spk_1: 0:08
Welcome to the brain your way. Photography podcast. I'm your host, Bert Jefferson. I'm a wife, Mama to two and full time photographer in business. I created this podcast with inspiring photographer to bring you inspired stories. Strategies to help you go from zero to mostly figures and tips and tricks to get one step closer to work. Life harmony. Are you ready to bring your way to your dream career? Let's dive
spk_0: 0:38
in. All right, you guys, today again, I'm gonna try not to say I'm super excited cause I really think I said that for every episode I've ever aired. But I really am Super Getty. For today's episode, we are talking Thio MEREDITH from Iris work. It's and you guys know it is my favorite obsession. Right now, the platform has absolutely changed my business in my life. And so I'm just blessed and honored honestly, that she agreed to come on to talk with us today. So, MEREDITH, I'm gonna hand it over to you and let you introduce yourself and kind of tell us a little bit about your journey to Iris works.
spk_1: 1:22
Sure. Thank you so much for having me. This is so fat. I love doing podcasts. I never ah get to be on that side, your side of it. But I always think that they're so fun to do so. Um, yes. Oh, my name's MEREDITH Greedo. I am the founder of Iris Works, and we are a studio management platform on We're really geared towards the portrait photography world. Um, but a little background of myself. So I have been, uh, let's see, my early career I started actually in human resource is for hospital completely unrelated to the photography industry. Um, and I did all sorts of things there. I ended my time at the hospital doing process improvements. And so what that means is like, I basically worked with our technology department to figure out how we could streamline stuff and make things more efficient for human resource is for this big hospital system. And I was there for, like, eight years. Um didn't truly love the work like I liked it, But it wasn't something that I thought I'll Yeah, I want to do this for the long haul, even though eight years is kind of a long time. Um so during, But during that time I fell into photography. So kind of like a lot of people. Um, I got my first kit camera, you know, camera with kit lenses and all that good stuff. And the reason I got it was because my, um, husband was into cycling. Just this is totally random, but was into cycling, and he would do all these cycling races, right? And so we thought, Oh, this will be fun. Like, I'll go and I'll take some pictures of you doing your races. Um, got the camera, realized I had no idea how to actually use it. So I started, you know, doing a lot of research. I took a couple of classes. Um, here in India were, uh, actually, my uncle was a photographer, so I learned a lot from him. So anyway, so, uh, picked up the camera, and once I started using it, I realized like, Oh, this is really kind of cool. You can do something different things with this, and you can actually make it do some stuff that Ah, when you aren't just in auto mode and all this good stuff. So I started photography on the side. I was still working at the hospital and after a while realized like, Oh, I actually really enjoy this work, not the hospital stuff anymore. So, uh, I had my first child, and that was kind of the moment where I said, You know, I can either go back to work where I don't enjoy it and drop photography, or I can try to make it us work. And so I took photography full time after my daughter was born. Um, I loved it. I primarily did portrait. So I did a lot of families, babies, newborns and I second shot for a wedding photographer here in Indianapolis, which I loved, because as a second shooter, you know you don't have all of the pressure and the editing time and all of that stuff, but it was always fun. Um, you know, a good experience and a lot of learning that I would get Tau have done so, Um, and a couple years into doing that business full time, I realized a little too late. Probably that I wasn't doing it really well. So I was not being super, um, available to my clients. I wasn't communicating really well. I would lose track of like did I send them that, you know, portrait agreement. Did I Did I said that? Did I tell them how much they need to pay me? You know, I would show up to a shoot, and the client is like, Okay, well, what do we owe you? And I had an even, like, hadn't sent them anything. It was just pricing list on my website and me being me, I'd say, like, that awkward conversation like,
spk_0: 5:16
Oh, gosh,
spk_1: 5:17
um, I'll just send you an email, and you can mail me a check. Like it was just a very awkward saying half the time, I couldn't remember what package they had selected, so I didn't even know what they paid needed. Pay me. It was terrible. Um, so I realized again a little too late that I needed to do some organization, and I needed to treat the business like a business. Um, and so I started looking at systems, and I was like, Okay, this is what I know. Um, I worked with and when I was in a jar, I did all sorts of this kind of stuff, so I should just get a system in place that can automate things for me. Organize it all. And then I don't have to look like an idiot. And from my clients, Um and so that kind of was what sparked the journey or started this journey in this path. I tried everything that existed at the time, so everything every system I could find, I tried, Um, and to be very honest and Frank, I hated them all. I thought, um, most of them were very wedding photographer focused, which was fine, but it was way more than I needed. It was more expensive than what I felt like. I wanted to pay for something, and, um and then they were also super complex. And, like, I'm just I have a client. They book a session with me, and then all of these things need to happen. And so that's what I need in the system. You know, something very simple, Um, still with, you know, the benefits and features. And you know that, um, we have since developed, but, um and so it just kind of honestly, it was like, Well, what What would it look like if I were to make something and I never had set out to become Ah, software entrepreneur. I do not have a coating or programming background, but, um, I quickly realized after talking with a lot of my peers that I wasn't the only one who was struggling. I was not the only one who was frustrated with the options available and that, um, you know what everybody desired was really like a simple system that organized things, kept you on track, automated some things for you. And, um and so that really is what sparked the idea. And it just kind of snowballed from there. So we just kind of took off and then, um, that was back in. We launched in 2015. So it's been about four and 1/2 years now.
spk_0: 7:50
Oh, that's so amazing. And I saw so much of myself and a lot of my older self in your story of honestly being a hot mess because when and I can guarantee you like all the listeners were probably nodding their head as much as I was during your story because it's so relatable. That's the one. Thing is you come into photography, wanted two ways. One. It's a passion you have, and you're like, Oh, this is really cool. I'm actually kind of good at this. Let me take people's actors, and before you know it, you have clients in the business or you come into it with some business knowledge and you're not a complete hot mess. But then there's other things, like technical aspects to your camera, that you have to learn. There's a learning curve, no matter what. But I think that and I'm such a system and processes girl. Anyway, I just didn't realize what was missing until you find yourself in these awkward situations and the money things, a whole nother conversation. But it's always awkward. Not so much now. And that's one of my favorite things is, I do feel more prepared with Iris works. I feel like everybody's getting that five star V. I. P treatment. I don't have to apologize anymore for not getting back to someone or for double booking a date. I've only done that one time in my five year career, and it was the most awful mistake ever because you're letting down to clients and what are you gonna d'oh You know, thankfully, I knew these people, so it wasn't like they were super mad at me, and they both ended up having a lot of free time. Then we split it up. But it's things like that. That kind of explained in another podcast episode of Why I'm so obsessed with Iris works, and it was just because I couldn't keep up. I just could not keep up with anything I was doing. I didn't know what client had received a style guide. I didn't know what client had actually booked a session, and I was telling them it used to take me days to book a client because we'd have to go back and forth and wait for us and play tag and all that stuff, and I'll have to do that anymore. So they reach out on Facebook Messenger. I get like, 99% of enquiries from there or my website, and now I respond one time with the link to the booking calendar. I say if you find something or a date on there that works for you, let me know, and then everything else is completely streamlined so they can see their package options once they've picked their date on and then I've only had one person would be like, Oh, I didn't realize it was gonna be that expensive Back out. One person, everybody else never says a word about it. So you have given me so much time back on, and that's really important to me because I feel like I don't have enough hours in the day Anyway, a lot of that's just because I'm type A, I gotta be going, going, going And so a lot of that is self inflicted. But I just I absolutely love Iris works, and I just want people to know, like with the other ones that I've used. I've used to other platforms in the past and I felt like complex. They were too much and I didn't need it. And then it wasn't worth it to me, like I didn't see the value in it. So then when I did my free trial, you guys, you had absolutely everything I needed. And I was like, This is so simple. This is what I need. I'm using the wrong platform. So I was very happy to switch over, and I will die like I see the value. In fact, I'm like, I can't believe I'm only paying this much for this system, that helping me. And so I hope a lot of people will get on the bandwagon and see, like how important Iris works is. So I'm gonna let you kind of dive in just just some features and benefits that you offer specifically through Iris works and why that is so beneficial to a photographer.
spk_1: 11:46
Sure. So first of all, that was like the best glowing review I think I've heard. So thank you is like, real people when they it's so gratifying to hear, Like when something that you worked so hard for and you you want that you That's the response. We went from everybody. So thank you. Um, so Iris is again What are big focuses on being simple, but still offering the benefits and the value. So everything that we've built over the last four and 1/2 years and that we continue to build, you know, we take our time with planning it out and figuring out How do we make something that we know? You know, photographers need wants require that is still going to be simple and not require them to spend a bunch of time and effort learning or figuring out. So when we built Iris, um, you know, when I love look back at our first release, you'll be first launched. We really had the bare bones like it was basic. We didn't have any frills. There was No, um you know, we had some basic automation, but there wasn't anything super fancy. And we found out pretty quickly like that works for people. Um, especially those in the portrait world where, you know, you know, you need something you But you don't have the time to sit down and spend weeks. Ah, on setting up a system so iris can be set up. And, of course, we've made 10 of improvement since our launch. But you can set up iris and really just a couple of hours, depending on how big your businesses. Um, if you if you already have a process, if you don't, then it might take a little bit longer. Um, whereas a lot of the other competitors will take literally days, weeks, some of them months, and some of them even you can hire somebody to set it up for you, which it shouldn't be that way, Ray. It's It's an online platform, You should be ableto log in fit, you know, get the resources you need there, the help you need online. And so that's really what we strive for. Um, we are Like I said, we're pretty portrait based. Um now, we have over the years developed a lot of things that are more applicable to wedding photographers. But we tried to keep things within that portrait world as much as possible and still apply to wedding photographers. And it's funny, you know, we have now on our platform, we have videographers. We have florists. We have event planners, real estate agents, for some reason is a thing. And so, um, it's kind of interesting. Over the years, it's like, Oh, wow, we have. Ah, one time we had a magician who signed up, and it's like, Okay, um, so a lot of times, people ask me, Well, I'm not a portrait photographer. Can I use Iris? And I always say, you know, Well, do you have clients? And the answer is always Yes. Okay. Well, do you communicate with them, You know, Do you need to send them things to you, send them invoices and contracts? Yeah. Okay, then you can use Iris. Um, there's a couple of things within our system that are really more specific to a portrait photographer. So we have, ah, a scout feature where you can actually, um, you know, drop a pin on a map and store your locations where you like to shoot outdoors, right? So, um and then you can share those with clients. So we have some, you know, and then were integrated with shootproof, for example, which is a gallery company. So there are some specific things that are just for photographers, but we have so many creatives now on the platform and because of the way we built it and because we kept things very simple and straightforward. Anybody can really use that Any solo entrepreneur, any creative entrepreneur. It's a great system for So, um, that's that's kind of what sets us apart. I think from a lot of our competitors, too, is that, you know, we keep our focus really on the creative whose brain doesn't work like a developer or a programmer. In most cases, Ray, in most cases, um, you know, photographers and creatives are are you know, that's the that's their brain is so focused on being creative and they excel at that. But then when they have to kind of put all of that business stuff together, it can get super overwhelming. And so what we try to do is make that as easy as possible for them and give them as much guidance and help along the way so that they can really be successful as business owners, because that's what they are. A lot of times, photographers forget that, I think, um and so that's really what our goal is is really to help. Photographers and creatives now really excel at being entrepreneurs and business owners.
spk_0: 16:36
I love that. And one of my dear friends is one of your realtors on the platform. And I'll tell you why. Um, pretty much anyone that is looking for that's appointment based, very appointment based, and a lot of times they need two or three touches two or three in person appointments, and it's just so much easier to send someone a booking calendar or and that's for people's homes, that they're trying to sell us of homeowners. But also, when people come toe look, you can set up just like we do many sessions on your booking calendar. They can set up which 15 minute increment or 30 minute increment there, you know, coming by force. They could get that personalization so and they get reminder e mails and locations. And so that is why you're getting realtors on your platform, which I think is so cool. Um, so my favorite feature, obviously, is the booking calendar because again used to have a paper plainer. I still d'oh! I'm very much a pen and paper girl, but I love that I can coincide and make sure everything's on one platform. And also your booking calendar is linked to my phone now. So if someone is, you know, reaching out to book a session, I no longer have to tell this person. I don't know if that's if that day is booked. Let me let me get back to you. Now it's Yep, two seconds. Let me see, and then I can tell automatically in my calendar. It's just it's just a timesaver, one favor thing. So yes, so basically, who is Iris works for, obviously the portrait photographer. But she did say other creatives. You heard me say we've got realtors on the platform. So basically, if you need a book sessions or appointments, if you need to send reminder e mails if you want a quick way to deliver galleries, and I will actually tell you a little side note so I don't use shootproof. I used pixie set, but I have made a template where I plug in their gallery links. So the templates already made takes me two seconds. I just have to have two tabs. Open a copy of the link pasted in the email, give them their download code and send it, and it's the same. It's a one click and go, and so it makes it just a simple um So, yeah, so there's just so many benefits. And if you're like wow, I need to streamline the process is you should probably check out Iris Mertz. I'm so happy to
spk_1: 18:59
hear that you love the booking the most. So that was like such a labor of love for us because it was the most requested addition since we basically since we launched and we wanted to do it right and we wanted to make sure that my thing with booking is like you could use some other program, right? Like you could use acuity or calendar Lee. And you can do our mind looking. That's great. But our users and our photographers, the real value for them is not just the online booking. It's all of the stuff that comes after that. So by building it ourselves, we were able to fully integrate it into our entire system. So what's cool is like you can say, Hey, here's my portrait availability or here's my mini session availability. And then once somebody select that, it can trigger all of your many sessions stuff so it can trigger the e mails that are specific to those many sessions and then, you know, they select Ah, um, you know, a senior chute or whatever. It can trigger all of your senior specific stuff. So I'm so happy. It's always so, you know, just gratifying to hear that kind of stuff because it truly is adding value and giving time back. And that's really, you know, always all we really want to do here. So that's awesome to hear.
spk_0: 20:15
Yes, it's just my favorite. I'm I just love it, and I love that you could have multiple. So for instance, I do podcast. So I created one specifically just for podcast interviews, because I didn't need one of my clients thinking on the shoot precision at 10:11 a.m. In the morning because I'm not, but it was nice tohave so. I just love how simple it is, how you can set up exactly what you need, where you need it. I mean, it really works for all photographers. Like you said, you guys actually have a lot of really cool templates, which I think is a great starting point for people. But I also love that you can delete them if you don't need them, because with other platforms, it wasn't that easy like it. It was like I couldn't figure out how to get it off. Um, your questionnaires were awesome. And you guys given amazing freebie that teaches you what questions to put into your questionnaires, and that has changed the game for a lot of my sessions. I love that it captures people's first and last name and whatever information you want about them. So their email, their phone number there address, I'd like to send out client gifts. Now I don't have to track down all these people because if they fill out my questionnaire prior to their session, it's stored away for me. And then I just have to check back yearly just to make sure no one's moved. And so anyway, as you can tell, I will continue to be a glowing walking review for you because I just thought maybe I'm missing it on the other platforms. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm the problem and I need to have a more complicated system. And then I discover you off of another photographers instagram story. And the rest is history. And I'm so glad that I found it. Um, it's just a game changer. No,
spk_1: 22:04
this is so awesome to hear. And I think the coolest thing for me is Ah, and I will probably tell this story now all the time. But when we got connected and we were getting ready to schedule this podcast, you sent me stuff from Iris. So I got, you know, like the agreement. I got the details, I got the questionnaire and it was all iris stuff, and I'm like, Oh, my gosh, here I am selling out, you know, a questionnaire through our own system for somebody apples. And I thought that was just the coolest thing. And I think I'll probably literally tell that story now all the time, because it really just validates like Okay, like what we're doing is really helping people. And they're using it in all of these different ways. So we're not just for scheduling of photography session, but scheduling a podcast interview. So, um, it's just really cool. I think it's probably one of the best stories I think I've will have now going forward. Well,
spk_0: 22:57
I love it. You can share it as much as you want to, because I didn't realize I needed a streamlined process for podcasts until people again, I found myself in a very similar situation. Oh, that time doesn't work for me. Oh, I can't do that. Date. And I'm like, Okay, we're done with this, like, let's just get it inside of Iris works. And I probably implemented that probably two weeks before you ended up in your interviews. I'm glad it was ready for you. Um, yes, but that's just awesome. So before we end on an Iris works and no, I kind of just want to back up and just ask you just a couple questions that kind of popped into my mind as we heard your story and the development of the platform. But one of those is obviously you have competitors, and I and I love talking about community and competition altogether because I feel like number one competition could really be a healthy thing for us. It doesn't have to be this cut throats situation all the time where you can't celebrate the person next to you and one of my favorite things again, back to your platform is you had a clear vision of who you made this for, and I think that is what alone set you apart. But how did you navigate building your own platform while these other competitors were around you and popping up? How did that have an effect on you creating iris works? So I think, you
spk_1: 24:22
know, initially when we were doing the build, you know, the space was not quite as full as it is now or crowded. So at the time, you know, we were really trying to do something totally different and makes a system that was, um, you know, very simple, clean and easy. And what existed at the time were these very powerful, complex systems that are great, right? I mean, if you are technical and you have the time to sit down and set things like that up, it might work for you. Right? Um but so I think initially it was like, Okay, we we could be better. We can do this differently. Um, and we're going to set ourselves apart. So initially was very okay for me, right toe kind of say, All right, You know, we've got competition, but it's okay. Um, when we first started building the platform, another competitor launched their platform. So that was a little hard for me because I thought, Oh, my gosh. Now I've got another company who is much larger already. Um, we're self funded company. So we didn't, um you know, a lot of entrepreneurs will get investment dollars, and things like that were self funded or bootstrapped is what a lot of people will call us. And so it was a little intimidating, right? Because all of these other companies were either established already or had funding and had a lot more power behind them. So that became a little bit difficult. And then over the last couple of years, I mean, geographers know now, like there's a lot of options out there. So it has become a little bit more, um, stressful, I guess. And Ah, and there's a little bit of anxiety over it. Honestly, because, um, we want to be the best. You know what? We want to make sure that we're still serving photographers, and we're doing it well. But what I will say is those, you know, people who are behind those companies, the ones that I know and actually and friends with some of them are wonderful people, and they also want the same things. Right? So it's been, um, you know, it's a healthy competition, right? So we're still obviously, we're still heads down doing what we wanted you, um and we try not to focus too much on you know what other companies are doing or what they just released. It were, um you know what? What? We think they're going to d'oh Because we have our own path and we want to stay focused on that. And really, it still goes back to our original goal, which is maintaining that simple, easy t use beautiful system that caters to the creative. And so but but on the other side of it, knowing some of the other people who are now behind those companies is really nice, because there's also somebody who's going through something similar or has had similar struggles. And I can actually call up some of those people and say, Hey, you know, we've got this technical thing that we're dealing with How did have you ever experienced that? So, you know, I think the whole competition and and the community over competition, you know, has been a big thing in our industry. And I think it's important to remember that, um, for me, too, because I actually can benefit from that and our company can benefit. Um, and you know, there's actually just a lot of really good people in this industry. Um, and so it's It's kind of nice toe, have ah, those connections Now, I guess I'll say so. It's really fun.
spk_0: 28:05
Yeah, well, first of all, you guys were definitely serving your people well, your customer service this morning, Right before this, I asked a quick question, and she got back to me. within under 10 minutes is great. So quick. It was a technical question because I hadn't dealt with out before. And yes, so we fixed it. But, I mean, you're definitely serving your people well, but with community and competition, I mean, regardless of what you're doing, there is always competition. If you're in corporate America, you're competing with the guy down the hall and you are a photographer. You are, in a sense, competing with people in your area or all the photographers in the world. Really, And I think competition is definitely necessary. But like I said, it doesn't have to be cut throat. It needs to be like Okay, great. We're in this industry and we need to see what individual individuality weaken, bring thio the industry. And for me, I just feel like you can't serve your clients Well, if you're too busy looking at your neighbor and clearly you figure that out very early on because you were like, No, we're going back to why we started why we started. And that's why I think it's so important. So I think it's great to be inspired by people able and almost it's not quite jealousy but it's like lights that fire in your gut you like. Okay, no, I could do something good, too, And it's that pushed on that drive to keep getting better. And I feel that every day in my industry, to be honest with you, being a photographer's hard it, it really is because there are so many options. But I just keep focusing on serving my clients well, and it ties back into the platform. It's one way I conserve them. Even better is just making sure that everyone is being able to be served in a timely manner and that they're all getting the same workflow but still unable to personalize. That's so not every e mail, not everybody who's reading the exact same words I go in and I personalize it. It just makes it faster. So I really just wanted to hear your take on that, because I think regardless of what you do, you're gonna have competition and you need to know how to approach it. And just like you, I've learned to take that in network. So when I feel that way about somebody instead of like up what may and follow this person and I'll pay attention of them. I'm like, No, let's get connected. Let's have a conversation cause it's the only way you're gonna get rid of those feelings. So that's so I apply competition in my life. It's the network on the other thing that I wanted to ask you out of curiosity. Is there anything in the works for Iris works at this point?
spk_1: 30:43
Oh, gosh, yes. So this is like the question that we get multiple times a day, right? Like what's coming? What's coming? Um, so the interesting thing you know, people you never think you don't know until you're in it, right? So I never you know, like I said, I didn't have a technology background of any kind except for, you know, using computers and system. Um, it's very difficult. It takes a lot of time. There's a lot of testing involved. We can create something in one part of the platform that will affect something in a completely you know, what you would think unrelated part of the platform, right? But so we're constantly working on things and that our team is doing things like clean up right and just making sure that optimizing the system. They're also at the same time working on new releases or updates to an existing feature. So right now, um, there's a couple of big things that we're working on. One of them. Um this is the first time. I guess I'll be saying this. I don't even know what this is. Is our is the first generation of a mobile app. So this is also behind booking was kind of the other requested feature that we, uh, that we kept hearing was I really want a nap. I really want a nap. Um, now, our site is mobile responsive. So you know, you can go toe safari or whatever browser on your phone, and you can access everything. However, you know, APS lend a little bit more. Ah, he's too accessing things. I guess so. We have been working pretty hard on that for the last few months, and we are very close, and I'm still I'm hopeful. I don't have I don't have a timeline for an actual release state. We have to test thoroughly, obviously, because it's it's basically another program that we've just built. So that's the one thing. And then there's some stuff coming up with our calendar that is going to that actually will be released. Probably maybe before this podcast is actually aired. Uh, but, um, it is gonna be able. What we're doing is we're trying to give photographers a clear line of sight to everything that's happened with a particular event. So, um, what you'll be able to do is go into your calendar. When you see a particular event, you'll actually get kind of a snapshot view of what's been tied to that. About whether that be the contract that's been signed or not Signed the invoice. And to be able to see in a quick snapshot Oh, from my calendar. Here's here's this e mails that were sent related to this particular session. Um, so we're pretty excited about that. And again, hopefully that's going to be coming out really these soon? Um and then we have some stuff related to our invoicing, um, platform as well that, um I don't know when that is gonna be released, so I'm not gonna go into sometimes of details. Um, but you know, where are I think? Ah, lot of people. I'm so glad you asked this question because a lot of people think, Oh, they're working on one thing at a time and that's not the case Like our team is constantly working on multiple projects at the same time because one we can, but two, um, you know, there's there's things that there's always moving parts and things shift and change, and we want to make sure that we're constantly working on things, small things in the system, but also those big projects as well, eh? So that we're constantly releasing added value to, ah, to our users and our customers.
spk_0: 34:15
I love that. And yes, I'm so excited for a mobile app. I think everyone gets excited about apse because it's literally just a one top system. You go in there and you can access stuff. I I do love that. Your site is mobile friendly, though, because again that makes things easier. I just need, like a quick snapshot at something. I'm weird and I just like to work off my laptop, so I typically don't add new clients and stuff unless I'm actually on the dust top version. That's just the personal preference. But I'm super excited that you guys have all this stuff in the works. I knew you would. I was nervous to ask, cause I know a lot of times you have to be very careful. All of what you release Thio the public as faras that knowledge goes to some people don't like disappointment. If we say, you know Oh, it's gonna be released in spring 2020 and then you're like, what? The movie people do Hollywood there, like I'm just kidding. It's gonna be three more years, you know? So, um but I'm glad that you had an answer for me, and I mean, honestly, I think the platform is great as it is. I wouldn't be disappointed if nothing was ever coming, but I know just like with everything, you have to constantly be evolving. And so I expect nothing less from you die. Yeah. So this was such an awesome conversation. Um, for people who haven't tried it. You guys do have a free trial, which is the coolest thing on what I love about yours is you pretty much get full on access to everything. Is that correct during your trial? Yes. So we do
spk_1: 35:45
offer a 14 day free trial and a couple of the things. You know, a lot of people will get intimidated by a new system, especially if they're currently using something else. We do offer a free migration, So if you're coming to us from a different platform, we will actually help you pull over that information. Um, and get iris set up for you in your business. But our 14 day free trial, we don't limit every anything at all. You get full access to the system. Um, if you've tried us before and you're like, Oh, that was four years ago. I want to check it out again. We will be happy. Thio reactivity a trial account for you. A cz Well, so you know, we want you to be able to actually get into the system and see it all. And that includes booking as well. So you can actually try out the booking calendar and just kind of check it out and see what it would look like and how it would work for your clients. I mean, what I always tell people to do is set yourself up as a client when you're first getting into the trial just so that you can kind of get the experience as a user, but also kind of see what your client experience is gonna look like. Because, you know, the big benefits of of using Iris is, you know, you present yourself in this very professional way to your clients, right? And so you are for a lot of photographers again, don't think of themselves as business owners. But you are. And you can avoid a lot of pain and potential pain by setting yourself up for success by using a system and sending out contracts and invoices and having that process in place. We've heard so many horror stories where photographers didn't think there are. You know, they didn't send something when they thought they did. Um, And it came back to bite them later, right? Because they didn't follow a process. And so, you know, that's really another big benefit of using irises. You know, you're able to really set up that process and let it just let it run, and it does it for you. And you don't ever drop the ball again and you begin to your clients. You look like you are this amazing professional photographer, which you are. Ah, who has all of their stuff together, right? And you are, um, again, I love to tell people to You're setting the stage when you use a system of that professional relationship because a lot of times photographers, we become friends with our clients. It's a very personal relationship, but you are still a business owner, and you still need to protect yourself. And you still need to make sure that you're getting paid, you know, appropriately for your work. And so that's why it's so important to do those professional business tasks which are sending out the contract using an invoice. Um, you know, having that chain that document chain in your system so you can always go back and refer to
spk_0: 38:40
it later. So hopefully at this point in the show, you guys air ready to run, do iris works? Um, so their website is iris Dash works dot com. Now, I'm sure if you type it in, Google's gonna pop up and be like, Oh, did you mean this? I'm just a little know it is Iris Dash works dot com, and if you love it, then use my code. Brooke in all caps, B, r O K E, and you can get 20% off of your subscription, and we're gonna let merit is going to close this out here any any last words for my audience. Well,
spk_1: 39:19
I just want to thank you for having me on. I feel like this was the biggest, like confidence boost that we could have here, Iris. So thank you. Um, I'm so happy that it's working so well for you and yeah, we'd love to have, um, everybody give it a shot and let us know what you think. We're really big on feedback two. So, um, you can always reach our customers success team. Ah, by just using our little chat icon. That's in the app and love to hear you know what's working for you and even what's not working for you. That's really what drives what we do and how we change the platform and how we add things to the platform is really keeping connected with our user base. Andi, even those who try us and decide it's not for them. That's actually when we get the best feedback. So Ah, yeah. I would love to have everyone give it a shot and let us know what you
spk_0: 40:11
think I love it? Well, thank you so much for coming on the show. It was so awesome. I knew it would be so, Yeah, I will definitely follow up with you and let you know what people thought. I want feedback on this Episode two. So you guys be sure to connect with me on one of my platforms and let me know it. You're trying out Iris works. I would love to help you in your process and on. Oh, MEREDITH would, too. And her customer service is seriously the best. So thank you so much. It's not too late to set yourself up for success in 2020. I want to invite you to join my free online training. How to plan out your 2020 photography calendar and get more clients in your books. In this master class, you're going to learn how to map out your 2020 photography calendar. No more planning last minute events and desperately trying to fill your session thoughts. How to create a strategic marketing plan to book out your year. If you're confused on what to post on social media and email your clients, this is for you. to tools that dramatically change the game in my business and gave me my time back. And why Planning or 2020 calendar can result in your best year Ever get ahead of the game and go into the new year feeling confident and ready to have your best year yet you can access this training at frame your way. Dog Brook jefferson dot com slash replay
Welcome to the brain your way. Photography podcast. I'm your host, Bert Jefferson. I'm a wife, Mama to two and full time photographer in business. I created this podcast with inspiring photographer to bring you inspired stories. Strategies to help you go from zero to mostly figures and tips and tricks to get one step closer to work. Life harmony. Are you ready to bring your way to your dream career? Let's dive
spk_0: 0:38
in. All right, you guys, today again, I'm gonna try not to say I'm super excited cause I really think I said that for every episode I've ever aired. But I really am Super Getty. For today's episode, we are talking Thio MEREDITH from Iris work. It's and you guys know it is my favorite obsession. Right now, the platform has absolutely changed my business in my life. And so I'm just blessed and honored honestly, that she agreed to come on to talk with us today. So, MEREDITH, I'm gonna hand it over to you and let you introduce yourself and kind of tell us a little bit about your journey to Iris works.
spk_1: 1:22
Sure. Thank you so much for having me. This is so fat. I love doing podcasts. I never ah get to be on that side, your side of it. But I always think that they're so fun to do so. Um, yes. Oh, my name's MEREDITH Greedo. I am the founder of Iris Works, and we are a studio management platform on We're really geared towards the portrait photography world. Um, but a little background of myself. So I have been, uh, let's see, my early career I started actually in human resource is for hospital completely unrelated to the photography industry. Um, and I did all sorts of things there. I ended my time at the hospital doing process improvements. And so what that means is like, I basically worked with our technology department to figure out how we could streamline stuff and make things more efficient for human resource is for this big hospital system. And I was there for, like, eight years. Um didn't truly love the work like I liked it, But it wasn't something that I thought I'll Yeah, I want to do this for the long haul, even though eight years is kind of a long time. Um so during, But during that time I fell into photography. So kind of like a lot of people. Um, I got my first kit camera, you know, camera with kit lenses and all that good stuff. And the reason I got it was because my, um, husband was into cycling. Just this is totally random, but was into cycling, and he would do all these cycling races, right? And so we thought, Oh, this will be fun. Like, I'll go and I'll take some pictures of you doing your races. Um, got the camera, realized I had no idea how to actually use it. So I started, you know, doing a lot of research. I took a couple of classes. Um, here in India were, uh, actually, my uncle was a photographer, so I learned a lot from him. So anyway, so, uh, picked up the camera, and once I started using it, I realized like, Oh, this is really kind of cool. You can do something different things with this, and you can actually make it do some stuff that Ah, when you aren't just in auto mode and all this good stuff. So I started photography on the side. I was still working at the hospital and after a while realized like, Oh, I actually really enjoy this work, not the hospital stuff anymore. So, uh, I had my first child, and that was kind of the moment where I said, You know, I can either go back to work where I don't enjoy it and drop photography, or I can try to make it us work. And so I took photography full time after my daughter was born. Um, I loved it. I primarily did portrait. So I did a lot of families, babies, newborns and I second shot for a wedding photographer here in Indianapolis, which I loved, because as a second shooter, you know you don't have all of the pressure and the editing time and all of that stuff, but it was always fun. Um, you know, a good experience and a lot of learning that I would get Tau have done so, Um, and a couple years into doing that business full time, I realized a little too late. Probably that I wasn't doing it really well. So I was not being super, um, available to my clients. I wasn't communicating really well. I would lose track of like did I send them that, you know, portrait agreement. Did I Did I said that? Did I tell them how much they need to pay me? You know, I would show up to a shoot, and the client is like, Okay, well, what do we owe you? And I had an even, like, hadn't sent them anything. It was just pricing list on my website and me being me, I'd say, like, that awkward conversation like,
spk_0: 5:16
Oh, gosh,
spk_1: 5:17
um, I'll just send you an email, and you can mail me a check. Like it was just a very awkward saying half the time, I couldn't remember what package they had selected, so I didn't even know what they paid needed. Pay me. It was terrible. Um, so I realized again a little too late that I needed to do some organization, and I needed to treat the business like a business. Um, and so I started looking at systems, and I was like, Okay, this is what I know. Um, I worked with and when I was in a jar, I did all sorts of this kind of stuff, so I should just get a system in place that can automate things for me. Organize it all. And then I don't have to look like an idiot. And from my clients, Um and so that kind of was what sparked the journey or started this journey in this path. I tried everything that existed at the time, so everything every system I could find, I tried, Um, and to be very honest and Frank, I hated them all. I thought, um, most of them were very wedding photographer focused, which was fine, but it was way more than I needed. It was more expensive than what I felt like. I wanted to pay for something, and, um and then they were also super complex. And, like, I'm just I have a client. They book a session with me, and then all of these things need to happen. And so that's what I need in the system. You know, something very simple, Um, still with, you know, the benefits and features. And you know that, um, we have since developed, but, um and so it just kind of honestly, it was like, Well, what What would it look like if I were to make something and I never had set out to become Ah, software entrepreneur. I do not have a coating or programming background, but, um, I quickly realized after talking with a lot of my peers that I wasn't the only one who was struggling. I was not the only one who was frustrated with the options available and that, um, you know what everybody desired was really like a simple system that organized things, kept you on track, automated some things for you. And, um and so that really is what sparked the idea. And it just kind of snowballed from there. So we just kind of took off and then, um, that was back in. We launched in 2015. So it's been about four and 1/2 years now.
spk_0: 7:50
Oh, that's so amazing. And I saw so much of myself and a lot of my older self in your story of honestly being a hot mess because when and I can guarantee you like all the listeners were probably nodding their head as much as I was during your story because it's so relatable. That's the one. Thing is you come into photography, wanted two ways. One. It's a passion you have, and you're like, Oh, this is really cool. I'm actually kind of good at this. Let me take people's actors, and before you know it, you have clients in the business or you come into it with some business knowledge and you're not a complete hot mess. But then there's other things, like technical aspects to your camera, that you have to learn. There's a learning curve, no matter what. But I think that and I'm such a system and processes girl. Anyway, I just didn't realize what was missing until you find yourself in these awkward situations and the money things, a whole nother conversation. But it's always awkward. Not so much now. And that's one of my favorite things is, I do feel more prepared with Iris works. I feel like everybody's getting that five star V. I. P treatment. I don't have to apologize anymore for not getting back to someone or for double booking a date. I've only done that one time in my five year career, and it was the most awful mistake ever because you're letting down to clients and what are you gonna d'oh You know, thankfully, I knew these people, so it wasn't like they were super mad at me, and they both ended up having a lot of free time. Then we split it up. But it's things like that. That kind of explained in another podcast episode of Why I'm so obsessed with Iris works, and it was just because I couldn't keep up. I just could not keep up with anything I was doing. I didn't know what client had received a style guide. I didn't know what client had actually booked a session, and I was telling them it used to take me days to book a client because we'd have to go back and forth and wait for us and play tag and all that stuff, and I'll have to do that anymore. So they reach out on Facebook Messenger. I get like, 99% of enquiries from there or my website, and now I respond one time with the link to the booking calendar. I say if you find something or a date on there that works for you, let me know, and then everything else is completely streamlined so they can see their package options once they've picked their date on and then I've only had one person would be like, Oh, I didn't realize it was gonna be that expensive Back out. One person, everybody else never says a word about it. So you have given me so much time back on, and that's really important to me because I feel like I don't have enough hours in the day Anyway, a lot of that's just because I'm type A, I gotta be going, going, going And so a lot of that is self inflicted. But I just I absolutely love Iris works, and I just want people to know, like with the other ones that I've used. I've used to other platforms in the past and I felt like complex. They were too much and I didn't need it. And then it wasn't worth it to me, like I didn't see the value in it. So then when I did my free trial, you guys, you had absolutely everything I needed. And I was like, This is so simple. This is what I need. I'm using the wrong platform. So I was very happy to switch over, and I will die like I see the value. In fact, I'm like, I can't believe I'm only paying this much for this system, that helping me. And so I hope a lot of people will get on the bandwagon and see, like how important Iris works is. So I'm gonna let you kind of dive in just just some features and benefits that you offer specifically through Iris works and why that is so beneficial to a photographer.
spk_1: 11:46
Sure. So first of all, that was like the best glowing review I think I've heard. So thank you is like, real people when they it's so gratifying to hear, Like when something that you worked so hard for and you you want that you That's the response. We went from everybody. So thank you. Um, so Iris is again What are big focuses on being simple, but still offering the benefits and the value. So everything that we've built over the last four and 1/2 years and that we continue to build, you know, we take our time with planning it out and figuring out How do we make something that we know? You know, photographers need wants require that is still going to be simple and not require them to spend a bunch of time and effort learning or figuring out. So when we built Iris, um, you know, when I love look back at our first release, you'll be first launched. We really had the bare bones like it was basic. We didn't have any frills. There was No, um you know, we had some basic automation, but there wasn't anything super fancy. And we found out pretty quickly like that works for people. Um, especially those in the portrait world where, you know, you know, you need something you But you don't have the time to sit down and spend weeks. Ah, on setting up a system so iris can be set up. And, of course, we've made 10 of improvement since our launch. But you can set up iris and really just a couple of hours, depending on how big your businesses. Um, if you if you already have a process, if you don't, then it might take a little bit longer. Um, whereas a lot of the other competitors will take literally days, weeks, some of them months, and some of them even you can hire somebody to set it up for you, which it shouldn't be that way, Ray. It's It's an online platform, You should be ableto log in fit, you know, get the resources you need there, the help you need online. And so that's really what we strive for. Um, we are Like I said, we're pretty portrait based. Um now, we have over the years developed a lot of things that are more applicable to wedding photographers. But we tried to keep things within that portrait world as much as possible and still apply to wedding photographers. And it's funny, you know, we have now on our platform, we have videographers. We have florists. We have event planners, real estate agents, for some reason is a thing. And so, um, it's kind of interesting. Over the years, it's like, Oh, wow, we have. Ah, one time we had a magician who signed up, and it's like, Okay, um, so a lot of times, people ask me, Well, I'm not a portrait photographer. Can I use Iris? And I always say, you know, Well, do you have clients? And the answer is always Yes. Okay. Well, do you communicate with them, You know, Do you need to send them things to you, send them invoices and contracts? Yeah. Okay, then you can use Iris. Um, there's a couple of things within our system that are really more specific to a portrait photographer. So we have, ah, a scout feature where you can actually, um, you know, drop a pin on a map and store your locations where you like to shoot outdoors, right? So, um and then you can share those with clients. So we have some, you know, and then were integrated with shootproof, for example, which is a gallery company. So there are some specific things that are just for photographers, but we have so many creatives now on the platform and because of the way we built it and because we kept things very simple and straightforward. Anybody can really use that Any solo entrepreneur, any creative entrepreneur. It's a great system for So, um, that's that's kind of what sets us apart. I think from a lot of our competitors, too, is that, you know, we keep our focus really on the creative whose brain doesn't work like a developer or a programmer. In most cases, Ray, in most cases, um, you know, photographers and creatives are are you know, that's the that's their brain is so focused on being creative and they excel at that. But then when they have to kind of put all of that business stuff together, it can get super overwhelming. And so what we try to do is make that as easy as possible for them and give them as much guidance and help along the way so that they can really be successful as business owners, because that's what they are. A lot of times, photographers forget that, I think, um and so that's really what our goal is is really to help. Photographers and creatives now really excel at being entrepreneurs and business owners.
spk_0: 16:36
I love that. And one of my dear friends is one of your realtors on the platform. And I'll tell you why. Um, pretty much anyone that is looking for that's appointment based, very appointment based, and a lot of times they need two or three touches two or three in person appointments, and it's just so much easier to send someone a booking calendar or and that's for people's homes, that they're trying to sell us of homeowners. But also, when people come toe look, you can set up just like we do many sessions on your booking calendar. They can set up which 15 minute increment or 30 minute increment there, you know, coming by force. They could get that personalization so and they get reminder e mails and locations. And so that is why you're getting realtors on your platform, which I think is so cool. Um, so my favorite feature, obviously, is the booking calendar because again used to have a paper plainer. I still d'oh! I'm very much a pen and paper girl, but I love that I can coincide and make sure everything's on one platform. And also your booking calendar is linked to my phone now. So if someone is, you know, reaching out to book a session, I no longer have to tell this person. I don't know if that's if that day is booked. Let me let me get back to you. Now it's Yep, two seconds. Let me see, and then I can tell automatically in my calendar. It's just it's just a timesaver, one favor thing. So yes, so basically, who is Iris works for, obviously the portrait photographer. But she did say other creatives. You heard me say we've got realtors on the platform. So basically, if you need a book sessions or appointments, if you need to send reminder e mails if you want a quick way to deliver galleries, and I will actually tell you a little side note so I don't use shootproof. I used pixie set, but I have made a template where I plug in their gallery links. So the templates already made takes me two seconds. I just have to have two tabs. Open a copy of the link pasted in the email, give them their download code and send it, and it's the same. It's a one click and go, and so it makes it just a simple um So, yeah, so there's just so many benefits. And if you're like wow, I need to streamline the process is you should probably check out Iris Mertz. I'm so happy to
spk_1: 18:59
hear that you love the booking the most. So that was like such a labor of love for us because it was the most requested addition since we basically since we launched and we wanted to do it right and we wanted to make sure that my thing with booking is like you could use some other program, right? Like you could use acuity or calendar Lee. And you can do our mind looking. That's great. But our users and our photographers, the real value for them is not just the online booking. It's all of the stuff that comes after that. So by building it ourselves, we were able to fully integrate it into our entire system. So what's cool is like you can say, Hey, here's my portrait availability or here's my mini session availability. And then once somebody select that, it can trigger all of your many sessions stuff so it can trigger the e mails that are specific to those many sessions and then, you know, they select Ah, um, you know, a senior chute or whatever. It can trigger all of your senior specific stuff. So I'm so happy. It's always so, you know, just gratifying to hear that kind of stuff because it truly is adding value and giving time back. And that's really, you know, always all we really want to do here. So that's awesome to hear.
spk_0: 20:15
Yes, it's just my favorite. I'm I just love it, and I love that you could have multiple. So for instance, I do podcast. So I created one specifically just for podcast interviews, because I didn't need one of my clients thinking on the shoot precision at 10:11 a.m. In the morning because I'm not, but it was nice tohave so. I just love how simple it is, how you can set up exactly what you need, where you need it. I mean, it really works for all photographers. Like you said, you guys actually have a lot of really cool templates, which I think is a great starting point for people. But I also love that you can delete them if you don't need them, because with other platforms, it wasn't that easy like it. It was like I couldn't figure out how to get it off. Um, your questionnaires were awesome. And you guys given amazing freebie that teaches you what questions to put into your questionnaires, and that has changed the game for a lot of my sessions. I love that it captures people's first and last name and whatever information you want about them. So their email, their phone number there address, I'd like to send out client gifts. Now I don't have to track down all these people because if they fill out my questionnaire prior to their session, it's stored away for me. And then I just have to check back yearly just to make sure no one's moved. And so anyway, as you can tell, I will continue to be a glowing walking review for you because I just thought maybe I'm missing it on the other platforms. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm the problem and I need to have a more complicated system. And then I discover you off of another photographers instagram story. And the rest is history. And I'm so glad that I found it. Um, it's just a game changer. No,
spk_1: 22:04
this is so awesome to hear. And I think the coolest thing for me is Ah, and I will probably tell this story now all the time. But when we got connected and we were getting ready to schedule this podcast, you sent me stuff from Iris. So I got, you know, like the agreement. I got the details, I got the questionnaire and it was all iris stuff, and I'm like, Oh, my gosh, here I am selling out, you know, a questionnaire through our own system for somebody apples. And I thought that was just the coolest thing. And I think I'll probably literally tell that story now all the time, because it really just validates like Okay, like what we're doing is really helping people. And they're using it in all of these different ways. So we're not just for scheduling of photography session, but scheduling a podcast interview. So, um, it's just really cool. I think it's probably one of the best stories I think I've will have now going forward. Well,
spk_0: 22:57
I love it. You can share it as much as you want to, because I didn't realize I needed a streamlined process for podcasts until people again, I found myself in a very similar situation. Oh, that time doesn't work for me. Oh, I can't do that. Date. And I'm like, Okay, we're done with this, like, let's just get it inside of Iris works. And I probably implemented that probably two weeks before you ended up in your interviews. I'm glad it was ready for you. Um, yes, but that's just awesome. So before we end on an Iris works and no, I kind of just want to back up and just ask you just a couple questions that kind of popped into my mind as we heard your story and the development of the platform. But one of those is obviously you have competitors, and I and I love talking about community and competition altogether because I feel like number one competition could really be a healthy thing for us. It doesn't have to be this cut throats situation all the time where you can't celebrate the person next to you and one of my favorite things again, back to your platform is you had a clear vision of who you made this for, and I think that is what alone set you apart. But how did you navigate building your own platform while these other competitors were around you and popping up? How did that have an effect on you creating iris works? So I think, you
spk_1: 24:22
know, initially when we were doing the build, you know, the space was not quite as full as it is now or crowded. So at the time, you know, we were really trying to do something totally different and makes a system that was, um, you know, very simple, clean and easy. And what existed at the time were these very powerful, complex systems that are great, right? I mean, if you are technical and you have the time to sit down and set things like that up, it might work for you. Right? Um but so I think initially it was like, Okay, we we could be better. We can do this differently. Um, and we're going to set ourselves apart. So initially was very okay for me, right toe kind of say, All right, You know, we've got competition, but it's okay. Um, when we first started building the platform, another competitor launched their platform. So that was a little hard for me because I thought, Oh, my gosh. Now I've got another company who is much larger already. Um, we're self funded company. So we didn't, um you know, a lot of entrepreneurs will get investment dollars, and things like that were self funded or bootstrapped is what a lot of people will call us. And so it was a little intimidating, right? Because all of these other companies were either established already or had funding and had a lot more power behind them. So that became a little bit difficult. And then over the last couple of years, I mean, geographers know now, like there's a lot of options out there. So it has become a little bit more, um, stressful, I guess. And Ah, and there's a little bit of anxiety over it. Honestly, because, um, we want to be the best. You know what? We want to make sure that we're still serving photographers, and we're doing it well. But what I will say is those, you know, people who are behind those companies, the ones that I know and actually and friends with some of them are wonderful people, and they also want the same things. Right? So it's been, um, you know, it's a healthy competition, right? So we're still obviously, we're still heads down doing what we wanted you, um and we try not to focus too much on you know what other companies are doing or what they just released. It were, um you know what? What? We think they're going to d'oh Because we have our own path and we want to stay focused on that. And really, it still goes back to our original goal, which is maintaining that simple, easy t use beautiful system that caters to the creative. And so but but on the other side of it, knowing some of the other people who are now behind those companies is really nice, because there's also somebody who's going through something similar or has had similar struggles. And I can actually call up some of those people and say, Hey, you know, we've got this technical thing that we're dealing with How did have you ever experienced that? So, you know, I think the whole competition and and the community over competition, you know, has been a big thing in our industry. And I think it's important to remember that, um, for me, too, because I actually can benefit from that and our company can benefit. Um, and you know, there's actually just a lot of really good people in this industry. Um, and so it's It's kind of nice toe, have ah, those connections Now, I guess I'll say so. It's really fun.
spk_0: 28:05
Yeah, well, first of all, you guys were definitely serving your people well, your customer service this morning, Right before this, I asked a quick question, and she got back to me. within under 10 minutes is great. So quick. It was a technical question because I hadn't dealt with out before. And yes, so we fixed it. But, I mean, you're definitely serving your people well, but with community and competition, I mean, regardless of what you're doing, there is always competition. If you're in corporate America, you're competing with the guy down the hall and you are a photographer. You are, in a sense, competing with people in your area or all the photographers in the world. Really, And I think competition is definitely necessary. But like I said, it doesn't have to be cut throat. It needs to be like Okay, great. We're in this industry and we need to see what individual individuality weaken, bring thio the industry. And for me, I just feel like you can't serve your clients Well, if you're too busy looking at your neighbor and clearly you figure that out very early on because you were like, No, we're going back to why we started why we started. And that's why I think it's so important. So I think it's great to be inspired by people able and almost it's not quite jealousy but it's like lights that fire in your gut you like. Okay, no, I could do something good, too, And it's that pushed on that drive to keep getting better. And I feel that every day in my industry, to be honest with you, being a photographer's hard it, it really is because there are so many options. But I just keep focusing on serving my clients well, and it ties back into the platform. It's one way I conserve them. Even better is just making sure that everyone is being able to be served in a timely manner and that they're all getting the same workflow but still unable to personalize. That's so not every e mail, not everybody who's reading the exact same words I go in and I personalize it. It just makes it faster. So I really just wanted to hear your take on that, because I think regardless of what you do, you're gonna have competition and you need to know how to approach it. And just like you, I've learned to take that in network. So when I feel that way about somebody instead of like up what may and follow this person and I'll pay attention of them. I'm like, No, let's get connected. Let's have a conversation cause it's the only way you're gonna get rid of those feelings. So that's so I apply competition in my life. It's the network on the other thing that I wanted to ask you out of curiosity. Is there anything in the works for Iris works at this point?
spk_1: 30:43
Oh, gosh, yes. So this is like the question that we get multiple times a day, right? Like what's coming? What's coming? Um, so the interesting thing you know, people you never think you don't know until you're in it, right? So I never you know, like I said, I didn't have a technology background of any kind except for, you know, using computers and system. Um, it's very difficult. It takes a lot of time. There's a lot of testing involved. We can create something in one part of the platform that will affect something in a completely you know, what you would think unrelated part of the platform, right? But so we're constantly working on things and that our team is doing things like clean up right and just making sure that optimizing the system. They're also at the same time working on new releases or updates to an existing feature. So right now, um, there's a couple of big things that we're working on. One of them. Um this is the first time. I guess I'll be saying this. I don't even know what this is. Is our is the first generation of a mobile app. So this is also behind booking was kind of the other requested feature that we, uh, that we kept hearing was I really want a nap. I really want a nap. Um, now, our site is mobile responsive. So you know, you can go toe safari or whatever browser on your phone, and you can access everything. However, you know, APS lend a little bit more. Ah, he's too accessing things. I guess so. We have been working pretty hard on that for the last few months, and we are very close, and I'm still I'm hopeful. I don't have I don't have a timeline for an actual release state. We have to test thoroughly, obviously, because it's it's basically another program that we've just built. So that's the one thing. And then there's some stuff coming up with our calendar that is going to that actually will be released. Probably maybe before this podcast is actually aired. Uh, but, um, it is gonna be able. What we're doing is we're trying to give photographers a clear line of sight to everything that's happened with a particular event. So, um, what you'll be able to do is go into your calendar. When you see a particular event, you'll actually get kind of a snapshot view of what's been tied to that. About whether that be the contract that's been signed or not Signed the invoice. And to be able to see in a quick snapshot Oh, from my calendar. Here's here's this e mails that were sent related to this particular session. Um, so we're pretty excited about that. And again, hopefully that's going to be coming out really these soon? Um and then we have some stuff related to our invoicing, um, platform as well that, um I don't know when that is gonna be released, so I'm not gonna go into sometimes of details. Um, but you know, where are I think? Ah, lot of people. I'm so glad you asked this question because a lot of people think, Oh, they're working on one thing at a time and that's not the case Like our team is constantly working on multiple projects at the same time because one we can, but two, um, you know, there's there's things that there's always moving parts and things shift and change, and we want to make sure that we're constantly working on things, small things in the system, but also those big projects as well, eh? So that we're constantly releasing added value to, ah, to our users and our customers.
spk_0: 34:15
I love that. And yes, I'm so excited for a mobile app. I think everyone gets excited about apse because it's literally just a one top system. You go in there and you can access stuff. I I do love that. Your site is mobile friendly, though, because again that makes things easier. I just need, like a quick snapshot at something. I'm weird and I just like to work off my laptop, so I typically don't add new clients and stuff unless I'm actually on the dust top version. That's just the personal preference. But I'm super excited that you guys have all this stuff in the works. I knew you would. I was nervous to ask, cause I know a lot of times you have to be very careful. All of what you release Thio the public as faras that knowledge goes to some people don't like disappointment. If we say, you know Oh, it's gonna be released in spring 2020 and then you're like, what? The movie people do Hollywood there, like I'm just kidding. It's gonna be three more years, you know? So, um but I'm glad that you had an answer for me, and I mean, honestly, I think the platform is great as it is. I wouldn't be disappointed if nothing was ever coming, but I know just like with everything, you have to constantly be evolving. And so I expect nothing less from you die. Yeah. So this was such an awesome conversation. Um, for people who haven't tried it. You guys do have a free trial, which is the coolest thing on what I love about yours is you pretty much get full on access to everything. Is that correct during your trial? Yes. So we do
spk_1: 35:45
offer a 14 day free trial and a couple of the things. You know, a lot of people will get intimidated by a new system, especially if they're currently using something else. We do offer a free migration, So if you're coming to us from a different platform, we will actually help you pull over that information. Um, and get iris set up for you in your business. But our 14 day free trial, we don't limit every anything at all. You get full access to the system. Um, if you've tried us before and you're like, Oh, that was four years ago. I want to check it out again. We will be happy. Thio reactivity a trial account for you. A cz Well, so you know, we want you to be able to actually get into the system and see it all. And that includes booking as well. So you can actually try out the booking calendar and just kind of check it out and see what it would look like and how it would work for your clients. I mean, what I always tell people to do is set yourself up as a client when you're first getting into the trial just so that you can kind of get the experience as a user, but also kind of see what your client experience is gonna look like. Because, you know, the big benefits of of using Iris is, you know, you present yourself in this very professional way to your clients, right? And so you are for a lot of photographers again, don't think of themselves as business owners. But you are. And you can avoid a lot of pain and potential pain by setting yourself up for success by using a system and sending out contracts and invoices and having that process in place. We've heard so many horror stories where photographers didn't think there are. You know, they didn't send something when they thought they did. Um, And it came back to bite them later, right? Because they didn't follow a process. And so, you know, that's really another big benefit of using irises. You know, you're able to really set up that process and let it just let it run, and it does it for you. And you don't ever drop the ball again and you begin to your clients. You look like you are this amazing professional photographer, which you are. Ah, who has all of their stuff together, right? And you are, um, again, I love to tell people to You're setting the stage when you use a system of that professional relationship because a lot of times photographers, we become friends with our clients. It's a very personal relationship, but you are still a business owner, and you still need to protect yourself. And you still need to make sure that you're getting paid, you know, appropriately for your work. And so that's why it's so important to do those professional business tasks which are sending out the contract using an invoice. Um, you know, having that chain that document chain in your system so you can always go back and refer to
spk_0: 38:40
it later. So hopefully at this point in the show, you guys air ready to run, do iris works? Um, so their website is iris Dash works dot com. Now, I'm sure if you type it in, Google's gonna pop up and be like, Oh, did you mean this? I'm just a little know it is Iris Dash works dot com, and if you love it, then use my code. Brooke in all caps, B, r O K E, and you can get 20% off of your subscription, and we're gonna let merit is going to close this out here any any last words for my audience. Well,
spk_1: 39:19
I just want to thank you for having me on. I feel like this was the biggest, like confidence boost that we could have here, Iris. So thank you. Um, I'm so happy that it's working so well for you and yeah, we'd love to have, um, everybody give it a shot and let us know what you think. We're really big on feedback two. So, um, you can always reach our customers success team. Ah, by just using our little chat icon. That's in the app and love to hear you know what's working for you and even what's not working for you. That's really what drives what we do and how we change the platform and how we add things to the platform is really keeping connected with our user base. Andi, even those who try us and decide it's not for them. That's actually when we get the best feedback. So Ah, yeah. I would love to have everyone give it a shot and let us know what you
spk_0: 40:11
think I love it? Well, thank you so much for coming on the show. It was so awesome. I knew it would be so, Yeah, I will definitely follow up with you and let you know what people thought. I want feedback on this Episode two. So you guys be sure to connect with me on one of my platforms and let me know it. You're trying out Iris works. I would love to help you in your process and on. Oh, MEREDITH would, too. And her customer service is seriously the best. So thank you so much. It's not too late to set yourself up for success in 2020. I want to invite you to join my free online training. How to plan out your 2020 photography calendar and get more clients in your books. In this master class, you're going to learn how to map out your 2020 photography calendar. No more planning last minute events and desperately trying to fill your session thoughts. How to create a strategic marketing plan to book out your year. If you're confused on what to post on social media and email your clients, this is for you. to tools that dramatically change the game in my business and gave me my time back. And why Planning or 2020 calendar can result in your best year Ever get ahead of the game and go into the new year feeling confident and ready to have your best year yet you can access this training at frame your way. Dog Brook jefferson dot com slash replay
