copywriting element of content creationGet more information on The Foundations Program here!
Check out the shownotes for more resources here
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out The Foundations Program!
JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SELLING YOUR SOUL.
The Business Conservatory Program
Check out The Foundations Program!
JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SELLING YOUR SOUL.
The Business Conservatory Program
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When was the last time you were ghosted after following up with an inquiry? Whether it was yesterday or a year ago, I think we’re all acquainted with how horrible this disappearing act feels. According to businessleader.com, 92% of business owners now get ghosted by prospects universally. And this isn't just the creative industry. This is every industry.
Without being indentured servants to our inbox, how can we ensure that we have the best chance of securing these easily distracted inquiries?
First of all - I want to reassure you that it’s not you, it’s the culture we live in. There is no escaping the realities of ghosting. Whether it’s in romantic relationships, platonic communication, or business opportunities, we’re all being faced with it. And if you’re really honest with yourself…you’ve probably been the ghosting culprit a time or two.
I want you to walk away from this episode feeling lighter with the knowledge that none of this is personal AND having an action plan to stay top of mind for your potential buyers.
In this episode, I discuss:
Why you need to stop taking ghosting personally Responding in a timely fashion without selling your whole life to your response timeWhy I think you should have your prices accessible to the public The follow routine that landed one of my clients a $30,000 projectCheck out the shownotes for more resources here!
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out The Foundations Program!
JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SELLING YOUR SOUL.
The Business Conservatory Program
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I had the pleasure of being featured on "The Art of Joy" with Tresa and Ashlee. Tune in for a segment of the episode and head over to "The Art of Joy" for the full interview. In this clip, we touch on the power of a multi-passionate approach to business. You don't have to confine yourself to one niche and one area of expertise to be a business person.
In my career, I have constantly followed my curiosity to lead me to my next big business venture. During a slump as a wedding photographer, I dipped my toes in the Facebook Ad space in an effort to pick up the pace. That decision led to a $24,000 week! Because of this experience, I strongly believe that our businesses should expand with our curiosities.
I'm so grateful for Tresa and Ashlee for having me on "The Art of Joy" and I highly encourage you all to go check out their podcast. We dive in to a bit more of my origin story and the mindset that it takes to be a successful entrepreneur!
Check out the shownotes here!
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You're bound to come up with some resistance as you reach the next level in your business. The number on that invoice might FREAK. YOU. OUT. But it's important that we face these feelings head on. Even years into entrepreneurship, i'm experiencing this discomfort right now as i'm in the process of potentially signing a game changing client.
Together, let's establish what your North Star in business is. This is different than those pie in the sky dreams. This is a goal that you truly believe will happen for you. Once you have a specific North Star, you can start removing the barriers to entry. Whether it's a mindset block or a circumstance that needs to change, setting your sights on that North Star is the first step.
That feeling of resistance when we're about to reach a North Star goal is inviting you to consider - where have you sacrificed your own self-worth in the name of pleasing others in the past? We're not going to do that again. We may be rejected by these dream opportunities. But it's better to face rejection than to constantly undersell ourselves.
Check out the shownotes here!
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As a business strategist with experience advising millionaire business owners, I've seen my fair share of mistakes. If you’re caught in the comparison loop with other entrepreneurs, this episode is for you.
No matter how polished someone's business looks on social media or how many Stripe notifications are coming through, everyone needs a bit of guidance sometimes. Even the entrepreneurs that look like they have it all together have blind spots. Today, I'm giving you the inside scoop so you can learn from their mistakes.
Some key takeaways:
Coasting on old marketing strategies is going to lead to audience fatigue The cost of hiring impulsively Why you have to outgrow your people pleasing tendencies in businessFrom coasting on tired marketing strategies to hiring impulsively, i’ve seen and warned against it all. I want you to walk away from this episode with knowledge you can put into action immediately. Don’t wait until you reach that next level of income to address pain points. As they say - more money, more problems. So let’s get your set up to succeed early on!
Check out the shownotes for more resources here!
If you want to chat more about this topic, I'd love to chat more over on Instagram @elliemcmakin!
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As much as these episodes are for you, friends, sometimes they are just as much for me— and this one was definitely something I needed to remember for myself this week.
April has been a month of recovery and refocus for me. I’ve been hesitating in my work more, worried about how I’m showing up, feeling blocked on sharing my work, feeling disconnected from myself and my creativity. And I know I’m not alone in this.
If you’ve been feeling this, this episode is for you.
In that space, it’s easy to abandon ourselves and what we need at our core. What you need to get out of this space is exactly what you are chasing away.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:What I’m going through at the momentHow to get your creativity backWhat to do when you feel disconnectedExamples of reconnecting to selfHow to creatively tackle problemCheck out the shownotes for more information and resources!
If you want to chat more about this topic, I'd love to chat more over on Instagram @elliemcmakin!
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All the previous episodes in this challenge culminate into this: strong, strategic investing into your business. Now that you’ve changed your mindset and freed up expenses, you can now put that into making your company even more better than it already is.
But we aren’t about to just throw money in willy-nilly. We want this to be worth it, and get the maximum returns. Strong, strategic investing could be as little as $20—it’s about what it does to your processes, what it does for your customers, and how it elevates your business.
Check out the Shownotes here!
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In this special episode, I’m sharing parts from a guest interview I did with Nathan Chanski on his podcast, Passion With Purpose. We had an incredible conversation about sales and how to win big-ticket clients. While we focus on photographers, there are aspects to navigating sales and sales calls that are applicable to all creative entrepreneurs.
Sales are the core to business, but sometimes our mindset on sales can hold us back from getting the sales we want. By reframing sales from something sleazy to what they really are—an opportunity to connect with others, and inspiring them to see what’s possible for them—we can confidently go in to any sales situation and win the Hell Yes client we want.
If you are here for the final Make More Money Challenge episode, that’s still coming! I felt strongly that this was a good way to help prepare you for the final challenge fully, so listen up and get ready for the last day!
Shownotes
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Whether this is your first season of business or your 10th, chances are there are some expenses that you can cut. This is more than just getting rid of unused subscriptions— this is about cutting expenses for things that are no longer serving you or your business.
Reviewing your bank statement is a daunting task. It can be difficult to know what exactly to cut.
Maybe there’s a course, a mentorship, a program that you were excited for but you’ve been procrastinating doing. Maybe there were things you signed up for when you were struggling in your business, and seeing them on your statement is just a reminder of those times.
I want you to ask yourself: what do I need to shed to invest more strategically into my business?
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When we think of upselling, we often think of the sleazy salesman that is trying to push something onto you that you don’t want, in a manipulative way. We’ve all dealt with them–car salesmen, mall kiosks, door-to-door sales. It causes sheer panic for most creative business owners. I’m here to tell you: it’s time to shift that view
.Upselling doesn’t have to be coercive, manipulative, or pushy. An upsell is simply an enhancement to your customers' experience with you. Think of it like a brownie sundae from the pizza parlor: the pizza is the main draw, but the brownie sundae is the added bonus if you want a delicious sweet treat.
This is a great way to increase the value to your customers with minimal effort. When presented thoughtfully and intentionally, an upsell can actually make your customers feel seen and understood.
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