Episode 214

full
Published on:

10th Jun 2025

The 5 Workflows Every Creative Needs in Their CRM (2025 Update)

In this solo episode, I’m giving a glow-up to my most downloaded and shared episode from this podcast: the workflows every creative business needs.

I'm expanding from the original 4-workflow framework to 5 — because not only have the tools improved (hello, HoneyBook Automations 2.0 👀), but so has my perspective. Your workflows aren’t just about automation… they’re about the conversation.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series called Emails Behind the Experience. In Part 2, I’ll be sharing the very first lesson from my new course, Email Like You Mean It. Stay tuned!

Find It Quickly:

00:27 – Why I’m giving this episode a glow-up (and what’s changed)

00:55 – The shift from automation to communication in workflows

01:42 – How to start strong with pre-qualifying and personalization

03:02 – Creating a five-minute booking experience with smart follow-ups

05:10 – Building momentum and trust in the “messy middle”

06:33 – Turning handoff moments into clarity and celebration

07:28 – How to extend the relationship with rebooking + referrals

09:19 – How you can listen to Lesson 1 in Email Like You Mean It

Links Mentioned:

Episode 23: Original 4 Workflow Framework

Replay: The Magic of Follow-Up Emails

Email Like You Mean It (new email course)

CRM Blueprint for Creatives (client experience implementation course)

Show artwork for Business-First Creatives

About the Podcast

Business-First Creatives

Every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit. Here you'll find a no-BS approach to what it takes to put the business first, prioritizing the systems and strategies that will actually move the needle and ensure your creative business is profitable rather than an expensive side-hustle. Your host is Colie James, a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living!