PODCAST: Season 6, Episode 34
Pour yourself a coffee and settle in for this inspiring conversation with Suzie, one of my original Soul Leaders group coaching clients from 2020! We’re diving deep into her incredible business transformation – from interior Pour yourself a coffee and settle in for this inspiring conversation with Suzie, one of my original Soul Leaders group coaching clients from 2020! We’re diving deep into her incredible business transformation – from interior design to creating The Shoot Academy, teaching people how to turn their homes into profitable shoot locations. This is a masterclass in recognizing opportunities, pivoting with purpose, and building a business around what truly sparks joy.
Key Topics Covered
The Lightning Bolt Moment:
- How a casual pub conversation (post-lockdown sunshine!) sparked a complete business pivot
- Recognizing when people keep asking you the same questions – there might be a business opportunity
- The power of following what genuinely excites you versus what you think you “should” do
What is Shoot Location Hosting:
- Renting your home as a backdrop for brands, photographers, TV productions, and creative teams
- Why “regular” homes often book more than grand properties (think Adolescence vs Rivals!)
- How any house – even just a brick wall or garden shed – can have potential
- Earning up to £1,500 per day without leaving your home
Building The Shoot Academy:
- Creating an online course to teach the A-Z of becoming a shoot location host
- The importance of community in digital products
- Why they moved from interior design to this new venture
The Pricing Revolution:
- Their bold move from £349 upfront to £49 + £300 success fee model
- Why “passive” business models aren’t actually passive
- Building trust through shared success rather than upfront investment
- The psychology behind risk-reversal pricing strategies
Getting Your First Clients:
- How Instagram showcasing led to organic demand
- The power of networking and personal connections over digital marketing
- Why enthusiasm for your topic converts better than any sales strategy
Featured Insights
On Finding Your Spark: Suzie’s transformation came from consistently asking “what sparks joy?” – and then having the courage to monetize that passion rather than giving away expertise for free.
On Pricing Strategy: Their innovative approach: “We earn when you earn.” This builds trust, reduces client risk, and ensures they’re invested in every student’s success.
On Business Evolution: Sometimes the best business ideas come from noticing patterns – when multiple people ask you the same questions, there’s often a market waiting to be served.
On Community Building: Moving from a purely passive digital product to a supported community model, because customer success drives long-term business success.
Business Lessons Highlighted
- Trust your gut when something feels easier and more natural than what you’re currently doing
- Don’t underestimate the value of what comes naturally to you
- Sometimes the biggest business pivots start with casual conversations
- Pricing innovation can differentiate you in crowded markets
- Building a database of successful customers is more valuable than quick cash grabs
Resources Mentioned
- The Shoot Academy course and community
- Instagram: @theshootacademy
- Website: www.theshootacademy.com
- Examples of shoot locations: Adolescence (regular homes) vs Rivals (grand estates)
Let’s Connect!
This conversation reminded me why I loved the group coaching format – the energy, the peer learning, the celebration of each other’s wins. While I’m focused on one-to-one coaching now, there’s something magical about watching someone’s business unfold from idea to execution.
Drop me a DM if this episode sparked any ideas about pivoting your own business or recognizing opportunities right in front of you!
Take Action
- Look at what questions people repeatedly ask you – is there a business opportunity hiding there?
- Consider what tasks energize you versus drain you in your current business
- Explore innovative pricing models that align your success with your clients’ success
- Document your journey – you never know when your experience could help others
Remember: Sometimes the most profitable pivots come from following what feels easiest and most natural, not what seems most “business-like.” Trust what sparks joy – there might be a brilliant business waiting there!