business & photography
mentoring
I specialize in mentoring creative small business owners who finally want to check off those "to do list" items they've been putting off
You probably have a list full of things you'll do "whenever you have spare time" or "during your off season". But it's been 6 months or longer and you still haven't touched the things on your list that will take you to the next level.
You may be overwhelmed about where to even start! Maybe you're even starting to question if you should still be a creative small business owner??
I'm here to give you clarity amidst the chaos, form a realistic game plan, (for my mentorship clients) help you do the work, and provide accountability to ultimately level up your business.
That's where I come in.
Emily- Workflows
Emily- Business Organization
Emily- Client Experience
Emily- Client Resource Creation
Emily- Emails- For clients or Flodesk
Emily- Pricing strategy
Emily- blogging strategy
Emily- Showit Website Editing
Emily- Organize thoughts & prioritize tasks
emily- audits & proofing
OUR SPECIALTIES:
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
James- photo Gear
James- video Gear
James- studio lighting & OCF
James- Apple & PC computer tech
James- other tech q's
James- Editing & aI
James- Podcasting
Don't see what you need?
Inquire with us and we can see if we're a good fit!
Investment
Sometimes we are too close to our business to see what's missing or recognize where we could improve communication. I very intentionally learn about you, your business, your brand, your approach, etc.
This is for you if you've had the same website template for awhile and it's starting to feel stale. If you're analytics are not showing you the results you're wanting, let me take a look. I will share my best recommendations for SEO, portfolio, and copy improvements you can make! Don't have time to make these changes yourself? See my 6 Month Integration mentorship!
Using a fresh set of eyes, I take a look at every page on your website (even the hidden links) to see what's working and what's not!
Back
- Emily will comb through your website page by page to see your portfolio, your copy (text), brand appearance, overall flow, next steps for inquiring clients, etc.
- You'll receive a video (screen recording) critique of each page as Emily walks through her recommendations and thought processes on how to improve your site.
- You'll have access to these videos for up to 1 year
- As a bonus, Emily will also include a brief overview of your social media platforms to make sure there is no disconnect in all of your brand presence online.
Investment: $250
What's included:
Investment
This isn't your average 2 hour coffee shop chat...
The whole reason I'm offering these coaching calls is to actually help you through some struggles and push your business forward.
To properly help and make this investment worth it, my coaching calls include more than just one 2 hour call. Each call we will dive into your questions over a Google Meet call. During this call both of us can screen share and dive into the backend of your website or CRM or mine so you have more "hands on" help!
You'll also get access to me in between calls so that when a random question pops up- as you're actually checking off your to do list- you can ask me (or James)!
Next
- Coaching Calls with Emily via Google Meet
- 1 on 1 coaching- Just me & you (And maybe James)
- Two calls within one months time- each call lasting up to 2 hours
- Access to Emily via email for questions in-between calls
- Access to James for technology questions
- Emily's resources & recommendations as needed
- $700/per month of coaching (or see my 6 month investment!)
Investment: $700/month
coaching calls
Results ultimately depend on whether or not you're ready to put in the work. I can help form a game plan but in this coaching I can't do it for you. If you want help doing the work, see my 6 Month Integration Mentorship!
You're Willing To Do The Work
You have lots of Questions
If you have a giant list of questions you wish you could find answers to, this might be a good fit for you! In between calls, you can have a chance to implement what we discuss and then have another chance to ask any questions that may pop up as you work in your business.
1 Month of Coaching is for you if...
High Intensity & High Capacity
A fancy way of saying big changes in a short amount of time. If you are in your off season or have a deadline coming up fast, this coaching service will be a great match. This is a lot of work in a short amount of time but if you're up for it, I'll stand in it with you!
inquire now
"Our conversation has sparked a lot!! I can't wait for our next call!"
Amanda | Southern Charm Events
To the Mamas: You're a busy mama to young kiddos and wish you had more time to work on the projects that will push your business forward! But another nap time has gone by and they just won't sleep. Which means you have to wait until bedtime to get work done or try it all again tomorrow.
To the Hustlers: Or maybe you're a hustling 9-5'r and you're burning the candle at both ends. You wish you had more time to spend on the projects but the time you do have "off", aka away from your day job, you are just barely getting the tasks done that keep your business... in business!
If you resonate with either scenario, please know, I made this service for you! This experience takes "checking off your to do list" to the next level! I am getting in the mud with you. Doing the work along side you. I can set up your CRM automations or email templates, make those website edits, update (or finally complete) those style guides, work through pricing, etc. I'll provide clarity and assistance to get these projects done so you can feel confident in your systems and workflows going forward!
