Creative Courage

What if your next six figure deal was right in front of you? What if you don't need more leads, you need to get better at finding the opportunities in your existing network? This is how Daniel Ocock landed a six figure deal in less than 90 days after we started working together. Before that, his branding agency was ticking along, but the spark wasn't there. His business felt stale, and he knew he wanted more. More revenue, more growth and more impact. But doing more of the same wasn’t moving the needle. Instead of looking for new opportunities, we focused on what already existed within his network. In this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast, Daniel shares behind the scenes of his coaching journey and explains how he landed a multiple six figure deal from an existing client. If you want to learn how to close more 6-figure deals and find more opportunities within your existing network, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: The mindset shift that helped Daniel break out of a business rut. How to uncover hidden opportunities within your existing network. The secrets to boosting revenue without working longer hours. The key to staying motivated and knowing when to make a change in your business. Why you need a mentor and how to find the right one. 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  CSTMR - https://www.cstmr.com Daniel Ocock - https://www.danielocock.com  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Daniel Ocock on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielocock/  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 do you do when your biggest client walks away and they’re the only one keeping the lights on? This week, I’m speaking with Sergey Pantileev, a client was on the verge of closing his business and getting a job after losing one of his biggest clients. Fast forward two years, and Sergey is now closing multiple six-figure deals with ideal clients through Upwork and is no longer worrying about when the next opportunity will show up. In this episode, Sergey shares the exact mindset shifts and sales strategies that helped him: Win multiple six figure deals using Upwork Lead sales calls that put you ahead of lower-cost competition. Spot red flags from prospects before it’s too late. Keep an abundance mindset - even when cash flow is tight. 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 Sergey Pantileev on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeypantileev/ 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

How well do you know the numbers in your business? If you’re like many creative business owners, time spent worrying about your accounts is time spent away from being creative. So you avoid it. But because of this, your business likely isn’t as profitable as it could be. You’re making money but you’re not sure where it’s going, how much you can safely reinvest, or what’s really holding back your growth. In this episode, I’m joined by Rayhaan Moughal, Founder of Sidekick Accounting - a specialist firm helping creative and marketing agency owners take control of their finances, create more freedom, and build a business that’s both profitable and sustainable. If you want more freedom, clarity, and confidence when it comes to money, this episode is essential. Covered in this episode: The most common financial mistakes creative business owners make. What profit margin you should be aiming for. How to manage financial risk as a business owner. Why your first accountant/bookkeeper shouldn’t necessarily be your last. What you need to do to start reducing your tax bill this year and stop bleeding cash. 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  Sidekick Accounting - www.sidekickaccounting.co.uk Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Rayhann Moughal on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rayhaanmoughal Rayhann on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayhaanmoughal/ Rayhann on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkeVd8URp-KT4mkiWO92eA 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

Your relationship with money could be preventing you from growing your creative business and having a bigger impact with your work. Many creatives see money as secondary - a necessary evil that comes with doing creative work. But what if the way you think about money is actually stopping you from charging what you’re worth, growing your business, and creating the life you want? In this episode, I speak with Catherine Morgan, a money psychology expert who spent over a decade in banking and financial planning. Catherine is an Amazon best-selling author, host of a podcast with over half a million downloads, and someone who understands first-hand how money mindset can make or break a business. If you’re struggling to raise your prices and feel confident about what you charge, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why so many creative business owners struggle with money. Why our relationship with money is so important. How to unlearn the money beliefs that are keeping you stuck. The science behind money psychology and how it impacts your business. What’s really stopping you from charging more. The "identity gap" - why seeing yourself as the business is limiting your growth A simple exercise to uncover your relationship with money and start changing it today. 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  Catherin’s Podcast, ‘It’s Not About The Money’ - https://catherinemorgan.com/podcast/ Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Catherine Morgan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-morgan/  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 hidden force stopping creatives from making more sales and landing bigger deals - it’s called your shadow. The shadow is the part of your personality that you suppress - A part of you that you don't like. It's this part that often inhibits founders ability to sell higher value projects. In this episode, I’m going to show you how to identify your shadow and work out if it's holding you back. Covered in this episode: The real reason you're not closing more deals. Why so many creatives feel "anti-sales" and how to get past this belief. The mindset shift that will help you show up to sales calls authentically. How to stay in control when pitching your services. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

