Hello, 2023 people; welcome. I look forward to getting to know you. Let’s make a deal; to make this year, be a year of looking forward, working hard, and manifesting all of those Big Dreams.
I am going to make a statement.
What you do in the first few days of the New Year, sets the tone for the following days?
It at least frames your intentions.
With that belief in mind, I set up a puppy photoshoot for the first day of 2023. Because I wanted to start the year off on a positive footing, accomplishing something, starting out with a smile, and a project to help move me towards the ultimate goal.
That’s great, but now what?
Let’s give some thought to what we all can do to set ourselves up for success in 2023
This blog post isn’t going to pretend it knows all the answers to a successful business year. It will also not regurgitate marketing tips and guru business solutions in a cookie-cutter fashion.
We are all individuals and must work in ways that work for us.
Instead, I would like to have a real sit down for a coffee heart-to-heart about what you ( and I) plan to do to make 2023 a year we can look back on with pride.
So promise to meet me back here next year. To compare notes on our successes and not-so-successes. To help each other reach our -next-level – goals.
Let’s get started.
Resolutions vs. Goals?
How do you feel about resolutions? Hopefully, they work for you. They have never worked past February for me. I have more success with goal setting, and because this is MY BLOG, we will start there.
Let’s start with this question: What is your dream for your Portrait Photography Business? (put in title/type of your business)
What is the big picture? The ultimate ask? The best-case scenario?
Could you take a moment and think about it?
Once you have given it a little time, grab a piece of paper and start scribbling down everything you want.
Now, go with your stream of consciousness – do not edit your thoughts!
All done?
Then step back and look at the big picture. Does it make you a little uncomfortable? If it does, GOOD!!!
Discomfort can bring growth and significant breakthroughs. Admitting how much we want something makes us vulnerable. It makes us fear failure, a real possibility
I will go first with this vulnerability thing.
My big picture is working as a full-time pet and portrait photographer rather than treating my photography as a side hustle. To do that, I need to make an income that will support me and my business.
Getting to this may look different for you than it does for me.
I wonder if it would be an easy journey for anyone.
For example, my community here on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has a lot of very talented photographers.
So competition is a challenge to my success. I need to make my name the first to come to mind when someone wants a photographer in Gibsons or Sechelt. And that is where we start.
Break it into bite-size chunks
Now that you have the big picture, start breaking it into bite-size chunks. Start with the smallest, easiest need-to-do’s first.
Here is an idea. Make a list of at least 4 things (most accessible to hardest), one for each quarter of the year.
Let’s say they are:
1. January, February, and March
Get Visible in your Community.
The big catchphrase is to Create Brand Awareness. Honestly, that matters a whole lot less than just creating awareness, period! So get out there, join community pages on social media, and contribute to the conversation in your community.
Does the local pet shelter need some photos to help find homes for their charges? If yes, I go volunteer.
Is there a local magazine that needs content? Can I offer my help?
What about another new business, A new business to collaborate with and help each other out?
Get out there physically! Find out what is going on.
If there is a community event, show up with your camera and share your images on the community pages and with your local newspaper.
2. April, May, and June
Start a Blog and share who you are. A blog is a great way to tell your story. Let potential clients know what you are all about. If people begin to feel they know you, they will be more inclined to give you a call when they need a photographer.
I have spent many years in sales, and one true thing that I learned was that people need to buy into you, or they will never purchase your product or service.
3. July, August, and September
Invest in advertising. Use the advertising tools on Facebook; they are inexpensive and easy to customize. Then connect with your local social media guru. There is always someone who runs the popular local social media page(s). Can you hire them to promote your business?
4. October, November, and December
Run specials, and sell gift certificates for mini-sessions. Are you available to shoot Christmas parties? Does your mall have a photographer for their Santa Shoot?
Emailing local businesses and groups to let them know you are available is a good idea. The worst that will happen is a no thank you, maybe next year.
With all that said, be prepared for some rejection. It will happen; expect it, roll with it and move on.
Be flexible – be the path of least resistance-accept what the universe sends you. You are learning important lessons here, don’t forget that.
My last few suggestions to keep you and me on track are:
– Make yourself accountable.
– Set deadlines.
– Track your progress.
Conclusion
The point of this blog can be summed up as follows. Set your intention for the year, and make every plan actionable towards your goal.
If you don’t start, if you don’t, put yourself out there, believe in those big dreams, and take the risk of failing. NEVER! It will never happen…
I have an ask.
Before you go, I was hoping you could do one thing for me. Pick one of the following and share it with just one person.
Instagram: @harleyramona
Facebook: Images-by-Ramona
Website: Ramona Hartley Photography
Remember to meet right here next year so we can compare notes.
Happy New Year, may your eyes be filled with hope and your hearts be full throughout 2023
RAMONA HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY 