Revisiting Our podcast with Cole Roberts
How to Level Up Your Wedding Biz and Still Have a Life
If you’re a wedding photographer or videographer, you know the hustle can be intense. Between managing clients, perfecting your craft, and trying to keep a personal life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why revisiting our podcast episode with Cole Roberts is like hitting the refresh button. Cole, who’s behind Nordica Photography and the Way Up North conference, shares real, actionable advice on balancing the creative and business sides of the industry without losing your mind—or your life.
What We Covered in the Episode
Cole Roberts brings a no-BS attitude to the conversation, calling out the popular “fake it till you make it” mantra as total nonsense. “I think that is such a load of horseshit that people should completely ignore because it’s not true,” Cole says. He believes in the power of authenticity—being true to yourself and your work rather than pretending to be something you’re not.
The episode isn’t just about tearing down bad advice, though. We also dive deep into the often-overlooked business side of running a creative enterprise. Cole reminds us that while the craft is vital, understanding how to manage and grow the business is equally crucial. As he puts it, “If you’re feeling disconnected from the inner workings of your brand, then this episode will help you gain perspective and allow you to get to grips with the fundamentals of maintaining and even growing a successful business.”
How You Can Implement Cole’s Advice
Be Authentic—Ditch the Faking
Why It Matters: In a crowded industry, authenticity is what sets you apart. Clients are drawn to photographers and videographers who are genuine and passionate about their work. When you try to emulate someone else’s style or approach, it shows—and not in a good way.
Task: Start by auditing your online presence. Look at your website, social media profiles, and any other touchpoints where clients might interact with your brand. Ask yourself:
Does this reflect who I am and what I truly care about?
Am I trying to mimic someone else’s style because I think it’s what clients want?
Are there elements that feel forced or inauthentic?
Practical Steps:
Rewrite Your About Page: Make sure it’s written in your voice, sharing your story and why you do what you do. This is where potential clients connect with you as a person.
Review Your Portfolio: Remove any work that doesn’t resonate with your true style. Only showcase what you’re passionate about and want to do more of.
Engage Authentically on Social Media: Post what genuinely excites you, whether it’s behind-the-scenes shots, personal projects, or your thoughts on the industry. Don’t worry about fitting into a specific mold.
Learn to Love (or at Least Tolerate) the Business Side
Why It Matters: Let’s face it—being a great photographer or videographer isn’t enough to run a successful business. You need to understand the basics of marketing, financial management, and client relations to sustain and grow your business. Cole emphasizes that loving your craft is one thing, but mastering the business side is what keeps the lights on.
Task: Dedicate time each week to learning one aspect of business management. Start with the basics—tracking expenses, understanding SEO, or refining your client communication process.
Practical Steps:
Set Up a Budget: Use tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or even a simple spreadsheet to track your income and expenses. Knowing where your money is going helps you make smarter business decisions.
Learn SEO Basics: Start with your website. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords related to wedding photography or videography in your area. Incorporate these into your website content to help potential clients find you.
Streamline Client Communication: Use CRM tools like HoneyBook or Studio Ninja to manage client interactions, send contracts, and keep everything organized. It’ll save you time and keep your business running smoothly.
Build a Solid Network
Why It Matters: Cole stresses the importance of networking, not just for referrals but for learning and growing within the industry. “The network that you create at those events—that’s the most important takeaway,” he says. Building relationships with other creatives can open doors, provide support, and inspire new ideas.
Task: Make a point to attend at least one industry event, whether it’s a big conference like Way Up North or a local workshop. Networking isn’t just about getting your name out there—it’s about building meaningful connections that can support you throughout your career.
Practical Steps:
Attend Industry Events: Look for upcoming conferences, workshops, or meetups. If travel is an issue, many events offer virtual attendance options. Don’t just show up—engage with others, ask questions, and share your experiences.
Join Online Communities: If in-person events aren’t possible, join online communities like Facebook groups, Slack channels, or industry-specific forums. Participate in discussions, offer help when you can, and learn from others.
Follow Up: After meeting someone, whether online or in person, send a quick follow-up email or message. It’s a simple gesture that can solidify the connection and lead to future collaborations or opportunities.
Balance Work and Life—It’s Possible!
Why It Matters: Cole makes it clear that balancing a successful business with a fulfilling personal life is not just important—it’s essential. He cherishes the time he spends with his kids, saying, “I love that part of the day… especially at this age because I know that… they get old before you know it.” Finding this balance helps prevent burnout and keeps your passion for your work alive.
Task: Analyze your weekly schedule and identify where work is creeping into personal time. Set boundaries to ensure you’re making time for yourself and your loved ones.
Practical Steps:
Schedule Downtime: Use a calendar app to block out time for yourself and your family. Treat this time as non-negotiable—just as important as a client meeting or shoot.
Set Work Hours: Decide on specific work hours and stick to them. Let clients know your availability so you’re not tempted to respond to emails or work on projects late into the night.
Unplug Regularly: Designate certain times during the week where you completely unplug from work—no emails, no social media, no editing. Use this time to recharge, whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing a hobby, or just relaxing.
Practical Tasks to Implement Today
Audit Your Brand’s Authenticity: Take an hour this week to go through your website and social media profiles. Make sure everything reflects who you are and what you stand for. If something feels off, change it. Authenticity attracts clients who genuinely connect with your work.
Master the Business Basics: If you’re not already tracking your finances, start now. Set up a simple spreadsheet or use accounting software to track your income and expenses. This clarity will help you make better decisions for your business.
Attend a Networking Event: Find an industry event to attend, either virtually or in person. Prepare some questions or topics you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others. The connections you make can lead to invaluable opportunities.
Schedule Downtime: Look at your calendar and block out personal time for the week ahead. Make it a habit to protect this time, ensuring you’re not just running a successful business, but also enjoying your life.
Bringing It All Together
Listening to this episode with Cole Roberts is like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how to successfully run a wedding photography or videography business without losing yourself in the process. Cole’s advice is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest. He doesn’t just talk about the challenges—he offers real, actionable solutions that you can start implementing right away.
Whether it’s embracing your authenticity, diving into the business side of things, building a strong network, or simply finding time to enjoy life, Cole’s insights are valuable for anyone in the wedding industry. So grab your favourite coffee, hit play on the episode again, and get ready to take your business—and your life—to the next level.
If you found this blog helpful, consider joining us on YouTube and Instagram @perspectivebycinemate and feel free to reach out for support. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue creating awesome work!
Stay positive, keep creating and in the mean time… ENJOY YOUR LIFE!
Simon
Cinemate
