Business School; Why understanding the Business Basics is so important.
So….you really want to be successful in your Career as a Professional Photographer?
You feel like you want to either make the leap into running a Photography Business or you just know you have in you, to make a success of your Photography Business and you are in the early stages, but want it to grow!
Perhaps you really want to leave your 9-5 Job or you are currently working part time on your Photography Business. You may even be working as a full time Photographer, but really are just ‘winging it’…and have no idea, if what you are doing is right?! I mean do they even teach this stuff?? And how hard can it be to actually run a Photography Business?
I am getting a couple of Clients now and again, and I have a Website… so surly I am doing something right?
The thing is, finding a couple of Clients now and again, isn’t going to pay the bills and it certainly isn’t going to build a successful brand, its a start, but there is a lot more to it than a nice Website and Facebook page!
“finding a couple of Clients now and again, isn’t going to pay the bills and it certainly isn’t going to build a successful brand, its a start, but there is a lot more to it than a nice Website and Facebook page!”
I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you really are set on the idea of running your very own Successful Photography Business….
That’s great, but just to let you know, it doesn’t happen over night and you do need to take action!!
Be prepared to get out of you comfort Zone, spend money on your Business and your learning, put the effort in, work smarter and to never, never, ever GIVE UP!
You know something, I get you, I have been exactly where you are now! I didn’t have a clue about the basics of business…I was ‘winging it’ getting a few bookings here and there, thinking ok, dont worry one day I will be a success! I mean I have been University, got a degree in Photography, so how hard can it really be to actually run a Business?
“I am getting a couple of Clients now and again, and I have a Website… so surly I am doing something right? ”
They dont teach you how to find your ideal Client, get visible, create your brand, how to understand Social Media and heck, they dont teach you how to plan a business strategy!
What the heck is a business strategy anyway? And what do you mean by Q1 or Q4…..I haven’t a blinking clue?
Don’t worry, I hear you! I am here to support and guide you through your numbers, your Why, your goals, social media platforms, creating your brand, ideal client, pricing, website, and yes….even your business strategy!!! I really have your back when it comes to the business basics… I am even here to guide and teach you how to time block, so you use your time effectively!
You see, once you have all of the pieces of the puzzle in place, you can then build on your knowledge and business skills. However, you should never stop learning!
Over the last few years I decided to do just that! I invested in myself and my business and completed four business courses on top of running four successful Photography businesses. (I certainly dont do things by half!).
Trust me understanding the basics, will really pay off in the long run. Its like having a manual that you can keep referring back to! :)
“Trust me understanding the basics, will really pay off in the long run. Its like having a manual that you can keep referring back to!”
Now I am not going to lie and say its been easy! Because it hasn’t and there have been times, when I wanted to give up! If business was easy, everyone would be doing it! Sorry to burst your bubble, but it can be hard work….only go into it, if you are serious and really do want to succeed. There will be down days…even now I get days like that too. However, its not as often as it used to be! And I also have tools, skills and a fantastic support network to really help me stay focused.
The following may just give you an indication of where you are at in terms of business knowledge…
Please try and answer these following questions honestly….
1). Have you a business strategy for this year?
2). Do you know who your IC is?
3). Do you know what Visibility is and why its important?
4). Are you time blocking?
5). Do you know your why?
6). Are you confused over pricing and how much you should be charging?
7). Do you know your numbers? How much do your services/products cost you, before you even sell to your Clients? (Expenses).
8). Is your brand on point?
9). Do you work by quarter or yearly?
10). Have you got your messaging sorted?
11). Do you set yourself monthly goals? Are you hitting them? If not why?
12). Have you a plan for your social media content?
13). Do you understand the term ‘batch create’ ?
14). Do you know how many times to post effectively on social media platforms?
15). Do your images sell?
16). Do you need help and guidance to brush up on your Photography skills?
17). Do you understand # (Hash tags ) and how to use them effectively.
18). Do you know how to market yourself properly?
19) Are you happy with the genre of Photography you have chosen as your business? Or would you like to change direction?
20) Do you surround yourself with people that ‘get you’ and will push you forward not drag you down?
21) Do you know how many Clients you need on a monthly basis to make your income goal?
22) Do you even have an income goal?
“take one step at a time and nail the business basics. That way your business will be around for many, many years to come!”
Now those questions are really important….but, the thing is that’s just the tip of the iceberg…!
There is so much to learn about business….once you have mastered the basics, you can even go onto learn about semi-passive and passive income streams.
But for now, take one step at a time and nail the business basics. That way your business will be around for many, many years to come!
If you are thinking, gosh, heck, I need some help right now! Then please get in touch….fill in a Business contact form and book in for a free friendly discovery call. It allows you to ask questions about my Mentoring service…and find out exactly how I can take YOUR Photography business to the next level!
I have mentored so many Students, so many Photography business owners just like you! To succeed and to move their business forward….I LOVE TEACHING!!! Its in my blood….
Please remember;
YOUR passion, Your Photography business….is super important!!!
Emma Holt BA(Hons)
Founder, Instructor and Photographers Mentor.
@Emotive Capture Photography School.
Please note; Business Mentoring is open to female Photographers, who are starting on their business journey or in the first few years of business. A discovery call, is not a definite agreement to mentoring. Please only apply for business mentoring if you are serious about moving forward with your business.