Shows
Perfect-ish: Time Management for Your Beautifully Imperfect Life111 | A People-Pleaser’s Guide to Boundaries with Sylvia VandeSluntClick HERE for Early Bird Registration for our Escape Virtual Summit
🫶If you’re a recovering people pleaser, boundaries can feel like a battle. You don’t want to let people down, you don’t want to feel selfish, and let’s be honest—sometimes setting a boundary feels harder than just saying yes. And the GUILT is real.
But today, we’re facing it head-on. My guest, Business and Mindset Coach, Sylvia VandeSlunt, has a powerful take on boundaries: They’re not about keeping people out—they’re about keeping the right things in. This isn't something s...2025-05-2744 min
The Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersNO FILTER || How to Get Sponsors, Increasing Brand Visibility, and Getting Scrappy in BusinessHow to Get Sponsors, Increasing Brand Visibility, and Getting Scrappy in BusinessThis week’s episode of The Wide Open Podcast is a little different - and in the best possible way. It originally aired live on Facebook as the very first installment of our new monthly segment called No Filter, where I sit down with my friend and fellow business owner Kelly Northlee of Fondy Famous and Not Your Average Marketing.No script. No curated talking points. Just an honest conversation between two business friends showing up exactly as we are.We ea...2025-04-3058 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersHow to Build Confidence || Confidence & Networking for Business GrowthHow to Build Confidence || Confidence & Networking for Business Growth with Annabelle KleinDoes self-doubt keep you from showing up for your business? Maybe you struggle with posting content, selling your offers, or putting yourself out there. Confidence is the key to consistency—and today’s guest is here to help.In this episode, I chat with Annabelle from the Thought Rebel Podcast, a confidence coach who helps business owners break free from old habits and finally step into their confidence. We’re diving deep into:🔥 How to recognize when a lack of confidence is holding y...2025-02-2653 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersBrand Storytelling || How to Tell a Better StoryBrand Storytelling for Impact || How to Tell a Better Story
Brand storytelling is important for any business - after all, you're always telling a story, but you can always tell a better one. For any business, being able to clearly communicate impact is crucial for growth. But how do you build a compelling case that showcases your value in a way that resonates with potential customers, clients, or funders? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode of The Wide Open Podcast with Emily Taylor, Principal of teenyBIG.
KEY TAKE...2025-02-1238 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersUsing Stories to Connect || Learn Storytelling for Small BusinessUsing Stories to Connect || Learn Storytelling for Small Business
In this episode of The Wide Open Podcast, I’m joined by Jessica, a brand story strategist who helps impact-driven entrepreneurs use storytelling to build authentic connections. We discuss the power of personal stories, how to choose the right ones to share, and why they matter for your business.
What You’ll Learn:
Jessica’s unconventional journey to entrepreneurship
The impact of storytelling on your audience
Tips for improving your storytelling skills
Advice for choosing stories that align with your brand
...2025-01-2950 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersMerging Business & Motherhood || Mompreneur Tips || with Kellyn OftedahlBalancing the demands of running a business and being a present mom is no easy feat. In this episode, Kellyn shares her journey as a mompreneur—navigating the challenges of motherhood, setting boundaries, and growing her business authentically while staying true to her values.
Kellyn opens up about her current season of life and business, sharing practical tips, hard-earned lessons, and strategies that have helped her protect time for her family and her entrepreneurial dreams. We also dive into her take on hustle culture and the mindset shifts that have allowed her to thrive.
If yo...2025-01-1537 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & Photographers3 Signs Your Brand Needs a Refresh || Creative Business BrandingWhen was the last time you took a hard look at your branding? If it’s been a while, this episode is for you! Branding is more than just visuals—it’s about building trust, connecting with your audience, and sharing your values. When your branding is off, your business can feel out of sync and may even hold you back from growth.
In this episode, I’m breaking down three clear signs your brand needs a refresh:
Your branding doesn’t match your current business.
Your branding isn’t attracting the right clients.
Yo...2025-01-0813 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & Photographers10 Things You Can Do to Make 2025 Your Year2025 is here, and it’s time to take your creative business to the next level! In this episode of Wide Open, I’m sharing 10 actionable ideas to help you grow your business, achieve your goals, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re refining your brand, improving your mindset, or focusing on strategy, these tips are designed to empower you to thrive as a creative entrepreneur.
🎉 Plus, I’m introducing an exciting free branding class you won’t want to miss—perfect for starting the year with a cohesive, intentional brand.
Read or watch it instead!
