Create Your Own Schedule
When I first started my business I created business hours set for my “clients”. I posted business hours on my website, planned shoots on the weekends at all hours, missed family vacations, and never stuck to my ideal business plans. I tried to have business hours Monday-Friday for meetings, and shooting on weekends. Before I knew it I was burnt out! I hit a wall and there was not enough coffee in the world to help me get through out it. Four years later I finally nailed down a system that is perfect for me! I create office hours that have me “clock in” and “clock out”. I do not work after 4pm on Sundays and it was the best decision of my life. It’s a time for me catch up with my family, take my dogs to the dog park, and honestly relax. I know things come up and I don’t always stick to my schedule every week but I have strived to make this schedule work for me. In the end if you are burnt out, you are hurting your clients more than helping them. Your health is important, don’t forget it!
Dedicate Space
Whether it’s your coffee table, office space or your kitchen table make a space your own. Add some inspiration artwork, folder bins, mood boards, picture frames, or inspiring quotes. For me my workspace has to have a large whiteboard on the wall, picture frames of my family, a large desktop, and my planner open.
On my wall I have picture frames in all sizes to show my clients the difference in frames/prints. I have custom t-shirts hanging from rustic shelves my fiance made. A box of photo packaging paper, tissue and boxes on a shelf. A filing rack filled with all of my important papers and clients notes. They say a “clear space is a clear mind” and I couldn’t agree more. I am fortunate enough to have a space to drive to, to make it feel like it is work time. Working from home earlier this year was hard, I had trouble getting into work mode until I designed the spare bedroom to be my office. Make it work for you! To see some of my studio inspiration - follow me on Pinterest: @BMedeirosPhotography
Create a Workflow
I can’t say it enough how important it is to have a schedule for yourself and your tasks. No peron’s workflow will be the same and that is okay! Right before I turn off my computer for the night or leave my studio, I make a To-Do list for the next day. Creating a To-Do list for the next day keeps me organized and in a productive state of mind. I know on Monday’s is “Marketing Day”.. I know Tuesdays are for “Photo Sessions” and the list goes on and on.
Not only with your tasks but also for your client.. Did you backup their files or upload their gallery on time. Some questions to ask yourself while creating your workflow is What will make my day easier? When is this task due? When is my “me” time scheduled? What work bests for you - a digital calendar or hard planner? What are your goals personal and business?
Stay Organized
You have a business plan, great! You created a workflow, awesome! Now it’s time to stay organized. Staying organized with client information should be on the top of your list, you want to make sure you have emails to add to your list and addresses to mail thank you notes. I can’t suggest Honeybook enough! Honeybook is a digital platform that manage all their jobs seamlessly. Reasons why I love Honeybook it tracks your progress of each task, creates personal proposals and collects payments. It truly makes me feel professional sending each contract, questionnaire and invoice to my client. I don’t know what I did without it. For 20% off your Honeybook subscription: Click here.
Stop Comparing
It’s not as easy as it sounds, but you have to try! We have a tendency to wake up and check our phone before we even say good morning to the one laying next to you. We all do it - we just can’t let it get to us. I have always had a tendency to compare my photography to others, always wondered why my images weren’t as good as theres. Once I started filling more of my time with sessions, blogs, and other things that inspire me I noticed I didn’t have time to compare. Challenge yourself and continue to workout of your comfort zone.
For my information, check out my instagram videos for tips & tricks when it comes to camera settings, new galleries , and entrepreneur tips.