As a creative business owner, your time and energy are two of your most valuable assets. If you want high-value clients and a business that’s fun and profitable, learning to say this one word is essential. NO Saying no doesn’t come easy to most creative business owners. In this episode, I will help you to figure out which opportunities you should say yes to and give you the confidence to say no to what’s not serving you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why saying no to big opportunities can help you grow your business. The ‘If, When, Then’ paradox and how it keeps you stuck. How to stick to boundaries without feeling guilty. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Let’s talk about money. I’ve heard from so many creative business owners that “it’s not all about the money”. And that more money will only create more stress. But money gives you freedom, space, and the ability to better serve your clients. Like one of my clients Cey, who was able to release a feature film in cinemas after changing his perspective around money. If you’re struggling to attract the income you want, it may come down to the way you think about money. In this episode, I break down some of the most common limiting beliefs around money and share practical ways to shift your mindset and increase your income - without adding more stress. Covered in this episode: The hidden ways your mindset around money is keeping you from earning more. How money can allow you to do more impactful work. Why making more money doesn’t have to mean more hours and stress. How to 10x your prices without 10x the skill. The decisions that separate struggling creatives from those who thrive. Exercises to help you shift your relationship with money today. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

There’s a point in every creative business owner’s journey where they feel stuck. You’ve built a strong portfolio, won some awards, but something still feels missing and growth has slowed. In this episode, I’m sharing a concept that I cover in my new book that I’m currently writing - a phenomenon that I call ‘The Talent Limit’. After speaking with and coaching countless creative business owners over the past few years, I’ve found that a common cause of these symptoms is that they are focusing mainly on their creative skillset. But once you’ve reached the top 10% in your industry, skill alone won’t get you into the top 1%. If attracting dream clients feels harder than ever, if you’re questioning your value, or if your business still relies too much on you, this episode will reveal the three key shifts you need to make. Covered in this episode: Why being exceptional at what you do is no longer enough. The common mistake that keeps talented creatives stuck. The shift that separates the top 1% agencies from everyone else. The three areas you need to focus on to break through The Talent Limit. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you feel stuck in your business, like things have stagnated? Maybe you’re not growing as fast as you’d like or feel like creativity isn’t coming to you as easily as it used to. Your surroundings might be the cause of all of these problems. In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful idea that completely changed how I think about business, success and myself - that who you surround yourself with and where you spend your time has a huge impact on you and your business. This idea is one of the key drivers that initially grew my business to six figures. Not everyone has the resources to travel the world, but you don’t need to. There are simple, practical ways to shift your environment and create the space needed for growth - and I share them in this episode. In this episode, we cover: The hidden ways your surroundings impact your business growth. How to identify the environmental factors holding you back. Simple changes you can make to spark creativity and build momentum. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Many creative business owners get stuck for the same reason… They’re focusing on too many things at once. But the most successful entrepreneurs don’t do everything. They double down on the one thing that moves the needle. Recently, I spent time with 50 incredible entrepreneurs, some making multiple 7-figures a month, at a retreat curated by Daniel Priestley. I saw first hand what separates those who scale effortlessly from those who stay stuck. If you feel stuck in your business and unsure where to place your focus, this episode will give you the clarity you need to break through. In this episode, we’ll cover: Why using too many strategies is killing your progress. How to figure out what ONE thing to focus on. The question to ask yourself to unlock clarity. The secret to crafting an irresistible offer that attracts more clients and doesn’t feel like work. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam