What's the Best Way To Set Up Your CRM? CRM Blueprint vs. Systems in Session with Megan Norman
Have you been wondering what's the best way to set up your CRM? Today’s session is going to be a mix of a case study and answers to some specific questions I’ve been getting lately about Systems in Session. I thought Megan Norman would be the perfect person to bring on because she’s been part of my world for a while—first as a Blueprint student, then as a one-on-one client when she hired me for an audit. After that, she joined Systems in Session and gave her entire business a serious glow-up from that perspective. Now, she’s part of my retainer program.Find It Quickly00:25 - Client Relationships and Long-Term Engagements01:24 - Megan's Journey with Systems in Session04:42 - The Blueprint Course Evolution06:37 - Audit and Systems Overhaul09:42 - Customizing Workflows for Maximum Efficiency22:07 - Reintroducing the Baby Plan26:36 - Client Experience Enhancement27:09 - Adapting to Business Changes28:08 - The Value of Revisiting Systems29:20 - Hands-On System Implementation32:29 - Maximizing Efficiency During Peak Times33:41 - Elevating Client Experience Post-Booking36:35 - The Importance of Detailed Workflows44:02 - The Benefits of System AuditsMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in SessionCRM BlueprintSystems in Session: Mastering Your Client Journey ft. Erin Belles (a Done-With-You Dubsado Setup Case Study!)Connect with MeganWebsite: megannorman.comInstagram: instagram.com/megannormanphotographyFacebook: facebook.com/MeganNormanPhotography
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Dubsado 3.0 First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing
Dubsado 3.0 is officially here… and y’all, the internet is having feelings.In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s new, what’s missing, and what photographers actually need to pay attention to. No fluff. No hype. Just the real talk you need before jumping into the new version.Read the full breakdown here → https://coliejames.com/dubsado-3-0-whats-new/Work with me inside Systems in Session → https://coliejames.com/systemsJoin CRM Blueprint → https://coliejames.com/blueprint00:00 — Why everyone is freaking out about Dubsado 3.0A quick reality check on the rollout, expectations, and why mixed opinions are completely valid.01:17 — The 3.0 switch + how to go back to 2.0 if you need toIf it’s your busy season, do NOT force the transition.02:44 — My biggest disappointments (aka: my Dubsado wishlist that still isn’t here)Contracts on schedulers, conditional logic, project dates + appointments, multi-client emails, and team accounts.07:28 — What is coming soonA few features currently in progress that will make life better in the next updates.09:36 — The rebuild: why 3.0 matters even if features didn’t changeNew backend → faster future updates (finally!).10:28 — Dashboard changesWhat’s actually better, what’s hidden, and why Threads users are spiraling over revenue numbers.14:06 — New Messages areaA real inbox inside Dubsado — finally.18:06 — The new Flows BuilderSame triggers, new layout, and why this matters for future conditional logic.19:52 — Time tracking improvementsHelpful update for those who bill hourly.20:08 — Scheduler availability upgradesA legitimately great improvement — no more clicking nine to five a million times.22:54 — Project view strugglesWhat feels off, what’s improved, and what I hope changes next.23:44 — Final thoughts + what to do nextWhy this update sets the stage for an actually powerful Dubsado… once the features catch up.
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Workflow Overwhelm? Create These 3 Microsystems First
You’re never going to find time to fix your workflows — you have to make the time. And today, I’m giving you the exact place to start.In this episode, I’m breaking down the three microsystems every creative needs before building a full workflow: your instant inquiry response, your five-minute booking proposal, and your booking confirmation email.These simple assets become the anchor activities for your inquiry, booking, and onboarding workflows — and they’re the fastest way to build momentum (and confidence) inside your client experience.If mapping workflows has ever felt overwhelming, unclear, or like something you’ll “get to eventually,” this episode shows you how to begin without building everything at once.And if you want to build these microsystems with me, join the January Support Sprint inside CRM Blueprint at coliejames.com/blueprint.Mentioned in this episode:3 Must Have Elements in Each Client Communication5 Workflows Every Photographer NeedsHow to Create a 5-Minute Booking Process
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Stop Babysitting Your CRM: Let's Build Workflows You Can Actually Trust Inside CRM Blueprint
If your workflows act like needy toddlers—constantly breaking, needing approvals, or demanding supervision—you’re not alone. Over the last few weeks I’ve heard the same frustrations on repeat: “I don’t trust my workflows unless I’m watching them,” and “I’ve tweaked things so much I think I broke something.”In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many creatives end up with workflows stuck in the toddler stage… and how to finally build systems that run like grownups.I’m also sharing why this launch of CRM Blueprint includes two powerful bonuses inspired by my Systems in Session clients: a 21-day January Support Sprint and a full workflow + communication audit for everyone on the waitlist who joins now. Plus, a $200 savings through Thursday.If you’re tired of babysitting your CRM, now’s the time to build systems you can trust.https://coliejames.com/waitlist
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Shifting Your Systems as You Pivot in Your Business with Erin Vestal
She was homeschooling her kids, charging less than $300 a session, and running her photography business on pure hustle—until she realized that passion alone wasn’t enough to build the life she wanted. Erin Vestal is one of my former students from the CRM Blueprint, and her journey is one that so many creatives will relate to.Erin shares her story—from pricing family sessions under $300, to more than doubling her rates, to surpassing her teaching salary (yes, really!). We dig into how she balances homeschooling, launching weddings, outsourcing, refining her offers, and creating work rhythms that actually support her family life—not pull her apart.Find It Quickly00:27 - Meet Erin01:36 - Erin's Journey: From Chaos to Structured Success04:47 - The Importance of Pricing and Value in Business08:42 - Balancing Homeschooling and Business15:05 - Seasonal Photography and Expanding Horizons21:12 - Venturing into Wedding Photography22:02 - Discovering the World of Wedding Photography22:36 - First Wedding Experiences and Realizations23:22 - Building Systems for Success23:37 - Marketing and Overcoming Doubts25:09 - Balancing Family and Business26:08 - Integrating Different Photography Niches27:30 - Rebranding and Streamlining28:10 - Setting Goals and Finding Balance39:45 - The Importance of SystemsMentioned in this EpisodeCRM BlueprintEpisode 015: Dubsado Case Study with Alison BrettMarketing Mondays Will Transform Your Business Strategy with Melissa Arlena and Alison BellConnect with ErinWebsite: erinvestalphotography.comInstagram: instagram.com/erinvestalphotography
Every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit. Here you'll find a no-BS approach to what it takes to put the business first, prioritizing the systems and strategies that will actually move the needle and ensure your creative business is profitable rather than an expensive side-hustle. Your host is Colie James, a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living!
Ireland