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In this post, we’re delving into a crucial topic that can transform the way you approach your photography business. Here’s the thing. You are not just a photographer, you are a business owner too! And as a business owner, there is another level of responsibility, opportunity, and confidence that comes with it! If you aren’t showing up as a photographer AND a business owner for your clients, then you are missing out! But no need to worry, we are going to break down everything you need to know how to show up like a business owner, not just a photographer, for your clients! 

How to Show up Like a Business Owner, not Just a Photographer

The Mindset Shift

Before we dive into some actionable steps for showing up as a business owner, not just a photographer, let’s break down the foundational piece that can make or break your success –drum roll please – your mindset. Your mindset is everything! Making the transition from a photographer to a business owner requires a mindset shift. Embrace the fact that you are not just someone with a camera; you are an entrepreneur. You are a goal-setter, an idea-creator, and a powerful force in your expertise. 

As a senior photographer, you are not only responsible for capturing beautiful images but also for running a successful business. And let me tell you, you have what it takes to run a successful business! If you didn’t you wouldn’t be here, listening to this podcast, ready to grow your own business. First things first, we need to embrace the mindset of a business owner who values their craft and understands the importance of effective business practices. Get yourself into the right mindset. Knock out that voice of doubt that is creeping in and telling you that you aren’t good enough. Look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are a business owner and you are capable of doing this. 

 Step 1: Creating A Clear Business Plan

Now that we have the right mindset, it’s time to take that first step and develop a clear business plan. Now if you are new to the business game, this is a huge step for you. If you’ve been running your business for a while now, but don’t feel like you have a clear plan, now is the time to take a step back and really outline what you are doing! And if you are a veteran business owner listening in to this episode, I would encourage you to take this as a chance to reflect on your business plan and see if it’s time to evolve or change anything! 

A business plan is like a roadmap that guides you toward your goals and helps you stay focused. Start by defining your business’s mission and vision. What do you want to achieve with your photography business, and what sets you apart from others in the industry? Understanding your unique selling proposition will help you target the right audience and attract ideal clients. 

Outline Your Goals

Next, outline your business goals and objectives. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). SMART goals are my favorite way to set up clear, and achievable goals for myself and my business. Whether it’s increasing your client base, expanding into new markets, or improving your skills, having clear goals will keep you motivated and on track. A crucial part of being a business owner is setting goals. Goals give you direction and something to work towards.

Break down your long-term business goals into smaller, actionable steps. Create a timeline for achieving these milestones, and regularly review and adjust your plans as needed. This will help you stay focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Remember, being a business owner means being proactive.  Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and create them! Network with fellow photographers, collaborate with local businesses, and explore marketing opportunities to expand your reach!

Step 2: Branding And Marketing

To be seen as a business owner, you must establish a strong brand identity and implement effective marketing strategies. I want to give you a solid overview of why these elements are oh-so-important for showing up as a business owner. Your brand is the visual representation of your business and what it stands for. That is a big deal! Your brand is everything. Don’t skimp out on your branding materials. If you are going to invest in anything for your business upfront, I would highly recommend investing in your branding. 

Ensure that your brand message is consistent across all platforms – from your website to your social media profiles. It’s important to use professional logos, color schemes, and fonts that resonate with your target audience. Get creative with your branding and make sure it is a reflection of YOU! 

Now, let’s talk about marketing. Consider your ideal clients and where they spend their time. For us senior photographers, our ideal clients are teenagers…and their parents. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are powerful tools for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. Consider even creating a presence on TikTok to connect with more seniors! Advertise in yearbooks, school programs, or community events. Connect with local businesses and cross-promote one another. Create a referral program for seniors to share with their friends! Develop a content strategy that reflects your brand and engages your audience. Find what works best for you and don’t be afraid to test out different approaches. 

Step 3: Business Systems And Processes

As your business grows, it becomes essential to streamline operations with efficient systems and processes. But how can you set up these systems to best benefit you and your business?

Start by organizing your workflow. Create a standardized process for client inquiries, bookings, and post-production. Invest in tools and software that can help automate repetitive tasks and save you time! Additionally, implement client management systems to keep track of appointments, invoices, and contracts. 

It took me a long time to get on board and add a client management system. I was stubborn and thought I had it under control with my checklists and copy-and-paste emails. And while that did work somewhat, it was not as efficient as it could have been. I needed to automate so I could save time and use that time on other things, things that move my business forward, things that make me the CEO of my business and not the employee of my business. 

My Recommendations 

If I am honest, I thought automation would mean no control and no personal touch. I was wrong! There is a way to set up an automation that saves you time but still can give your clients that personal touch. Now there are tons of different client management systems out there and they all have pros and cons. I don’t believe there is one that is perfect but I do believe there is one that is perfect for you. I have used Honeybook and I currently use Sprout Studio. They are both great, but for my workflow sprout studio works better. It allows me to automate the booking process, send informational emails to inquiries and booked clients, and keeps track of my inquiries and booked clients. Instead of copying and pasting emails like I used to do, I have an automated workflow set up within sprout studio that sends the emails for me, saving me time while still giving my clients amazing information and customer service. 

My suggestion is to write down your workflow from inquiry to booking to shoot and every step in between. Once you see all these steps written out, then look for a system that will allow you to automate these steps. This not only enhances professionalism but also ensures that you provide a smooth and reliable experience for your clients! 

Step 4: Balancing Creativity And Business Awareness

Our journey into becoming business-savvy photographers is important, but it’s also essential to maintain our creative spark. How do you balance creativity and business awareness? Remember that your passion for photography is what drives your business. Cultivate your creativity by experimenting with different styles and techniques. Attend workshops, collaborate with other artists, and seek inspiration from various sources….aka the Seniorologie Podcast! 

At the same time, continue honing your business skills.

Stay updated on industry trends, attend business-related workshops or webinars, and network with other professionals. If you aren’t on my email list already, head over to seniorologie.com and sign up! I sent out a weekly email every Sunday with business tips, tricks, insights, and more! This is a great piece to help you stay up-to-date with trends and generate fresh ideas for your business. The more you educate yourself on business strategies, the better you can navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way!

How to Show up Like a Business Owner, not Just a Photographer

I hope you’ve gained valuable insights on embracing the entrepreneur within you and taking your senior photography business to new heights. Remember, your success lies not only in your photography skills but also in your ability to run a thriving business. Embrace your role as an entrepreneur, create a solid business plan, set achievable goals, and implement effective branding and marketing strategies. Don’t forget to set up efficient systems and processes while nurturing your creativity! Make sure you have your mission and vision clearly outlined, and make sure your goals are set up SMART! If you have questions or need some help, you can DM me on Instagram or email me at info@seniorologie.com!  I would love to chat with you!