Capture The Chaos - Grow Your Newborn and Family Photography Business

53. Live Coaching: Efficiently Managing Clients & Appointments

Are you a small business owner struggling to manage clients and appointments? Have you heard these myths about the importance of organization and CRM for your business? Myth #1: I don't need a CRM, I can keep track of everything in my head. Myth #2: Organizing my client data takes too much time and effort. Myth #3: CRM software is too expensive for my small business. Don't believe these myths! We discuss the truth about why organization and CRM are crucial for your business success.
Highlights in this episode:
Uncover the crucial role of organization and CRM in managing clients and appointments.
Establish an organized calendar for maintaining work-life balance like a pro.
Harness the power of effective time management skills to manage your workload and time.
Explore essential downloadable resources and coaching for business management, branding, and marketing.
My live coaching guest is Laura Brase
Laura Brase, a talented portrait photographer based in northeast Iowa, specializes in capturing the magic of children and families. With nearly 20 years in the industry, she's overcome challenges and learned valuable lessons along the way. In this live coaching episode we dive into the importance of organization and CRM for managing clients and appointments, offering practical advice to make your business run smoothly.
Key takeaways
Set up a DBA or LLC for your photography business.
Open a business banking account to keep your finances separate.
Consider saving all earnings from sessions for at least six months to build a financial cushion for your business.
Use a CRM (Client Relationship Management) system to keep track of clients, bookings, and payments.
Set up a booking calendar with a retainer fee and contract attached.
Send a thank you for booking email with a session reminder and invoice a few days before their session.
Create a final session reminder with the invoice attached.
Get a website and a Google business account for better online visibility.
Start an Instagram page to showcase your work and connect with potential clients.
Use a spreadsheet or tool like QuickBooks to keep track of income and expenses.
Write down a list to keep track of editing progress and delivery of sessions.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

52. Unlock the Secret to Repeat Clients with Miranda Eorio

Do you want to enhance customer satisfaction with tailored, automated workflows? Miranda Eorio is here to show you how to do precisely that!
Highlights of this episode:
Construct a thriving business foundation that supports work-life equilibrium.
Enhance customer experiences via customized automation strategies.
Curate premium galleries for optimal client satisfaction.
Utilize CRM systems and email templates as communication powerhouses.
Bolster your online presence with referral networks and consistent blogging.
My special guest is Miranda Eorio
With years of experience under her belt, Miranda Eorio is a talented family legacy photographer and educator. Passionate about capturing meaningful moments, Miranda has built a successful photography business that aligns with her values and supports her family. Alongside her photography work, she teaches fellow photographers how to create, retain, and delight repeat clients using a combination of personalization and automation. Based in central Pennsylvania, Miranda is a dedicated wife, mother of two, and a true believer in creating lasting memories for her clients.
Key Takeaways:
Develop a sustainable business model for improved work-life balance.
Elevate your client experience with personalization and automation techniques.
Craft exemplary galleries to boost client value.
Harness the power of CRM and email templates for efficient communication.
Expand your reach with referral networks and consistent blogging.
Are you struggling to find rhythm and balance in your life while trying to build a successful photography business? Join my 8 week coaching program where I help busy photographers fulfill their calling without feeling perpetually overwhelmed.
Connect with Miranda:
Website: www.mirandaeoriophoto.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandaeoriophoto/Course: https://mirandaeoriophoto.com/FAMILY-EXPERIENCE-COURSE
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: https://brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/capturethechaoscommunity
 

51. Finding Success without Social Media: Real-Life Tips

When I decided to obey a divine command to step away from social media, I had no idea that it would be the beginning of a journey full of unexpected revelations. Little did I know that this break would bring me clarity and peace, and challenge me to rethink my reliance on social media - inspiring me to create a brand that was authentically mine.
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort you're putting into trying to grow a sustainable photography business without relying on social media yet not seeing any tangible results, then you are not alone!
Highlights in this episode:
Discover the benefits of a 45-day social media detox for enhanced personal growth and clarity.
Uncover the power of brand authenticity in expanding your photography business without relying on social media.
Learn practical strategies to tackle social media addiction and achieve a balanced marketing approach.
Understand the importance of prioritizing SEO and client experience for long-term business success.
Recognize the role of mindful social media usage in preventing burnout and promoting intentionality.
Key takeaways:
Delete social media apps from your phone to take a break from the constant noise and distractions.
Focus on SEO, podcasting, and improving your life and business during the social media break.
Build a unique and authentic brand to showcase what makes you special as a photographer.
Create a bangin' client experience that treats your clients like valued and appreciated humans, leading them to want to promote your name.
Work on becoming more Googleable by incorporating keywords into your website, blogging regularly, and setting up a Google Business account.
Download the free PDF How to Run Your Photography Business in 15 Hours a Week or Less to learn how to manage your time effectively without relying on social media.
Place a 15-minute restriction on your social media apps to limit your time spent on them.
Turn off push notifications for social media and email apps to avoid constant distractions.
Message Brittnie on Instagram to share your thoughts on cutting down social media time or taking a break completely.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

50. Growing Your Photography Biz By Consistently Showing Up

When I started my photography journey, I was overcome with feelings of burnout and frustration with my lack of progress. Little did I know that the secret to success lay in an unexpected twist, the power of consistency. After embracing a steady routine and showing up regularly, I was astounded by the incredible transformation in my work -- and my life.
Highlights in this episode:
Recognize the significance of consistency in fostering photography business growth and avoiding burnout.
Implement time audits and routines to achieve a prosperous work-life equilibrium in the photography realm.
Tackle the fear of failure and adopt effective marketing tactics to boost your chances of success.
Learn how to proficiently manage 15 hours per week to maintain a flourishing photography enterprise.
Develop self-trust and confront personal fears to achieve longevity and triumph in the photography field.
The Importance of Consistency in Photography Business Growth.
Consistency is a crucial factor for photographers who aim to expand their businesses without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. It ensures that steady progress is made while allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Showing up consistently in all aspects of one's life, including their business endeavors, establishes a solid foundation for the long-term growth and success of their photography business. Brittnie Renee emphasizes the significance of remaining consistent in your marketing efforts, shooting sessions, and sharing images. She reassures listeners that if they commit to these activities for at least a year, they are bound to see progress and success. During the slower seasons, she reminds photographers that this is the time when their businesses become even more rooted and established, ultimately laying the groundwork for future growth.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/
 

49. Live Coaching - Maximizing Efficiency & Growing Your Business with Little Ones

Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to balance the demands of your photography business and personal life? Are you spending hours optimizing your website for SEO without any results to show for it? Discover how to manage your time effectively and maximize your website's visibility with strategic keyword placement and location-based optimization, so that you can draw in more clients with less effort.
Highlights of this episode:
Harmonize your photography business alongside personal commitments with effective time management.
Lengthen your turnaround times to sidestep burnout and elevate client satisfaction.
Refocus on SEO optimization for a reduced reliance on social media marketing.
Amplify website visibility via strategic keyword placement and location-based optimization.
Draw in more customers with distinctive photography sessions, such as cookbook-style shoots.
My special guest is Lauren Bier
Brittnie Renee welcomes Lauren Bier to the Capture the Chaos podcast, a passionate photographer who understands the struggle of managing a photography business while raising a young family. Lauren's love for photography began in high school, eventually evolving into a successful business capturing family and milestone moments. With an emphasis on preserving the "golden years," Lauren's unique approach to her craft has made her a favorite among her clients.
Episode Takeaways:
Focus on improving website SEO: Work on metadata, optimize keywords, and include location-based keywords like Dallas or Plano in titles and descriptions.
Set a timer for dedicated work sessions: Allocate specific time for tasks like website improvements, marketing, and SEO. Write down other tasks that come to mind during the session and address them later.
Extend gallery turnaround time to two weeks: This allows more time to focus on marketing and other business aspects instead of rushing through edits.
Create a morning routine to set the day up for success: Develop a consistent morning schedule to help manage time more effectively.
Prioritize tasks and avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to ensure better productivity and completion of tasks.
Streamline the blogging process: Work on improving the writing process for blog posts to better showcase photography work and improve website SEO.
Utilize the weekly babysitter time efficiently: Have a clear plan of action for the three-hour window to make progress on business tasks.
Implement an evening routine if possible: Although it may be challenging with young children, try to establish a consistent evening routine to help manage time more effectively.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Lauren:WebsiteInstagram
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

48. Adopting a Child Led Approach To Your Sessions with Kate Cashin

**Trigger warning**
We discuss child abuse in the episode.  
In this episode, Kate Cashin shares her experiences in law enforcement and how they have molded the way she approaches her family sessions.
Highlights of this episode:
What it means to be child-led during a photo session
The importance of letting children feel empowered in front of the camera
Preparing parents for a child led session
Tips for photographers to incorporate the child led method into their photography
Connect with Kate:WebsiteInstagram
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

47. Using Pinterest To Book More Photography Clients

Have you seen other photographers using Pinterest and thought, "that would be kinda cool!" But when you thought about actually doing it you were immediately overwhelmed?  
In this episode, I'll break down how I use Pinterest in my photography business, how to set up your Pinterest account for business, and how I use tailwind to schedule 100 pins in less than 10 minutes.
Highlights of this episode:
The benefits of using Pinterest in your marketing
Steps to set up your Pinterest business profile
Optimizing your Pinterest boards for searchability
How often and what you should be pinning
How to quickly and easily schedule your pins
Is your marketing a bit of a mess? Do you post a few times on Instagram and call it good? Is your marketing actually bringing you new clients while you sleep? If not, we need to talk. Join the Master Your Marketing course to learn how to create your very own marketing plan for your photography business.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

MUSINGS: Do we need Instagram to run our photography business?

MUSINGS EDITION:
Do we really need Instagram and Facebook to run a successful business or have we been conned into thinking it’s a necessity?
In this mini episode I share my social media break experience and ask you what you think: Do we really need Instagram and Facebook?
Share your thoughts with me on Instagram or email. I’d love to chat about your experiences.  
Connect with Brittnie:WebsiteInstagramFacebook Community 

46. Blogging Made Easy for Photographers

You know blogging is important for your business. You've heard it a million times. But, you aren't quite sure WHY its important or WHY you should even bother sitting down to write a recap of a session that no one is going to read. 
In this episode, I'll explain the benefits of blogging as a photographer and I'll give you some simple blogging prompts to last you the entire year! Sound too good to be true? It's really super easy.
Highlights of this episode:
Blogging actually save you time in the long run
Use blogging to improve your website SEO
How to use blogs to benefit your current clients
Must have items in your blog post
A few easy blog prompts to get you started
Is your marketing a bit of a mess? Do you post a few times on Instagram and call it good? Is your marketing actually bringing you new clients while you sleep? If not, we need to talk. Join the Master Your Marketing course to learn how to create your very own marketing plan for your photography business.
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/

45. Simple Steps To Attracting Your Dream Photography Clients With Krista Marie

Trying to find clients can feel so overwhelming, but the truth is it doesn't have to be hard.
In this episode, Krista and Brittnie chat about how they attract their dream clients in a way that feels natural, authentic, and not overly complicated.
Krista Marie is a business coach, photographer, and host of the She Calls Her Shots podcast -- a show dedicated to creative business owners. She helps creatives develop a mindset focused around success & teaches them how to implement the simple, effective strategies they need to grow a sustainable, thriving business!
Inside of her 1:1 and group coaching programs, Krista helps photographers and creative business owners breakthrough to their next goal by gaining clarity, creating unshakeable confidence in themselves, and creating a business plan that is in alignment with their values (and that feels good to implement!) Her experience as a personal brand photographer also helps to support her clients in identifying their own unique personal brand.
Highlights of this episode:
The importance of consistently sharing value with your audience -- creating sustainable systems for yourself so you can show up from a place of giving value instead of checking off a to-do from your list by sharing
Leading with service (instead of sales) -- always asking how you can provide more value to your audience & focusing on that (instead of trying to share the perfect story/create the perfect IG grid/perfect launch strategy, etc.)
The importance of an incredible client experience -- how can you show them before they book the amount of value (content/guides/worksheets/questionnaires, etc) that you will provide? Blog posts? Workshops?
Quantity vs. quality (The power of 1) -- remembering that it only takes 1 amazing client to produce limitless leads! Focus on each client by giving them your best and trust that your business will grow from there!
Proactive engagement and why it matters in your business -- Focus on building genuine connections with people and share from your heart! Put yourself in situations that light you up & inspire you and share when you feel called (get rid of any other expectations of what sharing and engagement should look like
Connect with Krista Marie:She Calls Her Shots Podcast -- on Apple + SpotifyFree workshop, planning for profit (all about creating a sustainable and profit-filled creative business)IG @heykristamarie
Learn exactly what you need to be doing in order to run your photography business in 15 hours a week or less. Get the PDF.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate and a creative thinker by your side to help you build your dream business. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of building a profitable business that fits your life - without hustling every ounce of your free time - it's time to invest in a coach. Learn more about 1:1 coaching.
Connect with Brittnie:
Website: brittnierenee.com/photographersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnierenee_photo/