Episode 5: Accessibility in Design - Make It Work for Everyone

Episode 8: The Google Business Profile Fixes Most Small Businesses Ignore

Want more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls. Carl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active. We also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them. In this episode, we cover: How to optimize your Google Business Profile Why Google reviews matter for local SEO How many reviews and photos can help strengthen your profile Why before-and-after photos work well for contractors and service businesses How to use Google Business Profile posts and updates Why seasonal businesses should update their profile regularly How categories and services help Google understand your business Why your website and Google Business Profile should work together How local businesses can track where leads come from Why YouTube, Shorts and AI search may matter more moving forward If you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.

Episode 7: Stop Bleeding Money - How Creative Business Owners Should Audit Subscriptions + Expenses

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses. From software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean. Jake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut. If you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Shamayne Brown LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI] WaveApps: https://www.waveapps.com [https://www.waveapps.com] Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/ [https://www.alignable.com/] Affinity by Serif: https://affinity.serif.com [https://affinity.serif.com] Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ [https://www.upwork.com/] Marcus Brownlee Interview: https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe [https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe] Being Gordan Ramsey (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey&jbv=81901623 [https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey&jbv=81901623] Poddecks: https://app.poddecks.com [https://app.poddecks.com] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx _

Episode 6: AI Can’t Replace Creatives | AI, Creativity, and the Human Edge

In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life. They start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out. From there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience. They also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: US Supreme Court - https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/ [https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/] Jake's Substack - https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips [https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips] Carl's New Website - https://holycarpdesign.com [https://holycarpdesign.com] Jake's Website - https://graphicprecision.com [https://graphicprecision.com] PodDecks - https://app.poddecks.com [https://app.poddecks.com] Unconference - https://www.theunconference.live/2026 [https://www.theunconference.live/2026] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Episode 5: Accessibility in Design - Make It Work for Everyone

In this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Presentation Accessibility: It’s Nothing New, Just Smart Design: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle] International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): https://www.accessibilityassociation.org [https://www.accessibilityassociation.org] See No Evil, Hear No Evil with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele] Send Jake a message to receive the Icebreakers PDF: https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/ [https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/] Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com [https://app.poddecks.com] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Episode 4: Confronting Mindset Challenges

In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Show Links: Less Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E [https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E] (affiliate) Pod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com [https://app.poddecks.com] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx