Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

Alien Eyez Photos Media
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is a business podcast for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and service-based business owners. It is hosted by Steven “Photographer” Jackson, a Cleveland, Ohio event photographer and the founder of Alien Eyez Photos Media. The show is a business journal kept in public. Steve documents what it actually takes to turn creative talent into a profitable business, from a $50 first invoice to building a photography, video, and podcast production company alongside a day job. The wins, the setbacks, and the lessons are shared in real time, not in hindsight. Solo episodes are the journal. Interview episodes are the Industry Talk: honest conversations with entrepreneurs from different industries about how they built their businesses, what it cost them, and what they would tell someone just starting out. Guests have included veteran entrepreneur Shawn Lee Jones of G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal, Tremain Lasenby of Lasenby Illustrations, and graphic designer Shcarra Benn of Creative Leo Designs. Episodes answer the questions creative business owners actually ask. How do I price my work and know my value? How do I make offers that get booked? How do I build a business with limited time and energy? How do I use AI as a tool without giving up my creativity? How can a podcast grow my business? And how do I build the mindset, discipline, and relationships it takes to grow from solopreneur to business owner? Made for photographers, videographers, podcasters, designers, artists, coaches, event professionals, and small business owners. This is for creative entrepreneurs, and those who desire to be. Produced by Alien Eyez Photos Media, an event photography and media company serving creative entrepreneurs and small businesses across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Follow the show, share your favorite episode with #IndustryTalk, and get the weekly letter at alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe. Work with Steve at AlienEyezPhotos.com. Elevating positive stories and brands, one frame at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    What Is Legacy? Documenting Your Impact, Story & Creative Entrepreneur Journey

    What does legacy actually mean and how do you build one while you are still living it? In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson reflects on legacy, documentation, entrepreneurship, creativity and the impact we leave behind. For Steve, legacy is more than money, recognition or something discussed after someone is gone. It is your lineage, family, imprint, impact, story and evidence of what you contributed while you were here. That belief is deeply connected to the mission behind Alien Eyez Photos Media. Steve reflects on places from his childhood that no longer physically exist his childhood home, schools and even the hospital where he was born. Without photographs, videos or other documentation, those parts of personal history can become memories without physical evidence. That realization helped shape his commitment to documenting people, businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and meaningful moments. Photography becomes more than taking pictures. Podcasting becomes more than creating content. Video becomes more than marketing. They become records of history. Steve also explains how Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk functions as documentation of his own entrepreneurial journey the seasons, relationships, ideas, lessons, collaborations and people who have contributed to his development. Years from now, those conversations can become a record of what was happening, what he believed, what he was building and who was building alongside him. The episode also explores the connection between creative entrepreneurship and impact. Steve challenges artists and creators to think beyond simply making art. How can your creativity solve a problem? How can your skills create value? How can your work generate income while still contributing something meaningful? From his earlier years creating music, poetry and books to photography, podcasting and media production today, storytelling has remained a consistent thread. The medium changed. The mission continued. Steve ultimately defines legacy as something that should remain in motion. You build it through the people you help, the stories you preserve, the businesses you build, the knowledge you share and the work you leave behind. In This EpisodeWhat legacy means to Photographer JacksonWhy documentation mattersPreserving personal and family historyPhotography as historical documentationPodcasting as an entrepreneurial archiveBuilding an evidence-based record of your journeyWhy your network becomes part of your legacyCreating impact through entrepreneurshipHelping clients document their own storiesTurning creativity into valuable servicesWhy creative entrepreneurs should be paid for their workStorytelling through music, poetry, books, photography and mediaCreating something from nothingBuilding a legacy that continues beyond you Key TakeawayYour legacy isn't only what people remember about you. It's what you intentionally create, document, teach, preserve and leave in motion for the people who come after you. What are you documenting today that future generations will be able to learn from tomorrow? For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What Is Legacy? Documenting Your Impact, Story & Creative Entrepreneur Journey

  2. Oct 5

    Shawn Lee Jones of Creative Healing Foundation and G6 Landscaping

    What does it really mean to build something that lasts beyond you? In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson sits down with longtime mentor, photographer, filmmaker, veteran and entrepreneur Shawn Lee Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, mentorship, financial discipline, resilience and legacy. Shawn's journey spans military service, photography, community work, landscaping, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and youth mentorship. After serving 17 years, six months and five days in the military, he redirected much of the discipline, leadership and perspective he developed into building businesses and helping younger people develop practical skills of their own. One of those businesses is G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal, a company built around battery-powered landscaping equipment, efficiency and community service. But the story behind G6 goes much deeper than cutting grass. The name originally represented Shawn's six grandchildren and became a reminder of why he wanted to build something that could continue beyond himself. Shawn explains how experimenting with battery-powered lawn equipment eventually opened his eyes to a different approach to landscaping. What began with maintaining his own yard and helping neighbors grew into larger ideas around business systems, senior and veteran services, youth entrepreneurship and eventually the possibility of expanding the model even further. Throughout the conversation, Shawn repeatedly returns to one central idea: Build something that teaches people how to provide for themselves. For Shawn, entrepreneurship is not only about making money. It is about skills, responsibility, ownership, relationships and creating opportunities for the next generation. From Military Service to EntrepreneurshipShawn reflects on how his military experience influenced the way he approaches business and life. The military taught him about discipline, preparation, logistics, budgets, fuel, systems and the importance of understanding numbers. Those lessons eventually influenced his approach to personal finances and entrepreneurship. Rather than simply asking how much money he wanted to make, Shawn began asking a more practical question: How much does my life actually cost? He talks about examining previous expenses, understanding monthly costs, studying patterns and making decisions based on real numbers instead of assumptions. That mindset eventually played a major role in his decision to step away from traditional employment and put more energy into building the businesses and ideas he could already see in his mind. Photography as a Tool, Business and Lifelong Passion A camera is a tool—and what matters is how you use it. Creativity, Mentorship and the Creative Healing Foundation “I have a camera. Don't worry about it. You can use one of mine.” Think for Yourself in the Age of AI“Have your own mind. Think for yourself.” Advice for Creative Entrepreneurs: Get In ItWhen asked what advice he would give an aspiring creative entrepreneur, Shawn's answer is simple: “Get in it.” Don't spend years talking about becoming a photographer, filmmaker, actor, artist or entrepreneur without actually participating in the craft. Study. Take notes. Practice. Volunteer. Intern. Use YouTube. Use Google. Use AI. Go to the library. Find mentors. Purchase the tools you can afford. And most importantly, apply what you learn. Shawn emphasizes that consuming information is not the same thing as learning. Watching four videos about photography doesn't automatically make someone a photographer. At some point, you have to pick up the camera. Shawn Lee Jones Veteran entrepreneur, photographer, filmmaker, community builder and mentor. Shawn is connected to: G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal Instagram/Facebook: G6 No Gas Liquid Vision Film Instagram: _LiquidVFilm Creative Healing Foundation For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Sep 30

    You Should Not Need a Setback to Get Focused Do the Work, Get Your Rest Creative Entrepreneurs