2025-01-0127 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersLife Inventory || Setting Goals with the Wheel of LifeWe're diving into a powerful goal-setting tool: the Wheel of Life template. If you’ve felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help you get clear, focused, and ready to take action in the areas that matter most.
In this episode, we’ll walk you through creating and using the Wheel of Life to evaluate where you currently stand across key areas, like health, relationships, and career. Once we’ve mapped it out, you’ll be able to identify which parts of your life could use a boost and set intent...2024-12-2519 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersSocial Media Marketing || How to Grow & Maintain a Social Media AudienceIn this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, a social media expert, photographer, and CEO of Sunny Social Collective. Hannah is passionate about helping creators, dreamers, and makers grow their businesses through social media. With years of experience working with photographers and small business owners, she’s the perfect person to talk to about growth—especially for those who feel lost on what to post or how to use platforms like Instagram effectively.
Hannah shares her journey from small-town girl to CEO, how she fell in love with social media, and why she believes it’s not just a s...2024-12-1854 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersScarcity vs. Abundance Mindset || How to Overcome Scarcity MindsetIn this episode, Sylvia V. dives deep into the abundance and scarcity mindsets that shape our lives and businesses—scarcity versus abundance. Ever felt like there’s never enough to go around? Money, time, clients, success—it can all feel limited. Sylvia breaks down the origins of the scarcity mindset, revealing how it often comes from family or environment, regardless of your background. But here’s the twist: an abundance mindset is also contagious and can be learned!
Key Takeaways:
Do the Math: Get clear on what you really need by calculating your financial and time goals. T...2024-12-1114 min
Fun Rich MomHow to Actually Achieve Your Goals featuring Sylvia VandeSluntSend us a textHey goal-getters! 🚀 In this episode, I'm sitting down with the amazing Sylvia VandeSlunt - she's not just a certified business and mindset coach, but also a podcast host and creative entrepreneur who totally gets the magic of blending data-driven strategies with creativity. 💡If you're a photographer, wedding pro, or really anyone feeling stuck in their goal-setting journey, this episode is going to be a game-changer! 🔮 Sylvia breaks down some seriously powerful tools that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what REALLY matters to you.We dive deep...2024-12-1039 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersHow to Level Up Your Consultations & Discovery CallsHow to Level Up Your Consultations & Discovery Call Script
In this episode of Wide Open, Sylvia dives into a personal sales experience that went terribly wrong. After reaching out to a local organization about becoming a member, Sylvia found herself face-to-face with a salesperson who seemed determined to fail at every turn. Instead of their discovery call script providing the information and value needed to make an informed decision, the salesperson's approach left Sylvia with more questions than answers—and ultimately, she ended up spending less with them than she normally would have.
Tune in as...2024-12-0422 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersThe Wide Open Podcast: Clarity, Strategy, and Confidence for CreativesGet clear on your goals, craft a strategy that sparks creativity, and build the confidence to create a life-giving business.
Welcome to The Wide Open Podcast! 🎉
If you’re a photographer or creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business, find clarity, and unlock your confidence, you’re in the right place.
In this short trailer episode, Sylvia shares:
What The Wide Open Podcast is all about.
How this show can help you set aligned goals, overcome mindset challenges, and craft a thriving business you love.
A sneak peek into topics...2024-12-0301 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 21: Goal Setting Tips You Probably Haven't Heard2024-11-2712 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 20: Scarcity vs. Abundance Mentality & How It Affects Your BusinessIn this episode, Sylvia V. dives deep into the mindsets that shape our lives and businesses—scarcity versus abundance. Ever felt like there’s never enough to go around? Money, time, clients, success—it can all feel limited.
Sylvia breaks down the origins of the scarcity mindset, revealing how it often comes from family or environment, regardless of your background. But here’s the twist: an abundance mindset is also contagious and can be learned!
Do the Math: Get clear on what you really need by calculating your financial and time goals. This clarity can lessen stress a...2024-11-2014 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 19: How Does Business Coaching Work?Ever wondered what it’s really like to work with a business coach? In this episode, Sylvia V shares her firsthand experience, from navigating the unknowns of her first coaching session to the tangible impact it’s had on her business over time.
Sylvia discusses the overwhelm she felt early on in her journey, balancing a successful business with a desire to attract more ideal clients, raise her prices, and truly express her authentic self online. If you’ve been curious about what to expect from business coaching or how it might transform your work, this episode is for...2024-11-1318 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 18: Setting Goals for the New Year with Intention || Wheel of Life TemplateWelcome to episode 18 of the Wide Open Podcast, where we're diving into a powerful goal-setting tool: the Wheel of Life template. If you’ve felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help you get clear, focused, and ready to take action in the areas that matter most.
Wheel of Life Template
In this episode, we’ll walk you through creating and using the Wheel of Life to evaluate where you currently stand across key areas, like health, relationships, and career. Once we’ve mapped it out, you’ll be ab...2024-11-0619 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 17: Best & Worst Ways to Invest in Your Creative BusinessAre you making the right investments for your business? In this episode, I’m diving into the four key ways to invest—equipment, tools, education, and mentorship—that have shaped my seven-year journey in the industry. Spoiler: the best investment isn't necessarily the newest gadget! Join me as I share my hard-earned insights and tips to ensure your investments fuel sustainable growth and help you thrive.
Why Equipment Isn’t EverythingPhotographers, this one's for you: while new tech can be tempting, it might not be the best use of your resources—especially early on. Listen...2024-10-3020 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 16: Imposter Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments2024-10-2316 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 15: What Is a Sales Funnel & How Can It Transform Your Content?In this episode of Wide Open, we're diving deep into a crucial topic for photographers and creatives—how to create an effective sales funnel. Many entrepreneurs make the same mistakes when promoting their business, from vague, non-sales captions to overly pushy pitches or hidden, half-hearted attempts to sell. This episode breaks down how to avoid these pitfalls by understanding and using a sales funnel to meet your potential clients where they are in their buying journey.
We explore the three main stages of the funnel:
Top of the Funnel: Where awareness is key, and potential clients di...2024-10-1613 min
The Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 14: Connecting to Your Creativity with Linda FabryIn this episode of Wide Open, we dive into the world of creativity with Linda Fabry, an intuitive artist known for her divination art, Paintgazing, and her captivating Windows to the Soul portraits. With over 23 years of experience as a public artist, Linda blends transpersonal psychology, metaphysics, and spirituality into her creative process.
Together, we explore the creative process and tapping into your creative energy. Linda walks us through the meaning of creativity and who can exercise their creativity. She even takes us through crazy cool exercise that helps bypass our mental defenses to uncover deeper insights...2024-10-0956 min
The Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 13: You’re Missing This ONE Thing from Your Inquiry ProcessHave you ever been ghosted by a potential client? It's frustrating and leaves you wondering what went wrong. In this solo episode, I dive into the real reasons why clients ghost and break down the common misconceptions we have about it. Spoiler: It's not because they don't like you! I'll also share a personal story from when I first worked with a business coach and learned the power of confidence in booking clients. Whether you're a photographer or any other service provider, this episode will help you understand why ghosting happens and how you can stand firm in your...2024-10-0218 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 12: How to Grow Your Social Media & Attract ClientsDate: September 25, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 12: How to Grow Your Social Media & Attract Clients
In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, a social media expert, photographer, and CEO of Sunny Social Collective. Hannah is passionate about helping creators, dreamers, and makers grow their businesses through social media. With years of experience working with photographers and small business owners, she’s the perfect person to talk to about growth—especially for those who feel lost on what to post or how to use platforms like Instagram effectively.
Hannah shares her journe...2024-09-2554 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 11: Maintaining Your Identity While Learning from the BestDate: September 18, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 11: Maintaining Your Identity in Business While Learning from the Best
In this episode of The Sylvia VandeSlunt Podcast, I'm diving into a topic that's been on my mind as I navigate a course I'm currently taking. This course, focused on marketing to the high-end wedding market, has some valuable insights, but not everything being taught aligns with who I am or how I want to show up in the world.
