Are you an established freelancer or creative business owner who’s realizing that your current positioning, messaging and marketing won’t cut it in a tough economy? Are you ready to proactively build a purpose driven, profitable creative business?
Re-position your creative business to attract more high-quality clients in just 6 months.
Join Justine Clay and a curated group of your industry peers to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program starting Fall 2020.
Tell me if this sounds like you…
- You want and need to get better clients, but don’t know how to find, or connect with them
- Outreach feels inappropriate and tacky during a crisis, so you do nothing (which feels bad too!)
- As a multi-talented creative, you struggle to communicate what you do and the value you offer, especially in an economy where creative services feels like a “nice to have”
- Your brand message and presentation are not representative of what you know you deliver
- You feel overwhelmed, to the point of being paralyzed
- You know you need to market yourself, but have no idea where to start
If you’ve ever looked at the creative entrepreneurs who seem to have it all together (you know, the ones who get all the great projects, write the books and speak at conferences) and wondered what they have that you don’t,
I’m here to tell you there’s no difference between you and them.
Here’s what successful creative entrepreneurs know and clearly communicate…
- What makes them unique and stand out in the crowd
- Who their ideal clients are, what keeps them up and night, and what they need right now
- The art of creating a message, content, and services that speak directly to what their ideal clients want, need, and will pay for
- How to build a thriving network of clients, collaborators, supporters and referral partners
- Clarity around their goals and actions that will move them towards those goals
- The money and mindset shift they need to make to thrive
- The powerful rituals, routines, and processes that help them move the needle in their business every single day
Understanding how to position and profit from your creative expertise isn’t rocket science (thank goodness!), but it is a mindset you need to cultivate and a strategy that you need to understand and take consistent action on if you’re to get the results you want.
If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out yourself (really, who has the time?) and are ready to proactively build a meaningful and profitable creative business, I have something exciting to share with you!
Introducing…
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Get the high-quality clients you want. Make the money you’re worth.
I’m Justine Clay and I’ll be guiding you through a process to help you identify your niche, get crystal clear on what your ideal clients want and need, and build a meaningful and profitable business.
Here’s why I’m so passionate about this process and how I know it works:
When I moved from London to New York in 1996, with little more than a psychology degree and English accent, the concept of being a successful entrepreneur with a passion for marketing and business were as foreign to me as putting maple syrup on your bacon (I’ve since become a convert!) After a stint waitressing (what kind of a New York story would it be without that?), I landed my first job answering the phone in a design agency. I’m almost 100% certain the only reason I got the job was because of my English accent, but I didn’t care; it was my ticket to somewhere. A year later, I was hired by an up-and-coming creative representation agency, where I learned every aspect of positioning, managing and growing the careers of creative professionals. From, spotting great talent and putting together a portfolio that stood out, to making new business calls, writing and negotiating a proposal, and managing a project from beginning to end, I learned that every element was crucial to building a successful creative career.
In 2006, I branched out and opened my own creative services agency, Plum Creative, where I built a reputation within the advertising and design industry for helping retail and lifestyle brands find the perfect talent for their projects and managing the project from beginning to end. With one of my top earners billing $2,000 a day (every day) were working on great projects and making good money.
And then the recession of 2008 happened.
Almost overnight, the work dried up. I was paying myself out of my savings and the pressure of not knowing how long I’d be able to hang on had my stomach in knots.
Little did I know, this seeming “disaster” was the start of a pivot from running a business I enjoyed, to creating the purpose-driven work I was born for.
I had an epiphany: I had a gift that I could share with the creative community on a much larger level. Along with a wealth of expertise, experience in the advertising and design world, I realized I had an uncanny ability to help them identify their unique talent and package it into a marketable proposition.
And so, my gift was unearthed, and my coaching business was born.
I spent the next 12 months creating a step-by-step program called Align & Thrive and now work with a range of creative professionals, empowering them to play a much bigger game, fulfill their potential and build the lifestyle they want for themselves and their families.
