Flourish Academy Podcast

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather and Nicole dive into one of the most maddening experiences for photographers: when you "do everything right" on an inquiry call… and the client still doesn't book. They break down why this happens, how to stop spiraling into self-doubt, and the mindset shifts that keep you moving forward with confidence. If you've ever wondered, "Why isn't this working?" — this conversation is your reset.

• Why doing everything "right" still doesn't guarantee a booking

• The two mental "tracks" photographers default to after a no — and how to choose the one that builds momentum

• How expectations quietly create frustration (and how to release them)

• The role of energy, fun, and curiosity in booking more clients

• Why hearing more no's can actually strengthen your business

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What do a used car salesman and your sales energy have in common? In this heartfelt and surprisingly hilarious episode, Heather shares her daughter's first car-buying experience to reveal powerful lessons about selling from a place of service—not pressure. Tune in to learn how authenticity can transform even the most "salesy" moments into meaningful, trust-building connections.

• The energy behind your words—not just the script—determines how people feel about your "pitch."

• Selling doesn't have to feel gross; when done from genuine service, even "Please buy this today" can feel kind and caring.

• Confidence is built through small decisions and real-world experiences—watching someone grow into that is powerful.

• Not everyone in sales is pushy—there's a big difference between get energy and give/service energy.

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In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley uncover the sneaky thought that might be sabotaging your photography sales — the fear of being "shady" or doing a bait and switch when offering paid upgrades after free or charitable sessions. They share how to shift from guilt and hesitation to confidence and service so you can sell ethically, easily, and profitably.

Key Takeaways:

• The "bait and switch" fear is killing your conversions.
• Transparency and communication create trust, not pressure.
• Clean, confident thinking drives higher sales.
• Selling from service is never manipulative.
• Your mindset determines your results — not your pricing.

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In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen talks with Susie Inverso, a pet photographer and Elevate member, about the life-changing concept: "If you're willing to be embarrassed, you can do anything." Susie shares how a daring solo mountain adventure helped her overcome fear, build confidence, and apply powerful mindset shifts to her business and life.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grows when you act despite fear, not before.

• The worst outcome is often just a feeling — like embarrassment — and you can handle it.

• Mindset work is the missing link between strategy and success.

• Discomfort and failure are stepping stones to growth.

• Coaching and community help you sustain belief when doubt creeps in.

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In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and guest Nicole Begley dive into one of the biggest mindset challenges photographers face — visibility. But not the "post more on social media" kind. This conversation explores what it truly means to be seen — as a business owner, creator, and human being.

They unpack why so many photographers avoid showing up online, the fears that keep them hidden, and how to reframe visibility as an act of service rather than self-promotion.

If you've ever said, "I don't know how to be visible," this episode will help you realize it's not a strategy problem — it's a thinking problem. And once you shift your thoughts, everything changes.

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