What NOT To Do In Business || Photography Edition
If there is one thing I know about business, it’s what NOT to do. I’ve made so many mistakes in my business so far, it’s a wonder I haven’t given up (I have tried several times, but when you have a desire so strong….well…..here we are!).
My advice for today is, don’t start out too big. Businesses that start out too big never seem to work out. Everyone will tell you what you need to buy, why you need to buy it now, and go into debt for your business to make it work. But a lot of successful photographers never went into debt for their businesses, they started out slowly. The most important thing for you to do is to get your work noticed.
Here are three things TO DO to help you get started:
1). Join a critique forum & practice, practice, practice.
Photo Credit: A Photo By Ashley
— Have others look at your work, and let them help you. I know it’s scary to put yourself out , because no one likes their work criticized. But learning what you are doing wrong can help you fix your images, and in turn you give a better result to your clients. Turn into that master-photographer that’s deep inside of you.
2). A Website
— We are starting out small, remember? There are hundreds of websites out there at various prices to fit your budget. I highly recommend 4ormat. Their websites are easy to build, and easy to navigate. You can have a great looking website up in as little as 2 hours. Take that time to build up your business, and save your money so you can later invest into the website of your dreams, and hire a designer to take your vision further.
3). Invest in Your Business
— If you are pursuing this full time, or even part time you deserve to get paid for your work, but for the first year take most, if not all, and invest that money into your business. Invest into better gear, editing software, back up hard drives, etc. If you are doing a lot of weddings, you will need to invest in back-up gear, and hard drives for sure. You only get one shot with weddings. Hopefully you have a day job to help cover the cost of everyday living while saving up for your dream job.
What are some things you wish you didn’t do when you first started up your business?
