Pay to Play: How to Invest in Your Business and Thrive in Today’s Economy with Julie Lokun

In Episode 153 of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Julie Lokun Join Us for a conversation that every entrepreneur needs to hear. This episode cuts straight to the strategies, stories, and hard-won lessons that move the needle for real business builders.

The economy is tight, organic reach is shrinking, and hoping for the next client is no longer a strategy. In this solo episode, Julie Lokun breaks down why paying to play is the new normal and exactly how entrepreneurs can invest smarter, stay visible, and grow their business even in uncertain times.

Episode Overview

Join Us Live At Cre8tive Con This February! The economy is shifting, budgets are tighter, and entrepreneurs everywhere are asking the same question: Is it even possible to grow right now? In this solo episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host Julie Lokun addresses the reality many business owners, creatives, coaches, consultants, podcasters, and service providers are facing.

Organic reach is no longer enough, going viral is not a strategy, and luck will not build a sustainable business. Today’s entrepreneurs must learn how to strategically invest in their businesses in order to grow, scale, and monetize in an uncertain economy.

Julie breaks down the concept of pay to play marketing and explains why investing in visibility, credibility, and lead generation is now a necessary part of doing business. She shares practical insights on where entrepreneurs should be allocating their marketing dollars and how to avoid emotional spending in favor of intentional, results-driven decisions.

This episode covers key areas where investment matters most, including lead generation platforms, digital advertising, and in-person networking.

What You'll Take Away

This 12 min conversation is one of the most actionable episodes we've produced. Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky bring their signature energy and depth to ensure every minute translates into real-world value. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned CEO, the lessons in Episode 153 apply directly to where you are right now.

Why This Episode Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs

Whether you're building your business in San Francisco, Charlotte, Minneapolis, or anywhere across the United States, the strategies in Episode 153 are immediately applicable. The entrepreneurial landscape is evolving faster than ever — and the founders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning from people who have already navigated the path.

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — ranked #1 on Apple Podcasts in Business News — exists to give you that edge. Every episode is a masterclass in the real mechanics of building a business that lasts. We learn from CEOs, athletes, attorneys, marketers, and innovators who have made the mistakes so you don't have to. Explore our full blog archive for more episodes on business growth, personal branding, leadership, and creative strategy — each post written by Julie Lokun.

Part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is one pillar of a larger ecosystem built to empower creative entrepreneurs at every stage. We are proud to be part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand, which includes Cre8tive Con — our iconic business conference — as well as online meetups, Amped, and more. Visit cre8tivecon.com/podcast to explore the full community.

Cre8tive Con is where the creative entrepreneur community comes alive — a gathering of founders, marketers, speakers, authors, and innovators building businesses on their own terms. If you're serious about growing your network and your business, Cre8tive Con is where you need to be.

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Have a guest suggestion or show idea? Reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Together, we're proving that business does not have to be boring — and the best is yet to come.