The Circus Boss Podcast: Recent Episodes
Circus Boss with Ileigh Reynolds
đŞ This podcast is for entrepreneurial minded circus professionals!
Weâre passionate about helping circus artists bring their big bold visions to life! Weâre here to help you take the busy out of business and be more impactful with your time and money. You deserve to spend more time in the studio, and on stage - feeling confident that your business is serving your needs.
At Circus Boss, we specialize in supporting freelance performers and companies booking circus entertainment at events, and circus coaches and aerial studios. Whether you're starting a new biz or leveling up and expanding, we offer 1:1 coaching and workshops in pricing, finances, marketing, sales and booking.
The Circus Boss Podcast is an extension of what we offer at Circus Boss, and we also lean into values, creativity and other topics to offer well rounded support for small business owners in the circus industry. We also love sharing insights to help circus artists communicate your needs, negotiate with clients, advocate for your own safety, and ultimately attract more of the work YOU love.
Before launching Circus Boss in 2020, we produced award-winning event entertainment for high profile events with our company Animate Objects Productions. We designed and produced custom creations and full scale productions for clients such as Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Expedia and more.
Our unique perspective speaks from being on all sides of the stage. From circus performer, dancer, lighting designer and DJ, to project manager, choreographer, and event planner we intimately know the needs and struggles of all the players.
After 25+ years of performing and 15 years of running our company, weâre sharing our business knowledge and paying it forward to the next generation of circus innovators.
Youâre a boss in the studio - and on stage - and weâre here to help you rock your biz like the Circus Boss that you are!
BTS are my Behind the scenes ramblings when I don't have time to edit and make a fancy podcast episode, but still have thoughts I want to share!Â
Fully unsripted, sans bullet points, just free form thoughts that find your way from me to you! đ
Today I'm talking about Being an observer as a way to learn about your value!
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Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Here's in IG Live dropped on the podcast feed: Do you need different rates for different situations?
đŞ Itâs a question we hear a lot when people first start the Circus Freelancer Gig Pay Guide.
Thereâs no quick answer here, so I share some considerations like:
âď¸ Who is hiring you?
âď¸ What market are you performing in?
âď¸ Where is the money coming from?
đ I share some of the tiers that Iâm most familiar with from my work with Animate Objects, and I recommend you create your own tiers!
Then I also answered some questions from peeps who showed up live on how insurance may affect pricing, and ways to share your price sheet.
đ Letâs keep the conversation going, Iâd love to hear your thoughts and questions over on Instagram or in our FB group!
đ and a special shout out to Nina Sawant from Dahlias Entertainment and Cynthia Platero from Ministry of Aerial for sharing your thoughts on this topic in our FB group.
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Enjoy a conversation with Liza Rose chatting about her recent gig, choreographing aerial acts for Lindsey Stirling and her dancers for their winter tour!
Join Liza & Anna Thomas Henry in New Orleans: https://www.flycircus.space/fly-circle-retreat
Website: hhttp://www.lizaroseaerial.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thereallizarose/Â
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New Year's Resolutions: love em? hate em?
Join us in a special New Year's episode with Janelle Peters from Cirque Psych as we talk about ways to set goals that consider your wellbeing along the way!
@Cirque_Psych on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cirque_psych/
Janelle's website: https://janelledinosaurs.com/
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
If you're getting ready to map our your goals and plans for 2022 - I invite you to revisit your 'Why' before doing that! In today's episode, I share some ways to go deeper with your why in relation to your Financial goals and Marketing messaging and strategies for the new year. I also go a bit deeper into our 'Why' behind Circus Boss, and talk about finding - and sharing - the stories behind your 'Why'!
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Join Brock and Ileigh as we share tips to make your busy season more enjoyable that we learned from holidays past! We talk about ways to ask for help, ideas to be more prepared and the importance of prioritizing self-care! Whether you're in it now, or gearing up for a holiday season, we've got some great strategies to help you survive and THRIVE!
