Wednesday, November 5, 2008

How to Start a Photography Business

It's true that the figures for small business survival are not pretty. Over 90% of all small business keels over in the first 12 months. Most of them didn't plan and had no advice. Those who succeed usually do a bit of research before they jump in.
Once you have done your research, written your business and marketing plans how are you going to manage your time. Your time is best spent liaising with your customers, providing quality photos, promoting the business and remaining organized. The rest you can get help with.
Managing your Time
Becoming your own boss can have some drawbacks and one can be time management. If you've worked for someone who was a good time manager, you're a couple of steps ahead of many others. It's your business therefore it's now your responsibilty to control your time and schedule things by priority.
Use a PDA, diary, or Outlook Express to plan and track your business time. If you don't, you may find yourself late for appointments and meetings. Being late is totally unprofessional.
It is easy to fall into the trap of putting things off. You must be steadfast and focused especially in the beginning. In comparison with working for an emplyer, you probably find that you'll nedd to be more disciplined with your time and distractions. No longer have you that backstop of wages coming in. You need to make a living.
Personal Time Out
As you start your new business you may find personal time out is almost impossible. So many things to do and just never enough time in a day. But, be careful not to burn out - starting your own business can be stressful. There is so much to do and now you are on your own, it is all up to you.
Virtual assistance can help these days with many chores and tasks while you focus on the more sensitive parts of the business. Virtual assistants are subcontractors and work on a project basis (longer if you want). Maybe you need help with your website - then there are places on the Internet where you can hire reputable people at a reasonable rate to do all sorts of jobs.
Whatever you are doing it is important to remember there is only so much you can do for yourself. Remember, that if menial tasks are going to affect your schedule, hire someone to help even if on a temporary basis. Don't be afraid to ask for help and anything you spend in this way is tax deductable

No comments: