Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Blackhound Creative Werks

Find Kristen:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

09/07/20 • 30 min

Are You Ready to Hire a VA?

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

08/24/20 • 22 min

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is how to know when you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant. I mean I have at least one person ask me this a day and to be honest, there is a good reason for it. Which is why I’m laying out my framework for determining whether or not you’re ready.

First things first, you need to make a list of all the things that you do in your business. Every single one of your tasks. Big or small, it doesn’t matter because this is when you will figure out exactly how much time you’re spending on your business rather than in it.

Once you’ve made that list, assign a time value to it. How much time do you spend on the tasks and which tasks do you like versus hate? These two things are so important. You’ll find that the tasks you really dislike are the ones that tend to take you the longest.

Now that you’ve figured out what you want to outsource, it’s time to determine if you’re ready. If you don’t currently have any process or strategy behind that task, then you’re not ready. You need to go into your relationship with your VA with expectations set for each task.

It doesn’t matter if you have the money to outsource, if you’re not ready. Because your readiness will mean the difference between wasting time and money rather than gaining them both back. Listen in to learn the rest of the framework!

In This Episode:

[00:46] Hey guys, thank you so much for listening!

[01:48] Listen as Jenn discusses how to know if you are ready to hire a VA.

[04:01] Make a list of all the things you want to outsource in your business.

[05:17] Just because you have the money doesn’t mean you’re ready to hire a VA.

[07:34] What does it look like when you’re prepared to hire?

[13:45] How to determine which tasks to outsource.

[15:18] Why retainer rates are better than hourly rates.

[17:41] What could you do with the time you take back for you and your business?

[20:14] Consider the time it takes to prepare for handing your stuff over to a VA.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Ready to Hire a VA?

08/24/20 • 22 min

Mindset Work for Entrepreneurs with Krystal Thompson

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

08/10/20 • 39 min

What do you do when your passion is no longer the thing that fuels you? Find a new passion! That’s what Krystal Thompson did when she realized that while she loved photography, it wasn’t fueling her the way she wanted. Listen in as we chat about building the business you want, living the life of your dreams, and finding your confidence in yourself.

Krystal majored in photography and really had every intention of using her skills and drive to master the world of pictures. But it wasn’t enough. She struggled with the weight of anxiety and depression and knew she needed to make a change. Krystal is now a manifestation coach and helps people all over the world to realize their true capabilities.

Here’s the thing, your life and business are not one and the same. Your business allows you to live the life of your dreams, but what does that mean? What are your dreams? How do you plan to reach them? There are so many things holding us back from the realization that what we desire is there for the taking. Krystal helps you move past them.

Listen as Krystal shares how you can start building your business around your life instead of the other way around. We are meant to learn and grow every single day, and your business is the same! Stop allowing the stress and overwhelm to bring you down and learn how you can circumvent them!

In This Episode:

[01:36] Learn why Krystal moved away from photography to coaching.

[04:54] You can build harmony between work and personal life.

[07:54] Build your business around your life instead of building your life around your business.

[09:07] Hear tips on how to keep the fear at bay when you think about how your business is built.

[10:55] Jenn shares how difficult it was to continue when she lost her father.

[13:24] Krystal describes how the brain works and how we can rewire how we think.

[16:24] Jenn says that manifestation work brought her out of the darkness after her father passed away.

[18:38] Krystal discusses putting the belief in yourself on autopilot, so you don't have to think about it, like brushing your teeth.

[21:03] Jenn speaks about turning down work with an affluent client because it wasn't what she wanted to do and then two weeks later got a job with her dream client.

[24:57] Krystal says that your business is a small piece of the pie, have fun and spend time on life.

[26:35] If you have no one at the finish line, what have you accomplished?

[28:25] Krystal gives advice that the listeners can do today to help them take the first step.

[32:01] Jenn shares that you can outsource cleaning your house or whatever drains you, it doesn't have to be something about your business.

[35:02] Krystal speaks about her favorite business tool.

[36:02] If Jenn came out to LA to have a drink with Krystal, where would they go, and what would they drink?

[37:12] Krystal shares her favorite quote.

[37:48] Thank you for being on the show!

[37:57] Krystal shares some final thoughts.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Find Krystal:

Krystal Thompson

08/10/20 • 39 min

Which CRM is Right For You?

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

07/27/20 • 21 min

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... and again... and again... You HAVE to have a functioning and efficient CRM to grow and scale your business. Now how you use the CRM may be different depending on the way you run your business, but not having one is not an option. (I mean it is... but only if you’re not looking to grow!)

So the first thing to consider is how much automation you want or need to have. What does that mean? So many things! When someone completes a lead form, do you want an email to automatically go out? If they respond and book a call for a specific service, do you want a call prep email to go out? If they sign on the dotted line of your contract, do you want the invoice to immediately follow?

Dubsado is going to have way more options for automation, but not every business NEEDS a ton of automation. Which is why the first thing you need to contemplate is what you want and need your CRM to do beyond housing your lead and client information.

The other thing to think about is ease of use. How techy are you and how detailed do you want to get with your automation? Honeybook is hands down the easier platform to use, but Dubsado allows you more freedom with automation triggers and scheduler options.

Listen in as I go through both of these amazing platforms. If you have questions or just want to know more about how you can implement a CRM in your business, click here to book a strategy call.

In This Episode:

[01:47] Learn more about CRM's and why you need them.

[02:30] Jenn shares the podcast schedule through the rest of the year.

[04:18] The first question you should ask yourself is, how much automation do you want or need to have?

[04:56] Dubsado gives you more options for automation than HoneyBook does.

[07:48] HoneyBook beats out Dubsado on ease of use.

[09:59] Both CRM's have a scheduler, and they both work well, but there are a few things you need to be aware of.

[11:38] Dubsado gets points for integrating the scheduler into their workflow process.

[12:36] Jenn likes both system's ability to create different funnels based on where your clients are within your process.

[14:49] Branding is something that Dubsado does that HoneyBook doesn't.

[16:00] The client experience is better on the HoneyBook system.

[18:27] Jenn recaps the important questions to ask yourself before deciding on a CRM.

[18:48] Do you have the time and money to invest in learning Dubsado? Dubsado has a higher learning curve.

[20:52] Thank you for listening to the show!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Discount Codes:

Dubsado - jbays913 Honeybook - JennBaysVA

07/27/20 • 21 min

Pinterest Strategies for Photographers with Kyrsten Ashlay

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

07/06/20 • 27 min

Pinterest is a platform that you have to have for your business. Why? Because if you’re planning to be in business for years to come, then you need to be found. Kyrsten Ashlay is a wedding photographer and Pinterest guru who has used the platform to seamlessly move her business across the country. Listen as she shares how she did it.

First things first, why is Pinterest necessary? Because it is a search engine versus a social media platform. What does that mean? Pinterest is directly responsible for helping Google bots to find your work, even years after it is first posted because it is a search engine platform. Social media platforms are one-to-one engagement-based whereas Pinterest is a place that people go to search for information.

You can also use Pinterest to help boost your work and your website for your keyword. Now Google SEO and Pinterest SEO are quite a bit different, so you’ll want to listen to hear the best way to use both search engine platforms.

Kyrsten also walks you through different ways you can use Pinterest to engage with your audience. The information she shares is truly priceless. If you’re not using Pinterest in your business... you need to! If you’ve been thinking about it... you need to start now!

In This Episode:

[00:58] Hear a little bit about Kyrsten and her background.

[02:42] Kyrsten shares why Pinterest is so important for your business.

[04:45] How Pinterest allowed Kyrsten to move her business from California to Texas seamlessly.

[07:14] Pinterest content doesn’t expire... versus Instagram content that only lasts a couple of days.

[08:14] Kyrsten shares how important it is to pin every image you blog every day.

[11:05] Kyrsten suggests pinning 5 of your high-quality content and 5 of someone else's.

[12:44] Learn the difference between social media and search engine platforms?

[14:06] Kyrsten shares how your posts can rank as high as possible when searched.

[16:37] She says to think about where your links are taking your followers if you want to pin directly from your blog.

[18:08] Pinterest leads are cold and it's the business owner’s job to warm up those potential clients.

[19:14] Kyrsten shares her top three tips on getting started with their Pinterest strategy.

[20:55] What mistake do you see new pinners do that you would like to stop?

[22:51] Kyrsten says just start! You can’t be successful with Pinterest if you don’t start.

[23:31] What is your favorite business tool?

[24:52] What is one of your favorite quotes?

[25:29] If you and I went to grab a drink, what would you be drinking?

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Find Kyrsten:

Kyrsten Ashlay

@kyrstenashlay.photography

@kyrstenashlayphotography

Facebook | Pinterest

07/06/20 • 27 min

How to Set and Stick to Your Boundaries

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

06/22/20 • 29 min

Boundaries are some of the most important things in your business. Nothing will ruin a good working relationship faster than someone stepping over or through your boundaries. How do you make sure that you’ve properly established your boundaries and then enforce them?

First you need to lay them out for your clients. Everything from your hours of operation, how to communicate with you, and when you’re going to be completely out of the office. Once you’ve set these boundaries, you have to keep them. All it takes is one voxer message or email sent outside of your working hours and you’ve set a new expectation.

Your boundaries should be laid out in your contract. That way if ever there is some sort of miscommunication or issue, you can show that your client signed off on and was made aware of your boundaries.

You’ll definitely want to consider establishing one form of communication. If you dictate email as your preferred method of communication, then you’ll be able to easily incorporate a VA into your business. Whatever you choose, make sure to stick with it.

Some of your boundaries are and should be non-negotiable. Simply by communicating effectively and making sure your client knows your boundaries, you can alleviate a lot of headaches. Listen in to learn all the ways you should be setting and sticking to your boundaries.

In This Episode:

[00:45] Hey friends, welcome to the show!

[01:14] Jenn gives her definition of boundaries.

[01:45] Boundaries will protect your mental and emotional wellbeing.

[03:02] What are the non-negotiable boundaries that you want to stick to no matter what?

[05:01] Jenn speaks about setting boundaries around your business hours.

[08:20] Jenn gives an example of a time when she had to be flexible with a photographer she wanted.

[10:45] Boundaries within your contract are necessary, this is your legal binding boundary protection.

[12:15] What do your services entail? You must set boundaries around your services.

[14:50] Jenn shares what she believes are the most important places to boundaries in your business.

[16:41] If you have all of your communication through email, it will be much easier to have a virtual assistant come in and help you with your business.

[17:37] Jenn says that once you brainstorm your boundaries, it is then necessary to place them where your clients can find them.

[18:58] A welcome packet is a great place to make your boundaries known to your client

[21:51] Jenn shares that a welcome packet allows you to deliver your boundaries with a pretty package with a bow on top.

[24:15] Make boundaries a standard from the get-go rather than an afterthought once they have signed and paid.

[27:13] Do you feel guilty if you don’t respond to a client's email after hours?

[28:11] That is all I have on boundaries, I hope it has been helpful.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

06/22/20 • 29 min

Why Follow for Follows Don't Work and What to Do Instead

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

06/08/20 • 7 min

Have you ever seen those posts in large Facebook groups asking to follow each other on Instagram? Seems like a great idea right? You boost your follower count and show Instagram that you’re an active user. All I can say is... stop!

I know that this is an unpopular opinion, but when you follow a bunch of other people who are doing what you do, you are actually hurting your Instagram strategy. All you’re doing is showing Instagram that those are the types of accounts and posts that you want to see.

This means that you’re losing your chance to see more of your ideal clients and to get in front of your ideal clients. Instead you should use the platform the way it’s designed to be used.

Take the time to research the hashtags you’re using. Those little babies can make or break your Instagram strategy. Also, geotag your posts. As a photographer, making sure that the local community can find you is key!

Have I convinced you?

In This Episode:

[00:44] Hey friends, welcome to the show!

[01:01] Today’s episode is about why follow for follow threads don’t work.

[01:26] Jenn shares two reasons these threads don’t work.

[03:02] The people you follow on Instagram need to be the people that will put you in front of your ideal clients.

[03:43] Jenn speaks about what you should do instead of follow for follow threads.

[05:01] Making connections through hashtags will get you in front of the clients you want to work with.

[05:40] Geotagging your posts is another thing you can be doing.

[06:36] Instead of using the follow for follows, make sure you are using Instagram, it’s hashtags, and it’s geotagging.

[07:01] I Hope you all have an outstanding day!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

06/08/20 • 7 min

The Dos and Don'ts of Finances for Photographers with Katelyn Magnuson

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

06/01/20 • 39 min

It doesn’t matter if you like numbers or not, as a business owner you have to understand your money. Katelyn Magnuson is the freelance CFO and knows how to help you work through your numbers to reach your goals.

Katelyn spent her 20s moving through various roles between corporate and the online space. What she learned is that our parents’ and grandparents’ way of doing money... no longer works.

We chat about how you can set yourself up for success and which money habits you need to establish now. Here’s the thing... it’s easier to make money than to save money... so how can you start making more money?

Listen as Katelyn shares her best tips for approaching your taxes and how you can find more write offs. Check out Katelyn’s site if you know you need help getting your numbers in order now!

In This Episode:

[01:27] Welcome to the show, Katelyn!

[02:13] Katelyn shares a little of her background and how she got where she is today.

[05:06] Katelyn speaks about things she does in her business and where she feels she is the strongest.

[06:08] What do you mean by, “you are not your parent's money expert?”

[08:12] Katelyn discusses the financial strategies that she shares with her clients.

[10:13] They speak about Dave Ramsey and how her beliefs differ from his even though the end goal is the same.

[11:49] Are you focusing on a scarcity and lack mentality and staying broke instead of flourishing?

[13:13] Katelyn shares some photography do’s for taxes.

[15:32] You must have a separate bank account to keep your business and personal assets protected.

[16:14] Keeping receipts and having accounting software is very important.

[18:46] Which accounting software do you recommend?

[20:39] Anything $75 dollars or over the IRS wants a receipt.

[22:52] Katelyn speaks about traveling for an event, but you stay longer, how the IRS looks at those expenses.

[25:53] Mileage is a big write off, but there are some caveats that you need to understand.

[29:00] Katelyn shares her biggest don'ts.

[31:08] Should businesses accept Venmo for payment of services?

[33:33] Katelyn gives her number one tip for listeners today.

[34:30] What is your favorite quote?

[36:01] Hubdoc and Xero are Katelyn's favorite business tools.

[36:56] If we went out for a drink, what would you order?

[38:13] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

Find Katelyn:

Katelyn Magnuson

@thefreelancecfo

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

06/01/20 • 39 min

Uplevel Your Client Experience

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

05/25/20 • 13 min

Giving your clients an amazing experience is one of the best ways to ensure repeat business. Think about it. Are you more likely to rebook with the same hairdresser over and over if she remembers your birthday?

The same concept applies for your photography business. Which is why I wanted to share my three favorite tips for up-leveling your client experience.

First, always be on time. Be on time with communication, to your appointments, and in providing your clients their products. Second, make it easy to book with you. Provide a friction-free way for them to book, reschedule, cancel if necessary, etc.

Last but not least, always make your clients feel special. Make it a point to go above and beyond their expectations and they will always come back to you.

The client experience is the most important aspect of your business because when a client loves you and your work, they’ll talk about it. If they hate it, they’ll talk about that too... but more loudly. Always be sure that the experience your clients have with your services are exceptional.

In This Episode:

[00:45] Welcome to the show!

[01:11] Jenn discusses upleveling your client experience.

[01:50] There are three easy ways to make this happen.

[02:02] The first tip is to always be on time.

[04:34] The second tip is to make it easy to book with you.

[07:10] Do you get deposits from your clients?

[08:46] Tip number three is to make them feel special.

[10:44] Learning your clients names before the session is one way to make them feel special.

[11:52] Jenn recaps the three things you can do to uplevel your clients experience.

[12:30] The bonus is that when you make your clients feel special they will tell their friends which will get you referrals.

[13:13] Thank you so much for listening to the show! Please remember to share this podcast with your friends and coworkers.

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens

@successbeyondthelenspodcast

05/25/20 • 13 min

Choosing a VA for Your Business

Success Beyond the Lens Podcast

09/16/20 • 17 min

We recently went over how to know if you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant for your business, but now I have another question for you. What kind of virtual assistant do you need? That’s right. There is so much more to consider when you’re looking at hiring, so I wanted to go deeper and discuss the types of VAs that are out there and the best ways to know what you need in your business.

VAs come in all shapes, sizes, and specialities. Everything from editing and producing podcasts and YouTube channels, to copywriters, to general administrative work. How are you to know what your business needs and how much you should be paying? Well, keep listening!

In the last episode in this series, I shared how to go about determining which tasks in your business you need to offload. That same list will help you determine which type of VA you need. If you just need general help and don’t need any kind of specialty, then an admin VA is perfect. If you have more in-depth and complex needs, then you’ll know to look for a specialist.

Keep in mind that the more specialized the VA the more expensive. If someone has applied to a job listing and their hourly rate is under $25 per hour, then they’re likely very new. Not necessarily to the work you’re asking for, but in this online space and using various softwares.

Listen in to learn which types of VAs there are, how they can help you, and what you should look for when hiring for your business. Then check out the resources below and get your business on track for growth.

In This Episode:

[00:44] Welcome back!

[01:38] Listen as Jenn discusses how to figure out which Virtual Assistant (VA) is best for your business.

[04:03] A VA that charges $20 an hour is new to the industry, and you will have to train them more extensively.

[04:55] If you are looking for someone to come into your business to help you streamline and run things efficiently, you are looking for someone in the $35-$50 range.

[07:40] If you want to get more bang for your buck, consider keeping your specialty VA on retainer.

[08:56] Jenn shares how you will know if you need a general VA or a specialty VA.

[11:27] Jenn speaks about a package that Success Beyond the Lens has set up to help clients manage their businesses.

[12:54] Listen as Jenn shares the best places to find VA’s.

[16:00] Referrals are Jenn’s number one favorite way of finding a VA.

[16:57] Thank you for listening!

Links and Resources

Find Jenn:

@successbeyondthelens