BONUS: The One with Sales That Don’t Feel Salesy, with Luci Dumus

🎧 The One with Sales That Don’t Feel Salesy, with Luci DumasBonus | The One Behind the LensHosted by Kate DeCosteGuest: Luci DumasTotal Length: ~60:00🎙 Episode SummaryWhen you think of “sales,” do you picture pushy tactics, awkward conversations, and clients ghosting you afterward? My guest this week, Luci Dumas, is here to flip that script.Luci has been a full-time photographer for over 40 years and now coaches creatives on building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. She’s also the host of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, with over 330 episodes under her belt.In this conversation, Luci walks us through her in-person sales process—from slideshows to whiteboards to wall art—that helps photographers not only increase their income, but also deliver finished artwork that families will treasure for generations.We also dig into the mindset roadblocks that hold photographers back, why networking and professional organizations like PPA matter, and how sales can shift from being scary to being a joyful service to your clients.Whether you’re brand new to selling or ready to refine your client experience, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with tools you can use right away.📌 What You’ll Learn:How Luci transitioned from weddings to portraits and coaching over her 40-year careerWhy in-person sales create happier clients and higher profitsLuci’s exact sales flow (slideshow → categories → wall art + albums)The top business roadblocks photographers face and how to overcome themWhy networking, grit, and community are non-negotiables for sustainable successHow to reframe sales as service, not pressure🕒 Timestamps0:00 – Welcome back! Meet Luci Dumas—photographer, coach, and podcast host2:00 – Luci’s start in the 1980s recession and finding her first niche6:30 – From weddings to babies + families: navigating burnout and pivoting10:00 – The origin of Luci’s in-person sales system14:00 – Why projecting images big changes the entire sales experience18:00 – Using categories + whiteboards to simplify decision-making22:00 – How wall portraits + albums deliver legacy and profit27:00 – Sales myths that hold photographers back32:00 – Common roadblocks: unclear vision, niche fears, and money mindset38:00 – The role of relationships and networking in business growth44:00 – The power of professional organizations like PPA48:00 – Grit, perseverance, and keeping your passion alive long-term52:00 – Luci’s free resources + coaching offers for photographers57:00 – Final thoughts: why sales should feel joyful💾 Resources & Links Luci’s Podcast:→ The Profitable PhotographerFree Client Attraction Guide: https://lucidumascoaching.com/freegift/ for an Ideal Client Attraction Guide Create the Business of Your Dreams session with Luci: lucidumascoaching. com Coaching Info:→ lucidumascoaching.com💬 Follow Luci Online:Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_podYouTube: Profitable Photographer PodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching🎁 Listener Perk: Thanks to Taylor Aller, you can grab FREE access to the Make It Happen Planner + Private Podcast Series—your behind-the-scenes guide to reverse-engineering real goals and creating more momentum (with less chaos). Snag it here → https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/freeplanner✨ Quotes to Remember“Sales isn’t about pressure—it’s about helping people bring art into their homes.” – Luci Dumas“When you see a client’s reaction in real time, you learn what they value most.” – Luci Dumas“Networking isn’t optional. People do business with people they know, like, and trust.” – Luci DumasFollow Kate + Check out Kate's Education & Freebies:Instagram: @katedecostewww.katedecostephotography.com