I’d like to help you do the same!
I’ve spent 10 years developing and testing a step-by-step approach that will teach any creative professional how to attract high-quality clients, land better projects, and get paid for the value they deliver, not the hours they put in.
Imagine discovering the business, messaging, and marketing skills you need that are lot simpler to master than you thought. Imagine feeling confident and proactive in your business, deciding who to work for, when, and for how much.
Can you feel the relief of finally shaking the feelings of self-doubt, overwhelm, and perfectionism, that have held you back, and coming to your desk every morning knowing exactly what you need to do to move your business forward?
Are you ready to re-write your story and learn the tools and strategies for making your own success, regardless of the market or economic conditions? Here is your next step.
Join
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
A system for building a creatively fulfilling and profitable business or career
What you’ll get:
- 12 live virtual group coaching sessions
- 10 Facebook Live sessions where you can ask questions and get feedback between sessions
- A recap and recording of each group coaching session
- A 1-hour one-on-one coaching session with Justine
- Worksheets and resources to help you apply what you discover directly to your business
- Access to a shared private Google folder where all the recordings, recaps, and supporting materials will be available
- On-going conversations in our private Facebook group
- Support and valuable feedback from your industry peers
- Assigned accountability partner
- Special guests
Here’s how it breaks down:
Kick off
“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” —Zig Ziglar
To help you get the most out of this experience, we’ll kick off with an exercise designed to get your creative and strategic juices flowing and to define a specific goal. The result; you’ll come to our first session together prepped and ready to make big things happen!
Session 1: Goal setting that sticks
We’ll kick off our work together by identifying what goals are meaningful to you and the evolution of your business. Every entrepreneur is different, so the way you set goals will be just as unique. I will lead you through a process that will help you identify what’s important to you, as well as the actions that will keep you moving forward.
Session 2: Define your unique value and niche
Are you a multi-faceted creative who’s on-board with having a niche in theory, but has resisted putting your stake in the sand for fear of limiting yourself or your client base, or picking the “wrong” one?
You’re not alone. Happily, it’s possible to experience all the benefits of a clear value proposition and target market (a niche), while maintaining the flexibility your creative and entrepreneurial soul desires!
In this module, I’ll guide you through a process of identifying what your unique gifts are, how they translate into incredible value, and how to integrate them into a consistent, yet flexible positioning.
Session 3: Identify your ideal clients are
If you’ve ever described yourself as a generalist, swiss army knife, or jack of all trades, chances are you’re not landing the bigger, better-paying, higher profile projects you want. The difference between being perceived, and hired, as a practitioner (read: pair of hands) rather than a strategic, problem solving creative partner is knowing exactly who your ideal clients are, what they struggle with, and what they aspire to.
Session 4: Find out what your ideal clients actually need
If you’ve ever felt like your clients are picking and choosing what they think they need from you, menu-style, you’ll know how frustrating (and off-base) that can be! In this session, you’re going to learn what your ideal clients actually need to achieve their goals. In this module, I’ll guide you through a process that will help you create clear services based upon the value you deliver, not the hours you put in.
Session 5: How to package your services to sell
Imagine walking into a prospective client’s office with a portfolio of every project you’ve ever done, dumping it onto their desk, asking them to sift through, figure out how to use you, and then hire you.
Sounds absurd, right? But if your website a laundry list of capabilities and projects, that’s exactly what you’re doing.
Now imagine walking into that same office having done your homework and prepared with a solution. You know exactly who they are, the specific challenge they’re struggling with, and have the answer to their prayers packaged and ready to go.
That, my friends, is the difference between a creative freelancer or entrepreneur who’s at the mercy of the market and client, and a creative entrepreneur who’s landing the projects they want and commanding the fees they deserve.
In this session, I will guide you through a thought-process that will help you define exactly what problems you solve, how you do it, and package them so saying “yes” is a no-brainer to your ideal clients.
People, this one’s a game-changer!!
Session 6: Let’s talk money!
If taxes, budgeting and projections feel intimidating or “not your thing” as a creative, you’re not alone. Being a recovering “money ostrich” myself, I’m passionate about helping creative entrepreneurs cultivate a growth mindset, shift their money story, and gain comfort and clarity around their numbers. In this session, finance expert and founder of Watch Her Prosper, Ruchi Pinniger will demystify money and share the building blocks of a profitable creative business.
Session 7: Develop a marketing strategy that attracts your ideal clients to you
If your marketing efforts fall somewhere between “word of mouth” or “none at all”, you’re not alone! We all know that marketing is an essential part of sharing what you do, educating and connecting with prospects, and generating sales, yet so few of us do it consistently or well.
If marketing falls somewhere between throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks, and falling into a hole of compare and despair, we’re about to turn things around!
In this session, we’ll re-frame what marketing is and why we do it, you’ll identify what activities and tools make sense for your business and streamline your efforts, so you get better results in less time.
Session 8: Create an editorial calendar that makes consistent marketing a breeze
If you’ve ever had the best of marketing intentions, only to fall off the wagon two weeks later, you’re definitely not alone. But marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. In this module, we’ll build upon the strategy you started in session 7 and create a content calendar and plan so you streamline your efforts, stay the course, and get better results in less time.
Session 9: Build a thriving network
“If you want to go quickly go alone, if you want to go far go together.”- African Proverb
One of the biggest mistakes creative business owners make is not seeking support. Perhaps you’re an introvert, or maybe asking for help feels uncomfortable. But no business owner thrives alone and even the most introverted creatives need community (especially now!).
Just like every other part of your business, building a network of trusted peers, advisors, collaborators, clients, and referral partners requires thought, a plan, and consistent effort.
Just being a part of this group will open your eyes to the power of community and peer support, but in this module, you’ll discover how to proactively build and leverage a powerful network and grow your creative business.
Session 10: Articulate a message that converts strangers into “I need to work with you” prospects
When people ask what you do, do you waffle and/or share a laundry list of things you could do for a client…any client? Not very compelling or shareable, right? Imagine being able to confidently and quickly communicate what you offer, how it benefits your ideal clients, and what they need to do next to work with you. It would feel pretty amazing, don’t you think?
In this module I’ll guide you through the process of sifting through all the things you can do, and distilling the information that matters into a clear, concise, natural sounding positioning statement.
Session 11: Create a plan for your website
Does your website function more as an online portfolio than your number one marketing tool? It’s OK, you’re not alone. In this session, we’ll be talking with our guest expert, website designer and developer, Jill Lynn. Jill will be sharing best practices for creating a website that attracts your ideal clients, compels them to take a desired action, and convert them into prospective clients without compromising your artistic integrity. This session is always a crowd favorite!
Session 12: Pulling it all together
Remember that specific goal we mentioned in the kick off session? As we come together one last time (in this capacity!) you will share with the group what you discovered, what you did, and the actionable steps you will take now, and moving forth.
Onwards!!
But there’s more!
bonus #1:
Access to the Private Facebook group
One of the beautiful things about this process and group is the community of peers who will be supporting you. Join your fellow entrepreneurs in this private Facebook group and share feedback and support every step of the way. We’re stronger together!
bonus #2:
Craft a compelling story that builds the “know, like and trust” factor with your ideal clients
Clients do business with people, they know, like and trust, and well-crafted personal story can tip the balance significantly in your favor. In this bonus worksheet, you’ll learn the 3 essential elements of a great story and how to craft yours.
bonus #3:
A one-hour private laser coaching session with Justine
In this one-on-one session, we’ll focus on a specific challenge or goal for YOUR business and strategize solutions to help you move forward.
bonus #4:
Special guest
Our special guest, finance expert and founder of Watch Her Prosper, Ruchi Pinniger will demystify money, help you shift your money mindset, and share the building blocks of a profitable creative business.
bonus #5:
Special guest
Web designer and creative business expert, Jill Anderson of Jill Lynn Design will be joining us to share her best practices for transforming your portfolio website into your #1 marketing and sales tool. You won’t want to miss this!
Showing up and doing the work is the absolute BEST indicator of your success. I’m here to help you stay motivated, inspired and on-track!
Ready to join
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Join Justine Clay to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program, starting July 21st, 2020.
ONLY 6 payments of $250
Applications are open and we’d love to receive yours!
Click below to start the process.
Got questions? I’d be happy to jump on a 15 minute call with you to see if this program is right for you. Just send me an email at justine@justineclay.com and we can set that up.
10-Day Money Back Guarantee
If you change your mind before July 30th, 2020, just send us an email and we’ll refund your money. No hard feelings or questions asked!
I’m committed to providing a high-level experience to our members, so to ensure program participants are in the company of their peers, here are a few guidelines for who this program is perfect for.
This course is right for you if:
- You’re an experienced creative professional or entrepreneur with 5 years or more of professional (if not entrepreneurial) experience.
- You’re primarily a serviced-based business (though if you also sell products as a part of your business model, that’s cool)
- You have the vision and are willing to do the work, but you don’t know the steps necessary to go from a dream to a reality
- You’re tired of hustling and are looking to be more strategic about how your find clients
- You’re looking for a community of high-level creative and business peers with whom to share ideas, resources and experience.
- You’re ready and willing to share what’s working, what’s not, and challenge your assumptions along the way
- You want to find meaning in your work, create work that has a positive impact, and be compensated well for what you
- You know you’re not charging enough, but don’t know how to position or price your services
- You recognize you need to invest in yourself and your business and are ready to do the work
The course is not for you if:
- You’re an absolute beginner (there are great resources to support you, email me if you’d like any recommendations)
- You’re primarily a product-based business owner
- You’re looking for someone to fix your business for you
- You’re looking for a cookie cutter solution (please don’t buy any programs that promise that, they don’t exist!)
- You keep buying courses, but don’t follow through with any of them (then complain when nothing changes)
- You’re not willing to challenge your assumptions
- You say you want change, but you’re not willing to invest your time, energy and resources to make it happen
Got questions?
Here are some answers to questions I hear most often:
The program is 6 months. I’ve found that, for most people, 2 weeks per module is the sweet spot for giving you enough time to do the work (even if this is your side-gig), but not so long that you lose momentum.
The group is typically between 10-14 people. This keeps the group intimate, while including enough variety to ensure you benefit from the expertise, experience, and feedback of your peers.
Absolutely! Businesses are living, breathing things that require us to tend to them, nurture them, and change as necessary. In my experience, one of the best investments we can make in ourselves and businesses, is finding the right support, tools and community to foster growth. Come back, bring your knowledge, experience and expertise and grow with us!
I specialize in working with creative professionals of all disciplines including art directors, creative directors, interior designers, design directors, designers, graphic designers, website designers, photographers, copywriters, writers, illustrators and video producers and directors.
While I specialize in working with creative professionals, my system works for any professional whose mission is to share their unique talent with people who have a genuine need for it. My ‘non-creative’ clients, who include IT professionals and a Systems Architect, are just as successful as the traditionally creative ones. It’s really a question of if the program and process resonate.
Yes! There is an opportunity to ask individual questions, during sessions, in the Facebook group and get your questioned answers in the 30-minute Facebook lives I do in between sessions. If you have a question, it will be answered.
This program has been created specifically for creative professionals who have, to some degree established their creative business or career, and are looking to be more proactive, more effective, and grow. They are willing to put aside any pre-conceived ideas and fears and do the work. This program won’t work for people who don’t have a somewhat established freelance career, business or idea, skeptics, complainers or people who make excuses not to take action. I’m invested in the success of each and every person who works with me, so it’s important that we’re aligned on our vision and what it will take.
