If you want 2026 to be a 10/10 year, you don’t need resolutions. And you don’t need SMART goals. In 2025, I wrote a book, hit 100 podcast episodes and launched a new coaching programme, all while running my multiple six-figure coaching business (and still took two months off). And in this episode, I’m sharing the 3-step process I followed to make this happen. This is the same process I use with my clients to turn vague intentions into measurable results. If you want 2026 to be a year you can look back on and be proud of, this episode will give you the exact framework to make that happen. Covered in this episode: Why goals often fail. How to get clear on what you actually want. Mapping out the exact actions you need to take next year. How to keep yourself from giving up on your goals halfway through the year. Why SMART goals don’t work for most creatives and what to use instead. Why it’s easier to show up for clients than for yourself and how to fix it. 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

Most creatives see stress and burnout as a time-management problem. Or a team problem. So they hire more people. They implement new systems. But nothing changes. And if you find yourself burning out regularly, you’re probably looking in the wrong place for an answer. Stress can completely break your creativity. And if you’re like me, you probably compare yourself to the Hormozis and Bartletts of the world, wondering why you can’t handle stress and pressure like they can. But what I’ve come to understand is that not all personalities are built to handle stress in the same way. Yet so many of us are modelling our lives and businesses on these serial entrepreneurs who are wired completely differently. In this episode, we dive into why this is dangerous for your business, and how to build a business that works for you. Covered in this episode: Why stress shuts down creativity. How different personalities process pressure and why it matters. Why comparing yourself to other entrepreneurs is burning you out. 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

Most creative businesses aren’t struggling because they’re not good enough. They’re struggling because they’re invisible. And in a world where AI can produce decent deliverables in seconds, visibility is becoming the difference between the businesses that grow and the ones that get left behind. In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Fernandez, Co-Founder of The Growth Guys and Social Pitch AI. We unpack the truth behind what exactly creative businesses need in order to stay relevant. If you’ve been feeling shift in the creative industry, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to stay one step ahead. Covered in this episode: How to stay relevant with AI replacing creative work. The real reason creative experts are going unnoticed and how to fix it. Why “know, like and trust” isn’t enough anymore. How “unconscious incompetence” silently limits your growth. Will AI replace creative jobs? How to use AI in a way that builds trust instead of eroding it. What creative businesses must offer to clients to survive. 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  Paul Fernandez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-a-fernandez/  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 

Are you having fun running your business? I’ve asked myself this question in the past and the answer hasn’t always been yes. A lot of creative business owners hit a point where their business is ‘working’, but it’s boring. And that boredom drains the energy from their business. In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Faulkner. Adam has been running a successful video production agency for over five years, but he reached a point where business became boring, and he knew that something had to change.  Adam changed direction with his business and content and attracted the attention of a talent agent, and when he did, he started opening doors he never expected. We dig into why fun is more than a “nice to have” and how it can become the compass for your business. So, if you’ve been feeling bored, stuck or like you’re playing it too safe with your business, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Why fun might be the most underrated business advantage you’re ignoring. How avoiding being overly strategic can actually help your business. How Adam got picked up by a talent agent. Why authenticity doesn’t need to mean oversharing. The real reason content doesn’t stick. Why ‘showing up consistently’ isn’t enough anymore. 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  Adam Faulkner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfaulkner  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 something’s missing, despite having a portfolio full of great work? You’re not alone. Chris Goor has filmed some of the world’s biggest moments from the headline stage at Glastonbury to Usain Bolt breaking world records. But behind the camera, something felt off. Chris had built a successful career, but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t giving him purpose anymore and 12 hour days, 7 days a week were leaving him at breaking point. So Chris decided to experiment and made a shift out of the world he knew, building a personal brand with a following of over 100,000 people, where he helps others find their purpose through content creation. And in this episode, Chris shares how he was able to make the leap and find success. If you ever feel stuck doing work that doesn’t fulfil you, this is for you. Covered in this episode: How to know when it’s time to make a shift. The first steps to moving towards something more purposeful. How to build a following online without chasing trends. Why your LinkedIn posts are being ignored. Overcoming the perfectionism holding creatives back. The key to turning followers into clients that’s often overlooked. How to move away from work that no longer serves you. 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  Chris Goor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thechrisgoor/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Chris Goor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisgoor/  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 

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