Being self-employed has its ups and downs, but one thing I know after almost 30 years of self-employment life is the importance of a work routine, balance, boundaries, and when to say no more to the work day.
A routine can help you stay focused, motivated, and productive, which is crucial when working for yourself. For us photographers, having a routine can help us build good habits and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It can also help you avoid burnout and increase your overall satisfaction and success as a self-employed professional.
The need for a work-life balance cannot be overemphasized. Here are some tips that I found helpful.
14 Tips to help you succeed.
Begin your week with a weekly plan. For me, this is a quick glance at my weekly schedule. It helps me think about what I need to do. I don't overthink it. I just put tasks on days and let it be. I tend to be one of those people that solves problems while I sleep, so I just put the data in and let it stir. Then when I sit down to address it, I have a clearer vision to aid in finding solutions.
Set goals: Define what success means to you and set achievable goals that help you work towards it. Set short-term, mid-range, and long-term goals. See your path.
Start your day: off with something that grounds you. For me, that is a good cup of coffee and a good book. I like to read the encouraging words found in the scriptures. They give me meaning and remind me of what is important. Feeding the mind and heart first makes it easier to keep up with the drains of secular needs.
Have a dedicated space. You can shut the door and go home. It is harder to separate work and life when you use an extension of another space in your home.
Stay organized: Keep track of your schedule, deadlines, and finances to stay on top of your business. Lets me be honest at the end of the day, we all need to eat.
Stay Focused: Learn not to be distracted while at "work." Set those boundaries with family and friends. Take breaks if that helps you stay on task.
Practice your craft: Dedicate time to honing your skills through classes, workshops, conferences, or experimenting with new techniques. Schedule this time in your work week.
Keep learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest photography techniques, equipment, and business practices to stay competitive in the industry. Well, close to the latest; maybe don't chase being on top of gear and techniques. It never ends. Just be smart and focus on what you need to learn to grow.
Build a strong network: Networking is important in any business, but especially in the photography industry. Attend events, join online communities, and reach out to potential collaborators and clients. But be careful. These can also take your time away. Balance is needed here, and taking a social media break is ok when needed.
Social media posting: Use a scheduling app to help plan your posts using your marketing strategy. I use Planoly. This helps me use my time wisely.
Invest in the right equipment: Invest in equipment that meets your and your clients' needs and allows you to produce high-quality work.
Communicate effectively: Good communication skills are essential for building and maintaining relationships with clients and collaborators.
Develop a strong work ethic: Successful photographers are often self-starters who are driven to succeed. Develop a strong work ethic and stick to a routine to ensure you make the most of your time.
Deliver on your promises: Deliver high-quality work on time and within budget to build a strong reputation and earn repeat business from clients.
Overall, creating and following a work routine is important for anyone self-employed. It can help you stay focused, motivated, and productive while also allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, success in the photography industry requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow continuously.
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Project - My thoughts and Ramblings
A 52-week Introspective Writing Project - March 2023
Week 11: Routines (in Business)
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