421: Our personal Instagram Strategies, How to Start Workshops, and Friends Asking for Discounts… OH MY! (Q&A episode with Lindsey & Evie)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Heart & Hustle Podcast | Episode 421

Title: Our Personal Instagram Strategies, How to Start Workshops, and Friends Asking for Discounts… OH MY!
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Format: Q&A Episode

The Heart & Hustle Podcast is a go-to resource for creative entrepreneurs seeking practical business and lifestyle advice. In Episode 421, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman address a variety of listener-submitted questions, providing insightful strategies and personal experiences to empower entrepreneurs in their journeys.

---

1. Setting Boundaries for Friends Expecting Discounts

Question by Shanna ([03:13]):
What are your boundaries for friends expecting a discount from you?

Discussion Highlights:

• Evie on Discounting Friends ([03:24]):
  "First and foremost, this applies to just discounts in general. So keep that in mind. You do not have to give a discount ever."

• Lindsey on Handling Expectations ([05:27]):
  "Just kindly respond with an invoice."

• Evie’s Approach to Pricing ([06:37]):
  "If you feel fine giving a discount, give a discount. That doesn't matter. It's not the end of the world."

• Balancing Relationships and Business ([09:10]):
  "You don't need to give that person who's throwing a hissy fit a discount."

Key Insights:

• Assertiveness: It's essential to set clear boundaries and communicate them honestly.
• Flexibility: Discounts can be offered if it aligns with your capacity and business model.
• Professionalism: Upholding your pricing structure maintains the integrity of your services and prevents strained relationships.

---

2. Instagram Content Planning: Pre-Planning vs. On-the-Fly Creation

Question by Rachel ([09:23]):
Do you pre-plan your IG posts or just create them as you go?

Discussion Highlights:

• Seasonal Strategy ([09:31] Evie):
  "It depends on the season is what I would say."

• Lindsey on Blueprint Strategies ([09:35]):
  "Sometimes I have a blueprint strategy and I have my pillars all aligned."

• Balancing Planning and Spontaneity ([09:54] Evie):
  "We have seasons where we pre-plan and seasons where we post as we go."

Key Insights:

• Adaptability: Adjust your Instagram strategy based on your current business phase—whether in a hustle season requiring strategic planning or a more relaxed period allowing spontaneous posts.
• Consistency vs. Flexibility: Having a balance between planned content and real-time creation can enhance engagement and maintain a dynamic online presence.

---

3. Starting to Host Workshops

Question by Sawyer ([11:01]):
How to get started hosting workshops?

Discussion Highlights:

• Reference to Past Experience ([11:08] Lindsey):
  "We have an old Episode on this... Episode 32."

• Evie’s Advice on Event Planning ([12:12]):
  "Start with something that is like a little bit less stakes, less risk."

• Importance of Location and Logistics ([16:08] Lindsey):
  "Location is probably the biggest expense up front."

• Financial Planning:
  "You need to book the venue before selling tickets to ensure availability."

Key Insights:

• Start Small: Begin with low-stakes events to manage risk and gain experience.
• Comprehensive Planning: Secure your venue and handle logistical details before ticket sales.
• Seek Support: Consider hiring a mentor or coach to navigate the complexities of workshop hosting effectively.

---

4. Going Full-Time with Family Photography

Question by Emma ([21:17]):
Thoughts about going full time with family photography. Is it possible?

Discussion Highlights:

• Financial Viability ([21:37] Evie):
  "You can make very good money... you can charge a premium doing just about any niche of photography."

• Value Proposition ([24:59] Lindsay):
  "If you are a category of one and you are known for giving an expert service... you can charge whatever you want."

• Client Alignment:
  "If someone's like, oh, you're too expensive, they just don't value you enough."

Key Insights:

• Niche Mastery: Excelling in a specific photography niche can justify higher pricing and attract dedicated clients.
• Unique Value: Positioning yourself as an expert or a unique provider in family photography can enhance your marketability.
• Client Compatibility: Focus on attracting clients who appreciate and can afford your value proposition, ensuring sustainable business growth.

---

5. Utilizing the Enneagram in Business and Personal Life

Question by Laura ([27:08]):
Do y'all do the Enneagram? And if so, do you think it's accurate?

Discussion Highlights:

• Personal Use ([27:54] Evie):
  "I have found it can be very helpful with my team and other relationships."

• Lindsey’s Perspective ([30:22]):
  "I view it as a tool to help me understand an aspect of my personality and other personalities to help connect."

• Cautions Against Rigidity ([32:38] Evie):
  "It is not a one size fits all box... it's just for self-awareness and the ability to continue to grow."

Key Insights:

• Self-Awareness: The Enneagram can be a valuable tool for understanding personal and interpersonal dynamics.
• Flexibility: Use the Enneagram as a guide rather than a strict framework, allowing for personal growth and adaptation.
• Selective Application: Incorporate the Enneagram insights where they naturally fit, such as in team management and relationship building, without letting it constrain your worldview.

---

Conclusion

In this engaging Q&A session, Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman offer practical advice and personal anecdotes on managing business boundaries, optimizing social media strategies, initiating workshops, pursuing specialized photography niches, and leveraging personality frameworks like the Enneagram. Their candid discussions provide valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs aiming to balance personal relationships with professional growth, enhance their online presence, and navigate the complexities of running a creative business.

Listeners are encouraged to engage further by joining the Heart and Hustle community and accessing additional resources to support their entrepreneurial journeys.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Evie on Burnout ([00:51]): "You are not alone in that struggle."
• Lindsey on Instagram Strategy ([09:35]): "I just feel a little more clear."
• Evie on Discount Boundaries ([06:37]): "If you feel fine giving a discount, give a Discount."
• Lindsey on Pricing in Family Photography ([21:37]): "You can make very good money... you can charge a premium."

---

Note: Timestamps refer to the transcript provided and highlight the beginning of each relevant discussion segment.

Transcript

[Lindsay Roman]

You're listening to the Heart and Hustle podcast. We are your hosts, Evvi MacLeod and Lindsay Roman. Welcome back to another show, my friend. Today is another Q and A episode. We had you. Our listeners submit questions and we answered a good handful of stuff. We covered a lot of ground. We talked about giving friends discounts, yes or no. We talked about do we plan our Instagram content or do we just wing it on the fly. We also talked about hosting workshops and how to get started in that. What to do if you're wanting to go full time with family photography in a season where or in a situation where you know, you can't make quote, unquote, as much money as in weddings. All the tea there. I know. And then we also talked about the Enneagram. So lots of good topics were discussed on today's episode. And it's just gonna be a good time. You know, it's a good time when we get together on the mic and we talk and answer questions and so without further ado, let's get into it.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Hey you. Yes, you. Listening to this podcast, do you feel like you've lost all passion, motivation and creativity? If your hand is raised high to the sky, it sounds like you might be struggling with a little thing we like to call burnout. And let me just tell you, you are not alone in that struggle. We've both struggled hard with burnout in the past couple of years, pushing ourselves beyond our boundaries without any time to rest.

Yeah, let me tell you, it is not fun. Over the last year we've been diligent in setting up boundaries to combat burnout. And let me tell you, we have learned a thing or two. If you've been here for a while, you know we are all about sharing the love and helpful info at the Heart University. That is why we want to share our tools and strategies to help you deal with feel completely depleted. Because as business owners, we are all at risk of burnout. So if you're on the edge and needing help prioritizing rest in your schedule, look no further. We have a freebie ready for you to download and implement into your life. Snag [e-mail] burnout.

[Lindsay Roman]

Hey.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Hey. I'm Lindsay Roman.

[Lindsay Roman]

And I'm Evie McLeod and we are.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Family and legacy focused serial entrepreneurs and the founders of the Hart University, a business education company with a mission to help you thrive in your business and life.

Welcome to our Entrepreneur Cocktail hour where.

[Lindsay Roman]

Business and marketing strategies meet faith, real talk and raw in life changing conversations.

[Evvi MacLeod]

At the end of the day. We are all in this together, figuring out how to navigate the ups and downs, the messy and the beautiful and everything in between. This is a community where you can come as you are, get inspired and walk away, equipped to build a legacy filled life.

[Lindsay Roman]

You're listening to the Heart and Hustle podcast. Let's go.

[Evvi MacLeod]

All right, welcome back.

[Lindsay Roman]

I'm jazzed through the podcast.

[Evvi MacLeod]

We're doing a Q and A episode and we are just going to dive right on in. Just quick encouragement if you are not already in our Heart and Hustle Facebook group. Be in there or be square.

[Lindsay Roman]

Because link is in bio. Yes, we link is in the show notes.

[Evvi MacLeod]

What? Sure. Link is in bio. Bio. Wow. We post Q and A stuff in there or episode suggestions. We also pay attention to any suggestions. You guys have feedback from the episodes and people have amazing support for each other and just the business community in general. So be in there that we would encourage it. Now let's dive into the first question.

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay, first question is from Shanna. She asks, what are your boundaries for friends expecting a discount from you?

[Evvi MacLeod]

I have so many thoughts.

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay, please go. Okay.

[Evvi MacLeod]

First and foremost, this applies to just discounts in general. So keep that in mind. You do not have to give a discount ever.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah. It's up to you.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Unless you want to. And I think that's the biggest thing. Like, when it comes to friends expecting a discount from me, if it is a situation or a scenario, when I feel like that has been expressed by myself or communicated that that is perfectly fine. And I personally have no issues whatsoever doing something for free or for discounted for a friend. Like, I have no issues whatsoever with a friend expecting that. Like, if I've communicated that and I've told them that that's acceptable.

[Lindsay Roman]

Feel like the question is probably like somebody is expecting it from her and.

[Evvi MacLeod]

She doesn't want to do it.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah. Like, it's just like almost like a family member.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah. Then that's a different. That's a totally different scenario to me. I just want to encourage, like, I feel like in the industry there's almost this like huge, like, discounts. Oh, my gosh. People expect a discount and it's like this like, villainized aspect where I'm personally, like, if you are wanting to give a discount, like, if you feel fine with that, don't let the industry chatter around it. Make it feel like that's a terrible thing for a friend to expect or want or ask for a discount. I'm like, if. If you feel fine giving a discount, give a Discount. That doesn't matter. It's not the end of the world. It's not like this horrible thing. It doesn't mean your friend hates you. It means that maybe they are on a budget and you get to bless them. Like, I just, I just want to encourage, like, don't perceive it as a terrible thing just because some people in the industry may say so. However, if it is a scenario when you're like, I have such limited time or capacity, or whatever, you're like, I just, I don't really like this person, whatever it is that you're like, I do not want to do this, let alone give a discount. Or, I just really don't want to do this unless my time's free, being fully paid for whatever it is and somebody is expecting it from you. I would personally just approach it with you.

[Lindsay Roman]

Just kindly respond with an invoice.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Oh, my gosh.

[Lindsay Roman]

That's not what I was gonna say.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I was gonna say, like, I would just encourage, like, being honest and being like, hey, my time is incredibly limited.

[Lindsay Roman]

Well, that's. If they, if they point blank ask.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Well, yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

What if they don't ask but it's implied?

[Evvi MacLeod]

Like, they're like, hey, could you hook me up with whatever?

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah. Or. Or maybe somebody. Christmas time was, you know, last month. So it's like, what if somebody is.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Like, hey, would you take some Christmas family cards?

[Lindsay Roman]

Hey, hey, while we're together for the holidays, do you mind just like, like, snapping a couple. Snapping a couple. And. And again, if you're totally fine with that, that doesn't have to be an automatic. No, but if it's like a boundary cross for you or if it's like a person that's like, it doesn't even make sense. Like, you don't. You don't have personal relationship with them. Yeah, I don't know why they'd be at holiday whatever. But, like, say it was something like that where it's like, they didn't ask. Like, hey, could you do this for free? But it was just implied. But, but they didn't explicitly ask. Would you just say, hey, yeah, fill out my contact form and, like, we could get you booked. Like, would you say something like that? Or would you be point blank?

[Evvi MacLeod]

Even if they didn't, I almost think, I almost think I would just still be, like, point blank. And honestly, okay. Like, if somebody came to me and was like, hey, could you just, like, really quick, like, snap a couple of photos? Like, and it was a scenario when I couldn't be like, yeah, absolutely. Here's I would probably.

[Lindsay Roman]

My pricing guide, possibly.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It depends on my relationship to the person. I think that's the ultimate bottom line.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

So sending them your, you know, directing them to your inquiry form, sending them your pricing guide, those are all viable, like credible options. But I think there's also an element in me and maybe it's just the way I communicate that I would consider also being like, hey, I would love to. That sounds really fun. This is actually like a bit of a vacation time for me. Or. Or I. My time is so limited between like the minimal childcare I have and like, I don't really. Whatever it is, if whatever is actually genuinely causing you some strain. If it's like, hey, I don't have time for this. I'm swamped with like sessions or editing or, you know, my. Whatever. My business is like, I can barely keep up with the inventory as it is. If you're doing the product business, whatever it is, I would almost be like directly honest to be like, hey, at this I'm not really giving out discounts or offering like, you know, a two minute shoot at the family party. I wasn't even planning to bring my gear. Like, whatever it is in the scenario. I would almost just be honest and be like, however, like, because I do love you, like, if you really want me to make this happen, like, I am happy to. I just, you know, I would need to, you know, have it be compensated. Yeah. To have it be a like official booking in order for it to be justified in my mind to add the additional workload at this time.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah. Like, that's a fair. If somebody balks at that, you don't need them, frankly.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah. If somebody like throws a little hissy fit over that, in my opinion, they're not the person you want to work with anyways. Yeah. Or like you don't, you don't. There's no reason that you need to be giving that person who's throwing a hissy fit a discount. Like, so that's just me. I would just be honest and also not be afraid to give discounts if that feels aligned. Like, yeah, don't be afraid to do things for free or discounted for those you love and care about the most because you want to bless them. Like, I have shot so so much of my sister's like, life and you know, engagement, couples, births, family photos, whatever over the years. Same with like my brother and his family. Like, and I love it and I will never ever. I could never even imagine charging my siblings. Like, it is so fun for Me to document their families, and I love it, and I will continue to do it. Like, we've done shoots for each other for free, technically, but for trade, like, hey, you document this, I'll document this, and it's fun for us.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It's, like, not a question of doing it blatantly for free. But if that's not the case, then I would just be honest and be like, hey, here's where I'm at. It just doesn't work for me right now.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

So, yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

All right, next question is from Rachel. She asked, do you pre plan your IG posts or just create them as you go?

[Evvi MacLeod]

I love this question.

[Lindsay Roman]

I think it depends on the season is what I would say.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yep. 100%.

[Lindsay Roman]

Sometimes I have, like, a blueprint strategy and I have my pillars all aligned, and I'm like, yes, Based on these pillars and all my content and the direction I'm wanting, my business, my go calendar.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I've planned out all my posts for, like, two, two, three weeks.

[Lindsay Roman]

There are seasons where that is the case.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

And then there are other seasons where I don't have any plan.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

And I take a photo and I'm like, that's dope. I'm gonna post it.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah. I think typically for us, the differences in those seasons is when we are in a, like, more of a hustle season, like, we're really needing to build or promote our business. We have a lot more strategy, and we, like, pre plan, we, you know, strategize. We create ahead. We batch content, whatever. And the seasons, when things are just kind of like, coasting or cruising and we're getting the bookings we need or whatever, or we're just super busy and we're just letting our business take a backseat. Either one. That's when it kind of just, like, we post as we go. But we've done both over the years. Many times. We've switched back and forth a lot. But I would say I like it when I have more clarity in a plan and strategy a little bit more. Even if it's like, hey, I'm gonna post, like, once a week, like, or bi weekly or whatever. I just feel a little more clear. But there's also seasons where it's really fun and to just go off the cuff. So.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah. That's our answer.

[Lindsay Roman]

That is our answer.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Okay. The next question is from Sawyer, and she asked. Or he. Sawyer.

[Lindsay Roman]

I think it's a girl.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I think it is. They asked how to get started hosting workshops.

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay. Before we even answer, we have an old Episode on this. I think it's episode 32. So like we're in the four hundreds now, right? Yeah. So it's a minute ago. I think it came out in 2019. However, I still remember that being bomb. Obviously we've learned a lot since then, but that episode was. So it's basically what we did right and wrong hosting workshops. And we recorded that before we like re. Started doing.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Relaunched them. Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

The re launch the heart workshop again. But I will say we put like a lot of information into that. So even though it's an old episode, scroll back or just type in Heart and hustle episode 32 into wherever you're listening to episodes and listen to that. That said, updated thoughts.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I think. I think the one thing that immediately comes to my mind is like how to get started hosting workshops. Was the question the one thing that I kind of like threw out there that you were like. Yes, like before we started. Press record on this question. I personally would encourage maybe starting with like a content day that you sell tickets to.

[Lindsay Roman]

Like, ironically, we didn't do that.

[Evvi MacLeod]

But yes, we did not do that.

[Lindsay Roman]

We.

[Evvi MacLeod]

We are all or nothing girlies.

[Lindsay Roman]

But it helps.

[Evvi MacLeod]

We are delusional girls.

[Lindsay Roman]

We are delusional to a fault. I think starting. Starting with something that is like a little bit less stakes, less risk, but is still an event that you're hosting that people come to. But isn't overnight. Like it's a nice lodging.

[Evvi MacLeod]

You don't have the meals. You don't have, you know, all.

[Lindsay Roman]

You might just have like a day rental for a studio or peer space or, you know, wherever the event is being hosted. A venue. Yeah, all the things. And then you have all of. Obviously all of the moving parts. I guess also, I'm assuming this is a photography workshop. It's not. It doesn't have to be. The question is just how to get started hosting workshops.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

So it's. If it. If it's coming from a non photographer.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I would still say depending on what host.

[Lindsay Roman]

Like a day.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yes. Host a day event. Do. I would personally not. Not saying do not start with overnights. But it. I would consider.

[Lindsay Roman]

You said that made me think of the Bachelor. What Start with overnights.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Oh, Lord.

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I haven't.

[Lindsay Roman]

Continue.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I don't think I've ever seen a full episode. So I don't even.

[Lindsay Roman]

Really Interesting.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Not my.

[Lindsay Roman]

I fell off of it when Chris Harrison went away. That's another. That's another story. Okay, continue.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, I think it's. You're. You're going to eliminate quite A bit of work and risk by simply starting with a day event. So I think that's the thing that I would encourage. And then I, I've personally. And I think you probably have too, I've coached a lot of entrepreneurs hoping to get into this start of education or whatever and like shared everything I know and given them step by step, plans and strategies and how to launch it, how to market it, how to present it, all the back end of like ticket sal. Setups and, you know, the, the terms and conditions you need, the web page and the, you know, all that. So, like, there is a lot that goes into it, even for a day event. Um, so if you are in a place where you're like, I'm really ready to take education seriously or go into the next level or start a workshop or content days or events or whatever, like, if, if you need support or want support, I think that's a really powerful way to do it too. And hiring like a mentor or coach who's done it, who knows all the ins and outs, who can kind of like shortcut it for you.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

And help you avoid all the pitfalls is awesome. But also go listen to episode 32 because we did share lot and that's a fun one.

[Lindsay Roman]

I think some final things that I'm thinking of is. I know I've had a past coaching student ask me. She was like, okay, how. How do I start it? When like I. I need the ticket sales in order to book like the venue or the. Or the, like. In my experience, the location is probably the biggest expense up front. Like usually the lodging, airbnb, the venue, what. Whatever location that you're, you know, whether it's a day or overnight situation. And in my opinion, I don't think there is a world in which you can sell tickets unless that is booked. Just because you have to have a security for a specific date, you can't sell tickets to a specific date, get people's money, and then hope that that venue or location.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Location is still available.

[Lindsay Roman]

Like, you need to book that before you have money in. Like, that's just smart. Like, I don't think you can do it another way.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I would not do it another way.

[Lindsay Roman]

No. So you need, you need to have money from something else in order to do it. Like, so when we first started. So our first workshop was before the heart really existed as an entity and a bank account, you know, that existed. I funded it, I think the first one. And then once we had ticket sales, we just reimbursed me.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

And then it was literally.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It was literally. We just used her card. Like, we were like, we need to put one card down on file. And she's like, let's just use mine. Like it was. And then.

[Lindsay Roman]

Well, I think for the whole first workshop, I think I might have paid for everything. And then we reimbursed business card and then split the profits. Yeah, because that was before the.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Anyways, we didn't have one bank account, like a joint bank account to pull money out of business and we didn't have a joint card, so we had to use one of ours. So. Yeah, you could.

[Lindsay Roman]

So that's. That's the thing. The other thing just to think about if you are wanting to go into like overnights is just all the moving parts of like bed count, like she said, contracts. Thinking about food, thinking about the menu, thinking about dietary restrictions, how you're going.

[Evvi MacLeod]

To accommodate that, what the schedule, transportation to and from.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yep. Making sure that, like when we pick out workshop locations, location, like, it takes days of research just to even pick a new location. Because there's so many factors, especially if you are planning photography workshops. It has to be beautiful. Like, that's like it. It has to.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, yeah. I was gonna say unless you're not shooting there, but I was like, no. Even photographers care about aesthetics, so they do.

[Lindsay Roman]

If you're doing headshots of any. Yeah, yeah. Even if the shoots, like the styled shoots are not on property of the like lodging location, but like the aesthetics, the bed count, like I said, making sure that. I think the biggest thing for us is location to the nearest airport. Is it accessible? How could you get to it easily? Is it beautiful? And then bed count.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

A minor thing is like making sure that there is either a TV or a system projector to make sure that we can project our slides for teaching talks if that applies to your workshop or not. But that, that's a minor thing. But I would say like bed count, ironically, that is like one of the biggest factors in like how we price it and figuring out profit. Because, like knowing how many people can come and what the lodging or not the lodging, but like the, the sleeping arrangements would be, dictates what the price is, dictates how many tickets at what price, and then that dictates profit based, you know, just doing all the math on expenses and all that.

[Evvi MacLeod]

All right, entrepreneurs, let's face it, you're in a pickle. You're not attracting your ideal clients because your brand visuals are just meh at best and you're not showing up as the Professional ready to make their life 500 times better. Do you honestly feel like your website just sucks? Like your branding feels like you created it in Microsoft's Paint? Anyone else remember Microsoft's Paint? Is that just me?

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay.

[Evvi MacLeod]

And your, your client experience just overall feels like it's seriously lacking and you just need a change right now. But let's be honest, you're not ready to drop 8k on a custom web and brand design. Well, don't worry, that's where we come in.

[Lindsay Roman]

Introducing the solution to all of your website struggles. The Heart Shop Website templates. Now, we spent hours designing these customizable, professional and conversion intense website templates with our incredible designer Sarah Crook of Elizabeth Designs. They are so incredibly easy to use and customize with Showit's user friendly interface. Yes, by the way, you can easily learn how to work with Showit even if you've never touched a website or any design platform before. And you can change literally anything you want. No more being limited to squares on your website. It's a drag and drop system that is freaking easy and looks incredible. Oh, oh, you want more information?

Cool.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I got you.

[Lindsay Roman]

The templates come already SEO optimized with copy prompts from Lindsay and I included. Yeah, you don't just get nonsensical filler text, you get bomb education and prompts from Lindsay and I to help you wow your potential clients and crush your website copy. And we designed a variety of these in different styles so you can find the closest match and then tweak it to make it fully your own.

[Evvi MacLeod]

If you're ready to save thousands of dollars and hours upon hours upon hours of your time and get clients flooding through your website, you need to check these out. So grab [e-mail] website templates one more time. That's theheartuniversity.com website templates. If you're enjoying what you're getting in this podcast for free, then you're about to get your mind blown with what we offer in our educational if you're ready to uplevel your business, serve your clients like never before, and reach revenue goals that you've barely dared to dream of, then we're ready to help.

[Lindsay Roman]

Our courses are packed full of tools, formulas, strategies and resources to help you kick freaking butt in biz. Whether you choose the Photo Major, a complete course for photographers, or the Content Photo Minor, a mini course on how to finally slay your content photos for your blog, Insta Headshots, whatever, you will walk away with more knowledge than you ever Thought possible. And here's the reality. We are here to see you succeed always and forever. And that is why we created each and every one of these courses.

[Evvi MacLeod]

To check them out for yourself, read the reviews and look at each course syllabus. Go to TheHeartUniversity.com courses. That's TheHeartUniversity.com courses.

Yeah, it's a lot of math and a lot of stuff, but we shared a lot in episode 32, and hopefully that gave you a good starting point. I would start smaller if you can, if you want to, and just dip your toe in, get into the shallow end first. Not that you can't dive into the deep end, but it's just an awesome way to be. Like, do I like this? Does this work for me? Is this something that I really want to go even deeper into, or is the water kind of cold and it's not really my favorite thing and I kind of want to leave? Um, yeah. So just an encouragement with that. Okay, the next question is from Emma, and she said, thoughts about going full time with family photography. Is it possible?

[Lindsay Roman]

So what's implied in this question, I think is the idea, because she's like, is it possible to go full time with family photography? I'm assuming that the underlying, like, presupposition to that question is, can, is it possible to go full time with a niche that's not weddings? Because you're not charging, like, three to $4,000 per client. Yeah, I'm assuming that that's kind of.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Like, can you make good money with family photography full time? Is kind of what I'm hearing.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yes, I. Yes, yes, I think you could. You could also insert a different niche for family and that could still apply. Like senior. Yeah, newborn.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Like, we have past coaching students, past workshop students, like friends in the industry, people that currently actively do very well for themselves. And I do also want to, like, say, that looks different for everyone. I don't want to be like, oh, the. The marker of success is six figures as a photographer. Like, no, it's not for some people, you know, you want to have way more time with your family and you don't want to leave on the weekends. And that's part of why you really love families and doing, you know, want to do family photography, whatever. So maybe you don't care making 150,000 a year. You would love to make 70,000 a year and that's a really good number for you. Whatever. But you can make very good money, have an incredible brand, incredible, like, demand for your product, service and Be able to charge a premium doing just about any niche of photography. You just have to be willing to think outside the box because wedding photography is a more, a higher ticket.

[Lindsay Roman]

People understand just the, the world wide web of people what understand. I think there is just like it's understood in the world that when you hire a photographer for your wedding because it is a once in a lifetime event, it's a high stakes event, people are just naturally prepared for weddings to be costly because that's just an association in the world. And so I think they go into it naturally expecting to spend more. So you're able in theory to charge more. Also you're, it takes physically more time for a client. You're there for eight plus hours probably.

[Evvi MacLeod]

And then editing for, for, you know.

[Lindsay Roman]

That many photos is just physically more time than even a two hour session. Right. Even with all that. However, that said, sure, maybe you can't. Well, even I was gonna say maybe you can't charge like 3,000 for a family session. But I mean depending on who your ideal client is and what your offer is, I would, I would say divergent thinking. Like think outside the box. Don't, don't almost automatically just assume like, oh, because it's only two hours, I can only charge X. No, if you find the right ideal client and give them what a value that they deem very, very valuable and they are willing to pay for that value, then yes, you can charge whatever you want. I think one of the best examples I keep thinking of is Abby and Callan Hearn from the Hearns. I, I've just followed their business and we're friends with them. But like I followed their business for a long time and I, I watched them actively like raise their prices over the years and I think I'm pretty sure now for a session, granted they do adventure, they're not family photographers, but still like for a session they do like adventurous things. They go out into national parks and stuff. I think they charge three or four thousand dollars for a session, like a two hour session. Again, not family photographers, that's completely different. But just to showcase you can do something for a lesser amount of time for high dollars. If you find the right client and you market yourself as like only you can do it. Like if you become like only you.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Can deliver the experience that you deliver.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yes, exactly. Like if you are a category of one and you are known for giving a expert service and you promote and, and showcase the value of that, I think that's the biggest thing. I think when people think like, oh, that's too expensive. There's not, there's. In my opinion, there's no such thing as too expensive. When someone's like, oh, you're too expensive. They just don't value you enough or they don't value what you're giving them.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Or you're just marketing to the wrong person. Person.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

It's like if somebody comes in to me, it's like, hey, you're too expensive. I'm just like, thank you for your opinion.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

Because that's an opinion. That's what that is.

[Evvi MacLeod]

That was sassy.

[Lindsay Roman]

I mean, going out.

[Evvi MacLeod]

There have been situations with past clients. Like, I still, I get people who are heartbroken over it usually at this point. Or like, I'm so bummed. But like, you were significantly outside of our budget. And I'm like, oh, I'm such. That's such a bummer. I'm so sorry. Like, genuinely, like, that makes me really sad. Especially if they like really wanted to work with me. But I save myself for the clients who are like, not even a question. Where do I sign?

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

And you will get those clients. It's just all a matter of who you're marketing to and how you're marketing. And there's nothing wrong with. With the clients coming in as long as they're not giving me attitude about it personally. Then if they're just like, oh, you're too expensive. I'm like, oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, I'll send you recommendations.

[Lindsay Roman]

You know, I think in order to get there, like, say, I don't know. Emma, who asked this question where she's at in her journey of family? I guess she's not full time because she asked thoughts about going full time with family photography. So to Emma or anybody listening, dig into your why Dig into what makes you special. What makes. Like, why should I hire Emma for my family photos? Why should I, like, fly my family to Emma where she lives or fly Emma to me because her work is that stunning or her as a human being is that iconic that like, no one will do other than Emma. Okay. That you don't have to fly just in order to be a full time family. But that's just an example of, like, figure out what your secret sauce is and how to match that with what your ideal client is wanting and pair those and market the crap out of it.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah. 100 there's. There's so much that we could also say within this. This could be an entire episode.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

But 100 Emma. It is 100 possible. And we see Students of ours do it all the time.

[Lindsay Roman]

All the time.

[Evvi MacLeod]

So I love it. Okay, last question is from Laura, and she says, do y'all do the Enneagram? And if so, do you think it's accurate?

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay, question. When it says, do the Enneagram, what does that mean? Just have to be taken the test. Do we adhere.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Interpreted it as.

[Lindsay Roman]

Do we utilize.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Utilize it.

[Lindsay Roman]

Okay. I don't know if I utilize it in the way that, like, a lot of people do. Well, I. I don't use it as, like, a formula to act to, like, apply. I don't know. I don't know what. So does that make sense?

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, I would say you have a worksheet. I would say we very lightly use the Enneagram. So we know. We have both taken the tests. We know our Enneagram numbers. The one thing that I will say is often helpful and where I do kind of utilize it and when I say lightly utilize it is I have found it can be very helpful with my team and. Or, like, other relationships or friendships around me.

[Lindsay Roman]

Spouse.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, with spouse. Like my husband. Your husband. Like, knowing. And I again, use it lightly. Like, it's not like a thing that comes up in daily conversation for me or daily thoughts for me, but there are situations, seasons and times where I'm able to recognize, like, oh, my employee might be thinking this or doing this because she is thinking this because her Enneagram type often feels or operates this way and that helps me understand her or, like, my husband, for him to think, feel, do a certain thing for my. Like, I'll occasionally remind myself of, like, oh, that's coming. Because, like, typically Enneagram, you know, whatevers do this. So I would say I use it loosely, lightly. Like, I've definitely found it to be somewhat helpful. However, I am not one of the firm, like, fully bought in believers. Like, we don't use it heavily in our business with our team. And I do have some questions. I haven't fully dug in to it.

[Lindsay Roman]

The origins.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, just some of the origins I have questions on.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah, I agree. Well, but here's the thing. Like, freaking.

[Evvi MacLeod]

That's.

[Lindsay Roman]

People get up in arms about every single thing on the world. And if it has any sort of questionable origin, like, like spiritual orig. Everyone's like, automatic boycott. And I'm like, you don't think that God has more power over this? Maybe is with a lot of things of just like, yeah, there's like, a lot of things of like, almost fear about something. Like, oh, if I.

[Evvi MacLeod]

As if I use it yes. Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

Like, if I use it as a tool automatically, it, like, it allows demonic activity into my life. No. God is bigger than.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Well, there are situations that that could be the case.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yes.

[Evvi MacLeod]

If you're dabbling in, like, okay, witchcraft.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Or. Or like, calm reading or like, there's stuff that I am 100. I will not think with a million people.

[Lindsay Roman]

People put the Enneagram on that same. Yeah.

[Evvi MacLeod]

I don't personally feel that it's on that same. I also haven't done the deep research. And the biggest thing for me is that I have just chosen to pray over it and be like, there is no enemy access into my life via the Enneagram.

[Lindsay Roman]

To me, I view it as a tool.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

To help me understand an aspect of my personality and other personalities to help connect.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

Relationships better.

[Evvi MacLeod]

But again, it's not a.

[Lindsay Roman]

It's not.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It's not like a foundational piece of our lives and worldview.

[Lindsay Roman]

It's not like, that is my end. I'll be all identity.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

I live and die by the three. No. Yeah. Although I will say sometimes when I'm like, in an argument with Andrew or like, I have specific quirks.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah.

[Lindsay Roman]

Like, it. It helps me understand, like, almost my motivations for, like, why I might lean towards doing something. And it's like, oh, it's because, like, I'm a three. For anybody that. That didn't know that, like, I'll be like, oh, okay. I can see how my drive to just succeed or get things done or check things off. Like, I. That's just like, almost like an innate part of who I am naturally. And it's like, oh, I can see how that explains it. And so it's like when you. When you view that and it view. When you like, kind of read about, like, what does a 3 naturally do in health or weakness or like, in regards to other.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It gives a lot of self awareness.

[Lindsay Roman]

Yes. That's a great way to explain it. And it also, I think, helps when you understand, like, especially in marriage or just like relationships in general, if you know where the other person is coming from. Like, if I know Andrew's Enneagram number, which is a five, I can understand, like, okay, this is why you naturally do this. And it almost helps me to love him better because I know what his natural bend is.

[Evvi MacLeod]

The only last thing I will say with the Enneagram, and this applies to any personality, whatever in my opinion, is it is not a one size fits all box. You cannot put yourself in it and view, you know, the areas of strength or weakness or whatever and be like, well, that's just my lot in life. I am just.

[Lindsay Roman]

And I have to be that I.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Am weak in this area and I will never grow. Like, no, that is not. That is. That is wrong in my opinion. But being able to use it as a tool for self awareness and be like, oh, like this is a potential weakness. I'm going to work to overcome this. I'm going to work to strengthen this muscle in myself. I'm going to work to, you know, partner with God and, you know, become better in this area or whatever. Like, that's what it's for. It's just for self awareness and the ability to kind of continue to grow. But it's definitely not a box that you are supposed to shove yourself into and never change.

[Lindsay Roman]

And I read a book in January this year. Is it the idea of you? Is that what it's called?

[Evvi MacLeod]

No, that's a fiction book.

[Lindsay Roman]

Is that the book about Harry Styles? Except it's not about Harry Styles. No. The book with who? The one with Anne Hathaway. Do you know what I'm talking about?

[Evvi MacLeod]

I think that is the movie because I was like, I recognize that title. I haven't watched it, but.

[Lindsay Roman]

The Road Back to you. Thank you so much for Google for not the idea of you. The Road back to you by Ian Morgan Cron. Right.

[Evvi MacLeod]

It's very small print. We're, like trying to squint and see it.

[Lindsay Roman]

It's a yellow book. It's called the Road Back to you. I read this in, like, January or February of this year or, well, last year. When you're listening to this very good book, each chapter breaks down each enneagram number and talks about it in depth. And it's just really a good book.

[Evvi MacLeod]

Yeah, I love it.

[Lindsay Roman]

There you go.

[Evvi MacLeod]

That was our Q and A for today. Hopefully you got some good goodies and nuggets out of it. We love doing these Q and A episodes and we love getting to answer your questions and just having you here as listeners to this podcast. You are the reason this podcast exists, and we love showing up here and growing our businesses alongside you just week after week. So thank you for tuning in. Thank you for being a listener and submitting your questions. And that's it for today, and we'll see you on the next episode.