Explore every episode of the podcast Business-First Creatives: Client Experience & Systems for Service Providers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Built a Custom Client Portal in 7 Days (And Deleted Half My Tech Stack) | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:21:37 | |
I recorded this one live on the last day of week two of my birthday sabbatical, and it published about ten minutes after I stopped talking. Because I spent the last seven days — on roughly four hours of sleep a night — building a custom client portal that replaced Airtable, Fillout, Notion, Google Docs, and Google Sheets in my business. What started as "let me move my AI assistants out of ChatGPT" turned into a full app where my clients log in, map their client journey, draft their emails, submit support tickets, send me voice notes, and do their weekly check-ins. I had a fully deployed version in 12 hours after telling myself since February that I needed time to plan it. I also knocked South Dakota off my list (47 states down, 3 to go), and I get into the irony of doing the exact thing I tell y'all not to do with your own systems. Demo and debrief coming to the blog soon. Get on the list so you don't miss it: coliejames.com/subscribe Work with me: Systems in Session | The Experience Edit | |||
| How to Use Human Design for Better Business Storytelling with Breanna Owen | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:41:01 | |
Have you ever wondered why some stories feel effortless to tell while others never seem to land? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Breanna Owen to explore how Human Design can completely change the way we approach storytelling in our businesses. Instead of trying to tell every story or following someone else's content formula, we're diving into how your Human Design can help you identify the stories you're naturally meant to tell—and why those stories create stronger connections with your audience. Mentioned in this Episode Episode 254: Using Human Design to Transform Your Business Strategy with Breanna Owen Episode 216: Energetic Email Strategy for Connection & Conversion with Breanna Owen Episode 277: How Human Design Is Influencing the Way We Do Business with Sabrina Gebhardt Episode 299: Done-for-You vs. Done-with-You: Which Model Fits Your Business? with Brittany Herzberg Connect with Breanna Website: owenyourmark.com Grab the Email Type Freebie: owenyourmark.com/energy-type-email-playbook Instagram: instagram.com/owenyourmark | |||
| Your Origin Story Is Your Marketing Superpower: Here's How to Tell It with Megan Yelaney | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:47:29 | |
Most business owners think they need a dramatic transformation story to connect with their audience. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Yelaney to unpack one of the most overlooked pieces of effective marketing: your origin story. We explore why so many entrepreneurs struggle to tell their story, how to identify the version that's most relevant to your current audience, and why authenticity will always outperform trying to sound impressive. Along the way, I found myself reflecting on my own business evolution (from photography to systems strategy) and realizing that my story has changed just as much as my business has. If you've ever wondered whether your story is "interesting enough," this conversation will completely change how you think about marketing. Find It Quickly 00:25 - Meet Megan 01:48 - Why Origin Stories Matter 03:23 - Megan’s Career Pivot 06:03 - Pretty Awkward Goes Viral 08:03 - Twins and Business Reset 10:30 - Colie’s Professor Edge 16:00 - Not Dramatic Enough 21:32 - Choosing Your Story 25:06 - Beyond Your Own Story 26:59 - Case Studies That Convert 28:33 - Organizing Client Proof 32:29 - Who Gets the Credit 34:34 - Reusing Testimonials Smartly 37:40 - Where to Share It 40:56 - hort Form to Long Form 43:08 - Stories Beat Teaching Mentioned in this Episode Brittany Herzberg: brittanyherzberg.com Done-for-You vs. Done-with-You: Which Model Fits Your Business? with Brittany Herzberg SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany Herzberg Embracing Workflows & Automations in Your CRM: HoneyBook Case Study with Brittany Herzberg SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg (Part 3) Jordan Gill: instagram.com/systemssavedme Connect with Megan Website: meganyelaney.com Instagram: instagram.com/meganyelaney Business Story Blueprint: meganyelaney.com/business-story-blueprint Business Not As Usual: meganyelaney.com/podcast | |||
| Can You Cut Your Client Management Time in Half Without Losing the Personal Touch? | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:10:30 | |
Hey y'all, it's Colie. I'm popping back in after two weeks of guest episodes to talk about something that's been shifting in my business — and honestly, in how I think about systems altogether. I recently noticed a real shift in who's showing up to work with me, and it sent me down a rabbit hole of rethinking how I talk about automation, personalization, and what I actually deliver for clients. That rethink turned into a new framework I'm calling Human by Design — the idea that you can automate the hell out of your client experience and still have it feel personal, present, and led by you. I'm walking through what changed, why "automate everything" shouldn't be THE goal, and how you can start applying this in your own systems — plus, I'm announcing a free training where I'll break the whole thing down. In this episode:
Sign up for the free training: coliejames.com/human Join the waitlist for The Experience Edit: coliejames.com/experience | |||
| The Pop-Up Studio Strategy That Builds Long-Term Photography Clients with David Enloe | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:38:31 | |
What if giving away something for free was actually the smartest marketing move you could make? In this episode, I'm joined by David Enloe, who shares how a simple idea born during the uncertainty of COVID transformed into one of the most effective marketing strategies I've heard for photographers. What started as a way to meet people in a brand-new city has grown into a long-term client acquisition system that continues to generate premium bookings years later. Instead of chasing social media algorithms or relying on paid ads, David built his business through free pop-up photography experiences at local community events. We dive into why this strategy works, how it builds trust, and why nurturing relationships over time can outperform short-term marketing tactics. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Meet David 01:50 - Origin Story During COVID 05:13 - Why Its Free Marketing 10:38 - Delivery Pricing And Timeline 14:33 - Reviews And Community Building 20:00 - Business Partnerships And Events 22:45 - Who This Works Best For 28:00 - Logistics Finding Venues Mentioned in this Episode: Pop-Up Studio Guide: the-enloe-creative.myflodesk.com/popup-studio-guide Applying the Rule of 7 with Dayna Schaaf: coliejames.com/applying-the-rule-of-7-with-dayna-schaaf You Can Build Authority & Visibility Without Shaking It on Social Media with Kylie Kelly: coliejames.com/you-can-build-authority-visibility-without-shaking-it-on-social-media-with-kylie-kelly How to Grow Your Email List as a Photographer at In-Person Events with Tiffany Crenshaw: coliejames.com/growing-your-email-list-at-in-person-events-with-tiffany-crenshaw Connect with David Website: theenloecreative.com Instagram: instagram.com/theenloecreative | |||
| Building a Custom Notion Dashboard: How I Streamlined My Entire Business with Ania Ha | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:52:06 | |
What if the systems slowing down your business aren't your workflows, but the software you're forcing yourself to use? In this episode, I'm joined by Notion consultant and workflow strategist Ania Ha to pull back the curtain on the custom Notion workspace she built for my business. We talk about everything from team management and automations to the growing conversation around replacing traditional CRMs with personalized systems built in Notion. I share what it was like hiring someone to build my systems for the first time, how that experience completely changed the way I think about my own clients, and why I believe the best tech stack isn't always the one with the most features—it's the one that actually fits the way your brain works. Find It Quickly: 00:25 - Meet Ania 05:38 - Instagram Widget 09:17 - Why Clients Hire Her 13:11 - Learning Notion as a Client 19:36 - Toggles and Dashboard Design 21:47 - Team Tracking and Databases 25:45 - CRM Alternatives Debate 28:58 - Simple CRM Starts 30:18 - Zapier and Breakpoints 31:54 - Frankenstack vs Scaling 33:44 - Notion Client Portals 35:43 - Notion Pricing Advantage 36:51 - Team Workflow Automation 41:49 - DIY Automation Tweaks 44:00 - Notion Second Brain 46:23 - Design Views and Tables 49:39 - Mobile App and Shortcuts 50:26 - Ask an Expert Mentioned in this Episode: Notion: notion.com Dubsado: coliejames.com/dubsado HoneyBook: coliejames.com/honeybook Airtable: airtable.com Google Workspace: workspace.google.com Zapier: zapier.com TidyCal: tidycal.com Descript: descript.com/?lmref=0HiLlg Loom: loom.com Metricool: metricool.com Canva: canva.com The Subscriber Society: latitudelane.com/subscribe-society Launch Your Own Way: cominguproses.co/products/lyow Connect with the Guest: Website: shecreatesmgmt.com Instagram: instagram.com/shecreatesmgmt Threads: threads.com/@shecreatesmgmt Tiktok: tiktok.com/@shecreatesmgmt | |||
| Business Bestie Chat: Q3 – 2026 with Sabrina Gebhardt | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:57:53 | |
What do you do when the strategies that used to work… suddenly don't? In our Q3 Business Bestie Chat, Sabrina and I are getting real about what it looks like to navigate a season of uncertainty in business—even after years of experience. We're sharing an honest conversation about shifting markets, changing client behavior, and why staying grounded is so important. With nearly 29 years of combined entrepreneurial experience, we've both found ourselves asking hard questions this summer. Instead of pretending everything is perfect, we're pulling back the curtain on what it's like to adapt, trust the process, and keep moving forward when business feels different than it did even a year ago. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Biz Bestie Chat 02:34 - Colie Offer Pivot 04:30 - Replacing Sales Calls 05:36 - Sabrina Summer Camp 08:55 - Root to Rise Revamp 11:38 - Systems in Session Tweaks 14:23 - Ads Strategy 17:04 - New Freebie Waitlists 21:22 - Launch Ethics Drama 23:31 - Root to Rise Launch Results 29:37 - Colie Launch Timing 32:18 - Summer Launch Experience 33:35 - Price Versus Trust Objections 37:38 - Micro Wins Build Confidence 39:01 - Trial Week Idea 42:09 - Pricing and Logistics 49:13 - Audits as Downsell 51:44 - New Fall Retainer Offer 53:01 - Serving Q3 and Q4 Plans 54:03 - Sharing Client Wins Mentioned in this Episode: Systems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-session The Experience Edit: coliejames.com/the-experience-edit Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membership Summer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercamp Our Quarterly Business Bestie Chats: Q2 2026: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q2-2026-with-sabrina-gebhardt Q1 2026: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q1-2026-with-sabrina-gebhardt Q4 2025: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q4-2025-with-sabrina-gebhardt Q3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james Q1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chat Q4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james Q3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-james Connect with Sabrina Website: sabrinagebhardt.com Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography Podcast: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast | |||
| The Experience Edit Isn't Just for "Established" Photographers — Here's Why | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:06:08 | |
If you've been telling yourself you're not "ready" for better systems yet, this one's for you. In this episode, Colie talks directly to the newer photographers and service providers in her audience — the ones with fewer clients, hesitant to raise their prices, and using a CRM that just isn't built for automation yet. She breaks down exactly what The Experience Edit is, who it's actually for (spoiler: you don't need a specific CRM, or even to be a photographer), and why mapping your client journey now — before busy season hits — will save you time, stress, and a whole lot of second-guessing later. The Experience Edit starts Monday. Grab your spot at coliejames.com/experience. | |||
| Building Custom Workflows for Custom Services in Dubsado with Xan Heller | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:13:57 | |
What if the best systems in your business didn't make your client experience feel more automated, but actually made it feel more personal? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Xan Heller, who has gone through both Systems in Session and The Experience Edit, to talk about what happened when she stopped trying to figure out her CRM on her own and finally built systems that supported the custom, high-touch experience she wanted every client to have. What I think you'll find funny about Xan's experience is that she actually told me "no" more times than almost any client I've worked with. No to schedulers her clients wouldn't actually use and no to proposals as a core sales tool. Protecting her client experience mattered more than saving a few minutes—we'll get into those solutions too. If you've ever felt like systems and high-touch, custom client experiences are at odds with each other, this episode is for you! Find It Quickly: 00:25 - Meet Xan 01:43 - CRM Struggles & Mini Sessions 05:02 - One Hour Success 08:36 - Systems In Session 10:19 - Support Tickets And Coaching 13:41 - Knowing But Not Doing 16:46 - Offer Math And Profitability 23:35 - Automation Pushback Schedulers 31:11 - Email Design And Branding 34:30 - Proposals And Templates 38:43 - Why CRMs Matter 40:43 - Mapping Touchpoints 46:16 - Workflow Building Mindset 48:29 - Notifications and Scheduling Wins 52:03 - Done-With-You Philosophy 55:39 - New Dubsado Features 59:55 - Portal Problems and Alternatives 01:03:54 - Accountability and Focus 01:07:12 - Experience Edit 01:11:08 - Client Experience Takeaways Mentioned in this Episode: Connect with Xan: Website: xanheller.com Instagram: instagram.com/xan_heller | |||
| How to Deliver a Concierge-Level Client Experience Without Losing Yourself in the Process | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:13:58 | |
Is your idea of a luxury experience one where you're the one showing up for every part of it? This episode is for the concierge-level service providers out there — the ones who don't want automation replacing the calls, the in-person consultations, or the hands-on parts of the process. I'm walking through why you still need systems (just not the kind I usually talk about), how to stay consistent without burning yourself out, and why a scheduler still matters even when you're the one booking the date live on a call. I'm also giving you a heads up on next episode, where I'm sitting down with my client Xan Heller to talk about how this played out in her real business — including the systems she swore she'd never use. If this is you, I'm currently booking Q3 spots for Systems in Session, and if you join by July 10th, you'll get next week's Experience Edit live sprint completely free. Details at coliejames.com/systems. | |||
| The Power of Collaboration: Creating Better Offers with Caitie Cupples | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:37:48 | |
What if your next great offer isn't something you build alone? In this episode, I sit down with website copywriter Caitie Cupples to explore the power of collaboration and how partnering with complementary experts can create a better client experience—and a stronger offer. Caitie shares the story behind Signed, Sealed, Subscribed, a collaborative VIP Week she built alongside a designer and a naming expert to help business owners finally launch newsletters they're excited to send. We unpack what it looks like to stay in your zone of genius, eliminate client roadblocks, and create offers that solve the entire problem instead of just one piece of it. If you've ever wondered whether collaboration could help you create a stronger offer, this conversation might be the inspiration you need to get started! Find It Quickly: 00:25 - Meet Caitie Cupples 02:57 - Signed, Sealed, Subscribed 04:35 - What’s Included 06:01 - How It Started 07:19 - Words vs Design Reality 10:51 - Onboarding and Tools 12:49 - Deliverables Breakdown 15:44 - Welcome Email Strategy 17:48 - Platform Choices 18:28 - Choosing a Newsletter Tool 19:17 - Newsletter as the Offer 20:45 - HoneyBook vs Dubsado 22:35 - VIP Week Workflow 25:03 - Launch Lessons Learned 28:19 - Waitlist Setup and Fairness 29:42 - Picking Collaborators Wisely 33:50 - Contracts and Collaboration Mentioned in this Episode: Collaboration Partner: stacyeaguilar.com Connect with the Guest: Website: caitiecupplescreative.com Instagram: instagram.com/caitiecupplescreative Threads: threads.com/@caitiecupplescreative | |||
| Email Like You Mean It Is Dead. Here's What's Replacing It. | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:08:12 | |
Email Like You Mean It is no more, y'all. I rebranded it — again — and this time I actually love the name I landed on: The Experience Edit. In this episode, I'm walking you through why I made the change, what's different now that it's gone from a 5-day sprint to a full 10 days, and why I finally split it into two clear goals: mapping your client journey in week one, then writing your entire client communication library in week two. I also touch on why workflows still aren't part of this offer (on purpose), and what to expect if you join me live July 13–24. Plus — I'm kicking off the July Sales Parade with Ceels Lockley today, and I'll be one of the guest DJs later this quarter talking Systems That Sell. Details on that below too. Links mentioned:
| |||
| How to Write Client Emails Without Stress — Bringing Back the 3 Ps | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:10:30 | |
So it's been a hot minute since I ranted about client communication, y'all. In this replay of episode 204, I'm breaking down the three things every single client email needs — automated or not — to actually get read: purpose, personality, and preview. I'll walk you through how to title your email templates by purpose (hint: your clients never see the title, so make it work for you), why a Schitt's Creek GIF might be doing more for your client relationships than you think, and the one question every email should answer before your client even has to ask it: what happens next? Plus, your homework — pick one email in your client experience and run it through the three Ps. I dare you to stop at just one. 😂 I'm also inviting you to join July's Experience Edit, my 10-day live sprint (July 13–24) where we map your client journey and write your entire client communication library — 30+ pre-written emails — in just one week. 🔗 Grab your spot: coliejames.com/experience 🔗 Grab the free resource, Mind the Gap: coliejames.com/gap | |||
| From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Learning How Your CRM Works with Danielle Kent | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:37:16 | |
What if the biggest benefit of better systems wasn't saving time, but finally trusting your business to run without you? In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Kent, a birth photographer, doula, and educator who joined Systems in Session after already investing in a professionally built Dubsado setup. Her systems worked, but she still felt disconnected from them. She wanted the confidence to understand, customize, and expand her workflows without relying on someone else every time her business evolved. We talk about the difference between having systems built for you and learning how to build them yourself, how automation transformed her long client journeys, and why understanding your CRM can become one of the most valuable skills you develop as a business owner. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Why Danielle Joined Systems in Session 02:58 - "I Felt Lost in My Own System" 05:31 - The Confidence to Make Changes 06:55 - Building New Offers Inside Dubsado 09:15 - From Fear to Flexibility 10:05 - Why Pixieset Wasn't Enough 13:40 - The Manual Tasks Dubsado Eliminated 15:57 - More Time, Less Stress 24:39 - Danielle's Favorite Dubsado Feature 28:01 - Should You Learn Your CRM or Outsource It? 32:27 - What's Next for Danielle's Business Mentioned in this Episode How this Wedding Photographer Plans to Save 180 Hours a Year With Better Systems with Jordan Craig Connect with the Guest Website: daniellekentphoto.com Instagram: instagram.com/daniellekentphoto | |||
| The Follow-Up Your CRM Can't Do For You | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:11:38 | |
Y'all know I love a good automated follow-up sequence — but automation only works when a lead is still warm. This episode is about what to do three to six months later, when it's time to personally re-engage the people who went quiet. I'm walking you through the four buckets of people who belong on your re-engagement list (including some you might not have thought of), where to reach out based on where you last connected, and exactly what to say so the conversation feels human — not salesy. Your homework: set a timer for 30 minutes and build your list. I've laid out the plan fully in this blog post ⤵️ https://coliejames.com/follow-up-for-cold-leads/ Tune in next week for Part 2, where I'll walk through how I manage all of this inside Notion and share the full action plan. Join Systems in Session before July 10th and get July's Experience Edit for FREE. You can get details at https://coliejames.com/systems | |||
| The Gap Between Milestones: What's Missing From Your Client Experience | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:10:48 | |
Most photographers think they have a client experience because they have a few key milestones in place: an inquiry form, a proposal, a questionnaire, and a gallery delivery email. But milestones aren't the same thing as a client experience. In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between milestones and touchpoints, why your workflows might feel broken even when they're technically working, and the process I use with every Systems in Session client before we build a single automation. In this episode, you'll learn: • The difference between milestones and touchpoints in your client journey • Why copying someone else's workflow rarely works in your business • The three-step process for designing a client experience before building automations • How communication gaps create unnecessary client questions and frustration • Why touchpoints are the key to more reviews, referrals, and repeat clients • The first step to creating a client experience that feels intentional from inquiry to delivery Resources Mentioned: Mind the Gap Client Journey Planner (grab it for FREE) Systems in Session (Q3 seats are now OPEN) https://coliejames.com/systems Grab your seat for Systems in Session before July 10th and get July's Experience Edit for FREE. | |||
| The Power of Pivots: Your Business Story Matters with Andrea Shah | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:52:15 | |
What if the jobs, hobbies, and experiences you think are irrelevant are actually the most valuable parts of your brand story? In this episode, I sit down with copywriter Andrea Shah to unpack the surprising ways our career pivots shape the businesses we build today. We're exploring how seemingly unrelated experiences become powerful differentiators in your brand, website copy, and client experience. Andrea shares how she helps business owners uncover the stories hidden beneath their surface-level origin stories, and why the details you're tempted to leave out may be the exact thing that helps ideal clients connect with you. Together, we discuss how your website evolves as your business grows, why your copy should attract the right clients and repel the wrong ones, and how consistency between your messaging, visuals, and systems creates a stronger brand experience. Find It Quickly 00:26 - Meet Andrea Shaw 01:35 - Why Pivots Matter 08:43 - Finding the Juicy Thread 09:38 - Pivot Copy Examples 11:09 - Origin Story as Strategy 13:43 - Digging Deeper Than Mom With Camera 20:35 - Privacy and Sensitive Details 22:33 - Evolving Brand Story 25:41 - When to Refresh Website Copy 27:53 - Website Overhaul Shift 31:27 - New Avatar Insights 34:58 - Your Copy Filters Clients 43:03 - Inclusive Language Systems 46:09 - DIY Pivot Story Exercise 49:41 - Personal Details Build Trust Connect with the Guest Website: andreashah.com Instagram: instagram.com/andreashahcopy | |||
