Creavo Cast

Jake Van Ness & Carl Grivakis

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MARKETING
UPDATED WEEKLY

Creative Conversations to Foster Collaboration

MAY 2

Episode 8: The Google Business Profile Fixes Most Small Businesses Ignore

Want more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls. Carl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active. We also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them. In this episode, we cover: How to optimize your Google Business Profile Why Google reviews matter for local SEO How many reviews and photos can help strengthen your profile Why before-and-after photos work well for contractors and service businesses How to use Google Business Profile posts and updates Why seasonal businesses should update their profile regularly How categories and services help Google understand your business Why your website and Google Business Profile should work together How local businesses can track where leads come from Why YouTube, Shorts and AI search may matter more moving forward If you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.

37 min
MAR 30

Episode 7: Stop Bleeding Money - How Creative Business Owners Should Audit Subscriptions + Expenses

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses. From software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean. Jake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut. If you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Shamayne Brown LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI WaveApps: https://www.waveapps.com Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/ Affinity by Serif: https://affinity.serif.com Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ Marcus Brownlee Interview: https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe Being Gordan Ramsey (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey&jbv=81901623 Poddecks: https://app.poddecks.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx _

26 min
MAR 16

Episode 6: AI Can’t Replace Creatives | AI, Creativity, and the Human Edge

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life. They start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out. From there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience. They also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: US Supreme Court - https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/ Jake's Substack - https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Carl's New Website - https://holycarpdesign.com Jake's Website - https://graphicprecision.com PodDecks - https://app.poddecks.com Unconference - https://www.theunconference.live/2026 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

36 min
04/23/2025

Episode 5: Accessibility in Design - Make It Work for Everyone

In this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Presentation Accessibility: It’s Nothing New, Just Smart Design: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): https://www.accessibilityassociation.org See No Evil, Hear No Evil with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele Send Jake a message to receive the Icebreakers PDF: https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/ Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

26 min
04/16/2025

Episode 4: Confronting Mindset Challenges

In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Less Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate) Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

27 min
04/09/2025

Episode 3: LACRM and Email Marketing for Business Success

In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of choosing the right CRM for managing client relationships, the essentials of email marketing, and the significance of data ownership. They share insights on networking, setting business goals, and leveraging social media effectively. The conversation also touches on the use of AI in marketing and concludes with a fun segment on hypothetical scenarios. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Less Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate) Mailchimp by Intuit Referral Link: http://eepurl.com/iKVBHc (affiliate) Carl's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/holycarpdesign Jake's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/jakevanness Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 00:46 Simple CRM - Less Annoying CRM (LACRM) 02:25 LACRM Features 03:33 Does Carl use a CRM? 04:58 Networking and Client Management Strategies 07:15 LACRM Trial Extension with Our Link 08:14 Diving into Email Marketing 09:15 Jake uses Mailchimp 10:21 Building an Email List Without Spamming 11:37 Carl Has Email Marketing Questions 14:20 The Importance of Email Ownership 16:40 Email Open and Click Rates 18:46 Carl's Challenge From Last Week 20:17 Leveraging AI for Social Media Content 25:20 Closing Thoughts and Fun Segment xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28 min
03/05/2025

Episode 2: The Power of Accountability in Achieving Goals

In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the significance of goal setting in business and personal life, especially at the start of the year. They share their experiences with various goal-setting techniques, tools for planning, and the importance of accountability in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the idea of gamifying tasks to make them more engaging and the necessity of breaking down goals into manageable steps. As they look ahead, they emphasize the need for specificity and measurability in goal setting, while also encouraging listeners to surround themselves with supportive individuals to help elevate their ambitions. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Rob Shauger and Blueprint Leadership Development Trello: Manage Your Team's Projects From Anywhere 24 x 36 Dry Erase Calendar (affiliate) Hero's Journal (affiliate) Side Quest Deck (affiliate) Are you interested in learning more about the TTT Planner? Message Jake at Graphic Precision Ed Mylett's Podcast: Your Next Breakthrough Requires a New You WhatsApp xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage: New Year, New Goals 05:35 Tools for Success: Strategic Sprints 06:21 Tools for Success: Planners, Calendars, Trello 09:57 Gamifying Goals: The Hero's Journal and Creative Projects 12:55 Tactical Thinking Time Planner 16:36 The Importance of Specificity and Measurable Goals 18:56 Accountability and a podcast from Ed Mylett 20:31 Collaboration and Accountability: Building a Support System 24:54 Creavo Collaboration 28:17 Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for the Future xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

31 min
02/22/2025

Episode 1: We are Back! (with a new brand)

In this inaugural episode of CREAVO Cast, hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis reconnect after a six-year hiatus from their previous podcast, Rookie Designer. They discuss their personal and professional journeys during the pandemic, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industry. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and creativity in their work, the rebranding to Creavo, and their vision for future episodes that will explore various aspects of creativity and collaboration across different industries. Scroll down to view this episode on YouTube. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Carl's Businesses HolyCarp Design - www.holycarpdesign.com 321and We're Live - www.321andwere.live Jake's Businesses Graphic Precision - www.graphicprecision.com Elevated Virtual - www.elevatedvirtual.com Rookie Design Podcast - www.rookiedesigner.com Episodes are still available from Episode 1 all the way up to episode 183. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapters 00:00 We are back! 02:26 321 and We're Live - Virtual Production Company 02:50 COVID effects Car's Businesses 04:23 Jake adjusts to the COVID business world 05:43 Jake makes a pivot into the virtual producer world 08:14 Shifts in the Training Industry Post-COVID 09:27 Carl's favorite parts of producing during COVID 09:56 Jake's favorite parts of producing during COVID 11:11 Fostering Collaboration Through Creativity 14:56 The Birth of Creavo: A New Brand Identity 18:12 Transitioning from Rookie Designer to Creavo 22:11 Looking Ahead: Future Topics and Conversations xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28 min

8 Episodes

Creative Conversations to Foster Collaboration

Creator

Jake Van Ness & Carl Grivakis
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Creavo Cast, Hosts Jake Van Ness & Carl Grivakis
Show Website

Creavo Cast