Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

This follows the "Flat Tires to Business Upsells" episode. https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982cIn this short, powerful episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Jackson (Steve Jackson) reflects after a string of setbacks — new tires, service upsells, a speeding ticket, and witnessing a driver asleep at the wheel — and explains why he remains “forever grateful.” He turns everyday friction into an entrepreneur lesson about health, perspective, and treating your assets (and life) with care. If you’re hustling between gigs, parenting, and projects, this is a practical reminder to protect your health, do the small checks, and practice gratitude even when it hurts.Money Takeaways: Real moments; car maintenance, dealer upsells, a speeding citation, and seeing a dangerously sleepy driver.Why “asset vs. liability” matters for cars and businessesA posture toward hardship: gratitude as a practical disciplineReminder to value sleep, health, and small winsWho this episode is for: creative entrepreneurs, parents juggling work and family, service providers, and anyone who needs a simple reset to perspective.Forever Grateful.Be sure to listen the upsells episode that happened the day before this audio document.https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982c

Car UpsellsIn this short but powerful reflection episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Steve Jackson shares a real-life winter experience in Cleveland, Ohio—getting two flat tires in freezing temperatures with his daughter in the car—and turns it into a practical business lesson every entrepreneur needs to hear.What started as a roadside emergency became a reminder about upsells, preparation, research, and decision-making as a business owner. From tire replacements to dealership sales tactics, this episode breaks down how upsells exist in every industry—and how to approach them with clarity, intention, and integrity.This episode is especially relevant for:Creative entrepreneursSmall business ownersService-based professionalsAnyone refining their offers, add-ons, and client experienceSteve also emphasizes why doing your research before any “meeting”—even a visit to the tire shop—can reduce anxiety, protect your assets, and help you make confident decisions.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why upsells are not unethical—they’re essential when done rightHow real-life situations mirror business strategyThe importance of preparation before any transactionHow to evaluate offers without pressure or overwhelmWhy your car (and your business) should be treated as an asset, not a liabilityThis is a reminder to make the offer, build the upsell, and stay informed—without being overly salesy.This will remind you how to create upsells in your business.

What David Shands Taught Me About Community, Podcasting, and Investing in Yourself?*Some audio cut out at 10-minutes, so I had to redo the middle and ending, but still great insights. Enjoy!A behind-the-scenes reflection on hosting David Shands in Cleveland, building community through podcasting, investing in yourself, and how one moment can plant seeds for generational impact. Who is David Shands? David Shands is an entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Social Proof Podcast, known for teaching entrepreneurs how to monetize podcasts and build community-driven businesses.What is the Social Proof Podcast? A leading entrepreneurship and podcasting podcast focused on monetization, mindset, and execution.What is Podcast Summit? Podcast Summit is an annual conference created by David Shands that helps podcasters grow, monetize, and scale their platforms.In this reflective episode, I break down what it truly meant to host David Shands, New Jersey native turned Atlanta-based multimillionaire entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Social Proof Podcast, when he pulled up to Cleveland.From organizing the day, documenting the experience, and witnessing David pour into young students, entrepreneurs, and podcasters, this episode highlights the real power of community, curiosity, and self-investment.David didn’t just speak—he activated people. He gave students actionable steps to make money that same day, rewarded quick execution, and showed what it looks like to lead with faith, discipline, and integrity.We reflect on:How podcasting can plant seeds long before you start your own showWhy community exchange matters more than cloutLessons from Podcast Summit and Social Proof PodcastThe importance of staying curious as a podcaster and entrepreneurWhy investing in yourself is non-negotiableThis episode is both a tribute and a testimony—proof that when you bet on yourself and build intentionally, opportunities multiply.🎙️ We’ll also be attending and vending at Podcast Summit 2026, continuing the journey that started with one yes.Brands Mentioned:Pull Up Experience PodcastCreative FrequencyAlien Eyez Photos MediaPodcast Summit 2026Social Proof PodcastBeneficial BaeMidtown Tech HiveCreate-A-SpaceGin Academy

Ideas vs Execution"Mastermind Inner Circle"In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Jackson (Steve Jackson) breaks down a hard truth for entrepreneurs: ideas mean nothing without execution.Fresh off a multi-day mastermind, Jackson reflects on the power of community, shared ideas, and—most importantly—taking action. This episode introduces listeners to his Inner Circle community through Creative Frequency, where creatives and entrepreneurs move beyond inspiration and into real implementation.Through personal stories, early creative experiences, and real talk about growth, this episode encourages listeners to stop waiting, start executing, and surround themselves with people who actually do the work.If you’re full of ideas but struggling to move forward, this episode is your call to action.Topics CoveredWhy ideas alone don’t build businessesThe difference between inspiration and executionPower of masterminds and creative communityTeaching, mentorship, and the “Sensei” mindsetInvesting in yourself before you’re “ready”Early creative instincts and disciplineBuilding Creative Frequency as an Inner CircleStrategy calls vs. surface-level adviceAccountability, consistency, and growthDoing what you have to do to get where you need to beKey TakeawaysExecution is the real differentiatorCommunity accelerates clarity and confidenceTeaching sharpens masteryAction creates momentumEarly investment compounds long-term growthAccountability turns ideas into outcomesQuestions to reflect on:Do you struggle more with ideas or execution?What’s one idea you’ve been sitting on too long?Does community help you take action?What keeps you from executing consistently?Would accountability help you move faster?Have you invested in yourself this year?What would “doing what you have to do” look like for you?Are you building alone—or with others?My ideas list for this episode were: Execution Over IdeasCreative CommunityEntrepreneur MindsetTake ActionInner CircleMastermindCreative EntrepreneursAccountability for EntrepreneursBusiness ExecutionJoin our inner circle below:Creative Frequency | Patreon

In this solo journal-style episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Jackson (Steve Jackson) breaks down the daily and weekly habits that help him stay focused, grounded, and consistent while balancing business, family, creativity, and life.This episode is a transparent look at how structure creates freedom—from calendar discipline and limiting daily tasks to journaling, rest, movement, and protecting personal time. Jackson shares why routines matter, how decision fatigue impacts entrepreneurs, and why self-love, gratitude, and reflection are not optional if you want longevity.This conversation is for creatives, entrepreneurs, parents, and professionals building something meaningful without burning out.Topics CoveredWeekly vs. daily habits for entrepreneursCalendar discipline and time blockingLimiting daily to-do lists to avoid burnoutBalancing business, family, and creativityJournaling with pen and paperProtecting mornings from chaosDecision fatigue and mental clarityRest, recovery, and self-care routinesCreativity, imagination, and structureBuilding sustainable focus and consistencyKey TakeawaysStructure creates mental freedomFewer daily priorities reduce burnoutJournaling clears the mind and sharpens executionProtecting your mornings protects your visionSelf-care is a business strategyConsistency turns habits into resultsPhases to ponder on:Journaling for Entrepreneurs Entrepreneur Habits Creative Entrepreneur Weekly Routines Focus and Discipline Life and Business Balance Mental Clarity Productivity for Creatives"Structure creates freedom."What daily habit helps you stay focused the most?

Co-worker tribute podcast episode.What do you say after a co-worker passes away?Mental health is important.In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, we honor DS, our Cleveland co-worker who passed away suddenly from a heart attack. This is a Rest In Peace tribute—shared with warmth, respect, and a little lightness—because remembering someone well can include both laughter and grief. If you’ve experienced a co-worker death, sudden loss, or you’re missing someone today, you’re not alone here. This is also for heart attack awareness and how we can help those in need.We also talk to creative entrepreneurs and working professionals who are building a dream while juggling a job and real life: how to balance grief and business, show up when you don’t feel “ready,” and keep creating without guilt. If you’re searching for grief support, perspective, and a steady reminder that life keeps moving—and we can too—press play.Let this be your courage to keep going as a creative entrepreneur and/or small business owner (large business owner). A moment to pause, remember, and breathe for every entrepreneur navigating grief, life, and business.Solo reflection and grief support.#MentalHealthMatters #InMemory #SendingLove #HumanOverHustle #HonoringLife #LifeHappens #Resilience #WorkplaceWellbeing #HeartHealthAwareness #RIP #Job#RestInPeace#IndustryTalk

