4 TIPS TO NOT ONLY SURVIVE BUT THRIVE
“With so many photographers out there, how do you make it?” A high schooler looking into different job paths recently asked me this question.
This question is relevant for all of us to consider. With so many entrepreneurs and businesses out there, how do any of us make it? I’ve compiled some tips to help you not only survive, but thrive.
1. Find your people. Speak directly to them.
As an entrepreneur, there are so many people you could work with…. But who do you want to work with?
It’s worth taking the time to get real about your answer. Give yourself permission to not worry about offending anyone, and be honest with what comes up. It’s worth revisiting this question because our ideal clients may change over time.
When you connect with those dream clients, work feels more easeful and rewarding. When your business has strong photography and copy, those ideal clients can more quickly identify that you are the right fit.
2. Be open to changing it up to stay in alignment! Prioritize your business supporting your values + lifestyle.
You chose this path of being an entrepreneur for a reason. It’s not easy, but it comes with so many benefits: freedom and flexibility, to name a few.
You have your own personal why (whether or not it’s written out). It’s why you show up and offer your gifts each day. It’s why you can navigate the uncertainties of the future, without closing up shop, to trade in the stability (or illusion of stability) other careers offer.
And guess what? Life is always changing. Is your why still the same? What is this season of life like for you? What are your personal priorities? Are you needing your business offerings to shift to meet your holistic needs? Are you feeling pings to pivot your business?
Good news! You are the boss and you can do whatever you want. Take a moment to pause and reflect on your business and your life. What’s feeling spot on? What’s not?
When you set aside the time and energy to be proactive about your business needs and your personal desires, you can adapt to not only stay alive, but thrive!
You may find doing a yearly photoshoot is supportive, you may find one every 3 years is plenty. You are changing and growing, and so is your business. Keep it honest and relevant so you’re attracting the right people.
3. Know who you are. Be honest with yourself. Share with authenticity.
There’s so many trends and opinions about what people think is best for you and your business. Stay grounded in the modern world of swirling information and noise by turning inwards to your truth.
Because you know, deep down, what’s right for you. Be true to yourself and your values. Stay strong on the journey of building up self-trust and self-confidence. Act on it by getting out there and sharing!
Your voice matters. Not everyone will listen. Not everyone will care. But the people that are resonating with what you put out there… the people that take the time to listen… one by one…. You are building a community of people. Some will convert into ideal clients, others may be passive followers, a few may even rock your world to the core, in unexpected ways. Never underestimate the power that one relationship or exchange can have.
Life unfolds in mysterious ways, and you never know where it can lead. What we do know is that being real with yourself, being real with others… that creates an honest foundation that can unlock all the possibilities!
4. Lean into + love on your circle of support. Surround yourself with care.
Being an entrepreneur can be lonely even with co-working, employees, clients, family and all the folks you interact with. At the end of the day, you wear so many hats. Some days are harder than others. Some seasons are harder than others.
We each are blessed with special people in our lives that are not only there for the ups, but for the downs. They are the ones that see and hear you, fully. They are the ones that lovingly call you out at the right time.
Cherish and celebrate these loved ones, number one fans (thanks, mom), girlfriends and other trusted people. Feel the depths of gratitude you feel for them. Journal about it. Say it out loud. Tell them and show them. Set aside time to nourish these relationships.
Consider ways to expand this circle of support during key moments, like rebranding, big vacations, maternity leave. Maybe there is a key period of time where you’d like to bring on a virtual assistant, business coach, graphic designer, photographer, copywriter or web designer.
Not only will you free up time to stay in your genius zone, but you might find a new layer of go-to people for your circle of support. When you choose a pro you resonate with, you increase the chances that you may spark a relationship that goes deeper than the work.
Refresh your business with clarity + flow!
I empower + inspire heart-led entrepreneurs to grow their business with purpose through supportive collaboration, authentic brand photography + powerful messaging. Let this be the season of MORE LOVE for your business, yourself + your life.