Are you curious about how I’m investing? In today’s episode, I’m continuing my series which gives an inside look into my business, Gaffin Creative. I’m sharing where I invested this year in events, programs, tools, advertising, and people.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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The Role of Events
Events played a pivotal role in my investment strategy. Between sponsored events, ones I attended, and those hosted, my travel expenses skyrocketed. However, the investment was worthwhile, bringing connections and experiences. Mic Check Retreat stood out, drawing podcasters into a collaborative community and blending expenses with ticket sales and sponsorships.
My sponsorship at Creative Educator Conference paid off by drawing in new clients and deepening industry ties. Navigating events like Podfest, Next Level Retreat, and Escape fostered extra layers of professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Program Investments
Beyond events, investing in programs widened my professional horizon. The MixerMind introduced me to a wealth of knowledge and new industry friends. Likewise, Ellen Yin’s C-Suite and the Educator’s Lounge provided monthly educational boosts, allowing me to refine my skills and maximize networking opportunities.
Essential Tools and Technologies
Essential tools are the key my day-to-day operations. Long-standing investments in platforms like Descript and Flodesk continue, while new tools like Hoppy Copy and improved functions of Asana have brought fresh capabilities, streamlining my operations and enhancing productivity.
Exploring Advertising and Consulting
This was my first year exploring advertising for my podcast, so I started with low-lift platforms like Mowpod and Overcast. On the consulting front, I worked with Erin from Happy Brand Studio, Ellen Yin on some podcast consulting, and Colie James to optimize my CRM.
Team Expansion
Investing in talented individuals was central to my business evolution. We brought Megan in for more projects, expanded our copywriter’s work, hired a video editor, and also onboarded a marketing team member to help with some of the backend work in the business.
While I spent more in my business than ever before, I don’t regret any of my purchases. For the upcoming year, I will make adjustments and evaluate where I spend money to create more profit, but supporting industry events, tools, and team members aligns with the overarching goals of growth and sustainability.
If I could impart one piece of valued advice, it would be this: strategically align business travels with personal trips where possible. It enhances not just work experiences but also personal well-being.
Time-stamps:
Events (2:31)
Programs (9:24)
Tools (12:16)
Advertising (13:40)
People (15:11)
Will I spend this much next year? (19:10)
Mentioned in This Episode:
Mic Check Society Retreat: gaffincreative.com/retreat
Creative Educator Conference: layleeemadi.com/conference
Podfest: podfestexpo.com
ESC Conference: escconference.co/
Podcast Movement: podcastmovement.com
Escape Retreat: escconference.co
The Mixer Mind Retreat: lindasidhu.com/mixermind-waitlist
Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcs
Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin