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Today weâre sharing Episode 117 of the Artist Athlete Podcast where Ileigh talks with Shannon about pricing, finances, marketing and business mindset for circus artists. It was fun to be a guest on another podcast, and Shannon did a great job trying to keep me on topic!
In this episode I mentioned The Circus Freelancer Gig Pay Guide: https://circusboss.com/gigpayguide and I also mentioned our membership program, which we have since decided to close. But fear not! We offer 1:1 coaching and workshops over at The Circus Boss Academy
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Join Ileigh for a solo episode where she talks about obvious (and not so obvious) reasons you need a contract for event work. Go behind the scenes to hear about our 'go-go gate' scandal that created a series of mass cancellations and how our contract protected us!
Check out our workshop: Book Entertainment like a Pro! - https://circusboss.com/contractworkshop
Also, you can find the templates mentioned in the podcast in our Win the Work workshop - https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop
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Want to learn the art of creating a winning proposal? Join Ileigh as she dives into the 4 key sections you'll want to include, as well as a lot of other tangents related to proposing entertainment at events! đ¤Ł
Be sure to grab your spot in our workshop: Book Entertainment like a Pro! >> https://circusboss.com/contractworkshop
In this episode I also mentioned Win the Work >> https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop
and our FREE mini-course: The Circus Freelancer Gig Pay Guide >> https://circusboss.com/gigpayguide
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
We mention HoneyBook frequently on the podcast, so we wanted to dedicated a full podcast to why we love this tool for booking entertainment at events! Tune in for Ileigh's seven favorite reasons HB can help you book more gigs!
For more info: https://circusboss.com/honeybook
Also mentioned in this episode, Win the Work workshop: https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Last week, we saw a major crash with Instagram, Facebook and What's App. If you use these platforms for your business, it might have left you in the lurch, not able to connect with your fans, not able to continue conversations with your clients, and not able to make sales.
So in today's episode, Ileigh shares ways to diversify your marketing, so you don't have all your eggs in one basket!
Mentioned in the podcast:
Win the Work workshop: https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop
Driving Sales with Instagram workshop: https://circusboss.com/igworkshop
For SEO help, visit our friends: https://www.sharedcultureconcepts.com/
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
As artists, weâre pretty familiar with the concept of collaboration, but in todayâs episode, Ileigh shares a gazillion tips on how to use collaborations to support your business! From marketing, to creativity and innovation to supporting you as a business owner, collaborations can be a strong foundation for your success.
This is primarily focused on providing entertainment at events, but if thatâs not your business - youâre smart and creative, and can find ways to apply these concepts to your business too!
For more info about 1:1 coaching with Circus Boss: https://circusboss.com/coaching
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Thanks to our friends at Circus Talk for this crossover podcast as Brock and Ileigh share tips for returning to performances with Circus Talk editor Kim Campbell.
You can check out the full Press Pass with the Editor episode over here: https://circustalk.com/news/press-pass-with-the-editor-episode-7-september-2021
Be sure to follow Circus Talk on the Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circustalk/
And become a member of Circus Talk here: https://circustalk.com/
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Is performing at corporate events âselling outâ as an artist? Tune in as Ileigh shares her experiences and insights related to this question and confronts other limiting beliefs and elitism around what makes something âartâ.
Be sure to grab the checklist Ileigh mentioned to help prepare for writing awards entries:
https://circusboss.com/documentmywork
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As circus professionals we all know the importance of documenting our performances, events, and coaching sessions. But does your documentation stop with just photos and videos? In this episode, join host Ileigh Reynolds as she breaks down the importance of also documenting your process, goals, challenges, and what makes you unique and exceptional. And sheâll share tips for how to get more out of what youâre already doing by documenting your work.
