After 10 Years in Business, This Is What I'd Automate First

The Festival Staffing Problem Nobody's Saying Out Loud

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235/fan_mail/new]  How to run festivals, community events, and event production successfully? Don't fall victim to running your business with a system held together by spreadsheets, QuickBooks, Google Forms, and a prayer. This week, I'm back with Cat McDevitt, from Eventeny, and we got into the festival operations conversation I've been wanting to have. Not the highlight reel. The real picture — the Frankenstein systems, the volunteer data that will shock you, the vendors who are quietly deciding you're a reputational risk, and what the festivals that are actually winning are doing differently. If you organize festivals, produce community events, or have ever thought about scaling into that space — this one is for you. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ RESOURCES + LINKS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ → Check out Eventeny (affiliate link): https://meetings.hubspot.com/cat-mcde... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnZ5clpleTJWTEVOUFVnU1NNWkhWR0gwWjVzZ3xBQ3Jtc0tucmZnMURxZVVTUnpNTXBMMTFhanIwYWQ3Wm56YXdMZFQ3NUxWaTF2cnRVVWRKRGJQLXpralZsYU9obHJJVERjaGU2SU5XQl9CVGNQbW92Uzg5R1pJam5XdHZsbTU3aDlYTC1QdTZmXzM2YklNX3dqcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmeetings.hubspot.com%2Fcat-mcdevitt%2Fjese-gary-affiliate-link&v=3zoI9V6GtZo] → Book a free demo with Eventeny: https://meetings.hubspot.com/cat-mcde... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRoMGRUd3BrNFY1T2JEWV9tSkhyMVlPZ294UXxBQ3Jtc0ttZDZCQmpnVk1OUWpieXBhZnNBMDhCanp5c2QxUml1NWFZNUlYeUFiTjFiSU00bXFoRG0xTkh6VXJ6WG9iZHVlUVhKdFFrYnRDUWxDZlNkczJQazlEMDRxTFE3dXE4aE5UcnM2VmxNUm9veFlhSDVxSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmeetings.hubspot.com%2Fcat-mcdevitt%2Fjese-gary-affiliate-link&v=3zoI9V6GtZo] → Follow Eventeny on Instagram: @eventeny → Grab Jese's free After-Yes Checklist: https://chipper-creator-3415.kit.com/... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWhfRlNGMWJkc01VVjlONGtBaUFHMFptWTF0QXxBQ3Jtc0trRHl1V1N1d1BqdDJTYTBEbUQ3bElQdy1FdWVJRXE3QlNzRk5pMDMyWHNBVUZiQURJcXVWZmdDcXRhVWR0TV9ITG1WMWROb2dJanpiVGJ2dzdiR3ZuVV92Z1NOSG41NHBXNldWLUhtR21uYmVPVXYzVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fchipper-creator-3415.kit.com%2Fafteryes&v=3zoI9V6GtZo] ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ABOUT CAT MCDEVITT ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Cat McDevitt is the CMO at Eventeny — an all-in-one event management platform built for festival and large-scale event organizers. She works daily with producers running community festivals, music festivals, fandom conventions, farmers markets, and more, and has a front-row seat to what's working (and what's quietly breaking) in the festival industry right now. 🔗 Want a free business system audit? Let’s identify the gaps and opportunities in your event business → https://businessconsultantcompany2491... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU05WTZoVUQ3aE5wZjR5bzFZNDZIdS03U0Q5Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuREpYdlJBeE8wS0ladmV4LXFuNDZjVkI2ZWtVMWVWdlpVb0dESFBpanBmTHBJYUFmczV4ZVZobDV0cEt4NEZpN1dEQk1ieW5lRTZTY1IzZDdjc0ROeEUzMXpsSmFmOXFsYlhaUFNDWm5rX2UyTjc1aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbusinessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co%2Fpublic%2Fsystemaudit&v=3zoI9V6GtZo] 🔗 Work with GEA Systems Studio to build your systems + automations → https://businessconsultantcompany2491... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1dUMGI5MmplcWl2ekpVTGdGNWxhTV9ZTjBPZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttTVRxSGxGeE5DSlhucTJSRERFVko2ejBwcW85VUVVWlM2SEZIV2pQOThHQ2dKSWtHa19zcXE4U3hta2o1eHZ6RXF0TldlQlVzTHBnLVBkQ1dhZGJMYUNZRTcxRjZMTXJWNktMMEFOdXZsNmdQOWdPQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbusinessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co%2Fpublic%2FHBcreation&v=3zoI9V6GtZo] 🔗 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast →  🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:  ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update  ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you!  ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition [https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/] 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com [https://www.greeneyedambition.com/] Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

After 10 Years in Business, This Is What I'd Automate First

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235/fan_mail/new] If you've been running your event business on sticky notes, mental checklists, and willpower — this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Hustle Free Entrepreneur, Jese Gary breaks down how to actually use automation in your event business without sounding like a robot or losing the personal touch your clients pay you for. This isn't a software pitch. It's an honest conversation about why so many event pros are stuck doing manual work that's quietly costing them clients, sleep, and revenue — and the simple, sustainable way to start automating one workflow at a time. In this episode, Jese covers: - The real reason your event business feels chaotic (and it's not because you need more clients) - How to identify the most time-consuming and error-prone tasks in your business - A strategic approach to choosing automation tools without wasting money on subscriptions - The 90-day rule for testing any new platform before you commit If you've been afraid that automating your business means losing the high-touch, white-glove experience your clients love, this conversation will change the way you think about technology in your business. CHAPTERS 00:00 Overcoming Business Stress and Mistakes 02:59 The Power of Automation in Business 07:30 Identifying Pain Points and Streamlining Processes 11:14 Embracing Technology for Efficiency 16:01 Implementing Automation Effectively 20:43 Learning and Adapting to New Tools 24:12 Creating a Better Client Experience ----------------------------------------------------- 🎁 GRAB THE FREE AFTER-YES CHECKLIST The exact post-booking checklist Jese uses to onboard new event clients without dropping the ball: https://chipper-creator-3415.kit.com/afteryes ----------------------------------------------------- 📲 CONNECT WITH JESE Website: www.greeneyedambition.com Instagram: gea_systems_studio TikTok: @greeneyedambition ----------------------------------------------------- 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO HUSTLE FREE ENTREPRENEUR Apple Podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235 ----------------------------------------------------- ABOUT HUSTLE FREE ENTREPRENEUR Hustle Free Entrepreneur is the podcast for event-industry business owners who are making money but drowning in the manual work of running their businesses. Hosted by Jese Gary, CEO of GEA Systems Studio and LuxeGiving. HFE is where the real, honest, behind-the-scenes conversations happen about building a profitable event business without burning out. #HustleFreeEntrepreneur #EventIndustry #EventBusinessOwner #BusinessAutomation #ServiceBasedBusiness #WeddingPlanner #EventPlanner  🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:  ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update  ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you!  ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition [https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/] 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com [https://www.greeneyedambition.com/] Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

When Your Business Model Stops Working (And What to Do)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235/fan_mail/new] The event industry is shifting — and if your business looks exactly the same as it did two years ago, that might not be stability. It might be a warning sign. In this solo episode, Jese breaks down what she's seeing across the event industry right now: changing client behavior, unpredictable booking cycles, tighter budgets, and a market that's rewarding different things than it used to. She walks through three strategic ways to pivot your business when you see the signs of change — without blowing everything up or starting from scratch. In this episode, you'll hear: * The specific shifts happening in how event clients buy, book, and spend * Why pivoting your audience might be the most powerful (and most overlooked) move you can make * How changing your positioning — not your service — can transform your inquiry rate overnight * When it might be time to ask the hard question: is this even the right business model for where I'm going? * The difference between a panic move and a strategic pivot This one is for every event pro who's been feeling the shift but hasn't known what to do about it. About Hustle Free Entrepreneur: Real conversations for event industry business owners who are making money but want more freedom. Hosted by Jese Gary, CEO of GEA Systems Studio and LuxeGiving. New episodes every week. Links: * Free After-Yes Checklist: https://chipper-creator-3415.kit.com/afteryes 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:  ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update  ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you!  ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition [https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/] 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com [https://www.greeneyedambition.com/] Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

I Almost Quit My Business… Here’s What I’m Doing Instead

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235/fan_mail/new] Struggling with burnout or thinking about pivoting your business? Most entrepreneurs are secretly stuck in a business cycle they no longer love — and don’t even realize it. I open up about my raw, honest journey through burnout, tough decisions, and the redefinition of success in her 15-year event business.  In this episode, let's break down how to make smart, sustainable shifts without losing everything you’ve built. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or questioning your next move as an entrepreneur, this episode is for you.  I share a real and honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—from navigating burnout to making tough decisions about pivoting your business. This isn’t about quitting… It’s about evolving with purpose. You’ll discover: 1. How to recognize burnout before it breaks your business 2. When it’s time to pivot vs. push through 3. How to build a more sustainable business model 4. The role of self-awareness in leadership and growth 5. Practical ways to implement new strategies without chaos This isn’t just another “success story” — it’s a blueprint for redefining what sustainable entrepreneurship truly looks like.  You’ll hear how life changes, industry shifts, and personal growth all play a role in building a business that actually works for you—not one that drains you. If you’ve ever wondered how to step back, reassess your strategy, and move forward with clarity, this episode gives you the framework to do just that. 🎯 Ready to simplify and scale your business? → Need help setting up systems that support your next pivot? Learn more about GEA Systems Studio: https://stan.store/greeneyedambition 🛠 Tools to support your business: → HoneyBook (CRM + client management): http://share.honeybook.com/greeneyedambition → ConvertKit (email marketing): https://partners.convertkit.com/wlu5gufp2imm #EventBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #HustleFreeEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessStrategy 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:  ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update  ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you!  ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition [https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/] 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com [https://www.greeneyedambition.com/] Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

I’m 40 With Nothing Saved — Where Do I Start? (Financial Reset for Beginners)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235/fan_mail/new] Struggling with saving for retirement at 40 with no savings? You’re not alone—and it’s not too late to start over. In this episode, we break down exactly where to start if you feel financially behind and want a fresh start after 40. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Did I miss my chance?” or “How do I even begin saving for retirement?”—this conversation with Rosie Acosta is for you. We talk about starting over after financial setbacks, letting go of shame, and creating a simple, realistic plan that actually works in midlife. You’ll learn how to build financial security step by step, even if you’re starting from zero. This episode is a reminder that you are not behind—you’re just getting started. Whether you’ve experienced divorce, career gaps, or inconsistent income, there is still time to create safety, stability, and peace with your money. Rosie shares practical strategies like the “three buckets” method (emergency, mid-term, retirement), how to shift out of scarcity thinking, and why paying yourself first is the key to long-term change. This isn’t about getting rich—it’s about finally feeling secure. ✨ You are not alone in this—and your next chapter can look different. 👇 Let’s talk about it: Comment below—where are you right now in your retirement savings journey? 📥 Ready to take your first step? Start tracking your money with this simple Etsy budget tool: https://creatorlink.shop/458XPSj 📚 Resources mentioned: Crema Financial I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi [https://amzn.to/3Nxawkf] 💛 Join a community of women redefining life after 40: Subscribe for more conversations on money, mindset, and starting over with confidence. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:  ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update  ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you!  ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition [https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/] 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com [https://www.greeneyedambition.com/] Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!