Podcast
This Can't Be That Hard
Hosted by Annemie Tonken · EN
You love photography, but running a business? That's a different story. If you've ever thrown up your hands trying to figure it out yourself and said "This CAN'T be that hard!!!" you've come to the right place. Host Annemie Tonken's secret superpower is cutting through the confusion to give you actionable, step-by-step strategies and systems that will help you build a business that reflects your values, serves your needs, and thrills your clients. Tune in to find out why thousands of photographers around the world love Annemie's simple, you-can-do-this approach to everything from pricing to marketing to customer service... and so much more! Whether you're still just dreaming of starting a photography business or have years of experience under your belt, you'll find ideas and inspiration every week to help you run a profitable, sustainable business you love.
99episodes
Episodes
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332 - The Gathering Effect with Michelle Franzetti
Sep 200:43:59Summary readyThere are two kinds of marketing strategies most photographers think about: the kind that happens online, and the kind that - well - doesn’t happen at all. But there’s a third option, and it might just be the fastest, most effective way to build trust, get referrals, and create buzz around your business (without spending a dime on ads or fighting the algorithm).I’m talking about in-person events - IRL. Real people. Same room.Hold up now! Before you introverts scroll on by, hear me out... These don’t have to be fancy conferences or big productions. Today’s guest, Michelle Franzetti, is a boudoir photographer and self-described introvert who’s built a thriving word-of-mouth marketing engine through small, creative, low-pressure gatherings that consistently fill her calendar. With her background in Parks & Rec (yes, just like the show), she knows how powerful “the gathering effect” can be, and she’s here to share her playbook for making it work in your business.What you’ll learn:🎉 Why casual gatherings can be your best marketing strategy 👯♀️ How events create trust and connection (even if you’re an introvert) 💡 Creative, low-cost event ideas that attract the right clients 🤝 Ways to partner with other businesses for win-win events 📅 Why putting a date on the calendar is the hardest (and most important) stepMichelle is sharing everything you need to add this new tool to your marketing toolbox… one that gets you off the algorithm treadmill and into real connections that actually last.LINKS:Follow Michelle on Instagram Join her Facebook community Grab Michelle's free guide with 20 in-person event ideas Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary331 - The Future of Marketing with Dayna Schaaf
Aug 2600:31:25Summary readySearch algorithms are changing fast, but for once, the shift is in our favor. With Google rolling out AI summaries and clients turning to Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for answers to their questions, the playing field is leveling in a way that creates huge opportunities for photographers.If you’ve ever wished the SEO game felt more fair - or that you didn’t have to post on social media quite so much - your wishes are coming true... but you have to understand the new rules in order to play the game.Dayna’s back to talk us through what’s changing, why this moment is a once-in-a-career opportunity for photographers, and how small tweaks to your workflow now can pay off in a big way.What you’ll learn:🔎 Why AI summaries are changing Google results 📱 How people now search social for answers instead of Google 🛡️ What E-E-A-T means and how it impacts your SEO 📝 Why updated, helpful blogs beat old portfolio posts ♻️ How one researched blog can fuel your email, reels, and carousels for weeksNow is the moment to get ahead of the curve: create content that’s genuinely useful, let it work harder for you, and free yourself up to spend more time behind the camera.LINKS:Learn more about Consistency Club and try the new Blog Builder Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary330 - Networking like a Pro with Angelica Pompy
Aug 1900:34:12Summary readyIn a world where we can market our businesses from behind a screen, it’s easy to believe that in-person networking is optional. But the truth is, nothing replaces the connections you make face-to-face. Meeting someone in real life makes you stand out in a way no post or DM ever could. People remember your energy, your personality, and the genuine conversation you shared. And those moments can turn into opportunities you’d never find online.In this episode, photographer, business coach, and all-around connection-builder Angelica Pompy is sharing three practical ways to network like a pro, even if you’re an introvert. These are strategies you can start using right away to stand out, meet the right people, and turn conversations into opportunities.Here’s what we cover: How to set your intention before you walk in Breaking the ice with the shyest person in the room Asking open-ended questions that spark conversation Using a QR code to connect instantly Following up in a unique way so they remember youAngelica also shares the story of how one event she almost walked away from turned into nearly six figures in revenue… proof that showing up can pay off in a big way!LINKS:Follow Angelica on Instagram Grab Angelica’s free workbook Learn more about Simple Sales Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary329 - 4 Time-Saving Automations for Photographers with Melissa Rich
Aug 12, 202500:35:53Summary readyHave you ever looked up from your inbox and wondered how the whole day slipped away? When you're a one-woman show, it’s easy to get buried in admin work, replying to leads, and coordinating schedules instead of doing the more meaningful work that lights you up.In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Rich, a former wedding photographer turned systems and workflow consultant, to talk about automation strategies that save hours each week without making your business feel robotic. Melissa shares her top three “quick win” automations that photographers can set up in an afternoon to make client communication smoother, scheduling easier, and booking faster - all while keeping things warm and personal.We cover: The first automation every photographer should set up How a simple pre-session email can improve client satisfaction Why a scheduling tool is one of the easiest ways to reduce friction How to audit your current systems so you know what’s not workingWhether your business systems need a total overhaul or just a few strategic upgrades, Melissa’s advice will help you get more done with less stress.LINKS: Follow Melissa on Instagram Get Melissa’s Quick Win Automation Guide Learn more about Simple Sales Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary328 - 4 Creative Ways to Increase your Value (and your Sales Average)
Aug 5, 202500:24:08Summary readyWhen it comes to running a profitable, sustainable business, it’s not just about booking more sessions… it’s about building more value into the ones you already have.In this episode, I’m sharing four creative, (semi) low-lift ways to do exactly that, layering thoughtful, high-impact offers into your existing workflow. These aren’t gimmicky upsells or pushy pitches. They’re smart, strategic solutions that solve real problems for your clients... sometimes before they even know they have them.From headshots and pet portraits to photo clean-up services, family yearbooks, and legacy storytelling, these ideas are designed to increase your sales average and your client loyalty. They're not just about boosting revenue... they're about elevating the experience you provide and positioning yourself as more than a photographer.Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary327 - Taking a Human-First Approach to AI with Kinsey Soderberg
Jul 29, 202500:36:10Summary readyWhen AI first came on the scene, I was skeptical, and my early interactions confirmed my suspicions: when it came to content, AI's attempts were generic and easy to spot.But AI has evolved, and so have my opinions. I’ve come to believe that when used well, AI doesn’t take over your voice... it helps you amplify it. It doesn’t steal your creativity... it gives you time to actually use it.In this episode, I’m talking with Kinsey Soderberg of Authentic AI about how creatives (even skeptical ones!) can use AI in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and actually helpful. We’re breaking down:Why creatives and women especially need to be shaping how AI evolvesWhat it means to take a human-first approach to AIAnd how we co-created a brand new AI-powered blogging tool for Consistency Club that helps photographers write better blog posts faster... without losing their voice or uniqueness in the processIf you’ve been curious about AI but don’t want to sound like a bro-y robot, this episode is a refreshing, no-pressure look at what’s possible when strategy and soul work together.LINKS:Follow Kinsey on Instagram Visit Kinsey’s website Register for the Summit (and get your workbook!) Join Consistency Club Join us for the Future of Marketing Summit on August 6th. Click HERE to get your free ticket!Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary326 - Breaking Into Brand Photography with Karen Williams
Jul 22, 202500:36:41Summary readyWhat happens when someone who's spent 15 years hiring photographers for brands like Netflix, Masterclass, and AARP writes a book about how the photo industry really works?You get The Photo Hustle, a straight-talking, wildly helpful roadmap to booking clients, getting paid, and actually making a viable career out of commercial photography. In this episode, I’m chatting with author, photo editor, and creative director Karen Williams about what she’s learned on the inside of the brand and editorial world, along with what photographers at every level can take away from it.We talk about pricing, licensing, reputation, portfolio building, imposter syndrome, and the truth behind that elusive “six-figure” dream. Karen doesn’t hold back… and her insights will stick with you long after the episode ends.LINKS:Grab Karen’s book The Photo Hustle Follow Karen on Instagram Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary325 - Pricing is More than a Number: It's a Strategy
Jul 15, 202500:16:53Summary readyPricing might just be the hardest piece of the business puzzle, and not because most of us don't love math. Sure, you need to know your numbers, but there's so much psychology involved in pricing, too: it's one of the most powerful ways you communicate your value, your brand, and your confidence.In this episode, I’m walking you through the five key building blocks of a strategic pricing system - the pieces that take your rates from guesswork to a rock-solid reflection of what you really offer. We’ll talk about how to reverse-engineer your pricing based on your financial goals and ideal client, why undercharging can actually lead to burnout, and how to make sure your price tells the right story about your work.If you’ve ever second-guessed your rates (or felt that dreaded pricing wobble in your gut), this one’s for you.LINKS:Watch the free Simple Sales Masterclass Learn the Simple Sales Blueprint Follow us on Instagram Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary324 - How to Offer Destination Photography Sessions with Kellie Llewellyn
Jul 8, 202500:35:12Summary readyWhat if your next senior session didn’t just capture once-in-a-lifetime memories… but created them as well?In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie Llewellyn, a North Dakota-based photographer who has carved out a unique (and wildly appealing) niche in her business: destination senior sessions. Kellie has traveled with seniors, their best friends, and even their families to locations like Joshua Tree, the Oregon coast, and beyond, turning traditional photo sessions into unforgettable experiences.We talk about the creative spark that comes with new locations, the logistical and financial realities behind these trips, and how she’s grown this part of her business from passion project to profitable offering. From pricing and contracts to behind-the-scenes strategy, Kellie is a total open book. If you’ve ever dreamed about mixing business with a little adventure, this will inspire you to get started!LINKS: Follow Kellie on Instagram Visit Kellie’s Website Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
Summary323 - Three Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Jul 1, 202500:14:31Summary readyWhen you're deep in the thick of running a business, it’s easy to feel like you should be further along. But just because you haven’t “made it” yet (whatever that means) doesn’t mean you’re not making real, meaningful progress.In this episode, I’m sharing three often-overlooked signs that you’re doing better than it may feel like you're doing. We’ll talk about how to recognize sustainable growth, why rest isn’t a setback, and how efficiency quietly signals your evolution as a business owner.This is your reminder to pause, look back, and take in the view. Because chances are... you’ve come farther than you think!Resources: New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources. Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access. Long-time listener? Leave a review!
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