My phone was propped up against my purse. My headphones encased my head and my notebook opened to a blank page. There was a mixture of new car scent and tire rubber lingering the air. The room was filled with whispering chatter and back and forth movements. On a Wednesday afternoon, as I waited for my car to get maintenance, I listened attentively to Amy and Jordan talk about going full time with their photography business.
They made part of an online marketing conference called Turn It Up held by The International Academy of Wedding Photographers. It was three full days of jam packed videos networking with wonderful business owners and photographers discussing the entrepreneur life. Like a sponge, I soaked every inch of information I could acquire and would benefit me along my journey.
After the culmination of the conference I paced in my room as I read over my notes. Flipped back and forth through the pages only to realize that the words of Arizona based Wedding Photographers, Amy and Jordan Demos, truly impacted my perspective on life. They were raw, they were honest, and very real! I found some key points very helpful in deciding what I wanted the course of my business to look like. Their words resonated with me in such a way that I felt the need to share them with the world, with all of you who are rowing the same boat!
Here they go:
Decide what your definition of success is
My definition of success is being absolutely happy with what I am doing and getting over those fears that get in the way. It is to achieve a balance between my professional and personal life while being financially stable.
Decide what your bigger picture goals are
In other words, when you are 80 years old and looking back through your life, how do you want it to be? Build a firm foundation from which you can stand on. You will work hard, you will make some sacrifices, but you should have an enjoyable balance.
- Do you want a love life?
- Do you want time for friends, family, and yourself?
- Do you want to travel?
- Do you want happiness?
- etc…
Decide what your smallest picture goals are
In other words, when you wake up every morning what do you want each day to look like?
- Do you want to dedicate each hour to work?
- Do you want to work harder not longer?
- Do you want time for other things besides work (sleep, exercise, healthy eating, friends, family, social)?
Once you have decided how much time you want to dedicate to work set 3 realistic goals for each day that will help move your business forward. In doing so you are prioritizing and clearing all distractions (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Texting) until all three things are done. In addition, knowing how much time you want to dedicate to your business will also give you an idea of how many jobs you can say yes to and no to.
Do not cheat on your day job
Some of you will find yourself checking potential client emails, watching YouTube tutorials, or googling inspiration while at your desk. I have been guilty of the latter. The thing is, your day job is providing the resources to pay for your bills and sustain you. Your employers, coworkers, and customers are all depending on you to put in your part so give it a 100%! When you give your all to your day job that same dedication and determination transfers to your dream job. Therefore, potential emails, YouTube, and research can wait until you get off and are home. Give your undivided attention to both separately!
Work on quality work
Consciously Practice. Practice. Practice. None of us were born all knowing, so constantly refine your product.
- Make time to shoot even if it is 30 minutes once a week
- Make intentional changes. What is one thing I can improve on each shoot? (lighting, layering, focus, composition, white balance, etc.)
- Give yourself grace! Do not be so hard on yourself, because you are going through a learning process.
Be Kind
Starting a business is not only about how can things benefit you, but how can you genuinely help someone else? The more you give, the more you will receive back in immeasurable ways.
- Take images for a florist to get her portfolio going
- Meet with venues and offer to photograph their space
- Talk with a baker and shoot their artistic creations for their catalog
- Collaborate with other photographer to create fun and purposeful projects
- Share your knowledge
Photo by: Kiki Baxter
Thank you Amy and Jordan, it was a pleasure listening to you both. If you would like to connect with them check out their social media:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/amyandjordanphotography/?fref=ts
IG: @amy_demos and @jordan_demos
Best of energies,
~M