All of our sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. On the alternate weeks, I will host a Facebook Live in the private Facebook group. The dates will be as follows:
Group Coaching Sessions - 90-minutes (12-1:30pm EST)
Session 1: 7/21
Session 2: 8/4
Session 3: 8/18
Session 4: 9/8
Session 5: 9/22
Session 6: 10/6
Session 7: 10/20
Session 8: 11/4
Session 9: 11/17
Session 10: 12/1
Session 11: 12/15
Session 12: 12/22
10 Facebook Lives – 12-12:30pm
FB Live1: 7/28
FB Live 2: 8/11
FB Live 3: 8/25
FB Live 4: 9/15
FB Live 5: 9/29
FB Live 6: 10/13
FB Live 7: 10/27
FB Live 8: 11/10
FB Live 9: 11/24
FB Live 10: 12/8
Absolutely! Upon joining us, you will be given access to a Google Folder where you will find find a welcome and orientation video, recordings of each session, a worksheet to turn your ideas and dreams into strategy and ACTION! I will also be doing a Facebook live on each topic during the weeks we’re not meeting to answer questions, keep you engaged, and moving forward. The private Facebook group is also a great place to find and share resources shared by your fellow participants. It is my promise that, regardless of your learning style, you will be supported throughout!
Yes! My top tips are:
- Use the private Facebook group to ask questions, share work for feedback, offer support and answer questions when asked.
- I will pair you up with someone in the group who you will check in with regularly to support and hold one other accountable.
- Show up for the live group coaching calls. They’re a great place to get feedback, ask questions, stay motivated and get un-stuck.
If you do the work, you can expect to:
- Gain a clarity and confidence about what you have to offer and position yourself uniquely within a crowded marketplace.
- Transform your mentality and approach from hustling freelancer to savvy creative business owner
- Possess and entirely different way of asking better questions, finding the resources to support you, and solving problems.
- Be more strategic, confident and proactive in your creative business
- Experience, first-hand, the magical benefits of community and peer support and feedback
- Gain a crystal-clear understanding of your ideal clients’ needs and how you are uniquely positioned to help them.
- Attract better quality, higher paying clients, while the less-than-ideal clients effortlessly drift away.
- Create a pitch that naturally and clearly communicates what you do to potential clients and referral partners.
- Understand which marketing tools are right for you and create a marketing plan that doesn’t feel like ‘selling’ or ‘work’.
- Learn how to package your services to resonate with your ideal clients and sell
- Create content that engages and draws your ideal clients to you.
- Work on more creatively fulfilling projects.
I understand by let me re-frame that thought for you. Up leveling your business, clients and pricing involves challenging long-held beliefs and assumptions and shifting your mindset; both of which are difficult without guidance, support and accountability. Investing in support that will help you make these transformative and lasting shifts is a big deal and should make you think twice. You’re on the brink of a big leap. That said, I will NEVER advise someone to work with me if it will put them in financial jeopardy to do so.
Yes, to make this a no-brainer investment, I’m offering 6-installment payment plan. Your credit card will be automatically billed each month.
Being the curious and ambitious entrepreneur that you are, I’m absolutely certain you’ve done some version of some of the content my program covers. We might “know” something for a long time before it actually clicks and becomes something we take meaningful action on. You could even do the exact same exercise each year and get a different outcome each time. Each step connects with the bigger picture, so I encourage you to come to this proven process with an open mind. The results you get will be all the better for it!
Apply to join The Creative Business Accelerator group coaching program today and take the first step to building a thriving creative business.
Join me! I’m excited to help you build the creative business you dream of!
Ready to join The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Still undecided? I’d be happy to jump on a 15 minute call with you to see if this program is right for you. Just send me an email at justine@justineclay.com and we can set that up.
Please remember, this investment may be considered a tax-deductible expense.