With 2021 coming to an end and 2022 literally right around the corner, we want to share some *inspirational* things that you should be thinking about for your business as we ring in the new year.
ONE: Give yourself a pat on the back
2021 was no easy year, but here you are! You did it!! Everyone deserves a pat on the back for a job well done. Through COVID, rescheduled weddings, and crazy client stories, you've made it. We are so proud of you. Take a moment to reflect on all the amazing things you did this year. Don't overlook all the "small" tasks you've accomplished. Each bit of work you put into your career and personal life matters.
TWO: Set business goals for yourself
I know we all set goals for ourselves at the beginning of each year. Gym's love when we do this! It means new memberships for them (lol). But seriously, we want you to take a second to write down a few goals for your business. You can write however many personal goals that you want (and we'll cheer you on while you complete those too), but we want to see everyone out there adding a few business goals to their list.
When you write these, instead of saying, "I want to book 15 weddings for 2022." We want you to write, "I will book 15 weddings for 2022." Manifest your dreams into existence. Whether it's how many sessions you want to book or a piece of gear you want to save up for, write it all down. After that, look at each item and write out a few bullet points as to how you can get there. For example, if we're talking about booking for weddings, HOW are you going to do that? Does this mean you need to educate yourself on marketing better? Maybe you need to sign up for a workshop? Whatever the steps may be, write it down. This way, you have smaller, more achievable goals to cross off as you go.
THREE: Require contracts and deposits
If you're not already doing this...just kidding! But no really, you totally should. Both of these things protect you AND your client. If you already are requiring both, take some time in the new year to check over your contract. Make sure you have everything you want in there.
Bonus tip: Read through popular photographer Facebook groups to hear horror stories from photographers who DIDN'T require their clients to sign a contract (and now they're paying for it). If that doesn't make you start requiring them, I don't know what will.
FOUR: Take time each week to read or watch 1 new piece of educational content
We know that not everyone has the budget to spend thousands on expensive online courses. However, that's not an excuse to ignore Youtube and all the amazing educational content they have on there (check out our most recent blog post). Even just watching a quick 10 minute video every week will help you learn and master your craft.
FIVE: Set boundaries for work and personal life
Gorgeous gorgeous photographers do't let work take over their life. Gorgeous gorgeous photographers know when to go to bed for the night.
But seriously, take some time to reflect on what works for you. No matter if photographer is your full time job, part time job, or hobby. Don't get burnt out of spending 100% of your time on photography. IT IS OKAY TO BE "OUT OF OFFICE" FOR A FEW HOURS OR DAYS. Do you know of any business who requires their employees to work 24 hours 7 days a week? I don't because that's illegal.
SIX: Make your dreams happen
Take a leap of faith and message those people you want to work with. Put together your own dream shoots. Save up the money to buy that lens you've been eyeing for quite some time now. What's holding you back? Figure it out, and eliminate the issue.
SEVEN: Give yourself a nice work space you are proud of and comfortable in
We spend a lot of time staring at screens. It's important to do it in a space that motivates you to be productive on the screen. Whether it's buying a whole new desk set up or just tidying the drawers, get your space ready for 2022 and all the new and exciting things to come.
What are you changing for 2022? We want to hear about it! We've had an amazing 2021 and can't say thank you enough to all of the photographers, models, videographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists, planners, florists, and ALL other creatives who have made our dreams possible. We are so incredibly exciting for everything we have planned (and yet to plan) for 2022.
THANK YOU.
-The KC Rising
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