| What's the Real Reason You're Still Doing Sales Calls? | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:14:57 | |
In this episode, I'm covering the three goals most sales calls are trying to accomplish, the three questions every lead needs answered before they book, and why cramming all of that into one 15-minute call is costing you clients. Want more? Join me tomorrow ⤵️ 🎯 Replace Your Sales Call — free live training, June 18th Register: coliejames.com/sales Replay available for 7 days only. | |||
| How to Use Early Access to Book Your Fall Photography Calendar | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:09:44 | |
Before you announce your fall calendar to the world, there's one group of people who should hear from you first — and most photographers skip right past them on the way to the public launch. In this episode, I'm sharing the strategy I recommend to every photographer releasing their fall schedule: give your past clients early access before anyone else gets a look. I'll walk you through how long to keep the window open, what to offer instead of a discount, how to handle the booking process whether you use a scheduler or book manually, and how to identify exactly who should be on this list using the segmentation framework from episode 238. Plus — I'm connecting this to the bigger picture. Early access might fill 30-40% of your calendar. What happens when you're deep in fall, your queue is full, and new inquiries are still coming in for those last spots? I've got something for that too. Read the full strategy at coliejames.com/earlyaccess. | |||
| How this Wedding Photographer Plans to Save 180 Hours a Year With Better Systems with Jordan Craig | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:45:38 | |
What if the biggest thing holding your business back wasn't marketing, pricing, or lead generation, but the fact that everything lived inside your head? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Craig, a wedding photographer who joined Systems in Session after years of managing inquiries, contracts, invoices, reminders, and client communication manually. Together, we unpack what happened when he moved from a patchwork process of Gmail, reminders, QuickBooks, and memory-based workflows into a streamlined Dubsado system designed to support both his business and his life. Jordan shares what surprised him most about the experience, how automation improved his client experience instead of making it feel robotic, and why he believes he'll gain back more than 180 hours every year because of the systems we built together. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Meet Jordan 01:32 - The Chaos Before Dubsado 03:38 - Five Minute Proposals 07:15 - Email Like You Mean It 13:39 - Centralized CRM Wins 17:14 - Offboarding Reviews Blogging 18:54 - Automation Balance 21:08 - Next Services To Automate 24:33 - Timing Inquiries And 60 Days 30:17 - Favorite Parts And GPTs Mentioned in this Episode Systems in Session: coliejames.com/systems Email Like You Mean It: coliejames.com/email-like-you-mean-it Connect with the Guest Website: jordancraigmedia.com Instagram: instagram.com/jordancraigmedia | |||
| Session vs Pixieset vs a Full CRM: What Photographers Actually Need | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:18:46 | |
Is Session or Pixieset enough for your photography business? With CRM prices going up, more photographers are asking whether they really need a full CRM — or if they can get by with the tools they're already paying for. In this episode, I'm taking an honest look at both Session and Pixieset Studio Manager: what they actually do well, where they fall short, and the one thing neither of them can give you — control over your client's timeline. I'll share stories from two photographers who moved out of Pixieset into Dubsado, including one who went from 90 minutes to five minutes on the proposal phase alone. And I'll tell you exactly who Session is actually right for — because the answer might surprise you. If you've been wondering whether a full CRM is still worth it, this episode is for you. Links mentioned:
| |||
| How Dubsado Grew to 30,000 Users Without Venture Capital with CEO Becca Berg | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:55:09 | |
What happens when the mistake of a missed photo shoot turns into one of the most beloved CRMs for creative entrepreneurs? In this episode, I sat down with Dubsado co-founder and CEO Becca Berg to talk through building a SaaS company from scratch with her husband Jake, scaling to 30,000+ users, and why staying self-funded has shaped every decision they’ve made over the last decade. We talked about the real beginnings of Dubsado, the growing pains behind CRM development, why certain features take time, and what’s actually coming inside Dubsado 3.0. Becca also opened up about one of the hardest moments in Dubsado history and how trusting her gut changed the way she leads the company today. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the CRM so many creatives rely on every day, this episode is for you. Find It Quickly 00:38 - Meet Becca 03:50 - Dubsado's Origin Story 08:10 - Building the First CRM 10:13 - Customization as the Edge 12:02 - First Customers and Milestones 17:46 - Growing the Team 22:42 - Why Stay Self Funded 25:20 - Why Features Take Time 29:25 - Scheduling Feedback to Release 31:24 - New Form Builder Vision 34:10 - Subscriptions and Checkout 36:53 - Beyond Project Based Work 42:25 - Hard Lessons and Payments Crisis 45:24 - Stripe Migration and Sub Accounts 48:53 - Dubsado 3.0 Sunset Timeline Connect with Becca Website: Dubsado.com Instagram: instagram.com/dubsado Instagram: instagram.com/beccaliz_ Threads: threads.com/@beccaliz_ | |||
| 4 Years, 100K Downloads & What's Coming Next | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:12:20 | |
May was rough, no solos were recorded, but June is a new month! In this episode I am giving you 5 updates, 4 business and 1 personal, to get these solo episodes back on track 👏🏽 Links Mentioned:
| |||
| Retention Marketing Strategies That Keep Clients Coming Back with Zoë Dew | 21 May 2026 | 00:47:56 | |
What if the easiest sales you’ll ever make are from people who already know, trust, and love your work? In this episode, I’m joined by Zoë Dew to wrap up my sales series with one of the most overlooked strategies in business: retention. We’re diving deep into why so many service providers leave money on the table after delivering a service, and how building intentional relationships with past clients can completely change the way you market and sell. We talk about the power of one-to-one outreach, why follow-up is your responsibility as a business owner, and how to stop chasing cold leads when warm opportunities already exist inside your business ecosystem. Find It Quickly 03:59 - Why Past Clients Matter 06:41 - Stop Being Passive 11:19 - Make Outreach a System 13:44 - Follow Up Like a Pro 15:52 - Broadcast vs One to One 23:08 - What Retention Really Means 25:28 - Check Ins Build Trust 36:53 - Warm Beats Cold Leads 43:13 - Beyond Paying Clients 45:31 - Where to Find Zoe Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 266: Stop Chasing Vanity Metrics: The 4 Habits That Actually Grow Your Business with Zoë Dew Connect with Zoë Website: zoedew.com Instagram: instagram.com/zoerdew | |||
| 3 Quick Adjustments to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Photographers with Lydia Fine | 19 May 2026 | 00:37:22 | |
Have you claimed your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business)? If not, you might be missing out on free visibility in your local area. As a photographer, that could mean fewer clients finding you. In this episode, I’m joined by Lydia Fine, local SEO expert and photographer, to walk us through the current landscape of Google Business Profiles, what’s changed, and exactly what you need to do to make yours work harder for you. Whether you run a studio, do in‑home shoots, or travel for sessions, this episode breaks down the window into local search that many creatives ignore. Find It Quickly 00:27 - Meet Lydia Fine 02:24 - Importance of Google Business Profiles for Local SEO 04:01 - Verification and Privacy Concerns 08:00 - Optimizing Your Google Business Profile 12:55 - Leveraging Google Business Profile Services 17:29 - SEO Strategies and Google Business Profiles 20:22 - The Importance of Google My Business 21:27 - Adding Photos and Videos to Your Profile 24:12 - Managing Reviews and Updating Content 25:26 - Exploring Bing Places and SEO Strategies 27:16 - Asking for Reviews: Best Practices 31:07 - Prominence and Local SEO Tips Mentioned in this Episode Connect with Lydia Website: apolloandivy.com Grab the Guide: apolloandivy.com/quickfix Instagram: instagram.com/lydia_apolloandivy | |||
| From Burnt Out to Bougie: Building a Life-First Wedding Photography Business with Alora Rachelle | 14 May 2026 | 00:41:45 | |
If you've ever booked 50 weddings and wondered where all the money went, this episode is for you. Alora Rachelle joins me to talk wedding photography pricing strategy — specifically why the middle tier is shrinking, how to structure packages that are profitable at every level, and what it actually takes to confidently charge more. We also cover outsourcing your editing without losing your creative identity, giving feedback that gets you the results you need, and using slow season to build the systems that make your busy season sustainable. What You'll Learn in This Episode
Connect with Alora Website: alorarachelle.com Instagram: instagram/alora.rachelle Masterclass: The 10k Wedding Formula | |||
| Sales Stamina: How to Talk About Your Offers Without Feeling Pushy with Ceels Lockley | 12 May 2026 | 00:48:02 | |
What if the reason your offers aren’t selling has nothing to do with your pricing, your audience size, or your content quality—and everything to do with how often you’re willing to talk about them? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Ceels Lockley to unpack the idea of sales stamina: the ability to consistently talk about your offers without spiraling into fear, awkwardness, or “I’m annoying everyone” energy. We dive into why repetition matters, how to stop treating sales like a dirty word, and what actually happens when you give your offers the spotlight they deserve. Ceels shares the philosophy behind her program, Sales Parade (now evolving into Parade on Tour), and explains why selling isn’t about posting “buy now” every five minutes. Instead, it’s about creating momentum, warming your audience up over time, and building trust through repeated exposure. Find It Quickly: 00:40 - Meet Ceels 02:05 - Why Sales Matters 03:57 - The 52 Times Muscle 07:53 - Tease Tempt Turn 14:14 - Selling Multiple Offers 18:21 - Parade Your Freebies 24:51 - Parade On Tour Community 29:14 - Sales Is Not Optional 33:18 - Nurture Leads And Lurkers 38:29 - Pick Your Channels 42:09 - Start With Your Sales Page Connect with Ceels: Website: ceelslockley.co Instagram: instagram.com/ceels.lockley Threads: threads.com/@its.ceels LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceels Sales Parade / Parade on Tour: ceelslockley.co/parade | |||
| Launching Isn't Just for Courses: Here's How It Transforms Service-Based Businesses with Kelsey McCormick | 07 May 2026 | 00:45:37 | |
If you've ever thought that launching only works for digital courses with fake urgency and overly complicated sales tactics, this episode will shift your mindset. Kelsey McCormick of Coming Up Roses joins us to completely reframe what launching actually means, especially for service providers. Kelsey breaks down why launching isn’t about pressure or hype, but instead about clarity, trust, and giving your offers the attention they deserve. We dive into what it really means to move from passive selling to proactive selling, why your audience might be full of “lurkers,” and how a strategic warmup can completely transform your results. Find It Quickly: 00:24 - Meet Kelsey 01:53 - Why Launching Matters Now 05:30 - Trust Selling and Visibility 08:15 - Productize Your Expertise 13:51 - Warmup Bridge to Sales 16:08 - How Long to Warm Up 20:08 - Waitlists and Audience Heat 21:07 - Incentives Without Discounts 24:51 - Bonuses and Alignment 28:22 - Internal Urgency Messaging 32:04 - Launch Frequency Sweet Spot 34:45 - Messy Action and Learning 39:16 - Postmortems and Data Review Connect with Kelsey: Website: cominguproses.co Instagram: instagram.com/cominguproses.co The Warmup Waitlist Week: cominguproses.co/products/www Launch Your Own Way: cominguproses.co/products/lyow | |||
| Why Your Offer’s Messaging & Positioning Isn’t Converting (And What to Say Instead) with Chelsea Quint | 01 May 2026 | 00:54:05 | |
If you’ve ever sat down to sell your offer and thought, “What the hell am I even supposed to say?”—this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by my brilliant fractional CMO, Chelsea Quint, and we’re diving deep into the exact problem so many of us face: knowing your offer is good, but not knowing how to communicate it in a way that actually converts. We break down why selling feels so hard (hint: you’re too close to your own genius), how to shift from explaining your work to selling the result, and why words like “confidence” might actually be hurting your conversions. Find It Quickly: 00:26 - Meet Chelsea 02:11 - Explaining Your Work 04:19 - Selling With Words 05:12 - Too Close To It 08:19 - Craft The Offer Promise 10:16 - Stop Selling Confidence 20:02 - List Results And Test 21:51 - Value Perception Matters 24:58 - Audience Clarity Without Clients 25:47 - Imagination Character Study 26:54 - Persona Roleplay Research 28:21 - Reddit and Reviews Mining 30:39 - Notion Messaging Dashboard 32:58 - Data and Context Loops 36:53 - Say Less Campaign Sprint 42:15 - Three Messaging Frames 47:45 - Sell the Transformation Connect with Chelsea: Website: business-whisperer.com/blog Instagram: instagram.com/chelsea.quint Threads: threads.com/@chelsea.quint | |||
| There’s More Money in Your CRM Than on Instagram | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:51:13 | |
Hey y'all — if you've ever felt like you need to chase down brand new leads every time you want to hit an income goal… this one is going to stop you in your tracks. In this episode, I'm joined by Erin Ollila — SEO strategist, copywriter, and host of Talk Copy to Me — for a conversation that originally aired on her podcast. We're talking about why the fastest path to more revenue is almost never a bigger audience. It's the people who are already in your world. Your past clients, your unconverted leads, your email list. And what you're actually supposed to do with them. Because here's the thing: if someone didn't book you three months ago, that doesn't mean they're never going to. And if you're ignoring them while you hustle to find someone brand new, you're making your business way harder than it needs to be. Want to see how this fits into a bigger client-getting strategy? Read the full guide: https://coliejames.com/how-to-get-photography-clients/ What You'll Learn in This Episode
Links + Resources Mentioned
| |||
| The Summer Systems Audit: How to Prep Your Business for Time Off | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:07:57 | |
Hey y’all—if you’ve ever wanted to take real time off in your business without everything falling apart… this one is for you. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I prepare my business to run while I’m out of office every summer (yes, multiple weeks at a time). And more importantly, how you can do the same—without sacrificing your client experience or your sanity. Because here’s the thing: your business shouldn’t rely on your constant availability to keep making money or delivering a great experience. And if it does? We’ve got some fixes to make. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Links + Resources Mentioned
| |||
| The Client Experience Strategy That Builds Trust & Attracts Ideal Clients with Alison Bell | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:51:34 | |
If you think sending fewer emails creates a better client experience, today's episode is going to challenge your mindset. I sit down with Alison Bell, a Hawaii-based family photographer who has built a six-figure business serving vacationing clients—with zero room for error and practically no opportunity for reshoots. We dive into what it really takes to create a seamless, high-touch client experience when your clients are traveling, time-constrained, and trusting you to deliver once-in-a-lifetime memories. Alison shares exactly how she uses automation, communication, and clear boundaries (hello, sunrise-only sessions) to create an experience that builds trust, eliminates confusion, and increases sales. Find It Quickly: 00:24 - Meet Alison Bell 01:24 - CRM Talk 02:31 - Fast Response Wins 05:18 - Sunrise Sessions Policy 06:40 - Repeat Key Details 09:36 - After Payment Onboarding 12:11 - Prep Emails 15:07 - Timing Automations 17:06 - Gallery Reveal Process 19:00 - Weather Boundaries 22:04 - Inquiry Video Touchpoint 23:12 - Product Videos Idea 26:32 - Email Touchpoints 27:42 - Inbox Overload Reality 29:16 -Texting Before Sessions 32:05 - Client Ghosting Horror Stories 36:19 - Next Steps Email Framework 44:53 - Video Alternatives To Calls 46:58 - Pricing Prep Video Strategy Mentioned in this Episode: Tave/VSCO: vsco.co/workspace Connect with Alison: Website: alisonbellphotographer.com Podcast: Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/alisonbellphotog | |||
| Tired of Sales Calls? Try this instead. | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:16:31 | |
Hey y’all, welcome back to the podcast! It’s been a minute since I recorded a solo episode, and instead of pretending I had some perfectly planned return… we’re just diving straight into what’s been happening behind the scenes and how it led to this conversation. After hosting my Out of Office Ready training, one thing became very clear: most of you don’t actually need more availability to book clients—you need a better way to communicate without being available all the time. So in this episode, I’m breaking down how to replace your sales calls with asynchronous video—whether that’s using VideoAsk or simple custom videos—so you can qualify leads, answer questions, and book clients without scheduling another call on your calendar. Because your business should not stop just because you’re offline. Mentioned in this Episode Episodes 123 + 217 - 3 Videos to Create for Your Client Experience Right Now Episode 237 - Improve Client Trust & Increase Conversions through Asynchronous Video with Carolyn Leasure VideoAsk (aff link) | |||
| Business Bestie Chat Q2 – 2026 with Sabrina Gebhardt | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:37:24 | |
This quarter's business bestie chat is coming at you live and in-person from Texas! Sabrina and I finally got to record together for our quarterly chat after spending a few days together at the Creative Educator Conference! Listen in as we chat through that experience, recap what happened in Q1, and get honest about where we are in business right now. Find It Quickly Recapping the Creative Educator Conference (1:11) Sabrina’s brand new retreat (8:24) Colie choosing to offer only one thing (10:58) A community space for Sabrina’s memberships (12:43) Re-evaluating our programs (18:32) Our ad strategy goals (23:03) Sparking new ideas (27:53) Our plans for Q2 (28:51) Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamilton/ Root To Rise Summer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercamp Our Quarterly Business Bestie Chats: Q1 2026: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q1-2026-with-sabrina-gebhardt Q4 2025: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q4-2025-with-sabrina-gebhardt Q3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james Q1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chat Q4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james Q3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james Q1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-james Connect with Sabrina Website: sabrinagebhardt.com Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography Podcast: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast | |||
| How to Set Up Systems for a Brand New Service (Before You Get Clients) with Anthea Proudfoot | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:44:19 | |
Here's some advice to business owners (new and established): stop waiting until you’re overwhelmed to build your systems. In this episode, I sit down with Anthea Proudfoot to talk about how she built out her entire CRM and client experience instead of Systems in Session before she had a steady stream of clients. It can be complicated to retrofit your processes into your business later, after you've gotten busy and overwhelmed. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to build a high-touch, automated client experience from scratch, how she completed her systems in just 30 days, and why her clients are already raving—even as a newer business owner. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Meet Anthea 00:56 - Why Start With CRM 05:01 - Systems in Session 08:36 - Organic Marketing Wins 10:02 - Inquiry Form Strategy 14:36 - Clients Experience 18:21 - The Client Proposal & Booking 20:10 - Post Booking Experience Portal 22:32 - Custom Systems Philosophy 23:38 - Session Reminder Automation 25:46 - Six Month System Tweaks 30:11 - Favorite Feature Workflows 33:41 - Automated Yet Personal Touch 34:51 - Testimonial Form Strategy 36:56 - Questionnaire Photos Planning 38:45 - Why She Chose Systems in Session Mentioned in this Episode Connect with Anthea Website: malonephotography.au Instagram: instagram.com/malone_photography_au | |||
| Your Marketing Isn’t Converting Because It’s Missing One-On-One Connection with Polly Pollock | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:49:55 | |
If your marketing feels like a constant cycle of chasing new leads but never quite getting the sales you want, this episode is going to change how you think about everything. Polly Pollockjoins us to dive deep into what actually works in marketing right now—especially if you’re tired of relying on Instagram or social media altogether. Listen in as we talk about why so many business owners feel stuck, what’s really missing in their marketing strategy, and how to shift your focus from constant visibility to building real, one-on-one connection with your audience. Polly shares her perspective as a marketing expert working with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, and together we unpack the biggest mistake people are making: ignoring the “messy middle.” Find It Quickly 00:24 - Meet Polly 04:47 - Repel And Attract 06:55 - Marketing Beyond Instagram 12:38 - Trust And Messy Middle 17:30 - Nurture Systems That Work 21:22 - Beyond PDFs And Sales Calls 25:39 - Deep Listening Habits 26:34 - Podcasts Build Trust 27:35 - Audience Data Signals 30:02 - Client Interviews Gold 31:31 - Marketing In AI Era 34:23 - Using AI To Synthesize 38:54 - Do Less Better Content 40:49 - Monthly Live Events Mentioned in this Episode Ep 199: I Audited My Freebies—Here’s What I Found How to Ask for a Client Testimonial: Strategies to Request Feedback and Get Better Testimonials Connect with Polly Website: neuropreneurrising.com Podcast: Neuropreneur Rising Instagram: instagram.com/pollypollockofficial Monthly Coworking: pollypollock.myflodesk.com/tnd1j65jkw | |||
| How to Automate Client Communication Without Losing a High-Touch Photography Client Experience with Ina Jalil | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:45:57 | |
What if automation didn’t make your client experience feel colder, but actually made it feel more personal? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Ina Jalil, a pet photographer who specializes in high-touch, full-service photography for dog lovers. When Ina joined my Email Like You Mean It live sprint, it became clear almost immediately that her business was the perfect example of something so many photographers wrestle with: how do you automate client communication when your process is deeply personal, intentional, and customized? Ina walks us through how she built an in-person consultation model for her pet photography business, why that shift improved both client understanding and sales, and how email still plays a critical role in keeping clients engaged between touch points. We also talk about the “messy middle” of the client journey, the silent gaps that hurt momentum, and why even seasoned photographers need to revisit their workflows from time to time. Find It Quickly 01:49 - Meet Ina 02:50 - Why In Person Consults 08:52 - Scheduling and Studio Sales 11:43 - Email Automation Role 14:09 - Filling the Messy Middle 19:31 - Custom Templates That Feel Personal 22:03 - VA Workflows and CRM Notes 26:15 - Post Session Education and Sales 35:45 - Sprint Results and Three Ps Mentioned in this Episode How to Transform Your Pet Photography Client Experience with Colie James Connect with Ina Website: inajphotography.com Education: inajphotography.com/for-photographers Skool community: Pet Photographers Collective Instagram: @inajphotography Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo Podcast: The Pet Photographer's Journal | |||
| The “Oops, This Is Episode 300” Update | 21 Mar 2026 | 00:11:17 | |
Hey y’all… so apparently this is episode 300 😅 This episode snuck up on me so fast I didn't have a chance to plan a milestone moment. My 4th Podcast Anniversary in 2 months away, so maybe I'll do better then! 🎙️ In this episode, I’m sharing:
Grab your FREE seat for From Hello to Booked, happening on April 2nd at Noon MT/2pm ET. Final note: if you’ve been here for a while—or even if this is your first episode—thank you. Seriously. 300 episodes is kind of wild, and I wouldn’t still be doing this without you. If this episode gave you a little clarity (or a kick in the pants to finally fix your systems 😉), share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps more creative business owners find the show—and start building a business that actually supports their life. | |||
| Done-for-You vs. Done-with-You: Which Model Fits Your Business? with Brittany Herzberg | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:57:05 | |
What happens when the thing you’ve always sold so well no longer fits the life or business you want to build? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Brittany Herzberg to unpack the real difference between done-for-you and done-with-you services, what it looks like to sit in the messy middle of an offer evolution, and why both of us are rethinking how we help clients get results. Brittany shares how she supports business owners with SEO, from website strategy and keyword research to helping them understand how all the pieces of their visibility strategy fit together. I also share more about my own shift away from done-for-you systems work and into a done-with-you model that gives my clients more confidence, more ownership, and better long-term results. If you’ve been wondering whether your current service model still fits the way you want to work, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. Listen to Brittany's Other Episodes on Business-First Creatives: Episode 81: SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg (Part 3) Episode 202: SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany Herzberg Mentioned in this Episode: The Resonance Effect - How to Attract Action Takeers with SEO Queen Brittany Herzberg Connect with Brittany Website: brittanyherzberg.com Instagram: instagram.com/brittany_herzberg Threads: threads.com/@brittany_herzberg | |||
| The Rebooking Strategy You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be) | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:09:02 | |
If you’ve ever wrapped up a project, delivered the final files, and then… just waited to see if your client comes back—you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: your next sale shouldn’t start after the project ends. In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my recent Disney cruise (yes, I already booked another one 👀) and the simple, strategic move they used to get me to spend more money before I even stepped off the ship. And more importantly? How you can use that exact same strategy in your business. Because if you’re not intentionally inviting your clients to rebook, refresh, or continue working with you… you’re leaving money on the table. In this episode, I’m breaking down:
Mentioned in this episode: Want additional resources to rebook your clients? Read THIS blog post for an outline of how to implement this strategy. | |||
| 3 Ways Your Systems Can Generate More Revenue in Your Business | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:08:41 | |
In the last episode, I sat down with money coach Emilie Nutley to talk about understanding your numbers, paying yourself, and planning your finances like a real business owner. Because once you actually know your numbers, the possibilities for your business start to open up. But today I want to flip the conversation to something that most people don’t immediately connect to revenue: your systems. Most creatives think of systems as organization tools. Something that saves time, reduces stress, or keeps things from slipping through the cracks. And while that’s true… systems can also directly impact how much money your business actually generates. So in this episode, I’m walking you through three ways your systems can help you generate more revenue this year — without simply trying to book more clients. In this episode, we cover:
Mentioned in This Episode Episode 296 - The Best Financial Strategy for a Sustainable Business is Overflow with Emilie Nutley Systems in Session - coliejames.com/systems | |||
| The Best Financial Strategy for a Sustainable Business is Overflow with Emilie Nutley | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:47:09 | |
If you’ve been avoiding your numbers this year—this is your sign to review them. I invited financial expert Emilie Nutley to join me for a powerful, no-fluff conversation about pricing your signature offer, paying yourself consistently, and a financial concept that will completely change the way you think about business finances: overflow. We talk about why you should never price based on competitors, why revenue is not the same as take-home pay, and how to build a business that brings you both joy and a paycheck. If you’ve ever had inconsistent income months, questioned your pricing, or treated your business like an ATM, this episode is for you. Find It Quickly 01:19 – Meet Emilie Nutley 03:16 – How Much Do You Want to Pay Yourself? 04:37 – Revenue Goal ÷ Capacity = Price 05:41 – Need vs. Want: What Do You Actually Have to Pay Yourself? 06:11 – The Bare Bones Budget Explained 09:05 – The Restrict/Binge Cycle with Money 16:10 – What “Overflow” Is and Why It Matters 18:41 – Profit Isn’t the End: What Happens After Profit 21:40 – Using Overflow to Make Strategic Decisions 24:20 – Overflow & Growth Decisions (Hiring, Investing, Time Off) 25:11 – Revenue-Generating Hires vs. Expense Investments 26:43 – The Simple Overflow Spreadsheet 28:36 – Stop Living Month-to-Month in Your Business 29:42 – The Habit of Paying Yourself Consistently 33:08 – How Much Should You Be Saving? 38:33 – The Freedom of Owning a Business 40:46 – Focus on Your Signature Offer First 44:17 – Thinking Long-Term: Retirement & Future Planning Connect with Emilie Website: emilienutley.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/emilienutley Youtube: youtube.com/@fundthedamnlife | |||
| Before the Inquiries Roll In: 3 Systems for Photographers to Fix Now | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:06:40 | |
Busy season might not feel close yet—but if you rely on fall bookings, the inquiries that fill your calendar are coming sooner than you think. Instead of waiting until leads start flooding your inbox, this is the time to make sure your client experience systems are ready to support them. Because when your backend is messy, slow, or inconsistent, it becomes a lot harder to book clients confidently… and even harder to justify raising your prices. In this episode, Colie breaks down three essential systems every creative service provider should have in place before busy season begins. These systems help you book clients faster, create a smoother client experience, and build long-term relationships that lead to referrals, reviews, and repeat business. And the best part? When these systems are working well, raising your prices becomes a natural outcome—not a scary decision. If you're photographing sessions for your clients, make sure you have these three systems for photographers in place. In This Episode• Why waiting until slow season to raise your prices often backfires • How a faster inquiry and booking process increases booking confidence for both you and your clients • The role your client communication plays in building trust before, during, and after the service • How better delivery and offboarding leads to reviews, referrals, and repeat clients • Why preparing these systems now makes it easier to raise your prices once you're partially booked Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 215: The Confidence Loop Systems in Session- https://coliejames.com/systems | |||
| Going From Side Hustle to Structured Business Starts With Better Emails with Christi Dorsey | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:44:08 | |
What if your side hustle wasn't just extra income, but the most creatively fulfilling part of your life? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Christi Dorsey, a nutrition expert, food science consultant, and full-time government professional. We talk about what it really looks like to build a thriving consulting business alongside a 9–5. Christi isn’t new to entrepreneurship. She’s been running her consulting company, Taste Symmetry, for over a decade. But as her business evolved, her systems and client communication needed to evolve with it. That’s when she joined Email Like You Mean It to overhaul her customer journey and finally build backend systems that matched the elevated experience on her new website. Find It Quickly 00:24 - Meet Christi Dorsey 03:21 - From nutrition degrees to global food safety work 07:20 - The “1099 Queen” 10:18 - Why she decided to expand her business again 11:40 - Why she joined Email Like You Mean It 15:13 - Her Foundation Experience offer explained 23:00 - Rewriting her client emails from scratch 25:47 - The offboarding email and the power of repeat business 29:03 - What she’s working on next in her systems 40:05 - Why “my emails are fine” might be holding you back Mentioned in this Episode Connect with Christi Website: tastesymmetry.com Instagram: @tastesymmetry LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/taste-symmetry Mentioned in this Episode Connect with Christi Website: tastesymmetry.com Instagram: @tastesymmetry LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/taste-symmetry | |||
| Why We Design First (and How to Decide Between Email Like You Mean It and Systems in Session) | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:13:09 | |
If you’re trying to decide between Email Like You Mean It and Systems in Session, this episode will help you make that decision. I get asked all the time where someone should start if they want better systems in their business — and my answer is never “pick a CRM” or “build workflows.” It’s always: design your client experience first. In this episode, I’m breaking down:
Whether you’re ready to build full systems or you need to start with planning and communication, the order never changes: Client experience design first. Client communication second. Systems and automation last. And if you want an easy peasy way to get started, grab my FREE client experience planner coliejames.com/gap Resources mentioned:
| |||
| What Happened When I Turned Email Like You Mean It Into a Live Sprint | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:12:58 | |
I turned Email Like You Mean It into a 5-day done-with-you live sprint… and then immediately invited some of my Systems in Session clients to test it as pre-work. Bold? Yes. A little chaotic? Also yes. Worth it? 100%. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how the first sprint went — what surprised me, what I learned, what I’m keeping, and what I’m changing for the next round. We’re talking:
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build in public, test a new delivery model, or evolve an offer quickly — this is the honest behind-the-scenes. And if you want to join me for the next run of Email Like You Mean It, there are 10 spots available (and one is already gone). Details → coliejames.com/email | |||
| Why Every Creative Entrepreneur Needs Systems to Thrive with Megan Smith | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:48:00 | |
What if the only thing standing between you and sustainable growth in your business is your system? In today’s episode, we're diving into a Systems in Session case study with Megan Smith—a full-time teacher, mom of three, farm wife, and professional home organizer. Listen in as she shares what happened when she finally stopped hiding from her systems and built the structure her business needed. While she wasn't focused on getting more clients, she wanted more confidence and excitement around the experience she was delivering. Yet within 48 hours of installing one simple piece of infrastructure, she booked a client and earned back half her investment. Find It Quickly 00:32 – Meet Megan 03:32 – How Her Systems Held Her Back 09:31 – The ROI of Systems 11:57 – Building a Unique Booking System 18:55 – Creating Confidence 19:27 – Raising Prices 24:29 – Automations 27:34 – Expanding Offers by Duplicating Systems 30:06 – Marketing Meets Infrastructure 34:20 – No Quick Fix in Business 46:59 – The 3 R’s: Rave Reviews, Referrals & Repeat Clients Connect with Megan Website: megansmithstressless.com Instagram: instagram.com/megansmithstressless | |||
| Everything You’re Overthinking About Systems in Session | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:15:30 | |
Planning this episode felt like getting a dose of my own medicine. When I help clients build their five-minute booking process, I always tell them: your FAQs don’t belong buried on your website. They belong right above where someone is about to pay you. So today, we’re doing that for Systems in Session. If you’ve been wondering:
This episode answers all of it. You’ll hear exactly what Systems in Session includes, how the 60-day done-with-you Dubsado setup works, and why most of my clients are not beginners — they’re experienced service providers who are tired of babysitting their backend. Because this isn’t about learning more tech. It’s about building high-touch, low-effort systems that make your premium offers easy to book, effortless to deliver, and impossible to forget. If you’ve ever:
This episode is for you. What You’ll Learn (AKA The Questions I’m Answering)
If you’ve ever:
This episode will help you decide your next move. Links Mentioned
| |||
| Is Systems in Session just for Photographers? | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:05:14 | |
Niching down your messaging can feel like a catch-22. I talk to photographers a lot—which means non-photographers sometimes wonder if Systems in Session is actually for them. Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Let’s break it down. In this episode, I explain why Systems in Session works for any service-based business—not just photographers. I share who’s currently inside the program (including a stationery designer, a marketing specialist, and a website designer), and why the five core workflow phases—Inquiry, Booking, Onboarding, Service & Delivery, and Offboarding—apply no matter what you sell. Because while the service may change, the client journey doesn’t. If you’ve been wondering whether Systems in Session would work for you, even if you don’t take photos for a living, this episode is for you. Learn more at coliejames.com/systems | |||
| Your Offer Isn’t Too Custom for Systems | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:06:52 | |
“I can’t automate that — my clients are all different.” If you’ve ever said that (or thought it), this episode is for you. Today kicks off a 3-part Objection Day series, where I’m tackling the most common pushback I hear about building real client experience systems. In this episode, we’re talking about:
Your art might be custom. The process around selling and delivering it does not have to be rebuilt every single time. If your backend only works when you remember every step… that’s not premium. It’s risky. And if you’re ready for high-touch, low-effort systems that match your premium offers? Learn more about Systems in Session here: | |||