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3 Ways A Group Mastermind Can Accelerate Your Biz 2021

3 Ways A Group Mastermind Can Accelerate Your Biz 2021

3 Ways A Group Mastermind Can Accelerate Your Biz 2021

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

It is that time of the year, the time to start focusing on where things are going to go from now to December but also for next year! It’s easy to get really narrow focused on serving your clients and doing client work or creating products but as business owners we can easily forget to stop and work on your business. You may not even feel like you know how to do that!

A lot of your fellow creative business owners within The Creative Boss Society have been telling me that they are just exhausted with making decisions and trying to predict what is gonna happen with this year and a lot of them are just ready to move on into 2021. 

If you find yourself in that same place I just want to let you know that you are not alone. In this episode we cover 3 ways group masterminds can accelerate your business. 

The Creative Boss Society is the kind of mastermind that can help you grow your business next year. I know because I built it to serve other creatives just like ME!

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

  • Gain increased focus in your business through weekly accountability check in and support! 
    • Narrowed in on serving and doing client work that we forget to work ON our biz
  • Get more growth – month over month with focused trainings and steps to implement. 
  • Get more motivation and be challenged to show up, put processes in place and move your business forward to success!
  • Reduce complacency in your business, routine and tasks. Gain the desire to improve and grow!
  • Get the community you desire to grow! Check ins and challenges that help you move forward and connect with other like-minded creatives.
  • Collaboration opportunities! Learn how collaboration can help accelerate your growth. Build long lasting business relationships with those willing to step up and help you succeed.
  • Have ONE source for support and sales focused “training”. No more 99 course bundles, searching Pinterest for endless freebies that only skim the surface. Get straight to what you need!
  • Get REAL! Find that this is a place to be vulnerable about biz ownership. To explore the things that don’t feel great and learn how to get past it, together.
  • Asking the questions to get help and guidance you need. Don’t get stuck or left behind. We will challenge you to empower yourself by asking what you need help for so we can make sure you get it!

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

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About Crystal

Corporate America had me at hello for 10 years. And just when I thought I was where I was supposed to be, God changed the narrative and helped me find more time for my husband and two beautiful girls through my own photography business. Now, I live for all things styled photography and serving the business community exclusively through styled imagery and personal brand photography.

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How to Create Your Year Round Prop Stash!

How to Create Your Year Round Prop Stash!

How to Create Your Year Round Prop Stash!

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

Look for the basics! It seems pretty general to say look for the basics but when I say that I mean both color and then the basic types of props that are necessary to have a stash for year-round types of products and things that you might be working on or styling. The basic things might be stuff like plates because those are on trend right now. The imperfection of it is gorgeous, but then also a lot of the neutral colors and tones right now are very popular here.

Recommended Prop Basics for 2021:

 

  • Clay plates – They’re trending right now because they have a classic and raw unfinished look. It leans to that high-end editorial look that a lot of brands love.
  • Clay bowls – Same case! Raw, edgy, and unfinished bring in texture and neutral tones that fit any brand.
  • Throw blankets (keep away from kids!) – They are great for texture in jewelry images, lifestyle photos, and any type of stock images. They’re offered in a variety of colors and can be chunky knit, medium knit, or solid fabric.
  • Linen throw pillows are my personal favorite. I picked up some from Target that have tan on one side and white on the other so you can flip them around for versatile use. The linen lends another fabric that’s good for close-up product shots of small items like jewelry.
  • Vases! Dare I say clay, but also neutral-tone vases from Amazon and Target. They offer a variety of sizes to support different images and product heights but also can be a great punch of color to fit a brand.
  • Neutral furniture pieces! They’re all the rage this year and will continue, especially if you’re in the business of having some items that fit the aesthetics of product brands. A great example is my studio couch: it’s a light linen grey and works easily to be dressed up with a variety of colors that fit every brand. I also have a tan tuft chair for the desk that fits most brands.
  • Blank journals or artist notebooks in a variety of basic colors – The artist journals (you can snag those at Michaels) are awesome because they’re a solid color with a nice band and can double as books or a pop of color.
  • Basic pens – My favorite are the Poppin pens; they don’t have a ton of variety. The logo is small and only on one side so you can easily flip it over for a stock photo or product image on a desk. The best part is they come in a variety of pastel and neutral-like colors!
  • Basic desk accessories – I collect desk decor in the 3 basic areas – gold, silver, and white. You might find it necessary to only get the one that fits your product/brand, though. So if you lean to one style or another, make sure to only buy things that fit that style or compliment that color. I personally love things like pen holders, desk, notepad, or sticky note holders, too!
  • Don’t forget the tiny things! Fun paperclips, unique magnets, and other tiny office accessories make for great filler items in your flatlay and product photos. I love the new trend of cute accessories like decorative and fun-shaped office magnets (they sit flat!) or even decorative paper clips and push pins with different colors.
  • Beauty dishes – Great for jewelry or creative beauty photos! They are also great for holding the tiny desk accessories for more texture.
  • Last but certainly not least, functional trays – They double for a beauty brand counter styled look or even a countertop or a table and living space setup. It’s a very versatile prop and comes in wood, marble, gold, silver and so many options; you can really find 1-2 that are your style and use them in many different ways!

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

Keep Listening

About Crystal

Corporate America had me at hello for 10 years. And just when I thought I was where I was supposed to be, God changed the narrative and helped me find more time for my husband and two beautiful girls through my own photography business. Now, I live for all things styled photography and serving the business community exclusively through styled imagery and personal brand photography.

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How to Show Up for a Coaching Membership

How to Show Up for a Coaching Membership

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How to Show Up for a Coaching Membership

How to Show Up for a Coaching Membership

You have finally made the big step to invest in yourself and your business by signing up for a coaching membership.

T

hings are going great in the beginning. You’re showing up to every coaching call, you’re completing the monthly trainings, and you’re collaborating with other members.

But then your business picks up, you’re drowning in the amount of work you have to do, and your coaching calls are starting to take a backseat.

I get it. It’s tough to juggle everything, but it’s important to remember that you are also a priority. So, here are three tips on how to navigate a coaching membership.

Commit to the Cause 

Before you get overwhelmed in the amount of work you need to get done or the projects you have to do, mark the coaching call times on the calendar beforehand, so you don’t miss a live opportunity to chat. Get to know other members and listen in on coaching topics designed to help you grow. Treat yourself like you would treat a client. Set aside time in your calendar to do the things you need to do for your business to succeed.

Often, business owners get caught up in their work for other people, and their own business falls to the wayside. Don’t let that be you. You’re just as important as your client, so make yourself a priority and commit to your new coaching membership. You will thank yourself later.

Show Up For You

Your coach may give you all the tools, but it’s up to you to do the work. It’s like the old saying goes, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to make your business the best it can be. If you’re stuck, feeling insecure, unsure how to apply it to your product or services, I challenge you to ask for help from your coach or other members. That’s why they’re there. There’s no shame in asking for help. You do what you have to do to turn your business into a successful one, so show up to the coaching calls because you will benefit from them.

Show Support 

A community develops from supporting one another and helping each other grow. If you have feedback or maybe a solution you’ve used before – chime in and help your fellow members. Mark a 15-minute window a few times a week where you can intentionally pop into the Facebook group, browse what’s going on, offer some support, or ask some questions you’ve had on your mind. More than likely, other people in the group have the same concerns or questions that you do. You’re there to receive support just as much as you give it, so help support fellow members who may be feeling a little lost in their entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion 

You get out of a coaching membership as much as you put in. Make it a priority to keep up with the program because it genuinely can benefit you and your business if you stick with it. A lot of times, the people who don’t see any change are the ones who stopped showing up for themselves. It takes discipline and consistency, but your business is just as important as the next. Continue to show up for your coaching membership each month like you did when you signed up.

If you feel like you’ve been in business too long, and you’re still not reaching your goals, send us a message on Instagram. Let’s talk about what we can do to change that. I’ve been there, and that’s why I developed these systems and strategies for the Creative Boss Society. It will give you the tools to reach your new goals quickly and a pace you can manage.

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

My Top Business Apps I Can’t Live Without

My Top Business Apps I Can’t Live Without

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My Top Business Apps I Can’t Live Without

My Top Business Apps I Can't Live Without

I am so excited to share with you today the top business apps that I can’t live without.

I

 like to update people with what I’m currently using in my business in hopes that you, too, can become more organized and efficient.

As my business has grown with Crystal Clear Creative Studios and now the Creative Boss Society, there are many moving parts. Some of the apps that I use have changed within the last year, and I wanted to share them with you. 

Airtable 

It’s the organizational core of my businesses – Crystal Clear Creative Studios and the Creative Boss Society.

Everything like product photography and shot lists to client information is kept here. Along with branding information, graphics, hex codes, content calendars, and more! Airtable is the most important app that I use that I cannot live without. There’s also an app for your phone, making it super convenient when you need to access it right away.

Notion 

This is a newer app I’ve started using in my business. It has the database appeal of Airtable mixed with the nuances you love about GoodNotes. You can use it for notes, create sections, templates, spreadsheets, etc.

I love it because I can have a board in Notion and build out lesson plans and trainings for the Creative Boss Society. I can create modules and set reminders and timers, similar to Trello and Asana. There are also sharing capabilities that allow me to share content and copy with my web designer and have her go in, take the copy I’ve written, and plug it into the right places on my web page. As a visual person, I also love that you can see certain things in different views of the same type of content.

Slack 

I love Slack for team communication. It gives me one central place to track back-and-forth conversations with every team member. It’s searchable, so I can search for attachments or photos that my team might have dropped and sent to me that I need to find and vice versa. It’s a clean way of staying out of your email daily.

Dubsado  

I’ve been with this app since they were in their first year of business, and I have continued to use it because it’s so easy to customize. Dubsado is continually making improvements and changes to find ways to make a creative business owner’s life easier.

I can set up portals and workflows for my clients within the app. They have access to all of their invoices each month, and they can access them at the end of the year for tax write-offs. Dubsado also keeps track of client contracts, documents that I’ve uploaded if I’m working with a new client, email follow-ups if something needs completion by a specific time, and more.

I can automate nearly everything through the app, which allows me to focus on other areas of my business. 

Unfold 

This is one that I have on my phone that allows me to create social media graphics. I can save blank templates of backgrounds that I can use on my Instagram stories and then upload them later. If I’m doing something on the fly or posting something quickly, I can do it all through Unfold. This app is my favorite graphics creator I can use on my phone. 

Mojo 

Mojo is how I make all of the moving graphics used in my Instagram stories. I’ve used it long enough to know exactly what I want. But if you’re using it for the first time, it could be a little overwhelming because there are so many options. Once you get the hang of it, though, it really can make a powerful impact on your stories.

I’ll periodically go through and create different stories on Mojo because sometimes it’s just fun to add music or other elements. Whenever I’m getting ready to launch something or something important is going on – I use Mojo.

Voice Memos 

I use voice memos for everything, especially when it comes to blogs. I could be out somewhere, and something inspires me, so I’ll stop and do a voice memo, then go back, clean up the audio, and upload it or use it for later. I can also turn it into text with my transcribe, go onto my desktop later, grab that voice memo from my phone and turn it into an email or blog topic. 

Voxer

Voxer has become a great tool for many people in the coaching industry and many business owners in general. It allows you to have back-and-forth conversations with people at your leisure. It’s great for people who are doing coaching programs or want to speak with clients instead of sending long emails or text messages. 

Conclusion 

Those are some of the top tools that I’m currently using in my business. If you want to check it out or have some other questions on how I’m using some of these apps in my business, please let me know.

It’s never too late to jump on board and try new apps to see what works in your business. And whether you’re just starting or are already established, the Creative Boss Society will provide the direction, training, and tools you need to start selling confidently, all while being supported by your community and coach. You can also find me on Instagram, where I post tips and tricks to help you thrive as a business owner.

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

Why Market Research Matters When Starting Your Business

Why Market Research Matters When Starting Your Business

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Why Market Research Matters When Starting Your Business

Why Market Research Matters

Market research is the number one way to get to know your ideal audience or client avatar.

I

t will answer the questions of who you want to help, their problems, and if you can provide them with a solution. The more you can understand who it is you’re serving, the better you will be able to provide what they need.

 

Check the Competition 

The first way to get the information you need is to check the competition. Go to people’s websites and social media profiles who have similar audiences to you or work in the same niche. Check what kind of content they post and what people are saying about it. Take note of how your competitors interact with their audience and what calls-to-action they use.

 

You can also subscribe to their email lists to see what kind of content they send out and how often. Gather information from different people and see how you can apply it to similar areas in your business. 

 

Do not copy the competitors! The point of checking the competition is to gather information and apply it in a way that works best for you and your ideal audience. You can also better identify any gaps in the marketplace and fill them accordingly.

Identify the Target Market 

Once you’ve done your research, identify the target market. Who is it that you want to help? What kind of people are looking for your services? 

 

Market research makes things more clear as to who it is you’re trying to attract. You can then create content geared specifically towards that audience. Through your research, you will also identify specific words or phrases often used, which you can incorporate into your content to attract the right people for your business.

 

You can also go straight to the source and survey your target market. If you’re a relatively new business owner who hasn’t acquired an audience big enough to survey yet, start small. Ask friends and family if they know of anyone who fits your ideal client avatar. Facebook groups are also a good place to find your target audience.

 

Review Social Media Insights 

Another great place to find some additional information on market research is in your social media analytics. Find out which content resonated most with your audience or had the most engagement. This includes likes, comments, and shares. Insights and analytics alone tell you right away what works and what doesn’t. 

 

Your website is another great way to check your insights and see which pages are the most viewed. The data will tell you everything you need to know, including which content to make more of and which ones to scrap. 

 

I recommend checking your insights often to see what works best for your audience on each platform. Some things work better than others depending on the social media platform. The more you check, the more familiar you will get with the content that resonates with your ideal audience.

 

Conclusion 

Market research is crucial for any business owner and gives you a direction to work towards, will help you to identify your target market, and find out what sparks their interest. A little research goes a long way and provides the answers you need to create better content for your audience. 

 

Whether you’re starting in your business or are already established, the Creative Boss Society will provide the direction, training, and tools you need to start selling confidently, all while being supported by your community and coach. You can also find us on Instagram, where we post tips and tricks to help you thrive as a business owner.

 

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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