Episode Summary: "The Simple Sales System: Real Photographers, Real Results" (Episode 300)

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Podcast: This Can't Be That Hard
Host: Annemie Tonken

In the landmark 300th episode of This Can't Be That Hard, Annemie Tonken celebrates five years since launching her transformative Simple Sales blueprint. To mark this milestone, she revisits the system's impact through the real-life experiences of three dedicated photographers: Christina, Robin, and Annemarie. This episode delves deep into how the Simple Sales System has revolutionized their businesses, providing actionable insights and encouraging stories for listeners aiming to build profitable, sustainable photography ventures.

Celebrating Five Years and Episode 300

Annemie opens the episode with excitement about reaching the five-year milestone of the Simple Sales blueprint:

“This month we're celebrating five whole years since the Simple Sales blueprint was first launched back in January of 2020” [00:00].

She announces a special live training session to commemorate the anniversary, promising attendees a comprehensive walkthrough of the Believe framework and the six steps of Simple Sales. Additionally, she teases exciting updates to the course and offers a special gift—a Sustainability Starter Pack workbook—for those who sign up.

Reflecting on Growth and Community

Annemie shares her journey of starting the podcast in February 2020, just before the global shutdown. Initially planning for only 25 topics, she expresses amazement at producing nearly 300 episodes over five years:

“Now, here we are almost five years later, celebrating 300 episodes of this Can't Be that Hard.” [01:19].

She credits the podcast’s longevity to the engagement and support from her listeners, students, and community members who have actively participated through the Facebook group and Consistency Club.

Introducing the Guests: Real Photographers, Real Results

To celebrate the milestone, Annemie introduces three photographers who have successfully implemented the Simple Sales System in their businesses:

Christina [05:22]

• Background: Part-time family lifestyle photographer, full-time elementary school teacher since 2017.
• Quote: “I am a part time and proud full time elementary school teacher.” [05:38].

Robin [06:03]

• Background: Part-time pet photographer and full-time college instructor since 2016.
• Quote: “I primarily do pet photography at this point... dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles.” [06:03].

Annemarie [06:57]

• Background: Family and newborn photographer with over 15 years in the business, recently relocated from Pennsylvania to Delaware in 2021.
• Quote: “I've been in business for a really long time... over 15 years now.” [06:57].

The Journey to Simple Sales: Before and Motivation for Change

Annemarie’s Transition [08:21]

Annemarie discusses her move to Delaware in 2021 and the challenges of restarting her business in a new market:

“I moved from Pennsylvania to Delaware in summer of 2021... I was not converting leads.” [08:21].

Struggling with lower conversion rates in Delaware, she sought alternatives and discovered Simple Sales in February 2022. Initially hesitant, she reverted to her old pricing model but returned to fully implement Simple Sales in January 2023, leading to significant growth.

Robin’s Discovery [12:30]

Robin shares how she discovered Simple Sales through an Instagram ad and her motivation to sustain her passion for rescue photography:

“I came across Simple Sales through an Instagram ad... it promised no in-person sales.” [12:30].

Facing financial struggles, Robin found that Simple Sales helped her reassess her pricing and business model, resulting in increased profitability and improved client relationships.

Christina’s Experience [15:06]

Christina recounts a demanding year in 2021, leading her to explore Simple Sales during the slow season:

“In 2021... I worked myself to too much... I saw your information about Simple Sales... took the course and implemented it in about three weeks.” [15:06].

Despite challenges like battling COVID, Christina successfully integrated Simple Sales into her part-time photography business, enhancing her efficiency and client satisfaction.

Overcoming Initial Hesitations

Annemie probes into the guests' initial doubts about adopting the Simple Sales System, revealing common concerns such as confidence in pricing and the complexity of the system:

“It was more me, not the program or not the method... my own buy into it.” [11:27].

The guests discuss their journey from uncertainty to commitment, highlighting the importance of fully embracing the system to achieve desired results.

Transformative Results and Impact

Annemarie’s Success [34:50]

Annemarie highlights her impressive financial growth after committing to Simple Sales:

“Last year I made a hundred thousand... this year I hit 230k.” [34:50].

Her revenue soared from $100k to $230k within a year, showcasing the system's effectiveness in scaling a photography business.

Robin’s Gains [30:24]

Robin shares her significant increase in profitability:

“Last year, I brought in around $10,000. This year, over $27,000.” [30:24].

Her business profitability tripled, demonstrating the financial benefits of implementing Simple Sales.

Christina’s Growth [32:59]

Christina reveals a substantial boost in her net profit:

“My net profit went up 129% and I doubled my profit.” [32:59].

She attributes her success to effective pricing strategies and streamlined business operations facilitated by the system.

What They Loved About the Simple Sales Course

Structured Approach and Tools

• Robin: Appreciates the structured, step-by-step approach and the focus on ideal clients.

  “Radically altered just my relationship with my clients.” [24:17].

• Christina: Values the cost of business calculator for setting realistic boundaries and achievable goals.

  “It sets realities of how many photo sessions can you actually do... my favorite part.” [26:53].

• Annemarie: Highlights the comprehensive templates and systems that simplify the transition to new pricing structures.

  “All of the tools that someone needs to completely change over cost of doing business calculator... just really appreciate all of the templates.” [28:11].

Enhanced Communication and Automation

The guests emphasize how the course improved their communication with clients through automated yet personalized interactions, saving time and reducing manual effort.

“Once things become a little more automated and yet still personal... you're able to actually build the relationships that you wanted to build.” [31:59].

Transformational Takeaways

Annemie underscores the importance of systematizing business processes to prevent burnout and enhance creativity:

“Being more organized actually ends up helping you boost your creativity and where it counts.” [30:57].

The Simple Sales System enabled the guests to streamline their operations, improve client satisfaction, and achieve significant financial milestones without overextending themselves.

Final Endorsements and Recommendations

Unanimous Support for Simple Sales

• Robin: Strongly recommends the course for part-time photographers struggling with profitability.

  “As a part timer who was not making a profit, I in no way, shape or form regret doing it.” [38:17].

• Christina: Endorses the course as a valuable investment, backed by her CPA husband’s recommendation.

  “My husband is a CPA... I highly recommend the course.” [38:33].

• Annemarie: Praises the comprehensive tools and community support, highlighting personal growth and business transformation.

  “I do not regret the purchase one bit... everything that someone needs to take the jump into a new pricing structure.” [38:54].

Closing Remarks

Annemie thanks her guests for their generous sharing and encourages listeners to explore the resources available on her website:

“If you like the show, be sure to check out thiscan'tbethard.com to explore all the resources we have for photographers.” [39:13].

She invites listeners to leave reviews on iTunes or Spotify and looks forward to continuing the conversation in future episodes.

This 300th episode serves as both a celebration and a testament to the efficacy of the Simple Sales System, providing inspiring stories and practical advice for photographers at all stages of their business journey.