Business-First Creatives

Build It Yourself and Own It Forever: Confidence in Your CRM with David Enloe

When you're empowered to build your own process and be part of it, everything in your systems can change. While there is always the option to outsource your brain or hand your systems to someone else, it's even more valuable to learn how your systems actually work, build them with intention, and have the confidence to evolve them as your business grows.In today's episode, I'm joined by David Enloe to chat through his experience inside of Systems in Session, the program that (as he puts it) empowers you to build your own process and be a part of it. We talk through how one conversation turned a vague idea into a structured offer, how David’s HoneyBook setup evolved, and why confidence is what most creatives really need.Find It Quickly01:05 - The Origin Story of Systems in Session05:19 - Why Now? Timing the Workflow Overhaul06:52 - Confidence Over Automation08:17 - The Power of Strategic Prep Work10:44 - Rebuilding After HoneyBook 2.012:59 - From Beta Build to Assistant Onboarding18:20 - Should You Include Your Virtual Assistant?21:31 - What Changed in David’s Business24:48 - Evolving the Client Journey26:58 - How the Program Has Changed Since32:22 - Final Advice from David34:55 - The 3 R’s: Reviews, Referrals, Repeat ClientsMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionEpisode 241: Systems in Session ft. Erin Belles: coliejames.com/done-with-you-dubsado-setup-case-studyConnect with DavidWebsite: theenloecreative.com

Why Done-With-You Systems are a Game-Changer with Emily Sterne

When I sent out a “why didn’t you buy?” survey after a slow launch, I didn’t expect one of those responses to turn into one of my favorite transformation stories. That’s exactly what happened with Emily Sterne, a long-time DIYer who needed guidance, but also didn’t want someone to do it all for her either.What she really needed was a middle ground that offered support, accountability, and someone to walk alongside her. That’s what she found inside Systems in Session with me. Done-with-you gave her the clarity and confidence she was missing without giving up control.284Find It Quickly01:02 - Meet Emily04:52 - The Myth of Outsourcing09:20 - Emily’s Systems Before Systems in Session11:39 - Transition to HoneyBook13:05 - What Emily Had Already Built (and What Was Missing)14:10 - Pricing Comes First18:42 - The True Outcome of Systems In Session23:32 - 12 Sessions Booked While Moving27:24 - Trusting Automations29:35 - Systems Aren’t Set & ForgetMentioned in this EpisodeSystems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-sessionEpisode 241: Systems in Session ft. Erin Belles: coliejames.com/done-with-you-dubsado-setup-case-study

Why Pretty Proposals Close Sales Faster (But Your's Aren't Working)

If you’ve ever thought, “If my proposal just looked better, this would be easier,” you’re not wrong — but that’s only part of the story.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why pretty proposals can close sales faster… and why they stop working when the system around them isn’t doing its job. Your proposal isn’t just an invoice — it’s a WOW moment. And when it doesn’t convert, it’s usually the first place your booking system is breaking down.We’re talking about the difference between design and clarity, why proposals expose gaps in your client experience, and what actually makes a proposal feel premium, intentional, and easy to say yes to.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “I just need a prettier proposal” is such a common (and understandable) beliefHow proposals act as a gateway — not the fix — in your booking systemThe difference between speeding up decisions and creating real clarityWhat makes a proposal feel like a WOW experience instead of paperworkWhy pretty proposals only work when the system around them worksIf you want your proposal to stop working so hard — and start shining inside a clear booking process — this episode is for you.✨ Ready to build a booking system you trust? Learn more about Systems in Session at coliejames.com/systems-in-session

3 Things Making Your Dream Clients Ghost You

Ever had a dream client inquire, seem excited… and then disappear?No reply.No booking.Just silence.In this episode, I’m breaking down why ghosting usually isn’t about your price or competition — it’s about what happens after someone raises their hand to work with you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” but still losing leads, this episode will help you zoom out and see where the breakdown is actually happening.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe three core elements of your inquiry + booking process that directly affect conversionsWhy fixing your systems in isolation creates leaks you can’t seeHow your instant inquiry response can either build momentum or quietly stall itWhy a “pretty” proposal doesn’t automatically lead to bookingsHow follow-up emails help clients finish decisions they already wanted to makeWhen a sales call replacement video can work better than a live callRelated Episodes Mentioned:Episode 225: Instant Inquiry Response Red FlagsEpisode 198: How to Create a 5-Minute Booking ProcessEpisode 108: The Magic of Follow-Up EmailsEpisode 280: Stop Overthinking Your Follow-Up EmailsIf you’re tired of guessing which part of your booking process is broken, this is exactly what we design inside Systems in Session.➡️ Learn more at coliejames.com/sis

Business Bestie Chat Q1 – 2026 with Sabrina Gebhardt

This quarter’s business bestie chat is juicier than ever. We’re tackling real business wins, real pivots, and real lessons. Listen in as Sabrina and I share what we actually did in Q4 2025 and what we’re strategizing for Q1 2026.Find It QuicklyCatching up with Sabrina and Colie (00:24)How the Biz Bestie chats work (02:01)Sabrina’s major rebrand (03:34)The end of Colie’s CRM Blueprint (09:04)The shift in Colie’s offers (13:15)Sabrina’s Root To Rise launch (18:02)Playing the long game (24:15)Sabrina and Colie’s ad experiments (30:56)Plans for the rest of Q1 (38:12)Mentioned in this EpisodeShowit: showit.comTonic: tonicsiteshop.comEmail Like You Mean It: /coliejames.com/email-like-you-mean-itEpisode 268: Personalizing the Client Communication Experience with Geneviève Masioni: coliejames.com/personalizing-the-client-communication-experience-with-genevieve-masioniThe First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membershipEpisode 264: How Human Design Is Influencing The Way We Do Business with Sabrina Gebhardt: coliejames.com/how-human-design-is-influencing-the-way-we-do-business-with-sabrina-gebhardtEpisode 005: Avoiding Burnout with Sabrina Gebhardt: coliejames.com/005Business Bestie Chat Q4 – 2025 with Sabrina Gebhardt: coliejames.com/business-bestie-chat-q4-2025-with-sabrina-gebhardtConnect with SabrinaWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyPodcast: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast