Education

September 27, 2019

Motivation and planning for Your Buisness

Hey y'all! Just like anyone, it can be difficult to balance your business and life, or if you work another full time job it can make it all even more difficult. In this post, I will be sharing some of the things that I do to make it easier. First, ask yourself why you do this... If you got the same answer as me, it's because you love it! That should be one of your motivations. We all have those busy busy days where nothing seems to be getting done, we've all been there. I struggled with motivation to edit and blog before I had the support from people who told me that they actually enjoy my work and read my blog posts. You all know the process just as well as any great photographer... The initial session, editing, and delivery of images. BUT that is what I call "the rut" and it can be difficult to stray away from your routine. 
One of my main escapes is changing up my delivery process. I used to just edit them, and directly give them to the client. So now, I only release a couple images for about a week. Maybe make posts about them through instagram, or facebook. This causes your client to become excited for your delivery. Once I deliver the clients images, I directly write my blog post about the client as a way to document the experience. Maybe give some facts about your client to potential clients. The feedback from my clients is enough motivation for me to want to do more to improve my experience that I give to my clients.

Another one of my tricks is to change up your layouts, keep your posting updated, and even hosting events. I like to give myself a fresh new look every now and then. Updating the images on your website is one of the best ways to do it. If I ever get asked to do a special type of session such as an elopement or destination session, they make for the best eye catching aesthetics.  I always make it to the way that will keep me in love with my own work. I stay the most motivated when I start on a new project within my business plan. I recently decided to take the step to change my style in every way possible. starting with my editing style. 

This is probably one of the best things I could have ever done to motivate myself to do more. This change in style has not just brought me more business than ever, but changed my flow to what I have always wanted out of my business.  I also have just got into planning posts. This is the best way to keep up on things  when you might lose that time doing other things that life throws at you. I use an app called Planoly, which can be found on the app store. This tool is absolutely amazing when it comes to planning your posts and checking your layouts. 

Planoly is also amazing for its ability to plan stories for you. This not only keeps me updated, but it gets me in to a new routine that I enjoy. My week usually goes, Mondays: Blog planning, post planning for the week, and maybe a session depending on the client availability or weather. Tuesdays: Writing blogs and editing (usually my shortest work day). Wednesdays & Thursdays: Usually sessions or editing depending on what all is going on. I also like to get a head start on my session blogs for the week to come if I have extra time.  Fridays: This is usually a busy day for me. I tend to do most of my educational blogs on this day and I usually have a session around a hour before sunset. My weekends are usually very busy. They usually compose of weddings, sessions, and personal events that I have going on. This may seem like alot, but once you get in to the grove of it all, it becomes a way of life. I feel that this never gets old, mainly for the blogging. It keeps things interesting. 

Hosting events could also be that potential key to helping you become more in touch with your business. These events can be anything from mini sessions, to charity events. The process of planning for these events always gets me excited for whats to come. They are especially fun when you have some help from another person. Collaborating with other photographers or designers can keep things super interesting and spontaneous. They always say that 2 great minds are greater than one. Mini sessions are a great way to get your name out there also. People tend to use these shoots for lots of things. If they are near Christmas, maybe they will use them for Christmas cards. Some people even send out cards for season changes and other holidays. It makes things interesting. Charity events are a great way for you to stay involved in your community. People talk, especially in small communities like where I live. Its always good to have that good talk sitting on your business. I stay motivated to do these things for my clients. There is nothing more that I love than a satisfied client.
Motivation is only what you make it to be. Whatever approach you decide to use to your business make it be something that is going to keep you and your clients both involved and motivated. I know this because I was once in the position that most people are in. Not knowing what to do next... Not having that drive to build a successful business.  Its all of how you look at it. Find it, Live it, Expand it, Love it. 

I hope that this has helped y'all through whatever you are having trouble with! There will definitely be more educational blogs coming soon. 

Stay awesome!