Investment
- 6 Consecutive months of mentoring calls
- Up to 2 calls per month lasting up to 3 hours
- Access to Emily via Marco Polo app for questions in between calls (subscription is included)
- Access to James for technology questions
- Emily's resources & recommendations as needed
- Emily will work in your business along side you to accomplish goals- goals discussed in the consultation and first coaching call.
- These goals could include, but is not limited to, website editing, email templates, CRM workflows, backend workflows, marketing materials, and pricing of services and products.
- Up to 2 of the 12 calls has the option of being in person at our home in Forest, Va (meals & snacks provided)! This hands-on mentoring session is the perfect opportunity to accomplish a great deal of work together where you can focus on things without interruptions.
Go Back
Investment: $500/month $3000 in total
Integration Mentorship
Results ultimately depend on whether or not you're ready to put in the work along side me. But imagine that nagging task being done for you the next time we hop on our call! With both of us working, you'll be able to show up in your 9-5 or mama role with more grace for yourself & peace knowing your business is still moving forward!
You need help doing the work
1-3 Big tasks on the to do list
You have a few different parts of your business that need some attention but maybe it will take longer to get them done. Such as: email templates, workflow automations, website edits, finishing a style guide or client resource, etc. Depending on the depth of the projects discussed, we can work to accomplish up to 3 big tasks within the 6 month time frame!
the Integration Mentoring IS FOR YOU IF...
High Intensity & Low Capacity
A fancy way of saying big changes in your business while also living your life with grace. We will work on things gradually as you continue the expectations of life outside your business. The first year of offering this type of coaching, I noticed 6 months was a great timeframe to accomplish things without my clients feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
inquire now
how do i get started?
First step is to fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page. Share about your business, your goals, and lets talk details. Once I understand where you are right now, we can figure out the next steps are to overcome these overwhelming feelings and get things done!
How far out do you book up? When should i inquire?
We take a very limited number of coaching clients because we are still running our own photography business. We are in your shoes every day still! With this in mind, we only take 3-5 coaching clients each month. So if you're interested in coaching, it's a good idea to go ahead and inquire to make sure we are able to work with you!
who are the coaches??
Emily & James Hancock. James has 10+ years in marketing photo & video. He also specializes in gear, technology, and all things Apple! Emily has grown their photography business from charging $2k for wedding photography in 2018 to charging $6-10k in 2023. She has gleaned from several educators to make systems and experiences that have worked and grown their business.
i need help with something not on your list of expertise.
We have our expertise listed towards the top of this mentorship page. BUT just because I haven't listed your choice of topic doesn't mean we can't offer advice or help! If anything, I may know of other resources or educators I can put you in contact with to help you in that area.
I'M BRAND NEW TO PHOTOGRAPHY, is this for me?
Ideally, this is for businesses who have at least 1 year of experience and a good idea of what type of services they want to offer. I want to help you with your goals and task list but if you're not at least one year into business then it may be too early! There is always an exception to the rule though, so inquire with us so we can see for sure!
is this just for photographers?
This is for creative small business owners! While James and I are the most experienced in photography, we have helped video & photo teams, planners, florists, venue owners, hair & makeup stylists, etc. This isn't just limited to wedding vendors but again we're most experienced in this industry. We've also helped boutique owners and pet sitter businesses to name a few non-wedding businesses.
How are we doing these calls? in person? video chat?
I love using Google Meet for calls because it's easy to use and almost every business has access to this. These calls are typically 2-3 hours long where it's just you and me (& sometimes James if needed). I have hosted a call or two at my home in Forest, VA if an in-person meet up was requested. I don't recommend a coffee shop because there are too many distractions!
Can i ask you questions after our coaching call?
Yes! That is another thing that sets this coaching apart! During the calls I want us to dive into the overall topic of discussion. But there are always other questions that pop in your head the next day or even week later. For my 6 month integration mentorship, Marco Polo is my go to for in-between conversations. My monthly coaching clients can use email for these questions.
Do you offer just one coaching call?
Here's why I only offer 2 calls. I've done this myself. I invested in 1 coaching call & at the end of the 2 hour call I was left with more questions than I had before. I feel that if I had 1 more call with that educator, then it would have been worth the investment! I don't want you to have that same feeling I did!
Do you offer a payment plan?
We do! I know this is an investment so we make it easier by offering a payment plan with 2 payments for monthly coaching clients. One at the beginning of the month and 1 at the end of the month. The 6 month mentorship is a $500/month payment plan. You will be able to see the payment plan and contract before making this investment official!
do you offer a refund?
Our coaching content is living content, meaning that when things change in the industry our coaching recommendations may change. We don't guarantee any specific results because every business and coaching call is different. Some goals are only achievable after several months of work while some can be completed in a matter of a few weeks. It's for these reasons that we are not able to offer a refund. We want your business to succeed and you to feel confident in this investment! So if you are not happy with our coaching services, we ask for the opportunity to work together on a solution.
Do you share my info...
Absolutely not! I do believe that even if you copied everything I do as a business owner, you still couldn't replace ME -we are all unique! But we are committed to keeping your info private. The contract we have in place protects your information and as well as ours.
Frequently asked questions
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tea time
with Emily
Listen in as Emily shares a peek into life as a wedding photographer & business owner, no fluff interviews with real business owners, educators, brides, and more!
She's spillin the all tea!
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I may have started out as James' assistant holding the camera bag but after 8 years in the industry, 5 years owning and growing a photography business, 3 years full time in my business, 2 years of both James & I full time, here we are living our dream! -It's possible for you too!
I have invested in education & coaching and have seen first hand how investing in these things has CHANGED THE GAME for me!!! Coaching was the key to get me to where I am today. Just because I bought "all the courses" out there didn't mean I had instant success. I had to actually apply what I learned and stick with it!- Even during the valleys of business...
If you're here, chances are you are meant to have your business despite those "I wanna quit" feelings - which it's totally human of you to have those feelings by the way. Friend, you have what it takes! I know that because you're here. You just need someone to help pick you up, give you some clarity, and encourage you to keep going!
I firmly believe that your business has a purpose. The only way your business can fulfill that purpose is if YOU are living into your commitments with yourself and your business. Lets simplify the overwhelm, make a plan, and take your business to the next level!
Meet emily
You have established yourself and your brand but something just seems off or stale... Sometimes it takes some fresh eyes on your business to see the missing links between you and the next level! And while sometimes it helps to ask in facebook groups... those rude & under-qualified people commenting their critiques can cause more mental stress than necessary! When we work together I dig a little deeper into what makes you, YOU! My critiques are always done with love and respect for what you've built and where you're going.
CRITIQUE WITH RESPECT & LOVE
I have seen first hand how bitterness, jealousy, and a copy-cat mindset can ruin a business, relationship, or friendship. As I've shared before, I believe every business has a purpose and there is enough room at the table for the ones that are truly in it for the long haul. It fuels my soul to help others succeed because the educators & coaches that have poured into me have changed my life forever. And I wanna pay that forward.
Community over competition
04
I have always been known as: the mom of the group, a friend to the introverts, a recovering people pleaser, encourager for those stuck in the valleys of life & business, motivator to
GET THINGS DONE, recovering perfectionist, comedic relief, etc. I see your struggles because I've been there. I want to help you out of the overwhelm and the feeling of being stuck so you can have excitement for your business again!
ACCOUNTABILTY & ENCOURAGEMENT
03
This is truly the thing that sets me apart from other photographers. I have crafted a unique experience that has me booking my couple's bridal party weddings over and over again. I LOVE helping other businesses tailor an experience that represents their brand well. This is my long game marketing strategy that really does work!
Client experience
02
I am a details girly, always thinking of new ways to make things better. I am known for being extra, a blend of Jessica Day & Leslie Knope (from a few of my favorite shows). A good workflow makes you feel confident in your business and makes sure your clients are served well. I can help you create a workflow that fits your unique business needs!
workflows
01
05
This is my love language! I love helping and serving others. I can't even describe the joy I have seeing someone I have helped reach a goal, quit their 9-5, book a higher paying client, etc. This is a HUGE reason I am now offering coaching services. This fires me up and brings purpose to this love language of mine.
acts of service
06
her favorite things
With over 10 years in this industry, I have become proficient in editing in Lightroom, understanding camera gear inside and out, and researching the latest computers & tech for business. I genuinely love all the nerdy things the media industry has to offer!
I am the one working behind the scenes for our photography business and that does include a few different roles for the coaching side of our business. I leave all the boring and tedious stuff to Emily but I'll be here with recommendations for the fun stuff aka the gear and tech for your business!
I've also been known as the IT Support in our photography friend groups. So If you have questions about your gear, editing tricks, or anything tech related, I'm your guy!
I firmly believe that it's not the gear that makes a business successful, but you need to understand how to work your gear in order to be successful!
Meet James
We'd love to hear from you! Please fill out the form below or send a note directly to us at: emily@emilyhancockphotography.com
Inquire with us!
i treat your coaching like my own, which means I don't work with just anyone, spots are limited!
