Coaching For Creatives with Aura McKay

Hosted by Aura McKay

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Dec 2024

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EN-US

About the show

Coaching for Creatives is a completed podcast with past episodes still totally relevant for todays freelancers. Business tips for photographers, designers, and other freelance creatives to help you earn more, stress less, and grow your business with confidence. These bite sized episodes give you specific tips and insights that you can apply to your freelance business right away. Aura McKay has a unique ability to simplify complex ideas and give you just the pieces that matter in your business. If you don't see an episode on the topic or challenge you are currently facing, reach out and book a free call: https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

Listen to episodes

33 recent

December 4, 2024Episode 2313 min

Conquering Budget Conversations with Confidence: Tips for Freelance Creatives

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, Aura McKay, founder of Business of Creativity, provides practical tips and tools to help freelancers and creatives confidently discuss budgets with high-profile clients. By addressing common fears and misconceptions surrounding money conversations, Aura highlights ways to reframe these discussions as partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency. She offers specific phrases and approaches to facilitate smooth and effective budget talks, ultimately aiming to improve client relationships and project outcomes.00:00 Introduction to Budget Conversations01:27 Understanding the Importance of Budget Talks03:32 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence07:00 Practical Tips for Budget Conversations08:57 Practicing and Perfecting Your Approach12:56 Final Thoughts and ChallengesSign up to our newsletter for more tips like this: https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/newsletter

October 7, 2024Episode 2215 min

How to Increase Your Freelancing Rates: Strategies and Justifications

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives hosted by Aura McKay from Business of Creativity, listeners learn essential strategies for raising their rates as photographers, graphic designers, and other creative freelancers. Aura outlines three key steps to communicate rate increases effectively to clients: giving advanced notice, being transparent, and offering a grace period. She also discusses five compelling reasons to justify rate hikes, including new skills, high demand, expanded scope, increased business costs, and years of experience with proven results. The episode aims to help creative freelancers confidently implement price adjustments while maintaining client relationships.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:17 Why It's Time to Raise Your Rates01:08 Three Steps to Communicate Rate Increases01:49 Overcoming the Fear of Losing Clients02:59 Justifying Your Price Increase03:35 Advanced Notice Strategies05:32 Transparency and Value Communication06:35 Top Reasons to Raise Your Rates13:16 Effective Communication Methods14:46 Conclusion and Viewer EngagementBook a free call today: https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

September 16, 2024Episode 217 min

Price as a Bridge: Connecting Profit and Client Value

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, business coach Aura McKay discusses the concept of pricing as a bridge between a freelancer's desire for profit and a client's desire for value. She highlights the importance of understanding costs, calculating profits, and connecting with clients to meet their budget expectations effectively. Aura also encourages freelancers to reframe their thinking around pricing and provides resources such as a free pricing guide and an upcoming pricing bootcamp to help creatives master their pricing strategies.00:00 Introduction to Pricing for Creatives00:37 Understanding the Pricing Challenge01:06 Reframing Pricing as a Bridge01:43 Calculating Costs and Desired Profit02:47 Connecting with Clients' Expectations04:47 Addressing Common Objections05:34 Resources and Further Learning06:24 Join the Pricing Bootcamp07:14 Conclusion and Next Stepsdownload the free Freelancer Pricing Guide or book a free call with Aura today!

September 8, 2024Episode 2010 min

Improve Communication - Stop Reacting, Start Responding

Reacting vs. Responding: Mastering Emotional Control in Creative BusinessAura McKay, founder of Business of Creativity, discusses the critical difference between reacting and responding in a professional setting. Addressing freelance creatives, she explores how strong emotional reactions to feedback or rejection can negatively impact communication and relationships.Aura shares strategies for managing these emotions, including pausing to reflect on feelings before responding. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, she emphasizes the importance of deliberate, empathetic responses to foster positive outcomes and maintain professional relationships.00:00 Introduction to Coaching for Creatives00:25 Reacting vs Responding: An Overview00:36 Common Triggers and Emotional Reactions03:02 The Importance of Pausing and Reflecting03:40 Practical Steps to Manage Reactions05:43 Real-Life Example: Handling Rejection09:18 Encouragement to Create a Response Gap10:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughtshttps://www.businessofcreativity.ca/book-a-call

August 4, 2024Episode 198 min

Why Did You Become a Creative Freelancer?

In this episode of Coaching for Creatives, host Aura McKay explores the motivations behind choosing a freelancing career. Aura shares her personal journey of becoming a reluctant entrepreneur, discusses common reasons why many of her clients opt for freelancing—such as autonomy, flexibility, and creative fulfillment—and highlights the importance of embracing business principles. She also addresses challenges freelancers face, especially in managing time and energy, and offers support in achieving success. 00:00 Introduction to Coaching for Creatives00:20 Aura McKay's Freelancing Journey02:31 Embracing the Business Side of Freelancing02:54 Reasons for Choosing Freelancing04:31 Challenges and Solutions for Freelancers04:53 Creative Fulfillment and Business Connection06:03 Financial Motivations for FreelancingFor specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

July 25, 2024Episode 189 min

Brain, Body, and Business: Prioritize for Success

Brain, Body, and Business: Prioritize for SuccessIn this episode of Coaching for Creatives, Aura McKay discusses the important relationship between your brain, body, and business. She shares personal experiences and insights from her business accelerator mastermind, emphasizing the need to balance work demands with personal well-being. Learn practical tips on how setting healthy habits and prioritizing your mental and physical health can significantly impact your success as a creative freelancer or solopreneur. 00:00 Opening Thoughts and Introduction01:16 The Importance of Physical Movement02:38 Balancing Work and Health04:38 Setting up Healthy Habits05:10 Morning Routines for Creatives06:56 Prioritizing Physical Health08:58 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

July 8, 2024Episode 179 min

The Costs of Working Alone

The True Costs Of Working Alone Most creative freelancers are solopreneurs. Many feel like because they are freelancers they are on their own. For a long time I felt like I would never get as far ahead or be as successful as the photographers that worked with their spouses....because I had to do everything alone. This episode of Coaching for Creatives looks at the costs of running your freelance business all alone. For specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisorChapters0:00 Costs Of Working Alone1:24 I Came From Corporate2:38 The Cost Of Isolation5:13 A Solitary Process6:53 Why I Am Grateful For My Coach8:01 Isolation Costs You Time, Efficiencies, And More#coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #salestips

June 24, 2024Episode 1610 min

Pricing on Your Website: Yes or No?

Pricing on Your Website: Yes or No?Should you put your pricing on your website? Yes or no? It really isn't that black and white. It depends on several different factors.This episode of Coaching for Creatives explores when (and if) freelance creatives should put their pricing on their website. Join the conversation in the comments and let me know what you think. Yes or no? #coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #pricingtips0:00 Pricing On Website Yes or No2:16 The Pros And Cons3:05 Buying Psychology Tip3:49 Do Not Anchor Price As The Most Important Element5:48 Eliminate Anyone Not Ready To Invest6:20 When Pricing On Your Website Is A Mistake6:44 Price Is The Last Information People Need8:49 Connecting To ValueFor specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

June 10, 2024Episode 1511 min

Focus on Success Stories

Focus on Success Stories It's time to celebrate!This episode of Coaching for Creatives shares some success stories from today's Business Accelerator Mastermind group members. All have different learnings to take away from their wins. Let me know which story inspires you most. #coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #evidenceofawesome0:00 Focus on Success Stories1:34 Exceeding Sales Goals5:19 Purposeful Social Messaging7:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome7:58 Imposter Syndrome10:50 Focusing On Our SuccessesFor specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor

June 3, 2024Episode 1411 min

Proposals Sent, Crickets Chirping: The Struggle Of Getting Ghosted!

Stop Getting GhostedTired of getting ghosted on your quotes or proposals?Getting 'ghosted' is typically a term applied to dating. However, most freelancers are all too familiar with getting nothing but crickets after sending out a quote or proposal. This episode of Coaching for Creatives looks at how you can adjust your sales process to stop getting ghosted and start closing more clients. #coachingforcreatives #freelancingbusinesstips #salestips0:00 Welcome To Coaching For Creatives2:12 A Funny Story4:35 Number One Tip5:19 Getting In Front Of The Right People6:13 How To Get To Present Your Proposal6:33 The Two Part Sales Process8:38 The Critical Question10:00 Booking the Presentation CallFor specific support in your freelance business, book a free call with Aura at https://www.businessofcreativity.ca/advisor