And if youâre looking to boost your marketing, grant writing, fundraising, or recognition, be sure to download our free checklist at: https://circusboss.com/documentmywork
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Saying no can be a radical act of self-preservation and a way to educate others. In a world full of yes people, there can be a lot of pressure to default to yes, even when you feel that spidey sense that tells you something is off. Join host Ileigh Reynolds and guest Janelle Dinosaurs AKA Cirque Psych for a conversation about valuing your work as a circus professional and how to say no to work that's not the right fit.
Follow Janelle Dinosaurs on Instagram at: @janelledinosaurs and @cirque_psych and Circus Boss at: @circusbossofficial
Want to build more confidence in your rates as a circus professional so that you'll know when to say no because of price? Check out our Circus Freelancer Gig Pay Guide at: https://circusboss.com/gigpayguide
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
What does it mean to take ownership of your career? And how do you find work-life balance? Join host Ileigh Reynolds and guest Rachel Bowman, one half of the world-renowned duo, Womack and Bowman, as they talk about being your own boss, give tips on how to manage being a business owner, performer, and parent, and share insights gained during the pandemic.
Rachel and her performing partner Brett Womack have created and performed numerous duo acts together, and founded the aerial studio Womack and Bowman The Loft in LA. And theyâve created two online aerial certification programs, Master The Silks and the membership site, Silks Stars. Silks Stars opens for new members on Monday, August 9, 2021. Learn more and sign up at our affiliate link: circusboss.com/silksstars
Follow Rachel on Instagram at: @womackandbowman , @silksstars , and @thatrachelbowman and Circus Boss at: @circusbossofficial
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
How can you make marketing less overwhelming? Do you really need a website? If youâve got your logos and colors, thatâs all you need for branding, right? And how can you use Instagram to your advantage? Join co hosts Brock Rylander and ileigh Reynolds, along with guest Katie Betts of Shared Culture Concepts, as they dispel marketing myths and share Instagram tips for circus professionals and businesses.
And if youâd like to learn more about Using Instagram to Drive Sales, check out our upcoming workshop with Shared Culture Concepts on August 15th, 2021 at https://circusboss.com/IGworkshop.
If youâre catching this after August 15th, weâll have a replay of the workshop available for you too!
Follow Shared Culture Concepts on Instagram at @SharedCultureConcepts and Circus Boss at @CircusBossOfficial
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
As a circus professional, are you getting the most out of your Instagram account? Do you have a clear intention and purpose for this powerful social media platform? Join co-hosts Brock Rylander and Ileigh Reynolds as they share tips on how you can use Instagram strategically to build your business or further your performing career.
If you want to learn more strategies around using Instagram to cultivate sales, be sure to join us August 15th, 2021 in our workshop with Shared Culture Concepts. You can sign up at circusboss.com/IGworkshop.
Weâll have a replay available at the same link afterwards.
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Do you have a plan for your dream circus career or life? As artists, sometimes itâs easy to just dive in and create, and planning can feel like itâs slowing down the creative process or our momentum. But taking a little time to plan can mean you get to where you want to be faster and with fewer headaches. Join co-hosts Brock Rylander and Ileigh Reynolds as they share how you can make your dream plan or project happen.
If you want a support system to help you design, create, and level up your dreams, check out the Circus Boss membership program, called The Green Room at: https://circusboss.com/greenroom
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Whatâs your relationship to your rates? Are you confident with the rates you set? Or do you have nagging fears or doubts about your pricing, rates, or performer pay? In this episode, we take a deep dive into money mindset to help you see the connection between your inner stories and the worth and value thatâs reflected in your rates. We also share an exercise you can use to shift your mindset and money stories.
Keep the conversation going by joining our Facebook Group, The Circus Boss Community: circusboss.com/community
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Are you a circus professional who is pitching entertainment or shows, or are you a coach who offers private lessons or classes? Do you feel confident with sales?
In this weekâs episode, we dive deeper into how you can feel more confident and comfortable in your sales process. Because if you arenât confident with sales, your clients can interpret that as you not being confident with your art or your service.
We cover:
- Why it is important to feel confident with sales
- How to feel more confident in your sales process
- Tips for building confidence
And if youâre excited to learn more about having a sales process that makes your life easier and helps you win more work, check out our âWin The Workâ workshop at: https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop  This online workshop goes live on July 8th, 2021, and weâll have email templates and phone scripts available as a bundle as well.
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
As an artist, you may not identify as being a salesperson. But if there's money exchanging hands, you are making a sale!
In this episode, we break down what a sales process is and how it can help you. We cover:
- The benefits of having a sales process and why you need one
- What's the difference between marketing and sales
- The steps of a sales process
Want to know more?!? Sign up for our "Win the Work" workshop at: circusboss.com/salesworkshop This workshop will help you learn the art of selling circus as entertainment for events and how to build a sales process that saves you time and closes more sales.
Like what you're hearing and want to join in on the conversation? Join the Circus Boss Community Facebook Group at: circusboss.com/community or find us on Instagram @circusbossofficial
We're really excited to be adding our voice and our expertise to the amazing platform and community over at CircusTalk. You should definitely check them out because they're uniting the worldwide circus family under one virtual tent! Learn more at: circustalk.com
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We're going back to the beginning to talk about 'your why.' It can be easy to skip this step and focus on performing, or getting contracts or gigs. Going back to your why periodically can be a healthy way to make sure you have a solid foundation and are headed in a direction that aligns with your purpose.
In this episode we cover:
- Why knowing your why is important
- Exercises to help you find your why
- How you can use your why to draw the right opportunities to you
Has 'your why' changed because of the pandemic? Are you starting something new? Or maybe you're happy doing what you're doing and just want to make sure it's still serving you. Hit us up on Instagram @circusbossofficial or join us on Facebook at The Circus Boss Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss We'd love to keep the conversation going!
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
In this episode, we share our perspective about negotiating rates, and why we advocate having fixed rates instead. So if you're a circus professional or company that books events directly with clients or event planners, tune in! We discuss:
- Why negotiating happens
- Why and how negotiating rates might hurt you in the long run
- How to negotiate without lowering your rates
We'd love for this to be a conversation, so head on over to Instagram (@circusbossofficial) and tell us what you think--do you negotiate your rates?
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
In this episode, we talk about how to raise your rates once you've decided to do a rate increase. If you are a performer or a company booking gigs directly with clients, or if you are a performer who works for companies, we'll share our lessons learned so you can use a rate increase to your advantage. We discuss:
- Why it's a good idea to raise your rates
- How much you should raise your rates
- Tips for how to raise your rates
One big problem in our industry is a lack of information about freelancer and company rates. If you are based in the U.S., you can help by taking our Gig Pay Survey: https://circusboss.com/pages/survey
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
In part two in our series about undercutting in gig work, we talk about how to handle undercutting. If youâre an established circus artist or even an entertainment company or agency experiencing undercutting, we have three steps for you:
- Ask yourself why you are feeling undercut
- Come from a place of compassion
- Have a conversation
One of the biggest reasons we feel that folks undercharge and undercut is simply from the lack of information available about industry rates for gig work, so you can also help by taking our Gig Pay Survey at: https://circusboss.com/pages/survey
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Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
For our very first episode, we've chosen a HOT topic in the circus performing world...and that's undercutting in gigs and event work. This podcast episode is for you if you are a  performer that is new to setting your own rates, or if you are an experienced performer or mentor and you want to help advise someone new on how to find a rate that respects the market. We talk about:Â
- Mindsets and beliefs that can lead to undercutting
- Understanding the business landscape of gig work
- Three areas to focus on to set your rates
- How to enter the market respectfully
If you are revamping your rates or setting them for the first time, we invite you to check out the Circus Freelancer Gig Pay Guide at: circusboss.com/GigPayGuide
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss
Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/circusbossofficial/
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circusboss