A couple of months ago I wrote an article 5 Things I would Change in My Business if I Could Go Back. Maybe you read that post…if not take a minute and go back to it…
Today I want to take it from the opposite angle…
5 Things I Wouldn’t Change in My Business if I could go Back
I don’t know that these are in any order of importance…but lets go…
#1 Debt Free
Ok before you freak out…I am not an advocate of debt. Period. It ties you down…it’s not yours for ownership…and it makes you feel stressed to HAVE to take on every job that comes your way.
So you’re asking how did I do it? Yep I know half of you are thinking well when you started out you were single so it was no big deal. Even if I wasn’t single I wouldn’t change my philosophy. So you’re still asking…how did you do it? I made a list and prioritized my list of equipment and mentor opportunities. As I saved the money…I spent it. Did I have any business savings at that point? Very little…but what I did have I owned and I wasn’t strapped to paying someone monthly for anything. It spells F-R-E-E-D-O-M!
#2 Shoot…then Shoot some more…then go Shoot even more.
You don’t believe me…but this will be your biggest booster of confidence and skill refining. I tell my mentee’s and one-on-one students all of the time…go shoot and pick up the camera EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! Even if you hate the image…shoot…even if you never edit the image…shoot…even if it’s not wall worthy…shoot.
#3 Accepting Encouragement
All too often we have family and friends supporting us we just don’t accept it. When your family or a friend compliments you, accept it and use it as a confidence booster to keep on keeping on. You have a passion for photography…they know that…and they are your biggest cheerleaders. Accept their encouragement, thank them for it and use that as your push to keep on going!
#4 Responding to EVERY inqiury
Notice I didn’t say accepting…I said responding. I didn’t let an email or a Facebook message go on untouched. I replied within 24 hours, regardless. If the job wasn’t for me I directed them to a potential business to help them. Don’t be a business owner who slacks in their communication. I’m so grateful I was on top of the game when it came to this.
#5 Having Mentors
Having mentors is priceless. Someone to guide, direct and bounce ideas off of. It’s priceless. Find someone that fits you…your needs…your personality and your business niche and ask them if they will be your mentor. You can’t get this off of forums on the internet…or pinterest…or a Facebook group. I’m talking about a personal relationship with a mentor.
I hope this was a help and encouragement to you!
Nancy Saunier says
Awesome post!! Appreciate your sharing this advice.
Sarah Brown says
Great post Erin Wilson Staples!!
Bailey Smith says
Love this post!