June 18, 2025 • 28 mins
Thinking about using HoneyBook in your business—or already using it but feel like you’re winging it?
In this episode, I’m joined by Leilah Claire, creative designer, HoneyBook pro, and systems strategist, to talk all about how HoneyBook helps service-based business owners streamline, elevate, and truly own their client experience.
Leilah shares her journey from social media manager to brand and web designer, and how HoneyBook became a crucial part of growing her business. We cover the must-know features, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of this platform.
Whether you’re new to HoneyBook or ready to optimize your setup, this episode is full of expert-backed insights and actionable steps.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ What HoneyBook actually is and how it helps business owners
✅ Who HoneyBook is best for (hint: service providers with repeatable processes)
✅ Why client experience is everything—and how HoneyBook supports it
✅ How to use smart files, email templates, and automations to save serious time
✅ The #1 mistake most people make with HoneyBook
If you’ve ever wondered whether HoneyBook is the right fit for your creative business, this is the episode you need to hear.
🎧 Hit play now to find out how to set up (or upgrade!) HoneyBook to actually work for you.
Connect with Samantha:
Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/
Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1
Connect with Leilah:
Website: https://leilahclairecreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilahclairecreative/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@leilahclairecreative?xmt=AQGzzNP11S8AYDNGTLN92R9V27jV3iRw8frqWRP-q_Sqbrw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilah-harshbarger1/
Use code LEILAH for a discount on Honeybook
📢 Love this episode?
Leave a review or share it with a friend who’s been thinking about finally getting their systems together (without losing their mind in the process).
Got a guest or topic you’d love to hear next? Submit it here!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135:
Welcome to the Creative Minds Smart (00:01):
undefined
Money Podcast, where we turn financialconfusion into creative confidence.
I'm Samantha Eck, bookkeeper andfractional CFO for creative entrepreneurs.
Each week I'm sharing myfinancial expertise and actionable
strategies to help you builda thriving creative business.
Plus, you'll hear from industry expertswho bring fresh perspectives on growing
(00:23):
your business beyond the numbers.
Because building a successfulcreative business starts with
strong financial foundations.
Your next chapter starts now.
You are listening to the CreativeMind Smart Money Podcast, and
today I'm so excited to introduceour special guest, Layla.
Layla is a creative designer with OBBAin information systems providing a strong
(00:46):
foundation in technology and business.
However, lela's true passion has alwaysbeen in the creative world over the years.
She transitioned from socialmedia to building a design studio,
specializing in brand and webdesign, as well as CRM systems.
Her journey has been all about blendingtechnical expertise with a love for
aesthetics to create unique, impactfulvisual identities for small businesses.
(01:08):
It's so good to have you today, Layla.
How are you?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: I am good. (01:11):
undefined
Thank you for having me.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Absolutely. (01:13):
undefined
So before we dive into like thenitty gritty of everything we wanna
get into, why don't you tell usa little bit about yourself, what
you do, how you got to working withHoneyBook, and why you love it so much?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so basically for my bio, I (01:25):
undefined
started out in social media managementand then I found out that I really
only like the design side of it.
So I started more gearing towards doinggraphic design and then, usually along
that vertical you do like brand design.
Then moving on to website designand, I feel like that was a good
match for me because I am, I havemy information systems degree, so a
(01:47):
little bit more in the technical
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (01:49):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: realm plus the design of what like (01:49):
undefined
my heart actually likes to do.
And then, from there Iwas like, okay, I need.
I need something to organize myself.
I'm getting pretty unorganizedhere, so I found HoneyBook.
And I really just, loved howstreamlined it made my processes.
I felt more put together, like peopletold me I was more put together.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (02:09):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (02:09):
And so that was also a really good match for
my major as well because, it's all aboutorganizing systems and helping each, area
of your business kind of be informed ifyou do have a team or if it's just you.
And so I felt like that wasa really good match for me.
And so once I set mine up, peoplewere like, oh, you know how to do that?
And I was like, yeah.
And they were like, okay,can you help me out here?
(02:30):
And so that's how I got intoHoneyBook and offering those services
and it's just grown from there.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I love that. (02:36):
undefined
I used HoneyBook last year, beforeI switched to, something else
that's a little bit more like foraccountants, but that's because
I don't use all the features
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (02:46):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: There's so much that goes into it. (02:47):
undefined
But let's start with the basics.
What exactly is HoneyBook andhow does it help business owners?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so HoneyBook is a client (02:56):
undefined
relationship management system and soit's just geared to help you streamline
exactly what you're looking to.
So they have tons of features that Iknow we'll get into, but, just to name
off a few, they help you, with proposal,sending invoices, contracts, scheduling.
Doing automations to help.
like once you get an inquiry,like you don't have to get
(03:18):
on your phone right away.
You have it all streamlined for youif you were setting it up correctly.
And so there's so many ways to,I. To differentiate yourself from
your competition, especially inthe realm of client onboarding and
making your client feel heard andlike you're ready to serve them.
And it just helps.
I view HoneyBook as like an extensionof your brand and , from your
website and from your, from yourmarketing and things like that.
(03:40):
So, HoneyBook really just is anextension of your brand to help serve
you and make you have more peace ofmind and also help the client know
that you're there for them and to.
Just walk them through and helpthem know what's the next step.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I love that. (03:53):
undefined
So what types of businesses do you feelbenefit the most from using HoneyBook?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (04:00):
Yeah, so a lot of people come to me and want
to automate like completely the entireprocess, and so that is really difficult.
I've only been able to do thatonce, and that was with a client
who had a very set pricing.
So if you're looking to automateeverything, you're going to want more of
a standard pricing and not custom pricing,but that doesn't mean that a custom.
(04:20):
Pricing, business can't use HoneyBook.
It's just not going to be as,you're not gonna, the client's
not gonna be able to pay you bookand everything right off the bat.
And so that is one thing that I thinkpeople have a misconception about with
HoneyBook, but I think any service-basedbusiness can really benefit from it.
I've worked with a lot of wedding vendors.
Bookkeepers.
, and then like me, myself as a designer,I benefit a lot from it as well.
(04:41):
So I would say more of aservice-based business.
Anyone can benefit from, sendinga proposal or sending an invoice.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (04:47):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (04:48):
but it's going to depend on the automation
is really where it's going to depend onif it's gonna benefit you, enough for
if you think it's worth the investment.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (04:56):
Yes.
Yes.
I love that.
And I think like when you're talkingabout in terms of like people who
have set prices, that tends towork out a lot, I guess with the
photographers who have like setsession prices and things like that.
HoneyBook is all about using workflows andhelping you streamline things, but why is
streamlining your processes so importantto help you grow within your business?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I think that streamlining your (05:18):
undefined
business is like essential for yourmental health as a business owner.
and just feeling moreconfident in yourself.
I feel much more confident in my,like I know what the next step is,
like I'm not guessing it myself.
And that means that the client'snot guessing it themselves either.
And so it's also a good wayto secure all of your things.
So like when you have a proposal,it goes right into the project.
(05:41):
It goes.
All your contracts, all your invoices,like you don't have to like, be
like, oh, is there something theclient's missing and I need to make
sure that I even sent that invoice,or did they pay that invoice?
It's all right there and you don'thave to save it on your computer.
you don't have to sort through youremail, sort through your files.
And so that's one thing that Ithink is really beneficial, when
it comes to streamlining that.
(06:01):
And then also, I, beforeI set up my HoneyBook.
Enough to be super useful for me.
I actually, I believe I lost aclient because I wasn't fast enough
to getting, because I saw theinquiry come in at night and I was
like, I'll get it in the morning.
But I think by the time I literallywoke up, she already booked a
session with somebody else andthat was a really big project for
(06:22):
that other person that she hired.
And so that's just like one example oflike even me, myself, like not utilizing
all of Honey book's capabilities untilI learned the hard way and seeing
somebody else have a more streamlinedprocess than me and getting that
client booked before I even woke up.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (06:40):
Yes.
I think that's so true too, because.
It's crazy how everybody wantsyou to react so quickly nowadays.
So if you don't get the proposal out ina good amount of time, if you don't get
the email out in a good amount of time,people get so impatient because they're
like, I just need to find someone,and this person isn't responding, and
(07:00):
you might be the best fit for them.
But if you're not having those systems setup and being able to respond to them in a
timely manner and they're just gonna move
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (07:08):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, and that's exactlywhat happened to me.
So I completely redid my workflowsand I haven't had that happen since.
So.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (07:16):
Yes.
That's such a good example and sucha good reason of why we need to
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (07:20):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: what do you think is an area of (07:21):
undefined
business that people don't realizethey can automate or simplify?
Using HoneyBook.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so it pertains to that (07:27):
undefined
situation that I just talked about.
Where I lost that client isreally just if you feel like
the automations are too much.
'cause I know a lot of people justfeel like they're overwhelming and
it might not work for every singleperson they come in contact with.
Even if you just automate the verybeginning to where you can just.
Once you get them on that call, there'smore of that personal connection, but
you need to get them on that call ifthat's how you operate your business.
(07:50):
And so that's how , I always doa little call, for my branding,
HoneyBook and website clientsjust to build that connection.
And even just automatingthe very beginning.
So HoneyBook has contact forms, so you canjust put that on your website and then as
soon as you get all that information in,it pulls it into their project for you.
And so
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (08:09):
Yep.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: that way, it's super helpful if (08:09):
undefined
you are filling out a contract, allthat information's already there.
You don't have to go back and forthtrying to like, find out what's
their email, what's their, likebusiness address everything that
you might need for a contract.
And so just having the contact formsalready streamlined that process,
but automating the very beginningto where they send in that inquiry
(08:29):
and then they get a response sayinglike, Hey, we got your inquiry.
Like you'll received a personalizedresponse in like 24 to 48 hours.
So that way they know theirinquiry went in and that.
You are being transparent withthem that like, I'm not on the
phone right now, but I will getto you like as soon as possible.
I think, 'cause I'm also planning awedding, so I've been doing all these
(08:50):
inquiries and things like that, and evenjust something like that, like really
changes the game, I think because Idon't know if you got my inquiry, I don't
know if you're still in business, likethings like that because a lot of people
might not use social media marketing.
So even just the very beginning towhere people feel heard and feel like.
Communication is a super big partof their, a part of their client
(09:11):
process and the way they operate theirbusiness because people are gonna
be paying you thousands of dollars.
Like they wanna know that you're there,you're available for them because if
that's how they're treating you as.
Like someone who's not even a client yet.
Like how are they gonna treat you asa client is, that's how I view it,
when I'm booking, because I want, Idon't want to hear from you like 10
seconds after I message you, but Iwanna know that like you're there and
(09:33):
I can reach out if I have a question.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I think that's so important. (09:37):
undefined
'cause I think in the day, likeautomated emails and everything like
that, it can really feel impersonal.
So adding that, like infusion apersonality, but also making sure that
people see you in and more than justan automated email, because everything
is AI nowadays, but people reallywanna connect with the actual person.
(09:58):
So
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (09:59):
Yeah.
Just making sure they knowthat inquiry got through.
And then also adding, and then HoneyBookhas email templates so you can like jazz
it up to fit your brand, like whetherit's like certain emojis or like a custom
email signature or something like that.
Just to feel more than justlike a, we got your inquiry.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: yes, yes. (10:16):
undefined
Because I feel like it's so boring whenyou're just like, Hey, I got your message.
I'll get back to you.
I'm like.
Is this the person I
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:24):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (10:25):
with?
I want someone who like fits me.
But I think that's, there'salso a certain type of people
for people who are like that.
Right.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:32):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: What do you think the biggest benefits (10:33):
undefined
of having HoneyBook set up correctlyversus just going in and winging it?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:40):
Yeah, I feel like what I talked about with the
onboarding, like you never, you alwayswanna know your next step and you always
wanna make sure that you're translatingthat to your potential clients.
So sending the inquiry then leadsto the session or the call, and
then leads to a proposal, and thenfrom there, like it might lead to a
questionnaire or things like that.
So if you are just winging it, thenyou don't even know your next step.
(11:02):
So how are you going to help withhelping the client like feel empowered
in knowing that you have, you'restreamlined and just the way you come off
to people really makes a big difference.
Because I, so I love working in theHoneyBook smart files, which is whether
it's the contract or the questionnaires.
And so I had a website designclient and she was just like.
(11:23):
Just based off the way yourHoneyBook looks like, I know my
website's gonna look so good.
And so that was a reallyawesome compliment.
'cause that's not even theservice she was booking.
She was just like, I'm so impressedby your process and things like that.
Like I'm very excited for what's to come.
And so that was like right after I redidall my HoneyBook things to make it fit
more of my rebrand that I had, in 2024.
(11:44):
And so that was.
That made me feel like it was worth everysingle minute I put in the HoneyBook,
just knowing that somebody, they'relook, people are looking, and they wanna
know that, you know what you're doing.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, and I love that. (11:56):
undefined
That's such a really goodstory because I feel like.
That is a true testament to like how goodyou can, a good of a job you can do.
And people just seeing that right offthe bat, because I know that, she's
in a similar field as you with thewebsite design and things like that,
but she doesn't actually do HoneyBook,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:12):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (12:13):
her like complimenting that, I can't imagine.
That
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:15):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (12:16):
so
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:17):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: For someone new to HoneyBook, what's (12:18):
undefined
the first thing they should customizeto make it work for their business?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:24):
Yeah, so I feel like the automations are very
scary to people off the bat, so I reallydon't even recommend starting there.
And before you even get into automations,you're gonna make sure that you have
customized email templates and also.
Customized smart files.
And so those smart filesare like questionnaires,
proposals, anything like that.
And so I feel like smart filesare a really good place to start,
(12:44):
because that way, even if you'redoing everything manually, it's
still gonna save you so much timehaving the contract already in there.
And then since they inquiredon your contact form.
From HoneyBook, all that informationis gonna be put directly into
the con, into the contract.
So even just no automations, you'restill saving yourself so much time
and energy and just like wondering ifyou have all the right information.
(13:07):
And then once again, those smart filescan be an extension of your brand.
So just because HoneyBook mightnot be the most customizable, but
there are ways around it, like withtheir new integration with Canva.
You can customize all of your headersand things like that in Canva and then
bring those in, into your smart files.
And so smart files are reallyjust an extension of your brand,
(13:28):
and they don't have to be boring.
Like you can make them more fun andlike the way that my previous client,
like complimented mine, becauseshe, it, she knows it looks like
my website and like my Instagram andlike my branding and things like that.
So just having it look like your brand andnot something, super, like AI generated,
just, very basic and just spending moretime on that because people do notice.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (13:51):
Yes.
And I think that's so true because withthe whole HoneyBook thing, I know that
they also integrated with like Flow
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (13:58):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (13:59):
They also integrated with Flow Desk and then
I think they integrated with show it.
And like I said, I left 'cause therewas a program that's been like
a lot of bookkeepers use it andthey're like, this is what we use.
And it does similar
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:11):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:12):
it has a contract, it has the proposal.
It's just less like creative,which of course that hurts my
creative soul 'cause I'm like, ohmy gosh, I love all the colors,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:20):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: the customization. (14:21):
undefined
'cause my HoneyBook was super customized.
But then I saw all these integrationsand I was like, okay, so not only can you
integrate with, Canva now, but you canintegrate with flow desks, which I use.
You can integrate with,show it, which I use.
You could just like.
everything together into this onepackage and have everything super
streamlined and look really goodacross the board, so there's no
(14:43):
sort of confusion about your brand.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:46):
Yeah.
It feels like every single monththere's like a new integration,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:49):
yes,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: like updated my email and I'm like, (14:50):
undefined
oh, I don't use that, but that's cool.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:54):
yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: like I see people on threads that are (14:55):
undefined
like super excited about it and like.
That's what they're doing.
Like I'm happy they're moving forwardin that because that will help make your
business more streamlined with less,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (15:06):
Yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: to switch between platforms (15:06):
undefined
and just being able to, manageall those things in one place.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yes, I completely agree. (15:11):
undefined
And then I think the other thing is likeI know that they raised their prices
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:16):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: but with all of these integrations, (15:16):
undefined
like for me, if you're utilizingHoneyBook to its fullest extent.
you've hired someone like you, you've
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:24):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: of the, everything set up. (15:25):
undefined
Like it's 110%
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:28):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (15:28):
price at this point because of all of these new
integrations and all these new features.
So I don't think that they have anythingto worry about with pricing and like I
think a lot of people definitely willstick around now noting, knowing that all
of this stuff is like being integrated.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I've, 'cause even myself, I was (15:43):
undefined
like, oh, that's a big jump for me.
Even though it's like one of my servicesand I was just like, this is a big jump.
And I think that was what madepeople nervous about it, was just
how big of a jump it really was.
But just looking at it andjust being like, I would have
to do this manually again.
I would have to do this manually again.
I have to do all thisstuff and I'm like, I just.
(16:04):
I can't even think about it.
Like it's just not even worth it to me toeven think about how to do this manually.
and , that's why they're there is the,to be super helpful for independent
business owners, that need, that helpthat maybe don't have the budget to
maybe hire a virtual assistant to dosome of these things manually for them.
and like we said, speed really ispart of the game when trying to sign
clients who they might hop off yoursession call and they're just like, I
(16:28):
just wanna be done thinking about it.
Like I want.
Like my vendor for my wedding,I want a photographer already.
Like I'm sick of thinking about it.
And so if you can get that proposal outin 15 minutes compared to a day and a
half, that is probably the differencebetween a client and not having a client.
And so that right there pays for itself.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yes, absolutely. (16:46):
undefined
What's one feature inside of Huddy bookthat you find most people under utilize
but could really make like a huge impact?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I was surprised to find that (16:55):
undefined
a lot of people still use likethe Calendly link, even though,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:00):
Hmm.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (17:01):
Tiers of HoneyBook offer that inside HoneyBook.
And so I really love using that toolbecause it will automatically put
your calls into like your calendar.
So right when I hop on my dashboardin the morning, it'll be like,
oh, you have a call at this timeand this time and this time.
And just because they used myscheduling link and then, HoneyBook.
Puts all, puts it all together for me toknow, like I have a call, what the call
(17:24):
might be about with their new AI featuresand just gives me, little meeting
notes right before I hop on the call.
And so that is one.
I'm not a big fan of their new AI things.
'cause I just
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:35):
Yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: who's just like super custom (17:35):
undefined
services like AI just is Iknow you feel it too, like just.
AI is good for somethings, but not all things.
And so to me, like whenever they firstincreased the prices, I was like, oh,
is this 'cause of their AI services?
Like those don't really benefit me.
But now with all theintegrations like it seems.
That's what they wereraising the price for.
But the only AI thing that I think isreally good is like the meeting notes
(17:57):
before and the meeting notes after.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:59):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (17:59):
And so that kind of helps you, like even if you
just hop on five minutes before the call,you're like, okay, I'm up to date now.
So using that scheduling tool and thenalso that the little meeting notes and
, they'll also send your clients potentialclients reminders about a call beforehand.
So that's another thing.
You don't have to like.
Remind people about.
And so I feel like I have a lotmore people actually hop on the call
because they were notified the daybefore and then the hour before.
(18:22):
And that's just how Ipersonally set mine up.
But those are customizable too.
So basically everything about the call canreally be customized based on if you're
meeting in person, meeting on phone, onzoom or Google, and then you can customize
all the reminders and things like that.
So that is something I think alot of people don't customize to.
Kind of best fit their business, andit's really easy to do, and I think
(18:45):
it makes a big difference becauseeverybody hates being ghosted.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, no, I totally agree. (18:49):
undefined
And I feel like that's so true.
Like there, there's already anative scheduler in there, so
why not take advantage of it?
But I know I feel, thepressure of the AI as
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:00):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: but I also think that like. (19:01):
undefined
There are certain things that AI is
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:04):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: at, like utilizing as a tool. (19:04):
undefined
But I think that's always where I tellpeople, I draw the line, like it's a tool.
It's not a
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:11):
A tool.
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:12):
a tool.
So I think so many people think of it aslike just a complete replacement, but in
the day and age where everybody is lookingfor a personal brand, someone they can
relate to, someone they can actually talkto, having less AI is going to be more
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:29):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:29):
having
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:30):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:30):
so.
Now, what are the top mistakesyou see business owners making
when they use HoneyBook?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:37):
Yeah, like we talked about earlier, with not
using HoneyBook as an extension of yourbrand because that really is anything
client facing is going to be an extensionof how people perceive your brand.
So if you're not, using.
I've had previous projects where they hademail templates and that's like awesome.
'cause they were already utilizingthat, but they weren't optimized.
Like they're, they weren'tconsistent across the brand.
(19:59):
So there's sometimes differentfonts and different, just the
formatting of the email.
And so that was one thing that, and therealso wasn't any like call to actions.
So those are.
Going to need to be optimized.
And that's an extension of how you'recommunicating with your clients.
And then also the smart files.
Those are, a lot of people just.
It is a learning curve.
I will say the smart files are alittle bit of a learning curve because
(20:19):
they're not, they are customizablewhen you sit there and look into it.
But
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (20:23):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: of the time, like you might just (20:24):
undefined
use a template and you're like,okay, this serves what I need.
But it needs to be an extension of yourbrand, especially if you've invested in
branding and having a cohesive websiteand all your marketing things like that.
So you already drewthem into you, like why?
Why aren't you using what will stealthe deal as an extension of your brand?
And so that is what I think a lot ofpeople, they just see the template and
(20:46):
they're like, okay, good enough for me.
But you can insert your fonts on there.
You can insert yourstyle, guide your logos.
You can use Canva now with thatintegration to seamlessly add
different headers and things like that.
So there are tons of things you cando to use it as, a version of how you
communicate with the client becauseyou are communicating with the client
and you should treat it like that.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:07):
Yes.
And I love that.
And something I thinkI really like as well.
Is there, I know it's annoyingfor some clients, but is there
code that you get when you enter
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:15):
Yes.
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Because I think that adds that (21:16):
undefined
extra layer of security, especiallyfor, people like me who work in
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:22):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: security focused area. (21:23):
undefined
It just adds that level of security.
But I've noticed a lot of peopleare turning that off 'cause
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:30):
Yes.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:30):
oh, I don't want my client to get annoyed.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:32):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:33):
But I'm like, like that's a really good
thing because you never know how manydifferent people are using an email.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:38):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:39):
So having that in there can make sure that
the right person is actually gettinginto the file that you want them
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: And the thing is like, you don't (21:46):
undefined
need to use it for everything.
Like
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:48):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:49):
if it's just like a questionnaire, like a branding
questionnaire, and they're just likesending me like what fonts they like, like
that doesn't need to be completely like.
Encrypted covered things like that.
But like when you are signing,a proposal and like doing
payments, that's really important.
Especially when you're probablygathering information too.
That's super important.
So it really just depends.
(22:09):
That's why it's important to maybelook into hiring someone that knows
like HoneyBook so they can offer youthe best practices for your business.
And.
Know a little bit of your industry,so when you are like seeking someone
to help you with your HoneyBook,it's important to see like maybe what
industries they've worked with, tosee if they know what is industry
standard to help you out with that.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (22:29):
Yeah.
I love that.
So now let's talk money.
'cause obviously we're mainly talk about
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (22:34):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Do you think HoneyBook is (22:35):
undefined
really worth the investment?
And how can users ensure thatthey're getting the most out of it?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I really think just knowing that. (22:43):
undefined
Having HoneyBook has given medefinitely a peace of mind because
I do have those systems in placethat I know when, what needs to
be sent out, what's the next step.
I'm able to get a proposal out inabout 10 to 15 minutes compared
to, like going into Word or goinginto Canva, like to customizing your,
(23:05):
contract there, which I know a lotof people like still do manually.
And so that can take a lot of time.
You might even miss something because,you don't have things in there already.
'cause you can use smart text in,contracts and it will, insert that
important information for you already.
But you can also use it to highlighta part that might be important.
So like, how many revisions do they get?
(23:25):
And that might depend on the project.
So , you might have already in an oldcontract for revisions, but this new one
only requires two, but now it's in thatcontract, so you have to honor that.
And so just things like that,like I feel like I know.
I'm able to edit the thingsthat I know I need to edit.
So that in itself, in thecontract is super important.
I'm able to collect the contractsignatures, I'm able to invoice in
(23:46):
minutes, and compared to, like using, oneclient might want me to con, send them
an invoice on PayPal or this one, or thisplatform or whatever and things like that.
So being able to streamline all that andknow that everything's coming in at one
point, really streamlines that as well.
And so I really just think havinga centralized place that I know
that I can find all the informationfrom questionnaires I've sent, the
(24:10):
contracts that have been signed,knowing where to invoice them.
And also if you do a payment plan,like it'll remind them to like
make the next payment in that plan.
So that already takes like timeoff my plate and I know that
like that cash flow is coming in.
So there are tons of thingsthat, just that right there,
just knowing you're gonna get paidis essentially worth it because.
It pays for itself.
(24:31):
so it, I just view it as just the cost ofdoing business and to me, that's worth it.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (24:37):
Yes, especially when everything is centralized,
because I feel like there's so manynew things and so much tech out there
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:44):
Yes.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: we can end up (24:44):
undefined
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:45):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: hundreds of dollars on tech. (24:46):
undefined
So having a place where is, and spendingonly on one subscription is definitely
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:54):
Yeah, and I think they, I think they're starting
to really lean into that, especiallywith the integrations and, you are gonna
pay extra by having tons of different,systems and software platforms.
And then also it just takes timeto learn each new system and
platform and things like that.
So I think they are leaning into being aneasy to use platform that is gonna help
centralize most parts of your business.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (25:17):
Yes.
So if someone listening wants tooptimize their HoneyBook setup, what's
one action that they should take today?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so I really think that, I know (25:24):
undefined
they're scary, but automations are reallywhere you might start to see HoneyBook
helping you reel in those clients andmaking HoneyBook worth it, so just sit
down and map out exactly what you want.
Your process to look like.
And I recommend just doing this onpaper so that way like you're not
already in there and then you're like,oh, well that doesn't make sense.
(25:44):
Gotta delete this and all that.
So just sit out with a piece of paperand a pencil and just map out like
what you want the client to start with.
So like you have that contact form andthen what do you want to happen next?
Do you want them to receivean inquiry response?
Do you think those seem too AI generated?
Like things like that.
So I really think just sittingdown and then testing it,
like you also need to test it.
(26:05):
Don't just like off, don't just pushit out there and just be like, well,
we'll see how the first one goes.
Like, you need to in, youneed to test it yourself.
So just sitting down and justthinking about what you want your
client experience to be is going tobe really essential to, if you view,
if you view HoneyBook as worth it.
And so that's one thingthat people can do today.
Even if they're not actually gettingin the system and automating it, just.
(26:26):
Sitting down and thinkingabout what do I need?
Do I need a contract probably.
So put that in the proposal.
What questionnaires do you need?
And what do I want my contact form to ask?
So like, look in your contractand see what information you need
and put that in the contact form.
So there are tons of things thatyou need to think about how to
like alleviate confusion acrossthe client onboarding experience.
(26:48):
And so that's really where I think peoplewill see that return on investment.
When it comes to having HoneyBook.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (26:55):
Awesome.
I love that.
Well, this is amazing.
Where can my audience connectwith you, learn more about you or.
Work with you.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (27:03):
Yeah, so I, you can find me on Instagram
and Threads at Lela Claire Creative.
And then my website is,lela claire creative.com.
So that's where you're gonnafind more about, if you are
interested in maybe learning moreabout like the HoneyBook setup.
I have all that information on there.
And then, you can feel free toinquire with me on my website or
you can just DM me on Instagram.
(27:23):
I'm usually, I usually answer every day.
But another thing is HoneyBookdoes offer a free trial.
So if you wanna use the code, Lela,L-E-I-L-A-H, you'll get a seven day
free trial and 30% off your first yearif you are interested in subscribing.
So that's another thing you cando today is seeing if HoneyBook
might be something for you.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (27:42):
Awesome.
I love that.
Well, I really appreciate you comingon today, Lula, and I can't wait for
our listeners to hear this episode.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, me too. (27:48):
undefined
Thank you so much for having me.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Thank you. (27:51):
undefined
HoneyBook isn't just a CRM, it's aclient experience system, a brand
extension, and a powerful way toreclaim your time as a service provider.
When you set it up withintention and make it yours.
It doesn't just save youtime, it builds trust.
It's a cure sales, and lets yourclients know that you're in good
hands in the very first click.
So whether you're just starting out withHoneyBook or ready to elevate your setup,
(28:13):
let this be your sign that you deserve.
Systems that make your businessfeel easier and feel like.
You.
If you loved this episode, makesure to rate and review the show
and share it with a friend who youknow might be looking for a CRM.
Otherwise, I will see you next week.
Have a wonderful weekfarewell of fellow travelers.
undefined
Money Podcast, where we turn financialconfusion into creative confidence.
I'm Samantha Eck, bookkeeper andfractional CFO for creative entrepreneurs.
Each week I'm sharing myfinancial expertise and actionable
strategies to help you builda thriving creative business.
Plus, you'll hear from industry expertswho bring fresh perspectives on growing
(00:23):
your business beyond the numbers.
Because building a successfulcreative business starts with
strong financial foundations.
Your next chapter starts now.
You are listening to the CreativeMind Smart Money Podcast, and
today I'm so excited to introduceour special guest, Layla.
Layla is a creative designer with OBBAin information systems providing a strong
(00:46):
foundation in technology and business.
However, lela's true passion has alwaysbeen in the creative world over the years.
She transitioned from socialmedia to building a design studio,
specializing in brand and webdesign, as well as CRM systems.
Her journey has been all about blendingtechnical expertise with a love for
aesthetics to create unique, impactfulvisual identities for small businesses.
(01:08):
It's so good to have you today, Layla.
How are you?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: I am good. (01:11):
undefined
Thank you for having me.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Absolutely. (01:13):
undefined
So before we dive into like thenitty gritty of everything we wanna
get into, why don't you tell usa little bit about yourself, what
you do, how you got to working withHoneyBook, and why you love it so much?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so basically for my bio, I (01:25):
undefined
started out in social media managementand then I found out that I really
only like the design side of it.
So I started more gearing towards doinggraphic design and then, usually along
that vertical you do like brand design.
Then moving on to website designand, I feel like that was a good
match for me because I am, I havemy information systems degree, so a
(01:47):
little bit more in the technical
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (01:49):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: realm plus the design of what like (01:49):
undefined
my heart actually likes to do.
And then, from there Iwas like, okay, I need.
I need something to organize myself.
I'm getting pretty unorganizedhere, so I found HoneyBook.
And I really just, loved howstreamlined it made my processes.
I felt more put together, like peopletold me I was more put together.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (02:09):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (02:09):
And so that was also a really good match for
my major as well because, it's all aboutorganizing systems and helping each, area
of your business kind of be informed ifyou do have a team or if it's just you.
And so I felt like that wasa really good match for me.
And so once I set mine up, peoplewere like, oh, you know how to do that?
And I was like, yeah.
And they were like, okay,can you help me out here?
(02:30):
And so that's how I got intoHoneyBook and offering those services
and it's just grown from there.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I love that. (02:36):
undefined
I used HoneyBook last year, beforeI switched to, something else
that's a little bit more like foraccountants, but that's because
I don't use all the features
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (02:46):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: There's so much that goes into it. (02:47):
undefined
But let's start with the basics.
What exactly is HoneyBook andhow does it help business owners?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so HoneyBook is a client (02:56):
undefined
relationship management system and soit's just geared to help you streamline
exactly what you're looking to.
So they have tons of features that Iknow we'll get into, but, just to name
off a few, they help you, with proposal,sending invoices, contracts, scheduling.
Doing automations to help.
like once you get an inquiry,like you don't have to get
(03:18):
on your phone right away.
You have it all streamlined for youif you were setting it up correctly.
And so there's so many ways to,I. To differentiate yourself from
your competition, especially inthe realm of client onboarding and
making your client feel heard andlike you're ready to serve them.
And it just helps.
I view HoneyBook as like an extensionof your brand and , from your
website and from your, from yourmarketing and things like that.
(03:40):
So, HoneyBook really just is anextension of your brand to help serve
you and make you have more peace ofmind and also help the client know
that you're there for them and to.
Just walk them through and helpthem know what's the next step.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I love that. (03:53):
undefined
So what types of businesses do you feelbenefit the most from using HoneyBook?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (04:00):
Yeah, so a lot of people come to me and want
to automate like completely the entireprocess, and so that is really difficult.
I've only been able to do thatonce, and that was with a client
who had a very set pricing.
So if you're looking to automateeverything, you're going to want more of
a standard pricing and not custom pricing,but that doesn't mean that a custom.
(04:20):
Pricing, business can't use HoneyBook.
It's just not going to be as,you're not gonna, the client's
not gonna be able to pay you bookand everything right off the bat.
And so that is one thing that I thinkpeople have a misconception about with
HoneyBook, but I think any service-basedbusiness can really benefit from it.
I've worked with a lot of wedding vendors.
Bookkeepers.
, and then like me, myself as a designer,I benefit a lot from it as well.
(04:41):
So I would say more of aservice-based business.
Anyone can benefit from, sendinga proposal or sending an invoice.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (04:47):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (04:48):
but it's going to depend on the automation
is really where it's going to depend onif it's gonna benefit you, enough for
if you think it's worth the investment.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (04:56):
Yes.
Yes.
I love that.
And I think like when you're talkingabout in terms of like people who
have set prices, that tends towork out a lot, I guess with the
photographers who have like setsession prices and things like that.
HoneyBook is all about using workflows andhelping you streamline things, but why is
streamlining your processes so importantto help you grow within your business?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I think that streamlining your (05:18):
undefined
business is like essential for yourmental health as a business owner.
and just feeling moreconfident in yourself.
I feel much more confident in my,like I know what the next step is,
like I'm not guessing it myself.
And that means that the client'snot guessing it themselves either.
And so it's also a good wayto secure all of your things.
So like when you have a proposal,it goes right into the project.
(05:41):
It goes.
All your contracts, all your invoices,like you don't have to like, be
like, oh, is there something theclient's missing and I need to make
sure that I even sent that invoice,or did they pay that invoice?
It's all right there and you don'thave to save it on your computer.
you don't have to sort through youremail, sort through your files.
And so that's one thing that Ithink is really beneficial, when
it comes to streamlining that.
(06:01):
And then also, I, beforeI set up my HoneyBook.
Enough to be super useful for me.
I actually, I believe I lost aclient because I wasn't fast enough
to getting, because I saw theinquiry come in at night and I was
like, I'll get it in the morning.
But I think by the time I literallywoke up, she already booked a
session with somebody else andthat was a really big project for
(06:22):
that other person that she hired.
And so that's just like one example oflike even me, myself, like not utilizing
all of Honey book's capabilities untilI learned the hard way and seeing
somebody else have a more streamlinedprocess than me and getting that
client booked before I even woke up.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (06:40):
Yes.
I think that's so true too, because.
It's crazy how everybody wantsyou to react so quickly nowadays.
So if you don't get the proposal out ina good amount of time, if you don't get
the email out in a good amount of time,people get so impatient because they're
like, I just need to find someone,and this person isn't responding, and
(07:00):
you might be the best fit for them.
But if you're not having those systems setup and being able to respond to them in a
timely manner and they're just gonna move
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (07:08):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, and that's exactlywhat happened to me.
So I completely redid my workflowsand I haven't had that happen since.
So.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (07:16):
Yes.
That's such a good example and sucha good reason of why we need to
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (07:20):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: what do you think is an area of (07:21):
undefined
business that people don't realizethey can automate or simplify?
Using HoneyBook.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so it pertains to that (07:27):
undefined
situation that I just talked about.
Where I lost that client isreally just if you feel like
the automations are too much.
'cause I know a lot of people justfeel like they're overwhelming and
it might not work for every singleperson they come in contact with.
Even if you just automate the verybeginning to where you can just.
Once you get them on that call, there'smore of that personal connection, but
you need to get them on that call ifthat's how you operate your business.
(07:50):
And so that's how , I always doa little call, for my branding,
HoneyBook and website clientsjust to build that connection.
And even just automatingthe very beginning.
So HoneyBook has contact forms, so you canjust put that on your website and then as
soon as you get all that information in,it pulls it into their project for you.
And so
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (08:09):
Yep.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: that way, it's super helpful if (08:09):
undefined
you are filling out a contract, allthat information's already there.
You don't have to go back and forthtrying to like, find out what's
their email, what's their, likebusiness address everything that
you might need for a contract.
And so just having the contact formsalready streamlined that process,
but automating the very beginningto where they send in that inquiry
(08:29):
and then they get a response sayinglike, Hey, we got your inquiry.
Like you'll received a personalizedresponse in like 24 to 48 hours.
So that way they know theirinquiry went in and that.
You are being transparent withthem that like, I'm not on the
phone right now, but I will getto you like as soon as possible.
I think, 'cause I'm also planning awedding, so I've been doing all these
(08:50):
inquiries and things like that, and evenjust something like that, like really
changes the game, I think because Idon't know if you got my inquiry, I don't
know if you're still in business, likethings like that because a lot of people
might not use social media marketing.
So even just the very beginning towhere people feel heard and feel like.
Communication is a super big partof their, a part of their client
(09:11):
process and the way they operate theirbusiness because people are gonna
be paying you thousands of dollars.
Like they wanna know that you're there,you're available for them because if
that's how they're treating you as.
Like someone who's not even a client yet.
Like how are they gonna treat you asa client is, that's how I view it,
when I'm booking, because I want, Idon't want to hear from you like 10
seconds after I message you, but Iwanna know that like you're there and
(09:33):
I can reach out if I have a question.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, I think that's so important. (09:37):
undefined
'cause I think in the day, likeautomated emails and everything like
that, it can really feel impersonal.
So adding that, like infusion apersonality, but also making sure that
people see you in and more than justan automated email, because everything
is AI nowadays, but people reallywanna connect with the actual person.
(09:58):
So
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (09:59):
Yeah.
Just making sure they knowthat inquiry got through.
And then also adding, and then HoneyBookhas email templates so you can like jazz
it up to fit your brand, like whetherit's like certain emojis or like a custom
email signature or something like that.
Just to feel more than justlike a, we got your inquiry.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: yes, yes. (10:16):
undefined
Because I feel like it's so boring whenyou're just like, Hey, I got your message.
I'll get back to you.
I'm like.
Is this the person I
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:24):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (10:25):
with?
I want someone who like fits me.
But I think that's, there'salso a certain type of people
for people who are like that.
Right.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:32):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: What do you think the biggest benefits (10:33):
undefined
of having HoneyBook set up correctlyversus just going in and winging it?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (10:40):
Yeah, I feel like what I talked about with the
onboarding, like you never, you alwayswanna know your next step and you always
wanna make sure that you're translatingthat to your potential clients.
So sending the inquiry then leadsto the session or the call, and
then leads to a proposal, and thenfrom there, like it might lead to a
questionnaire or things like that.
So if you are just winging it, thenyou don't even know your next step.
(11:02):
So how are you going to help withhelping the client like feel empowered
in knowing that you have, you'restreamlined and just the way you come off
to people really makes a big difference.
Because I, so I love working in theHoneyBook smart files, which is whether
it's the contract or the questionnaires.
And so I had a website designclient and she was just like.
(11:23):
Just based off the way yourHoneyBook looks like, I know my
website's gonna look so good.
And so that was a reallyawesome compliment.
'cause that's not even theservice she was booking.
She was just like, I'm so impressedby your process and things like that.
Like I'm very excited for what's to come.
And so that was like right after I redidall my HoneyBook things to make it fit
more of my rebrand that I had, in 2024.
(11:44):
And so that was.
That made me feel like it was worth everysingle minute I put in the HoneyBook,
just knowing that somebody, they'relook, people are looking, and they wanna
know that, you know what you're doing.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, and I love that. (11:56):
undefined
That's such a really goodstory because I feel like.
That is a true testament to like how goodyou can, a good of a job you can do.
And people just seeing that right offthe bat, because I know that, she's
in a similar field as you with thewebsite design and things like that,
but she doesn't actually do HoneyBook,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:12):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (12:13):
her like complimenting that, I can't imagine.
That
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:15):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (12:16):
so
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:17):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: For someone new to HoneyBook, what's (12:18):
undefined
the first thing they should customizeto make it work for their business?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (12:24):
Yeah, so I feel like the automations are very
scary to people off the bat, so I reallydon't even recommend starting there.
And before you even get into automations,you're gonna make sure that you have
customized email templates and also.
Customized smart files.
And so those smart filesare like questionnaires,
proposals, anything like that.
And so I feel like smart filesare a really good place to start,
(12:44):
because that way, even if you'redoing everything manually, it's
still gonna save you so much timehaving the contract already in there.
And then since they inquiredon your contact form.
From HoneyBook, all that informationis gonna be put directly into
the con, into the contract.
So even just no automations, you'restill saving yourself so much time
and energy and just like wondering ifyou have all the right information.
(13:07):
And then once again, those smart filescan be an extension of your brand.
So just because HoneyBook mightnot be the most customizable, but
there are ways around it, like withtheir new integration with Canva.
You can customize all of your headersand things like that in Canva and then
bring those in, into your smart files.
And so smart files are reallyjust an extension of your brand,
(13:28):
and they don't have to be boring.
Like you can make them more fun andlike the way that my previous client,
like complimented mine, becauseshe, it, she knows it looks like
my website and like my Instagram andlike my branding and things like that.
So just having it look like your brand andnot something, super, like AI generated,
just, very basic and just spending moretime on that because people do notice.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (13:51):
Yes.
And I think that's so true because withthe whole HoneyBook thing, I know that
they also integrated with like Flow
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (13:58):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (13:59):
They also integrated with Flow Desk and then
I think they integrated with show it.
And like I said, I left 'cause therewas a program that's been like
a lot of bookkeepers use it andthey're like, this is what we use.
And it does similar
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:11):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:12):
it has a contract, it has the proposal.
It's just less like creative,which of course that hurts my
creative soul 'cause I'm like, ohmy gosh, I love all the colors,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:20):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: the customization. (14:21):
undefined
'cause my HoneyBook was super customized.
But then I saw all these integrationsand I was like, okay, so not only can you
integrate with, Canva now, but you canintegrate with flow desks, which I use.
You can integrate with,show it, which I use.
You could just like.
everything together into this onepackage and have everything super
streamlined and look really goodacross the board, so there's no
(14:43):
sort of confusion about your brand.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (14:46):
Yeah.
It feels like every single monththere's like a new integration,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:49):
yes,
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: like updated my email and I'm like, (14:50):
undefined
oh, I don't use that, but that's cool.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (14:54):
yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: like I see people on threads that are (14:55):
undefined
like super excited about it and like.
That's what they're doing.
Like I'm happy they're moving forwardin that because that will help make your
business more streamlined with less,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (15:06):
Yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: to switch between platforms (15:06):
undefined
and just being able to, manageall those things in one place.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yes, I completely agree. (15:11):
undefined
And then I think the other thing is likeI know that they raised their prices
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:16):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: but with all of these integrations, (15:16):
undefined
like for me, if you're utilizingHoneyBook to its fullest extent.
you've hired someone like you, you've
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:24):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: of the, everything set up. (15:25):
undefined
Like it's 110%
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (15:28):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (15:28):
price at this point because of all of these new
integrations and all these new features.
So I don't think that they have anythingto worry about with pricing and like I
think a lot of people definitely willstick around now noting, knowing that all
of this stuff is like being integrated.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I've, 'cause even myself, I was (15:43):
undefined
like, oh, that's a big jump for me.
Even though it's like one of my servicesand I was just like, this is a big jump.
And I think that was what madepeople nervous about it, was just
how big of a jump it really was.
But just looking at it andjust being like, I would have
to do this manually again.
I would have to do this manually again.
I have to do all thisstuff and I'm like, I just.
(16:04):
I can't even think about it.
Like it's just not even worth it to me toeven think about how to do this manually.
and , that's why they're there is the,to be super helpful for independent
business owners, that need, that helpthat maybe don't have the budget to
maybe hire a virtual assistant to dosome of these things manually for them.
and like we said, speed really ispart of the game when trying to sign
clients who they might hop off yoursession call and they're just like, I
(16:28):
just wanna be done thinking about it.
Like I want.
Like my vendor for my wedding,I want a photographer already.
Like I'm sick of thinking about it.
And so if you can get that proposal outin 15 minutes compared to a day and a
half, that is probably the differencebetween a client and not having a client.
And so that right there pays for itself.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yes, absolutely. (16:46):
undefined
What's one feature inside of Huddy bookthat you find most people under utilize
but could really make like a huge impact?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I was surprised to find that (16:55):
undefined
a lot of people still use likethe Calendly link, even though,
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:00):
Hmm.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (17:01):
Tiers of HoneyBook offer that inside HoneyBook.
And so I really love using that toolbecause it will automatically put
your calls into like your calendar.
So right when I hop on my dashboardin the morning, it'll be like,
oh, you have a call at this timeand this time and this time.
And just because they used myscheduling link and then, HoneyBook.
Puts all, puts it all together for me toknow, like I have a call, what the call
(17:24):
might be about with their new AI featuresand just gives me, little meeting
notes right before I hop on the call.
And so that is one.
I'm not a big fan of their new AI things.
'cause I just
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:35):
Yes.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: who's just like super custom (17:35):
undefined
services like AI just is Iknow you feel it too, like just.
AI is good for somethings, but not all things.
And so to me, like whenever they firstincreased the prices, I was like, oh,
is this 'cause of their AI services?
Like those don't really benefit me.
But now with all theintegrations like it seems.
That's what they wereraising the price for.
But the only AI thing that I think isreally good is like the meeting notes
(17:57):
before and the meeting notes after.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (17:59):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (17:59):
And so that kind of helps you, like even if you
just hop on five minutes before the call,you're like, okay, I'm up to date now.
So using that scheduling tool and thenalso that the little meeting notes and
, they'll also send your clients potentialclients reminders about a call beforehand.
So that's another thing.
You don't have to like.
Remind people about.
And so I feel like I have a lotmore people actually hop on the call
because they were notified the daybefore and then the hour before.
(18:22):
And that's just how Ipersonally set mine up.
But those are customizable too.
So basically everything about the call canreally be customized based on if you're
meeting in person, meeting on phone, onzoom or Google, and then you can customize
all the reminders and things like that.
So that is something I think alot of people don't customize to.
Kind of best fit their business, andit's really easy to do, and I think
(18:45):
it makes a big difference becauseeverybody hates being ghosted.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Yeah, no, I totally agree. (18:49):
undefined
And I feel like that's so true.
Like there, there's already anative scheduler in there, so
why not take advantage of it?
But I know I feel, thepressure of the AI as
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:00):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: but I also think that like. (19:01):
undefined
There are certain things that AI is
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:04):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: at, like utilizing as a tool. (19:04):
undefined
But I think that's always where I tellpeople, I draw the line, like it's a tool.
It's not a
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:11):
A tool.
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:12):
a tool.
So I think so many people think of it aslike just a complete replacement, but in
the day and age where everybody is lookingfor a personal brand, someone they can
relate to, someone they can actually talkto, having less AI is going to be more
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:29):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:29):
having
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:30):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (19:30):
so.
Now, what are the top mistakesyou see business owners making
when they use HoneyBook?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (19:37):
Yeah, like we talked about earlier, with not
using HoneyBook as an extension of yourbrand because that really is anything
client facing is going to be an extensionof how people perceive your brand.
So if you're not, using.
I've had previous projects where they hademail templates and that's like awesome.
'cause they were already utilizingthat, but they weren't optimized.
Like they're, they weren'tconsistent across the brand.
(19:59):
So there's sometimes differentfonts and different, just the
formatting of the email.
And so that was one thing that, and therealso wasn't any like call to actions.
So those are.
Going to need to be optimized.
And that's an extension of how you'recommunicating with your clients.
And then also the smart files.
Those are, a lot of people just.
It is a learning curve.
I will say the smart files are alittle bit of a learning curve because
(20:19):
they're not, they are customizablewhen you sit there and look into it.
But
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (20:23):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: of the time, like you might just (20:24):
undefined
use a template and you're like,okay, this serves what I need.
But it needs to be an extension of yourbrand, especially if you've invested in
branding and having a cohesive websiteand all your marketing things like that.
So you already drewthem into you, like why?
Why aren't you using what will stealthe deal as an extension of your brand?
And so that is what I think a lot ofpeople, they just see the template and
(20:46):
they're like, okay, good enough for me.
But you can insert your fonts on there.
You can insert yourstyle, guide your logos.
You can use Canva now with thatintegration to seamlessly add
different headers and things like that.
So there are tons of things you cando to use it as, a version of how you
communicate with the client becauseyou are communicating with the client
and you should treat it like that.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:07):
Yes.
And I love that.
And something I thinkI really like as well.
Is there, I know it's annoyingfor some clients, but is there
code that you get when you enter
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:15):
Yes.
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Because I think that adds that (21:16):
undefined
extra layer of security, especiallyfor, people like me who work in
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:22):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: security focused area. (21:23):
undefined
It just adds that level of security.
But I've noticed a lot of peopleare turning that off 'cause
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:30):
Yes.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:30):
oh, I don't want my client to get annoyed.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:32):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:33):
But I'm like, like that's a really good
thing because you never know how manydifferent people are using an email.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:38):
Yeah.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:39):
So having that in there can make sure that
the right person is actually gettinginto the file that you want them
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: And the thing is like, you don't (21:46):
undefined
need to use it for everything.
Like
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (21:48):
Yeah.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (21:49):
if it's just like a questionnaire, like a branding
questionnaire, and they're just likesending me like what fonts they like, like
that doesn't need to be completely like.
Encrypted covered things like that.
But like when you are signing,a proposal and like doing
payments, that's really important.
Especially when you're probablygathering information too.
That's super important.
So it really just depends.
(22:09):
That's why it's important to maybelook into hiring someone that knows
like HoneyBook so they can offer youthe best practices for your business.
And.
Know a little bit of your industry,so when you are like seeking someone
to help you with your HoneyBook,it's important to see like maybe what
industries they've worked with, tosee if they know what is industry
standard to help you out with that.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (22:29):
Yeah.
I love that.
So now let's talk money.
'cause obviously we're mainly talk about
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (22:34):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Do you think HoneyBook is (22:35):
undefined
really worth the investment?
And how can users ensure thatthey're getting the most out of it?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, I really think just knowing that. (22:43):
undefined
Having HoneyBook has given medefinitely a peace of mind because
I do have those systems in placethat I know when, what needs to
be sent out, what's the next step.
I'm able to get a proposal out inabout 10 to 15 minutes compared
to, like going into Word or goinginto Canva, like to customizing your,
(23:05):
contract there, which I know a lotof people like still do manually.
And so that can take a lot of time.
You might even miss something because,you don't have things in there already.
'cause you can use smart text in,contracts and it will, insert that
important information for you already.
But you can also use it to highlighta part that might be important.
So like, how many revisions do they get?
(23:25):
And that might depend on the project.
So , you might have already in an oldcontract for revisions, but this new one
only requires two, but now it's in thatcontract, so you have to honor that.
And so just things like that,like I feel like I know.
I'm able to edit the thingsthat I know I need to edit.
So that in itself, in thecontract is super important.
I'm able to collect the contractsignatures, I'm able to invoice in
(23:46):
minutes, and compared to, like using, oneclient might want me to con, send them
an invoice on PayPal or this one, or thisplatform or whatever and things like that.
So being able to streamline all that andknow that everything's coming in at one
point, really streamlines that as well.
And so I really just think havinga centralized place that I know
that I can find all the informationfrom questionnaires I've sent, the
(24:10):
contracts that have been signed,knowing where to invoice them.
And also if you do a payment plan,like it'll remind them to like
make the next payment in that plan.
So that already takes like timeoff my plate and I know that
like that cash flow is coming in.
So there are tons of thingsthat, just that right there,
just knowing you're gonna get paidis essentially worth it because.
It pays for itself.
(24:31):
so it, I just view it as just the cost ofdoing business and to me, that's worth it.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (24:37):
Yes, especially when everything is centralized,
because I feel like there's so manynew things and so much tech out there
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:44):
Yes.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: we can end up (24:44):
undefined
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:45):
Mm-hmm.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: hundreds of dollars on tech. (24:46):
undefined
So having a place where is, and spendingonly on one subscription is definitely
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (24:54):
Yeah, and I think they, I think they're starting
to really lean into that, especiallywith the integrations and, you are gonna
pay extra by having tons of different,systems and software platforms.
And then also it just takes timeto learn each new system and
platform and things like that.
So I think they are leaning into being aneasy to use platform that is gonna help
centralize most parts of your business.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (25:17):
Yes.
So if someone listening wants tooptimize their HoneyBook setup, what's
one action that they should take today?
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, so I really think that, I know (25:24):
undefined
they're scary, but automations are reallywhere you might start to see HoneyBook
helping you reel in those clients andmaking HoneyBook worth it, so just sit
down and map out exactly what you want.
Your process to look like.
And I recommend just doing this onpaper so that way like you're not
already in there and then you're like,oh, well that doesn't make sense.
(25:44):
Gotta delete this and all that.
So just sit out with a piece of paperand a pencil and just map out like
what you want the client to start with.
So like you have that contact form andthen what do you want to happen next?
Do you want them to receivean inquiry response?
Do you think those seem too AI generated?
Like things like that.
So I really think just sittingdown and then testing it,
like you also need to test it.
(26:05):
Don't just like off, don't just pushit out there and just be like, well,
we'll see how the first one goes.
Like, you need to in, youneed to test it yourself.
So just sitting down and justthinking about what you want your
client experience to be is going tobe really essential to, if you view,
if you view HoneyBook as worth it.
And so that's one thingthat people can do today.
Even if they're not actually gettingin the system and automating it, just.
(26:26):
Sitting down and thinkingabout what do I need?
Do I need a contract probably.
So put that in the proposal.
What questionnaires do you need?
And what do I want my contact form to ask?
So like, look in your contractand see what information you need
and put that in the contact form.
So there are tons of things thatyou need to think about how to
like alleviate confusion acrossthe client onboarding experience.
(26:48):
And so that's really where I think peoplewill see that return on investment.
When it comes to having HoneyBook.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (26:55):
Awesome.
I love that.
Well, this is amazing.
Where can my audience connectwith you, learn more about you or.
Work with you.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135 (27:03):
Yeah, so I, you can find me on Instagram
and Threads at Lela Claire Creative.
And then my website is,lela claire creative.com.
So that's where you're gonnafind more about, if you are
interested in maybe learning moreabout like the HoneyBook setup.
I have all that information on there.
And then, you can feel free toinquire with me on my website or
you can just DM me on Instagram.
(27:23):
I'm usually, I usually answer every day.
But another thing is HoneyBookdoes offer a free trial.
So if you wanna use the code, Lela,L-E-I-L-A-H, you'll get a seven day
free trial and 30% off your first yearif you are interested in subscribing.
So that's another thing you cando today is seeing if HoneyBook
might be something for you.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135 (27:42):
Awesome.
I love that.
Well, I really appreciate you comingon today, Lula, and I can't wait for
our listeners to hear this episode.
leilah-claire_1_02-27-2025_110135: Yeah, me too. (27:48):
undefined
Thank you so much for having me.
samantha-eck_1_02-27-2025_100135: Thank you. (27:51):
undefined
HoneyBook isn't just a CRM, it's aclient experience system, a brand
extension, and a powerful way toreclaim your time as a service provider.
When you set it up withintention and make it yours.
It doesn't just save youtime, it builds trust.
It's a cure sales, and lets yourclients know that you're in good
hands in the very first click.
So whether you're just starting out withHoneyBook or ready to elevate your setup,
(28:13):
let this be your sign that you deserve.
Systems that make your businessfeel easier and feel like.
You.
If you loved this episode, makesure to rate and review the show
and share it with a friend who youknow might be looking for a CRM.
Otherwise, I will see you next week.
Have a wonderful weekfarewell of fellow travelers.
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