This step is especially for photographers running a business or for those who are about to take the jump into entrepreneurship. One key factor to make sure your business will grow and generate income is to set specific goals. If you don´t have a plan, if you don´t know where you are going, you might end up on the wrong track – or even worse with a business that gives you more headache than happiness.
Making a business plan does not have to be complicated – it can even be fun. Take a day of and devote your time purely to developing your future business. Make it cosy at home with candles, flowers and some great music, or bring your laptop/notebook to your favorite cafe. Or splurge and book yourself into a nice hotel or cabin all by yourself to get the quietness you need to think big.
Here´s what to consider when you set your business goals:
Service
Goals related to improving customer service satisfaction and customer experience. Costumers are not only looking for value for money products, they are looking for that special unique experience. How can you make sure they get that?
Don´t try to please everyone, but figure out who your perfect customer is – who is the right client for you to work with? And don´t try to do it all – today´s trend in business is about doing less, but do it GREAT.
Social
Goals that focus on communication and contact with other people, including other photographers, potential business contacts, network meetings, social media and giving back to the community. Remember to run a successful business social comes before doing business.
Good social connections will give you more jobs in the end, than paid adds and a strong portfolio. To build great connections you must give, help and support your network, more than you ask for help and support.
Profit
Goals set to increase profits. Without income, without cash-flow, you have no business – it´s as simple as that! You need to step it up and demand what you are worth. Make a plan to raise your fees twice a year.
Another way to make more money is also to cut your expenses….do you really need that new logo? Do you really need that new lens? Can you work the next six month without investing in new gear?
In stead of throwing money after stuff you think you might need to become better or more professional, spend your energy on becoming even greater at your craft. That will raise your profit more in the end. Think about how you can improve your skills, your creativity and your style.
Growth
Goals related to the expansion of your business – your vision for the future. Exactly what direction do you want to take with your business? If anything was possible – anything at all, what would you love your business to look like in one year? Two years? Five years? Ten years?
Dream big and keep that vision in the back of your mind on a daily basis – never loose site of your longterm goal. Understand what the long-term goal means for you on a daily basis and make sure you move forward every day.
Make your goals S.M.A.R.T:
- Specific. In order to succeed your goals needs to be highly detailed.
- Measurable. How will you know when you´ve reached your goal? What will be your proof?
- Action-oriented. Lay out which actions need to be taken and when. Remember without action and deadlines – no results!
- Realistic. Make goals challenging, but consider your resources so that you can actually achieve them reasonably.
- Time specific. Set a deadline to keep things on track.
Enjoy it and let me know how it goes 
Much Love,
Christina
PS. If you need more help to run your portrait business with success and turn your passion into profit, my course Create, Grow and Go Pro might be the right fit for you. It´s now possible to pay in three monthly payments. You get instant access to all lessons right after registration.
Christina Greve
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great article, going to do my business plan over the next few days based on your advice. Happy New Year