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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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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.

The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset

The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset

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The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset

The Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset

Your mindset is everything when you’re starting in your business. Finding ways to practice a positive mindset routine can make all the difference when the going gets tough.

B

eing an entrepreneur is no easy feat, but it can be so rewarding when you see your hard work come to fruition.

It’s easy to feel bored or lost because you hear yourself all the time, but how is it really looking? Are you letting the negative thoughts get in the way of your abilities? Here are a few reasons why entrepreneurial mindset work is so important.

No Comparison Mindset 

By now, you know that social media can be a blessing and a curse. Chances are at some point in your life, you have found yourself endlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed. Then, by the time you put your phone down, your mood has changed for the worse.

 

Subconsciously, you spent all that time comparing yourself to other entrepreneurs and their progress. You start doubting your capabilities and your services and wonder if this life is for you.I’m here to tell you that it is. Sometimes, we all need a little reminder that everyone is on their own path—focus on yourself and your success, and no one else’s. You have no idea what’s going on behind closed doors.

 

Remember that your journey is different than everyone else’s. Instead, turn comparison into inspiration for how to make things better in your own business. What’s working for that person that you can incorporate into your business? Not everyone is as perfect as social media makes them out to be.

 

You Are Enough Mindset

Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take the next steps in your business because that day may never come. There’s no better time than the present to take action, whether you’re just beginning or scaling upwards. You have the tools to get started, and you can learn the rest along the way. Putting pressure on yourself to know everything is counterproductive. Free resources and content are great starting points, but eventually, you need to go for it. Don’t let your fear of failure hold you back from all the possibilities that are available to you. As long as you know that you will make mistakes along the way, learn from them, and keep going. 

 

Abundance Mindset

One thing to be clear about right now is that there is room for you and your business in the online world. Despite what people say about there being too many entrepreneurs or that the market is too saturated is not true. You, too, can succeed as an entrepreneur, friend. It’s so important that you get rid of the scarcity mindset and start believing that you are capable of abundance. You can have that 6-figure launch you’ve always dreamed of, but you need to believe that you can do it. Sometimes, a little accountability and support can play a huge role in getting you where you want to be as a business owner. This is why I’ve created the Creative Boss Society. It’s an opportunity for you to get the systems and strategies you need to move your business forward.

 

Conclusion

Mastering your mindset is an ongoing process. There are so many different ways to work on yourself as a person and as a business owner. Know that the entrepreneurial journey is not an easy one, and you should be so proud of yourself for making the first steps towards a better you. If you need action plans that are straight forward and easy to implement, check out our membership program. Here, you’ll learn to leverage success, grow month to month, and develop new relationships with other business owners too!

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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.

The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play

Every successful business has developed and shared its story in a way that their audience can relate to.

brand story is how you build strong, emotional connections with your ideal audience. Your products are an addition to that. You may create unique products, but what people are really buying into is the story you put out into the world. It’s what your customers resonate with most and why they become loyal to you and your brand over time.

Build the Foundation

Your brand story is what builds the foundation of your business. It’s what helps your ideal audience understand who you are, what you do, what you stand for, and why they should choose you. Your story is what they care about most and why they, ultimately, buy from you. Share the most authentic pieces of your story that people can relate to and care about.

 

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. Your brand story is no different. The beginning is where you want to be clear. Who is this story for? The middle is where you address the problems and struggles your audience may have. And, the end is how you can help.

 

Your customers are the main characters of the story. You want to give them a visual example of where they fit into your brand. They need to be able to see themselves and their problems answered with the help of your product.

 

How you want your audience to feel when they come across your brand should be incorporated into your designs, logos, color palettes, and packaging.

 

Where Your Photos Come In

 

Using your product images to help tell your brand story is the easiest way to deepen the connection with your audience. Specific elements like models or props are a great way for you to make your brand more relatable.

 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – people relate to people. The types of models you use, how they interact with your products, what they’re wearing – everything goes back to your brand story, and what it represents. When you know your ideal customer and understand their journey, it’s easier for you to create the right images that resonate with them most.

 

If you outsource your product photography, connect with someone who understands your story and how you want to share it. If you struggle to communicate your product photo ideas to your photographer, I cover everything you need to know here.

 

Your images should show how your products solve your customer’s problems. Use your photos as a way to capture how they make people feel, what it can do to help make life easier, etc. There’s a lot of power in visual storytelling. Share yours in a way that captivates your audience.

 

Conclusion

 

Every piece of your brand story (the good and the bad) needs to be told. It’s the not-so-glamorous parts that your audience will most likely relate to. How can you incorporate that into your visuals? Create solutions through your photos. Your brand story should show how you can help others solve their biggest problems and why you are the person who can solve it. Your audience wants to feel understood. Sharing every aspect of your story with them builds trust and stronger relationships.

 

If you want to reevaluate your offer or go back to some of the necessary steps because your company is brand new, then let’s talk. The Creative Boss Society is where I’m teaching other creatives how to use methods that I have applied in my brand and business to grow. I will help you get straight to the strategy that is working for you. Let me know if you have any questions. I’d love to help! You can also find me on Instagram.

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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.

Using the Science of Color to Attract Your Audience in Photography

Using the Science of Color to Attract Your Audience in Photography

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Using the Science of Color to Attract Your Audience in Photography

Social media is one of the best marketing resources you can use as a business owner.

T

here is actual science to colors and what attracts your audience. So it is time to stop being a skeptic and start getting on the branding bandwagon as we dive into how you can use the science of color to attract your audience in photography. It goes as deep as using colors and contrast to focus your audience’s attention to one place. 

 

You can use brighter colors to attract and energize or use muted and neutral tones to show calmness and cleanliness. The message you want to share with your audience will depend on the colors you choose that also represent your brand. Here are a few tips on using the science of color to attract your audience in photography.

 

Know Your Brand Values

 

Before you decide which colors best fit your company’s brand message, you need to know your company values. What is it about your product or your company that makes you stand out from the next business owner creating similar products? Who is the audience you want to attract? Understand your customer’s journey before anything else. When you know your ideal audience, likes, and dislikes, it’s much easier to market your products.

 

Classify Your Colors

 

Once you are clear with your brand values and who your ideal client avatar is, you can choose which colors best fit your message. Classifying your colors helps your audience understand your brand and can dictate their behavior and decision-making. 

 

Choosing the right colors can also evoke emotion with your ideal customers. What is it that you want them to feel or experience when they see your products for the first time? Both colors and product photography are among the first impressions people will get from your business, so being mindful of both is extremely important. Your choice of colors can influence customers to buy your product if done correctly.

 

Color Psychology

 

If you’re not familiar with the science of color or what each color might mean, let’s break it down. According to Small Biz Trends, each color has its meaning. For example, red associates with excitement, green is health and nature, purple is wisdom, blue is tranquil, orange and yellow are cheerful, and so on.

 

Each color can affect a person’s mood in many ways, so it’s important to consider these associations before choosing which colors you want to incorporate into your business. 

 

Incorporating Colors into Your Business

 

Decide which colors represent your brand and resonate most with your ICA. You’ll then want to incorporate these colors into your business, on your website, in your packaging, in your advertisements, etc. The key is to stay consistent across all platforms to create brand recognition. Use the colors often to grab your customer’s attention and improve your brand’s visibility.

 

Conclusion

 

This is why I find beauty products, skincare, and clothing companies to gravitate toward my style. I value things like clarity, organization, and creativity and have created my brand to focus on concepts like structure and innovation. 

 

There are no right colors to choose from. Consider your brand message and which colors best serve that. If you need help understanding how to incorporate colors into your business, I’d be happy to connect with you! I also share some of my best tips and tricks on Instagram!

 

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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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