Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Jeff Brown of www.thephotographersmentor.com needs no introduction if you've been listening for any time!

He's appeared on the podcast multiple times, focusing mainly on LinkedIn and utilising that platform to attract and book clients.

He also has a couple of courses on PhotoBizx—one on LinkedIn with a very recent update and another on building a high-converting and very simple website, recently mentioned by Richard Grenfell in his Advertise Like a MoFo course.

His primary focus is Photography Business Mentoring, Accountability, and support, where he works with photographers worldwide.

In addition to all that, he has published multiple books for photographers, which you can find on Amazon, including:

The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100-Day Daily Self Help Diary—the perfect stepping-off point to kick-start your year.

In this interview, Jeff shares the business failure that changed everything—and what you can learn from it to grow your photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

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  • Your mindset is your biggest asset – A strong, positive mindset will help you attract more clients, charge your worth, and build a thriving business.
    
  • Gratitude fuels success – Focusing on what’s working (even in tough times) boosts resilience, confidence, and momentum.
    
  • Visualise the business you want – Act as if you already have the success you’re aiming for—this shifts your thinking and actions to make it a reality.
    
  • Big goals need small steps — Breaking down big dreams into daily, achievable actions makes them feel doable and keeps you moving forward.
    
  • Failure isn’t fatal—it’s a launchpad – Jeff’s rock-bottom moment led to his most successful business. Learn from setbacks and come back stronger.
    
  • Mentors accelerate your results — The proper guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes and fast-tracks your success.
    
  • It’s not about the gear — your mindset, marketing, and client experience matter more than the latest camera.
    
  • Journaling keeps you on track – This simple habit of gratitude and goal-setting keeps you focused, motivated, and making progress.
    
  • Resilience beats temporary setbacks – Every challenge you overcome builds the confidence to handle bigger opportunities.
    
  • Your success starts in your mind – If you can see it, believe it, and take action, you’re already on the way.
    
  • Morning routines shape your day – Jeff’s 4:44 AM start fuels creativity and productivity—what habits set you up for success?
    
  • Struggling with social media? – Consistency and storytelling transformed one photographer into an industry leader—it can work for you too.
    
  • Your mental health matters – Success isn’t just about business; looking after yourself is just as important.
    
  • Gratitude + goals = unstoppable momentum – When you combine the right mindset with intentional action, your results will skyrocket.
    
  • Failures are stepping stones, not stop signs – Each setback is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow into a more profitable, confident business owner.
    
  • Want more bookings? – Visualise the clients you want, create content that speaks to them, and watch your calendar fill up.
    
  • Writing a book builds authority – Publishing your expertise helps you stand out, attract premium clients, and open doors to new opportunities.
    
  
  

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

There's no such thing as a goal that is too big, because the process of achieving a big goal is exactly the same processes of achieving a small goal. It's just the time span is different. – Jeff Brown

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Realize that…not everything is bad as it initially seems….remember that there's so many people in the world who you influence and rely on you and love you and care about you…speak to somebody, take professional advice. – Jeff Brown

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Jeff shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I had a breakdown 10 years ago, and had a pub venture that went completely wrong…and that actually led me to running away…because I felt like a complete failure. And from that point, I had to reset my life. – Jeff Brown

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Jeff or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

Last year was a shocker. The last 4yrs even!

Let’s not sugarcoat the fact that it has been challenging and that there has been a lot of uncertainty in the market.

So why have some businesses struggled and some thrived?

It all comes down to mindset, habit and our distorted view of reality (Johl will explain more in the training).

In the training. Johl will share:

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• The Real Reason Some Businesses Thrive While Others Struggle
  
• Breaking Free from Burnout: Practical Strategies to Reclaim Your Energy
  
• How to Create More Balance & Still Run a Thriving Business
  
• Productivity & Focus: Working Smarter, Not Harder
  
• Unlocking Joy & Fun in Your Business (Yes, It’s Possible!)
  
• The Ultimate Mindset Shift: You Are the Key to Your Success
  

When: Thursday, February 27th @ 7AM AEDT – your local time is here

Cost: FREE

Recording? Yes, if you are registered, I'll have a recording available after the live training with free access. If you're not registered for the live training, the cost will be USD$47.

REGISTER HERE: https://learn.photobizx.com/unblock-your-business-registration/

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

Now, 10 years later, I look back and realise that that was the best failure I ever had in my life, because it's changed my direction. – Jeff Brown

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I'm making sure that I'm directing my product and myself as a brand towards pet lovers… I'm not just a pet photographer, I'm a pet expert in a way. – Jeff Richards

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

I've always said that if you listen to the podcast without implementing anything you hear, it's purely entertainment and not the business resource it should and could be. 

★★★★★  Four reviews with one simple idea!

Late last week, I received an email from a premium member and Las Vegas corporate event, convention and conference photographer Adrienne Angelo.

She listened to the recent interview with Noel Marcantel, who talked about using a QR code that people scan at his business.

I will try this tomorrow at a headshot station for a business with about 14 people who need new headshots.

Fast forward a couple of days later, and Adrienne messaged me to say… “4 reviews at my 1st business today