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Lessons in systems and business strategy for creative entrepreneurs

business educator teaching photographer gallery delivery
Business

Q4 is a huge time for most business owners—it’s when everything ramps up, from engagement season for wedding photographers to Black Friday sales for creative entrepreneurs, all the way through prepping for the new year. If your systems are a little messy or haven’t been given much love lately, now’s the time to fine-tune them […]

How to Fine-Tune Your Systems During Q4 (and Before the New Year)

CRM Self-Audit
Photographers

When I started my photography business, I didn’t realize how much time I’d spend doing things other than taking photos. From inquiries to contracts, editing, delivering galleries, selling albums, and everything in between—it’s a lot. Over the years, I’ve tried countless systems, apps, and tools to make my life easier, but there are three I […]

The 3 Photography Tools I Can’t Live Without in My Business

Airtable

If you’ve been shopping around for project management tools, you’ve probably seen ClickUp and Airtable pop up again and again. For a while, ClickUp was definitely the cool kid on the block, with all the bells and whistles you could ever want. On the other hand, Airtable offers a simpler, more intuitive setup that’s especially […]

Airtable vs ClickUp: Which One’s the Right Fit for Your Business?

Reviews

We’ve all been there—you finish up a project, the client’s happy, and now it’s time to ask for a client testimonial. But here’s the thing: a lot of people simply ask for a “quick review” and end up getting something vague like, “It was great to work with you!” And while that’s still positive, it’s […]

How to Ask for a Client Testimonial: Strategies to Request Feedback and Get Better Testimonials

Systems Expert Colie James on her computer
Honeybook

When I first started started setting up Honeybook for my clients, it felt like Honeybook had a long way to go before it was highest on my recommended CRM list. As a client experience strategist, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make booking smoother, contracts easier, and payments more streamlined. If you’re anything […]

My Absolute Favorite Feature Inside HoneyBook: The Smart Files

Automation

When it comes to selling prints, there’s no reason you should be spending hours on tasks that can be done automatically (we’re all about automation and making our lives easier around here!). You’ve already poured your heart into creating stunning galleries for your clients—now it’s time to set up a system that keeps them engaged […]

Automate Your Print Sales with Pic-Time

Colie James on a Unicorn Floatie in a Palm Spring pool
Airtable

Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of content ideas, resources, and endless tabs? You’re not alone! The content creation process can be chaotic and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why I created the Content Organization Hub – your all-in-one solution for organizing your content chaos into a streamlined, […]

The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Content with My Content Organization Hub

Photographers

Want to make more money as a newborn photographer? Who doesn’t? And while there is a lot of “just raise your rates” advice out there for photographers, today, I want to share all about my baby plan (what’s made me more money as a newborn photographer). If you’re looking to increase your income, build stronger […]

Make More Money as a Newborn Photographer (My Baby Plan!)

Dubsado templates for photographers
Airtable

Hey there, fellow creatives! Today, we’re diving into the epic battle between Airtable and traditional spreadsheets. Spoiler alert: Airtable is the hero we’ve all been waiting for! If you’re a photographer or creative entrepreneur juggling a zillion projects, this post is for you. Grab your favorite cocktail, or mocktail if that’s more your speed, and […]

Airtable vs. Spreadsheets: Why Airtable Should Replace Your Spreadsheets

I'm a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living!

With 10+ years in the creative space, Colie believes every creative deserves to build a business that is sustainable and profitable, and no one should quit their 9 to 5 only to work 24/7 [in their business].

The truth—automated systems can save us all from being overworked and overwhelmed.

I believe every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit.

Hi, I'm Colie. 

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