A Contract Is Not a Wall. It’s a Door

Who here loves contracts?

Loves saying: “Hey, before we move forward, I need your signature on this”?

Not many.

For most creatives, contracts feel like a necessary evil. They make us feel cold, salesy, transactional, like we’re putting policies before people. But skipping them in the name of “being nice” almost always backfires.

Regan’s Story

Let me tell you about Regan.

She’s a wildly talented wedding photographer, fully booked for 2025 and only taking 10 clients for 2026.

Why? Because she’s pivoting into branding and interior design to win back her weekends.

But when she stepped into this new lane, she brought imposter syndrome with her.

She didn’t send contracts.
She didn’t ask for deposits.
She just wanted to book the job, be friendly, and build a name.

Now? She’s delivered stunning work… and hasn’t been paid.

When we talked, she told me:

“Ash, I know better. Why didn’t I do this from the beginning?”

The answer? She didn’t want to be a hassle. She wanted to be liked. She thought a contract might feel too official.

But here’s the truth:

Contracts don’t say I don’t trust you.
They say I trust myself enough to lead this professionally.

How to Avoid Regan’s Situation

Here’s how to reframe and implement contracts so they actually work for you:

• Reframe contracts as confidence, not coldness.
  They’re not walls. They’re doors.

• Use a simple tool.
  I love SmartWaiver, but anything works.

• Step 1 is payment. Step 2 is the signed contract.
  If it’s not signed in 24 hours, pause the project. Period.

• Make sure essentials are crystal clear.
  Payment terms, usage rights, and timelines. Have clients initial them.

• Use soft, direct language.
  “I’m sure you missed this, can you take care of it before lunch?”

• Don’t hide behind emails. Call.
  Be kind. Be clear. Be professional.

The Big Picture

I live by this: If we make things a big deal, they become a big deal.

So don’t make your contract feel like a confrontation. But do treat it like a non-negotiable.

Because you deserve to be protected, paid, and respected for your work.

This is exactly the kind of system we build inside The Hive™, so you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way.

Next time you pick up the phone, let it be to say yes to new opportunities, not to chase down what’s owed.