    Do the Work, Get Your Rest: Focus, Recovery & Gratitude for Creative EntrepreneursSometimes it takes being forced to slow down to realize how much you've been carrying. In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson reflects while recovering from being under the weather and thinking about work, rest, gratitude, focus and the responsibilities that come with being a creative entrepreneur. After spending several days recovering, resting and thinking about everything waiting to be completed, Steve noticed something: once some of his energy returned, his focus sharpened. Tasks started getting finished. Ideas became action. The to-do list started getting shorter. But that realization created a bigger question: Why should it take a setback before we become fully focused? This episode is a reminder not to wait until life forces you to slow down before appreciating your health, your progress, your opportunities and your ability to work. Steve reflects on his own tendency to operate on limited sleep, the difference he notices when properly rested, and his growing realization that performing at a higher level sometimes means taking on fewer projects, getting more recovery and protecting his capacity. The message isn't simply "work harder." It's: Stay focused. Do the work. Get your rest. Steve also talks about gratitude and recognizing your own progress. Entrepreneurs and creatives are often so focused on the next milestone that they overlook how far they've already come. Sometimes you need to stop and acknowledge yourself. Celebrate the work you've already completed. Celebrate the small wins. Then keep moving. The second half of the episode moves behind the scenes of Steve's growing podcast and media ecosystem. He reflects on the episode milestones being reached across Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, The Pull Up Experience Podcast, and other productions he contributes to, while discussing what hundreds of collective podcast episodes have taught the team. Steve also explains his philosophy around podcasting for entrepreneurs and business owners. A podcast can be more than content. It can demonstrate expertise. It can support an offer. It can create relationships. Guests can become collaborators, partners or clients. And a podcast can become a long-term marketing and authority asset for a business. Steve previews upcoming podcast education through FutureLand and The Pull Up Experience and discusses the expanding collaboration between Alien Eyez Photos Media and Overflow Studios for creators and organizations looking for a more complete podcast-production solution. That can include photography, behind-the-scenes content, video production, editing, SEO titles, show notes, content strategy and post-production support. This episode is for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, podcasters, service-based business owners and anyone building something while learning how to manage their energy at the same time. What You'll LearnWhy a setback can create unexpected clarityWhy you shouldn't need a setback before becoming focusedThe relationship between rest and creative performanceWhy recognizing small wins mattersHow gratitude changes your perspective on progressWhy entrepreneurs should protect their capacityHow Steve approaches his growing podcast-production ecosystemWhy podcasting can be valuable for business ownersHow a podcast can establish expertiseWhy podcast guests can become partners or clientsHow podcasting connects to marketing and business developmentWhat's developing around The Pull Up Experience, FutureLand and podcast educationHow Alien Eyez Photos Media and Overflow Studios can work together on podcast productionKey ReminderStay focused. Do the work. Get your rest. And don't forget to recognize how far you've already come. For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Sep 24

    What Is a Creative Entrepreneur? Turning Creativity Into a Profitable Business

    Keep the Creative Spark. Build the Business. A creative entrepreneur is someone who builds a business around creative talent, artistic skill, ideas or intellectual property. Steve also gets personal about losing books and creative work in a computer crash, becoming more business-focused, pursuing his first six-figure year, rebuilding personal creativity, attracting clients instead of constantly chasing, and why artists should value professional bookings. Who can be a creative entrepreneur? Creative entrepreneurs can include photographers, podcasters, YouTubers, videographers, filmmakers, writers, authors, copywriters, graphic designers, illustrators, fashion designers, interior decorators, musicians, dancers, actors, painters, digital artists, craftspeople, makers and other professionals who use creativity to produce value. How do creative entrepreneurs make money? They make money by packaging creative ability into services, products, performances, intellectual property, media, consulting, production, licensing, education or other commercial offers. The strongest models connect the creative work to a clear customer problem or desired outcome. hould artists work for free? The episode argues that when a creator is being booked professionally, compensation should be part of the conversation. A creator may still choose an unpaid opportunity strategically, but free work should be intentional rather than treated as the default value of creative labor. Are you more of an artist, an entrepreneur, or a creative entrepreneur right now? And when was the last time you created something that was not for a client? Drop your answer below. #CreativeEntrepreneur #CreativeEntrepreneurship #CreativeBusiness #CreatorEconomy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #CreativePodcast #CreativeIndustry #CreativeProfessionals #CreativeMindset #CreativeBusinessOwner #ArtistEntrepreneur #ArtistsInBusiness #MonetizeYourCreativity #MakeMoneyCreating #CreativeCareer #CreativeLife #CreativeStrategy #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalBranding #BrandVisibility #ContentCreator #ContentCreation #Podcasting #Podcaster #PodcastBusiness #PhotographyBusiness #Photographer #Videographer #Filmmaker #GraphicDesigner #Writer #Author #Poet #Musician #Artist #DigitalCreator #MediaBusiness #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SixFigureBusiness #GetPaidForYourWork #KnowYourValue #CreativeFreedom #ClientWork #ClevelandCreatives #ClevelandBusiness #ClevelandPhotographer #AlienEyezPhotos For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Sep 18

    Brother Tremain Lasenby of Lasenby Illustrations

    Tremain Lasenby From Photography to Purpose, $1M Goals, AI, Coaching & Building a Legacy What happens when you love your craft but begin questioning whether it is still the path you want to build your entire life around? In this powerful conversation on Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson sits down with Tremain Lasenby, also known as Tremain X, for a wide-ranging discussion about creativity, entrepreneurship, photography, videography, business growth, burnout, purpose, spirituality, artificial intelligence, mentorship, financial freedom, and legacy. The conversation begins with Tremain explaining the meaning behind the “X” in Tremain X and his philosophy of “X marks the unknown” while exploring identity, history, creativity, and personal discovery. From there, the conversation becomes a candid examination of what it means to build a creative business while asking a much bigger question: What if the next level of your life requires you to think beyond the thing you're already good at? Creativity Is Bigger Than One SkillCan You Build a $1 Million Business Without Burning Out?The conversation explores: Photography business growthVideo productionPre-production and post-productionBuilding a larger teamHiring employees and contractorsDelegating responsibilitiesManaging deadlinesClient relationshipsBusiness systemsPassive incomeScalabilityBurnout preventionCreating income beyond hourly or project-based services Don't Confuse the Business Model With the CraftFrom Photographer to Coach and MentorFinding Purpose Beyond MoneyAlthough the $1 million goal is discussed throughout the conversation, the episode ultimately moves beyond money. The two creators discuss what they actually want their lives to look like. Family, relationships, helping people, creating opportunities, personal freedom, and leaving a legacy become more important parts of the conversation. The central question becomes: What is the purpose behind the financial goal? Money can provide options, but the conversation argues that financial achievement alone does not automatically answer questions about purpose, identity, fulfillment, or legacy. The Power of Taking Time to ThinkTremain discusses the importance of having uninterrupted time to define what you actually want. The conversation references a prompt from Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice that encourages setting aside an hour in a peaceful environment to clarify what you want to be, do, and create. Sometimes clarity requires stopping long enough to think. Build a Foundation Before You Build HigherLeadership Is About VisionAI as a Tool for Creators and EntrepreneursArtificial intelligence becomes another major topic. Jackson explains how he has been using AI to organize thoughts, structure business ideas, develop standard operating procedures, clarify missions and goals, and reduce the mental clutter that can prevent him from focusing on creation. For creative entrepreneurs, the opportunity is to use technology to reduce repetitive work so more time can be spent on thinking, creating, leading, and executing meaningful ideas. Pound De-Rooted and the Bigger VisionTremain also discusses Pound De-Rooted, describing it as a lifestyle, movement, podcast, clothing brand, and creative space connected with Lasenby Illustrations. The concept centers on bringing like-minded people together around subjects including financial literacy, history, self-knowledge, spirituality, consciousness, culture, and personal development. This portion of the conversation demonstrates how a creative project can evolve into something broader than a single product or service. The Bigger Question: What Are You Building?By the end of the conversation, the $1 million goal has been placed into a much larger context. The goal isn't simply to accumulate money. It's about determining what kind of life, business, community, and legacy you want to create. For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 10

    Always Be Launching How Consistency Focus & Doing the Work Drive Business Growth

    The Entrepreneur Mindset for Consistency, Focus & Business GrowthIn this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson breaks down what recent work behind the scenes at conferences, festivals, and creative events taught him about entrepreneurship: there is always another level to reach. From helping produce Nicole D. Miller’s virtual faith conference to supporting the South Euclid Wine and Dine Festival with Nakia Hudson of 2 You Wines, Jackson shares lessons on business growth, event production, teamwork, profitability, branding, consistency, and staying focused as an entrepreneur. The bigger message is simple: launch, improve, repeat. Jackson reflects on several recent experiences that challenged him to think beyond his traditional role as a photographer. He discusses: Event production and being a jack of all trades The power of teamwork and communityLearning from other entrepreneurs Profitability and business growth Building an investable businessBrand identityPersonal developmentConsistency over perfectionEliminating distractionsThe importance of launchingThere Is Always Another LevelOne of the central themes of the episode is continuous improvement. Jackson compares entrepreneurship to investing: when you invest in something, you want it to grow. The same principle applies to your mindset, business, skills, relationships, and personal development. That growth doesn't always happen through one major breakthrough. Sometimes it comes from reading a few pages, attending a workshop, meeting someone new, improving an event, creating better content, or simply showing up consistently. The goal is progression. From Photographer to Producer and Problem SolverJackson also explains how working behind the scenes has expanded his perspective. At the South Euclid Wine and Dine Festival, he wasn't simply focused on taking photographs. He helped wherever he was needed — assisting with interviews, video, event logistics, guest flow, and other production responsibilities. That experience reinforced an important entrepreneurial lesson: Your value isn't always limited to your job title. Understanding how an event or business actually operates gives you a better perspective on how to improve your own company. Profitability, Investment and Building a BusinessJackson also challenges the idea that an event or business must generate a large immediate profit to be considered successful. Breaking even can still create significant value if the experience produces: New customersStronger relationshipsGreater visibilityFuture partnershipsNew contentAudience growthBusiness opportunitiesRevenue keeps the business moving. Profit gives the business room to grow. Focus, Consistency and Doing the WorkJackson talks about setting goals, reading consistently, reducing distractions, taking social media breaks, and being intentional about where his attention goes. His message to entrepreneurs is direct: Set the goal. Do the work. Stay focused. Improve. Repeat. You don't have to execute perfectly every day. You do have to keep moving. Whether you're building a photography business, podcast, creative agency, personal brand, or another entrepreneurial venture, progress requires consistent action. For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Aug 31

    Shcarra Benn The Creative Leo of Creative Leo Designs

    How to Trust Your Creativity and Turn It Into Influence? What happens when you stop asking whether your creativity is “good enough” and start trusting what makes your creative voice uniquely yours? In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steve Jackson sits down with Shakara Ben, aka the Creative Leo, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, graphic design, commercial printing, creative consulting, set design, networking, artificial intelligence, personal growth and legacy. Shakara describes herself as a creative who refuses to limit creativity to one discipline. Her work includes graphic design, commercial printing and creative consultancy, while her creative interests also extend into event planning, decor and set design. Her central belief is simple: creativity is in everyone's DNA, and creativity deserves to be seen and heard. But the conversation goes deeper than simply talking about being creative. Shakara discusses how she grew up being told she was artistic and creative, yet it took years before she truly believed in her own creativity. That transition—from hearing other people recognize your creativity to actually trusting it yourself—is one of the most important themes of the episode. The conversation also explores how creativity can become a business. Shakara shares the story of a professor asking her what her legacy would be as a designer. That question ultimately became a catalyst: she started her business about a month later. Her first client came through that same educational relationship, and she eventually began taking graphic design more seriously and building her brand. Steve and Shakara also discuss networking and the importance of being visible in creative industries. Shakara shares her desire to work on major movie sets and explains how joining the Greater Cleveland Film Commission helped her move toward that goal. Steve shares his own experience working as a production assistant on Superman and emphasizes the role relationships and networking can play in getting opportunities. Another major discussion centers around artificial intelligence and technology. Rather than treating technological evolution as something separate from creativity, Shakara argues that creativity itself drives technological advancement. The conversation examines how convenience changes society while asking an important question for creatives: how do we use new tools without abandoning our own creative thinking? Then comes one of the most memorable portions of the episode: Shakara describes her creative process as a weather forecast. There are sunny skies, quiet storms, heavy rain and cloudy periods. Sometimes ideas pour in. Sometimes she hits a creative block and needs to step away, listen to music, breathe, pause and return with a clearer perspective. She explains that hearing her clients describe their vision helps activate her own creative process because she considers herself an audiovisual learner. The conversation ultimately expands from creativity into creative influence and legacy. Shakara encourages creatives to recognize that their work may influence people even when they cannot immediately see the impact. She believes creatives should use their influence to create positive change and asks listeners to consider what their creativity will leave behind. Her final message is direct: Your creativity deserves to be seen and heard. Use your creativity to influence. Ask yourself what your creative legacy will be. If you're a graphic designer, photographer, entrepreneur, artist, filmmaker, event professional, writer, musician, consultant or simply someone trying to reconnect with your creative identity, this conversation offers plenty to think about. Listen, take notes and ask yourself: What are you going to do with the creativity you were given? For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Aug 27

    Stop Chasing Quick Results The Truth About Building a Successful Business

    Why entrepreneurs need patience, consistency, real-world skills, and smart AI use instead of expecting overnight business success. This solo episode explores one of the biggest problems facing modern entrepreneurs: the expectation of instant results. Social media makes success appear immediate. AI can produce content in seconds. Online businesses advertise rapid transformations. But behind virtually every sustainable business is a much less glamorous process: learning, testing, failing, improving, repeating and waiting for consistency to compound. Steve Jackson uses the metaphor of microwave cooking to describe the mentality of entrepreneurs who expect immediate results. But business isn't microwave food. It's a process. 1. The Problem With Overnight SuccessMany people want overnight success, overnight solutions and overnight results. But some things simply require time. Steve uses relationships and championship competition as examples. Healing after a relationship takes time, just as becoming a champion requires moving through multiple stages of development.  2. The "Microwave Business" MentalityThe modern entrepreneur can easily fall into the expectation: Input → wait → money. But building a company doesn't work that way. Skills have to develop. Reputation has to develop. Relationships have to develop. Systems have to develop. Customers have to trust you. Your brand has to become recognizable. Your execution has to improve. That takes time.  3. AI Is a Tool—Not Your BusinessAI changes the speed at which entrepreneurs can research, brainstorm and produce. But AI doesn't eliminate the need for: strategyjudgmenttastecreativityeditingexperiencerelationshipsexecutionSteve argues that entrepreneurs should work with AI rather than simply handing over the creative process to it.  4. Don't Accept the First ResultOne practical AI lesson from the episode: Ask for another version. Instead of accepting the first output, ask for two or three alternatives and evaluate them. This is particularly relevant to: AI writingmarketing ideasflyersimagessocial media contentbusiness conceptsbrainstormingAI can accelerate iteration, but the human still needs to make the decision. 5. Take Time AwayEntrepreneurs can become so focused on building that they forget to stop. Steve recommends deliberately scheduling time away—even a half day or full day—to reflect, meditate, journal or simply think.  6. Build the Right TeamLong-term freedom requires infrastructure. The episode discusses surrounding yourself with competent people—including consultants, accountants, lawyers and other professionals—and developing people you can trust.  7. Compete With YourselfOne of the strongest entrepreneurial lessons: You are your own competition. The objective isn't necessarily to outperform everybody else. It's to become better than yesterday. 8. Your Time Is ComingThe episode closes with an encouraging message: business and life move through peaks and valleys. A setback doesn't mean the opportunity is permanently gone. Your next breakthrough may simply require more development, patience and work.  For photography booking: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz Stay Updated and join the mailing list: https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson: AlienEyezPhotos.com All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page) Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All (92)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is a business podcast for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and service-based business owners. It is hosted by Steven “Photographer” Jackson, a Cleveland, Ohio event photographer and the founder of Alien Eyez Photos Media. The show is a business journal kept in public. Steve documents what it actually takes to turn creative talent into a profitable business, from a $50 first invoice to building a photography, video, and podcast production company alongside a day job. The wins, the setbacks, and the lessons are shared in real time, not in hindsight. Solo episodes are the journal. Interview episodes are the Industry Talk: honest conversations with entrepreneurs from different industries about how they built their businesses, what it cost them, and what they would tell someone just starting out. Guests have included veteran entrepreneur Shawn Lee Jones of G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal, Tremain Lasenby of Lasenby Illustrations, and graphic designer Shcarra Benn of Creative Leo Designs. Episodes answer the questions creative business owners actually ask. How do I price my work and know my value? How do I make offers that get booked? How do I build a business with limited time and energy? How do I use AI as a tool without giving up my creativity? How can a podcast grow my business? And how do I build the mindset, discipline, and relationships it takes to grow from solopreneur to business owner? Made for photographers, videographers, podcasters, designers, artists, coaches, event professionals, and small business owners. This is for creative entrepreneurs, and those who desire to be. Produced by Alien Eyez Photos Media, an event photography and media company serving creative entrepreneurs and small businesses across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Follow the show, share your favorite episode with #IndustryTalk, and get the weekly letter at alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe. Work with Steve at AlienEyezPhotos.com. Elevating positive stories and brands, one frame at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Alien Eyez Photos Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alien Eyez Photos Media
  • Show Website
    Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk