The holidays are coming up and we’re ending the year very strong. Now, we shift our focus for next year and make sure we prepare our business for a better year.

In this episode, I give you a checklist of things to do to ensure that our businesses will do better next year. Get your pen and paper. Prepare to take some notes. Enjoy!

Key takeaways for this episode:

1. Review your expenses for the year.

Make a list of your expenses and examine if there are things that you don’t really need. 

2. Create a budget.

Just because the money is there, it doesn’t mean you need to spend it. Stay on a good path in spending. 

3. Review any template you had set up.

Go through the templates you are using and evaluate if they still apply.

4. Update your website with new 'About You' photos.

Choose recently taken photos of you that are appropriate for your website. 

5. Create a freebie.

Freebies are great to build up your e-mail list. Have really engaging freebies, not just basic ones.

6. Create a list of goals.

Keep your goals short, simple, and realistic, and plan for the specific steps you have to take to accomplish these goals. 

7. Have a content strategy in plan.

Be realistic with your plan and think about your approach to doing your strategies.









Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUv_XomJtea/

It’s almost the end of the year and it’s time to plan for the next steps for your business for next year. Your website is one of the most important part of your business that you should not neglect as it is essential for conversion. If you will include your website in your plans (and you should!), then, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about the things that you should absolutely have in your website. 

Listen up and start amping that website!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Contact forms will ensure that people can reach you if they have additional inquiries. Make sure it asks basic information about people who will contact you.
• Having your services and prices in your website can help you streamline your process. It would also help the clients’ decision-making, if it is within their budget or if they can make budget for it.
• Photos on your website gives a visionary description of your work brought to life.
• Make sure you have your metadata and keywords attached to the photos in the website.
• Choose good and clear photos and ensure that your file size is not too big as large files tend to slow down your website.
• Include testimonials in your website and you can also repurpose it for your social media and newsletter.

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUv_XomJtea/

Instagram is on a roll! All these new updates are helping us connect with our audience and in effect help our business.

In this episode, I share the latest Instagram updates that will surely help your business if used correctly. And with that, I also give some tips on how to maximize these new updates.

Key takeaways for this episode:

• Always make sure your app is up to date.
• The way to grow your follower is to engage with them. Build relationships with your audience.
• Tell a story. Introduce the problem and present a solution. Your stories must be enticing.

New Features on Instagram:

1. Sticker Threads

• By using this, you encourage your story viewers to jump on and share your story.
• You can connect and learn something about your audience

2. Collab option

• You can tag a friend and it can appear in their feed as well once they approve it.
• It means they are an active participant in the content.

3. Link sticker

• You still have to create quality content for people to click on the link.
• Make sure to put the correct link.

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUv_XomJtea/

Are you maximizing your hashtags?

In this episode, I give you some updates to level up your hashtags game. These are valuable tips to reach not just any audience but your target audience.

Take some notes and let’s ace this one!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• You should use 8-10 hashtags in an Instagram post.
• Do not use hashtags that do not do anything to your post.
• Put hashtags in your captions to be able to edit them.
• Do not use spammy hashtags to attract the right audience.
• Hashtags should always be on every post.

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUv_XomJtea/

When the opportunity comes, you have to be ready. Hard work will only take you so far. 

In this episode, I encourage you in whatever you are doing. Hard work and mastering your craft are essential, but don’t be afraid to shoot your shot while doing that. There is a lot of value gained in doing things, even if you get rejected at first. Trying out things helps you make the necessary improvements.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Do not be afraid. Shoot your shot. 
• NO doesn’t mean never. It just means not now.  Even if you get that NO, don’t stop. Just keep ongoing.
• Opportunities do not always just fall into one’s lap.
• It doesn’t matter what field you are in, but you always have to work and study hard to be better at it.
• We’re entitled to make mistakes, and that’s how we improve.
• Progression over perfection. Just get things done and make improvements along the way.
• Whatever your goal is, research it and see what others are doing.
• Accept negative feedback for your improvement.

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUv_XomJtea/

Are you ready to level up for your business?

In this episode, I chat with James Johnson of @tailoredpenguin. We talked about the factors in making decisions when to go DIY or pro for your photo and video content. He shared some tips and what to expect if you decide to go Pro. Listen up and enjoy!

Key takeaways from this episode:

Factors to consider on whether to hire a professional for your video or opt for a DIY video:

1. What the intention of the video is and where it's going to be posted.
2.  The budget and ROI.
3. Goals or visions for the video.
4. Business tasks delegation.

• Music is a big part of a video. Licensing popular tracks may cost 2500$ to 7000$.
• For new videographers, do research. Take time to understand the purpose of the video, how it'll run, and how long it's going to run.
• When you decided to hire a professional, be ready to have a conversation with them about the things that you want to do. 
• Big brands will only hire you when you are a legal business entity.

Today’s Guest

James Johnson is the owner of Tailored Penguin Media Company, LLC. Tailored Penguin Media Company LLC. is a small, but powerful video production company.

Connect and learn more about James and his company here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailoredpenguin/

Website: https://www.tailoredpenguin.com

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEacLKBpnx-/

Do you want to work with some amazing brands?

In this episode, I chat with Korey Larkins of @theturnedgentleman. We talked about how to land dream brand partnerships. He walks us through some of his best tips in working with brands.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• When you are looking for brands to partner with, consider what are your favorite brands. Check their missions are, how they see things, and if it is aligned with your vision.
• Search for hashtags. Avoid pop-ups.
• Check the brand you want to partner up with. Check their page and their look. Do some research about the brand or company.
• Do photoshoots similar to what they have.
• Pay attention if the email you get comes directly from the brand or firms that represent them.
• Engagement is more important than the number of followers. Focus on your content.
• Quality is better than quantity.
• If you are going to do something, don’t reinvent the wheel.
• Interact with people on social media. Treat social media like a networking event.
• Start with the city where you are. 

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAwHelHpDFW/

Is your carousel game weak? Carousel posts are one of the best types of content to get great engagement on Instagram.

In this episode, I share my design tips, tools, and examples. Listen up and ace that carousel game!

Key takeaways from this episode:

Reasons to use carousel post:

• Get more eyes on your brand.
• Tell a better story than a regular caption.
• Gain insight about your audience

Tips for making carousel post:

• Whenever you make a carousel post, make sure it’s helpful.
• Simple is best.
• Big font is better than little font.
• Don’t forget your Call to Action (CTA)!

Carousel Design Tools:

• Canva
• Adobe Photoshop
• Keynote or PowerPoint
• Be sure your dimensions are 1080x1080

Hello! I’m Phoenix.

As a hybrid shooter (photo & video), I quickly learned how brand content is so critical! I continued to create visual content for my brand, and my love for content creation grew. Working with creative entrepreneurs, I identified their consistent struggle with connecting their brand to engaging content.

Let's connect! I love to laugh, brunch, and drink margaritas. Join me on this entrepreneurial journey to be better.

https://phoenixmichele.com

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmichelephotography/

If you want to see the visuals for this episode, you can watch the Instagram live here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCKM6tLJfaS/