I'm not here to throw shade or discredit the educator—I'm just reflecting on th...2024-09-1817 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 10: No Fluff Mindset Techniques That Will Transform Your BusinessDate: September 11, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 10: No Fluff Success Mindset Techniques That Will Transform Your Business
Dustin M. is one of the realest humans I've ever met. She's raw, honest, fun, and wildly successful. Join us as we explore the concept of mindset, the role it plays in success, and how you can harness its power to manifest the life and business you desire.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration that will help you shift your mindset an...2024-09-1153 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 09: How to Level Up Your Consultations & Discovery Calls
Date: September 4, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 09: How to Level Up Your Consultations & Discovery Call Script
In this episode of The Sylvia VandeSlunt Podcast, Sylvia dives into a personal sales experience that went terribly wrong. After reaching out to a local organization about becoming a member, Sylvia found herself face-to-face with a salesperson who seemed determined to fail at every turn. Instead of their discovery call script providing the information and value needed to make an informed decision, the salesperson's approach left Sylvia with more questions than answers—and ultimately, she ended up sp...2024-09-0423 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 08: 9 Things I'd Tell My Sister If She Was Starting a BusinessStarting a business can be overwhelming, and having practical, actionable advice can make the journey less daunting and more successful. Sylvia’s passion for helping others grow their businesses shines through, offering valuable support to those in their first years of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Sylvia shares essential advice for new business owners, drawing from her own experiences and the guidance she's provided to friends and family. She offers nine key pieces of advice that she would give to her younger sister if she were starting a business.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS COACHING & CONSULTING: sylviadamaris.com...2024-08-2823 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 07: How to Lose Client Files - Why Do SD Cards Get Corrupted & How to Stop ItDate: August 21, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 07: How to Protect Client Files: Why Do SD Cards Get Corrupted & How to Stop It
In this episode of The Sylvia VandeSlunt Podcast, Sylvia dives into a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked by photographers: protecting client files. Sylvia, a wedding and branding photographer with a background in electrical engineering, brings her unique expertise in electronics, data storage, and even quantum physics to help photographers safeguard their precious work.
But don't worry - you won't need a degree to understand what we talk...2024-08-2121 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 06: How to Grow a Business from Ground Zero with Kelly NorthleeDate: August 14, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 06: How to Grow a Business from Ground Zero with Kelly Northlee
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Kelly Northlee, a real estate broker, marketing agency CEO, and host of the Fondy Famous Podcast. When Kelly moved back home to Wisconsin after spending six years in Mississippi, she realized she would need to remember how to grow a business from the ground up. Instead of giving in to the challenges, Kelly embraced them, growing her business at an astonishing pace...2024-08-1432 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 05: What Should I Put on My "About Me" Page? (it's not that you like coffee)Date: August 7, 2024Podcast Title: The Sylvia VandeSlunt PodcastEpisode 05: What Should I Put on My "About Me" Page? (it's not that you like coffee)
Did you know that the about page is the SECOND MOST-VISITED PAGE AFTER THE HOME PAGE on most websites?
Why? Why are people so eager to learn about the face behind what they’re thinking about buying?
If you’ve been in business longer than 2 seconds, you’ve probably heard someone talk about the “know, like, trust” factor. Before they buy, clients need to know you exist. Then they...2024-08-0716 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 04: Defining Your Own Success in BusinessWhat is success in business? How do you define success? Defining success for yourself can be tricky, and that’s what we’re exploring in this conversation.
Amanda Steinhauer is the owner, lead photographer, and creative director of Amanda Steinhauer Photography. She has been serving soul-filled, madly-in-love romantics with instantly nostalgic images for over 10 years.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 … Introduction
03:08 … How Amanda Got Started in Wedding Photography
08:38 … Hitting Burnout
11:36 … Redefining Success & Setting Boundaries
18:18 … How to Visualize Your Commitments
24:07 … Stop Comparing & Start Living...2024-07-3141 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 03: 9 Reasons Why You Don't Have Any Social Media Post IdeasWe all know that feeling… staring at the blinking cursor with absolutely nothing in your mind. Putting content out on social media can feel really hard, which is why so few people are consistent with it. All the big accounts are preaching consistency, sharing strategies… and all that is great. We need it. What I don’t see much of is content on how to create content. And I see people screaming for it.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 … Introduction
03:04 … Reason #1: You don’t think anyone wants to hear from you
04:22 … Reason #2: You’re putting...2024-07-2417 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 02: Transitioning to Motherhood As a Business OwnerMeredith Mutza is a Wisconsin-based wedding, family, and senior photographer. After her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist left her feeling burned out in the midst of the COVID pandemic, Meredith launched full time into photography.
Together with her husband, Mark, they are no stranger to big transitions in business. They recently welcomed their first daughter Amelia, which brings us to this conversation.
I had the honor of meeting and working with Meredith when I was in the middle of my own big transition into being a mom and business owner. Today, we’re diving into the...2024-07-1740 minThe Wide Open Podcast || Marketing, Mindset, and Business Podcast for Creatives & PhotographersEp 01: Our Mission & Definition for Authenticity"We are social, little critters and copying each other, conforming, imitating - that's how we're built. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It's how we learn and bond and create society. In business, though, it gets tricky, right? You have to play the game a little in order to find success. But then success is often defined for you. The path is defined for you."
"Let's define authenticity for ourselves. And honestly, if you're a journaler, you might want to write this down as journal prompts for later. So - authentic business owner, authentic person. This is...2024-07-1012 min