Why every yes, is a powerful no?In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and entrepreneur Steve Jackson breaks down what it really means to take the right opportunity—and why saying yes to everything can quietly block your growth.This episode is a mindset-driven conversation for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are navigating offers, gigs, collaborations, and commitments. Jackson explains how every “yes” is also a “no” to something else, and why evaluating opportunities through the lens of brand alignment, mental health, physical energy, and long-term value is critical.Using real-world examples from photography, media production, sports, and personal development, this episode emphasizes the importance of practice, preparation, and discernment so you’re ready when the right opportunity shows up.Topics Covered in This EpisodeWhy saying yes to everything can hurt your businessEvaluating opportunities beyond just moneyBrand alignment and personal boundariesWhen discounted work makes sense—and when it doesn’tPractice as a strategy for long-term excellencePreparing your skillset before the opportunity arrivesPhotography, sports, and real-world practice examplesThe difference between practice and perfect practiceBuilding worth through consistency and preparationProtecting your time, energy, and focusKey TakeawaysEvery opportunity deserves evaluation—not obligationFinancial need should be balanced with long-term impactPractice builds confidence, value, and readinessExcellence is developed, not declaredThe right opportunity requires preparation before arrivalOnly you can define what “right” means for your life and brandNotable InsightsSaying yes to everything means saying no to the right thingPractice outside of paid work creates professional excellencePreparation is what allows opportunity to convert into growthRelationships and communication strengthen long-term successSkill-building applies across all industries, not just creative workWho This Episode Is ForEntrepreneurs and business ownersPhotographers, videographers, and creativesFreelancers and independent contractorsStudents and early-career professionalsAnyone struggling with boundaries and decision-makingMentioned: choosing the right opportunity, entrepreneur mindset podcast, creative business decisions, saying no in business, photography entrepreneurship, freelance boundaries, preparation meets opportunity, career

Episode Guest: Jessica Williams, Founder of Jess JuicedAbout the Guest: Jessica WilliamsJessica Williams is the founder of Jess Juiced, a Cleveland-based juice brand focused on fresh, zero-additive juices. She is also a civic engagement leader, community advocate, and co-founder of the Civic Engagement Collaborative, working to mobilize, educate, and empower local communities through innovative programming.In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Photographer Jackson (Steve Jackson) sits down with Jessica Williams, founder of Jess Juiced, community connector, civic engagement leader, and wellness advocate based in Cleveland, Ohio.Jessica shares her journey from juicing at home for her family to building a purpose-driven business serving underserved communities. The conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, community health, civic engagement, mindset, and media, offering practical insight for aspiring entrepreneurs, wellness creators, and community leaders.From starting with limited resources to leveraging partnerships, social media, and storytelling, this episode highlights how business, wellness, and impact can work together—without losing authenticity.Topics Covered in This EpisodeHow Jess Juiced started with simple ingredients and limited resourcesJuicing vs. smoothies: nutrition, preparation, and accessibilityBuilding a business while serving underserved communitiesPricing, partnerships, and business-to-business strategyCommunity-based entrepreneurship in Cleveland’s Ward 5Civic engagement and the “Karaoke & Conversations” initiativeUsing media and social platforms to amplify impactStarting with what you have—mindset over moneyWellness, fitness, and mental clarity for entrepreneursNavigating setbacks, pivots, and long-term growthKey TakeawaysYou don’t need perfect conditions to start—use what you haveWellness and entrepreneurship are deeply connectedCommunity partnerships unlock sustainable business modelsMedia visibility builds credibility, confidence, and connectionPurpose-driven businesses still require structure and strategyImpact grows when education, access, and collaboration meetNotable Quotes & Moments“You don’t have to start with a juicer—start with a blender.”“My target audience is the community, but partnerships help me reach them.”“If it’s free and quality, it’s for me.”“Some people call it a job. Some people call it a passion.”Connect with Jessica WilliamsInstagram & Facebook: Jessica Williams / @JessJuicedLLCEmail: jwilliams@clevelandcitycouncil.orgAbout the HostJackson (Steve Jackson) is a photographer, media producer, and entrepreneur behind Alien Eyez Photos Media. Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is the marketing and education arm of his business, focused on entrepreneurship, media, mindset, and community impact.Keywords:Jess Juiced, Cleveland entrepreneur, juicing business, wellness entrepreneurship, community impact business, civic engagement Cleveland, Black women entrepreneurs, purpose-driven business, podcast for entrepreneurs, health and wellness podcast, Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk