You want better clients. Clients that pay more, respect your time, and treat you like a partner - not just another supplier. But most founders are making the same mistake every single week that is holding them back from ever attracting those types of clients. And in this episode, I share what that mistake is, and the steps that you need to take to make attracting your dream clients feel easy. Covered in this episode: The mistake most founders make when trying to attract dream clients. How to pinpoint exactly who you should be targeting. How to build trust with clients before the first call. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

In a crowded market, many studios are leaning on awards they’ve won to stand out. Or they find themselves pitching against a dozen other agencies. But Simon Forster decided to do neither of those things with his branding agency, Robot Food,  and has still landed huge global brands like Pepsi, Cadbury and Carlsberg. Not because they’re the biggest. Nor the cheapest. But because they’ve garnered trust and focused on the right things. And in this episode, Simon breaks down the real reasons global brands choose one studio over another and the strategies that creatives need to consider if they want to play at that level. If you want to be the studio that big brands pick, this is for you. Covered in this episode: How to get big corporates to trust you. The hidden factors that matter far more than creative output. How to build a reputation that makes getting corporate clients possible. Why Robot Food doesn’t enter design awards. How to challenge clients and get them better results. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Robot Food - https://www.robot-food.com/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Simon Forster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotfood/   Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

I’ve lost count of how many rejections I’ve collected in my business and life over the years. From no’s to appearing on podcasts, to no’s from prospects. I imagine you’ve collected a few yourself. And it can hurt. Almost like they’re rejecting YOU. But what I’ve realised is that the amount of rejection that someone faces is in direct proportion to what they’re able to achieve in life. In this episode, I share the 3-step process I use to reframe rejection and transform it into valuable feedback that helps you get more of what you want. If you find dealing with rejection draining, or that you hold back from ever asking out of fear of rejection, this is for you. Covered in this episode:  Why rejection is required for success. Dealing with rejection (motivation for creatives). How to detach your identity from the outcome so you can keep going after rejection. The question to ask after every rejection to turn it into momentum. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator  CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Many creatives spend hours polishing their portfolios, yet still struggle to attract the kinds of clients they feel they deserve. And that’s when the self doubt starts to creep in. But it’s not because your work isn’t good enough. It’s because most portfolios are built with the wrong mindset. I’ve seen award-winning designers get overlooked, while others with less polished work get taken more seriously, because they’re making this one mistake. In this episode, I break down the portfolio mistake that’s quietly costing you opportunities and the 3-step process to fix it. If you feel like your skills deserve higher paying clients than you’re currently attracting, this is for you. Covered in this episode: The biggest mistake creatives make when creating a portfolio. The crucial elements most creatives miss when offering solutions. How to present your work in a way that makes picking you a no-brainer. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

It feels like everywhere you look online, content creators and influencers are telling business owners they need to build a personal brand. But there are thousands of successful businesses without personal brands behind them, so why does everyone talk about personal branding like it’s essential? In this week’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes on my own personal branding journey. I recently had with Chris Do (The Futur), where we got into the truth about what personal branding really means and at what point should creatives consider building theirs. I also share insights from another conversation I had with James Martin (Made By James), who had a very different take, that might make you rethink how you see personal branding. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, or unclear about personal branding, this episode will help you find an approach that works for you. Covered in this episode: What is a personal brand? And do creative business owners need one? Where to start with building a personal brand. Why personal brands might not be as ‘authentic’ as they claim. Why people misunderstand personal branding. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Matt’s conversation with Chris Do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8qfhD4b8I  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

What if you could attract 6-figure clients, regularly, without any outbound marketing? No outreach. No paid ads. This is what Alex Ghalleb has managed to achieve with his multiple six-figure consultancy business - with no full-time staff and no business development. Alex started out in the audio production industry, before moving into hospitality. And although you might not think of hospitality as a creative industry, Alex is bringing high-value client’s creative visions to life.  In this episode, Alex shares how creatives can over-deliver for clients so their reputation does the work for them. If you want to attract higher-value clients on autopilot, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Building a multiple six-figure business with no outbound marketing. What hospitality can teach creatives about client experience. The impacts of niching and choosing the right clients. How to ensure your clients are sold from the first interaction. How to build relationships that lead to consistent referrals. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Alex Ghalleb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ghalleb-13869194/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Do you ever feel like there’s something missing from your life or business? If so, you’re not alone. But what you think is missing might not give you the satisfaction you’re after once you get it. A lot of my clients tell me that they want more clients or they want to reach a certain financial goal. But what they’re chasing is the vehicle, and even once they reach it, they still don’t feel satisfied. In this episode, I share an exercise I walk my clients through to uncover what truly matters. This simple shift helps you get what you want sooner, without the endless chase. Covered in this episode: Why “more clients” or “more revenue” never feels like enough. An exercise to uncover what really matters to you. How to make important decisions more easily. Uncovering your highest priority. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

“We like your work but we’ve decided to go with another agency.” Does this sound familiar? If you’re tired of prospects comparing you with other agencies, you need to hear this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast. The most successful creative business owners I’ve worked with have gotten to where they are by differentiating themselves in a way that makes them incomparable. But with 1000s of agencies out there offering similar services, how do we differentiate? I’m going to go over the 4 P’s of positioning - the key elements you need to understand as a creative service provider to differentiate yourself from the competition. Covered in this episode: How to avoid pitching against a dozen other agencies. How to immunise your business from being replaced by an AI solution. Uncovering the unique qualities that make your business stand out. Identify the right niche for your business. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

How often do you stop to think about why things have or haven’t gone well? If you’re like most creative business owners, probably not very often. And the problem with this is that you could be missing the strategies that led to your successes and failures. Meaning it’s harder to repeat the wins and avoid more losses. As we move into the last quarter of the year, I want to help you to achieve any outstanding goals you’ve set before the year ends. I’m going to run you through a process that I do with my clients every 90 days, to discover what is and isn’t working, to give you more clarity and help you keep up the momentum. Covered in this episode:  How to identify what is and isn’t working in your business. Where to shift your focus so you attract more wins. A repeatable process to figure out what you need to do more of. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Do you ever feel like you know what you need to do to drive your business forward, but you end up spending your day doing everything except that thing.So many creative business owners blame a “lack of time” for slow growth. But ‘time’ is rarely the culprit.In this episode, I’m joined by Simon Alexander Ong - keynote speaker, life coach, bestselling author and YouTuber with 170,000 subscribers. Simon and I dive deep into how to re-energize yourself, how to get maximum impact from your day, and the mindset shifts that can turn your biggest goals into reality.  Covered in this episode: Why a lack of time isn’t what’s holding you back. How to cut down your responsibilities and focus on what moves you forward. Productivity hacks you’ve probably never heard of. The ‘gamification hack’ to make challenging goals achievable. How to stack the odds in your favour and become a “luck machine”. Selling with confidence if you get nervous on sales calls. How Simon secured book endorsements from Simon Sinek and Ali Abdaal. How to tell if you’re building the life and business you really want. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Energize (Simon’s Book) - https://simonalexanderong.com/book/ Simon’s Newsletter - https://simonalexanderong.com/shots-of-energy/  Simon on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexandero/videos  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Simon Alexander Ong on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Have you ever made a choice that felt right in the moment, only to realise it was the decision from hell? That was me recently. I flew to Amsterdam, dropped $2,000 on a Mindvalley ticket, and instantly started regretting it. Instead of enjoying the experience, I found myself frustrated that I’d wasted the money and beating myself up for not making the most of it. But then something shifted. I was able to reframe the whole trip and turn what felt like a mistake into something valuable. In this episode, I break down how you can do the same, so you can transform bad decisions into powerful lessons. You’ll learn how to make choices that align with your values, so no matter what the outcome looks like, it doesn’t have to come with a side of regret. Covered in this episode: How intuition can turn regret into value. The key to making aligned decisions you won’t regret. Turning sunk costs into valuable experiences. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you feel like you’re undercharging for your work? But you believe that if you raise your rates, you’ll scare prospects off? Or maybe you’ve raised your rates already and you’re getting price objections. Either way, this is for you. In this episode, I break down why pricing isn’t about the number, it’s about how prospects perceive the value you deliver. And I share how to completely change your prospects’ mindset around how much your service is worth, so you can double, triple, or even quadruple your rates without losing business. Covered in this episode: The real reason prospects say no. How to reframe value so a higher price makes sense. Why asking for a prospect’s budget NEVER works. Exactly what to say when a client pushes back on pricing. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

There’s a fundamental shift happening in the creative industry, and it’s changing how we find and attract clients. After a decade of coaching award-winning studio owners, I’ve seen even the most talented creatives struggle to consistently bring in dream clients.  And the reason is because they’re chasing attention instead of building trust. But with AI content flooding the internet, the world is getting noisier. Standing out is harder than ever, and your portfolio alone won’t cut it anymore. In this episode, I share with you the best way of fast-tracking your way to trust with your ideal clients, so you can reliably and predictably grow your studio. Covered in this episode: Why trust, not attention, is your biggest asset. How to shortcut the trust building process. Why content is becoming less valuable in an AI driven world. A proven way to make trust predictable and repeatable. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What would it be like to build a 6-figure business without having any clients? No relying on client outcomes and schedules. No more being treated like an employee. That’s exactly what Greg Preece has done. And in this episode, Greg shares how he escaped the stress of client work to build a content creation business on his terms. Before Greg managed to turn his YouTube channel into a passive income machine, he’d reached a plateau with his earnings. But after a few key shifts, his income has skyrocketed, without having to serve a single client. If you create content, or if you’ve ever considered building a content platform as an additional source of revenue, this episode is essential. Covered in this episode: How Greg was able to walk away from client work and still generate a 6-figure income. The three pillars of successful content creation. How to get more views and attract brand deals on YouTube. Why “good” content isn’t enough anymore. How to find a content niche and stand out. The truth about AI and the future of content creation. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Greg Preece on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GregPreece  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Greg Preece on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpreece/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you ever feel like you’re not having the kind of impact you want with your business?Like when you reach the end of the year, you look back and ask yourself “did any of it matter?” And even when you have a steady stream of projects and your clients are singing your praises, something still feels off. You’re not alone. And in this episode, I go over what to do when those feelings come up. I recently had a conversation with a past client who’s found success but still feels this sense of unfulfillment and was considering starting a new venture. And there was one thing I told him to do first. If you want to know exactly what to do when you’re feeling unfulfilled in your business, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Why success isn’t always fulfilling. What to do when you don’t feel you’re making the impact you should be. The key skills every entrepreneur needs before launching something new. Why it’s easier than ever to launch new ideas. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

On the verge of burnout. You’ve just lost a client. A team member is off sick. When it all hits at once, the default reaction is to push through. But what if the answer to fixing your business is the exact opposite? In this episode, I share why the first thing I often tell clients when everything is falling apart is that they need to take a break. Last year, I stepped away for an entire month and came back with more clarity and focus than ever. This year, I did it again.  And nothing broke. Now, I know our businesses are different, but I’ve seen it work time and time again. And in this episode I share exactly what to do to make it possible, so that you can reap the benefits. Covered in this episode: Why stepping away from your business could be exactly what it needs. The 2 key moves you need to make for taking a break to be possible. How to manage your finances in a way that allows you to take a month off while still paying the bills. What to expect when you return (hint: it’s not chaos). If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

When you jump on a call with a prospective client, does it feel more like a job interview? Does it feel like you have to prove yourself to them? Like an order taker rather than a valued partner? What if there was a simple way to turn the conversation on it's head? To go from service provider to interviewer. In this episode, I share a 15-minute clarity call framework that will allow you to take control of the conversation, quickly qualify clients and avoid time-wasters so you can work with people who value what you do and pay you what you’re worth. I’m sharing the exact structure and framework I’ve used (and coached clients through) to transform the sales process without sounding too salesy. Covered in this episode: The exact framework to follow to win more of your ideal clients. The switch that turns you from ‘order taker’ into ‘trusted partner’. How to take control of the sales conversation (without being pushy). Why you should stop sending proposals (and what to do instead). Why client budgets are a myth. How to never get ghosted again. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Download the framework - https://matt-essam.notion.site/Clarity-Call-Framework-and-Script-e8fa45f41ab1482e9ad8dd37ddc05a52?source=copy_link  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

The project deadline is looming. A team member just called in sick. Your computer is playing up. All while the client is constantly chasing you. We’ve all had those weeks where your to-do list is never-ending and everything feels like it’s on fire. And you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to get it all done. I’ve been in this situation myself, and I know what it feels like. That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated strategies I’ve used to stay calm under pressure, protect client relationships, and still deliver high-quality work - without burning out. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this 3-step plan is going to give you the clarity and tools you need to get back on track. Covered in this episode: How to stay calm when the pressure is on. The 3-step system I use to get back on track. How to decide what really matters on your to-do list. How to communicate with clients when deadlines loom. The trick to avoiding burnout while still getting stuff done. Why trying to “do it all” is killing your productivity. A simple mindset shift that instantly reduces overwhelm. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE The ONE Thing (book) - https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_One_Thing/ROoCnwEACAAJ  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Have you ever been asked for a discount for your services? Do you ever deal with micromanaging clients who just won’t let you get on and be creative? And do you ever find the scope of a project gets stretched just a little further at every milestone? If so, you’re probably making one of the three pricing mistakes that I’m sharing in this episode. These are the most common mistakes I see creative business owners make. And it’s costing them their time, money and sanity. I’ve worked with clients who, after fixing these mistakes, have managed to double, triple and even 10x their revenue, without doing 10 times the work. If you want to start attracting clients who respect you, value your work and pay you what you deserve, this episode will show you how. Covered in this episode: The three pricing mistakes that many creatives are making. Why you keep attracting the wrong clients. How to raise your prices without losing deals. A mindset shift that will help you stop undercharging. Quick tweaks that can lead to huge wins. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

AI is evolving fast. The creative skills that we once thought were immune to being replaced by AI seem less ‘safe’ every day. And if you’re not willing to adapt, you’ll quickly get left behind. That goes for designers, web developers, audio engineers, and most other creative skillsets. But how can creatives adapt to this inevitability? In this solo episode, I’m digging into the impact AI is already having on creative work, and more importantly, what you can do to stay ahead of it. This episode isn’t to scare you - it’s to help you adapt before it’s too late, so that you can continue getting paid for your creativity for years to come. Covered in this episode: Why AI is threatening creative jobs more than you think. Will AI take over the creative industry? The key mindset shift you need to make now. How to position yourself so you can’t be replaced by an AI tool. What you need to start doing today to protect your business. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam