10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business

However, I have managed to limit this just to ten things I have learnt in a little over one year in business.

1. Your biggest supporters will be strangers on the internet.
   Sometimes your closest friends and family will just not understand. Perhaps they won't understand what exactly it is that you do, perhaps they won't think its a sustainable business idea or perhaps they just don't understand anything other than working for someone else. I cannot stress - that this is all OK! They don't love you any less and are still doing their best to support you in their own way. This all just comes down to education of what it means to run a business and allowing them TIME to watch it unfold. A lot of people portray negative emotions towards startups, predominately out of fear of failure for themselves. Maybe they really wanted to run a business, but didn't have the confidence. It's often more about them than it is you.
   
   So, those people on the internet huh? Whack. They already will get it. They have either gone through, or are going through, what you have as a business owner. One of my best friends is someone who was just a supporter on the internet, turned customer. In a wild turn of events, we even now live together. I promise that isn't as serial killer-y as it sounds. These people are also the ones that'll give you that kick up the ass when you need it.
   
   
2. Patience is a must (something I did not, and still do not have).
   The best marketing strategies utilise the building of suspense. It's all about timing.
   When to launch, when to post, how to space out everything. I sincerely mean it when I say I suck at this. I'm teaching myself to be more routine with changes, posts, announcements & scheduling overall. That being said, I am still a believer that consistency is the key for growth more than perfection of timing.
   
   
3. You cannot do everything entirely on your own.
   Believe me when I say - you will want to do it all by yourself. It's your baby. You will want complete control. However, the rude truth is you're not good at everything. So sorry if I've ruined your day. Me for example, I'm not good at IT, so I bought on a friend to help quote & setup my IT. This would have taken me months to research, whereas he knew my needs within a week. You do the math, I'm better off using that time to actually complete photoshoots and keep an income coming into the bank.
   
   
4. Community over competition.
   This ties in with the above. However, it's worth having as its own point. We all have something to offer. We all have a point of difference. We can all learn and grow from each other. There is no need to rip each other apart, gossip behind backs or think that a "competitor" is doing it all "wrong". I personally have many photographers that I recommend. It could be because I'm not available, it could be for the client's best interest or it could be for the photographer's own growth & experience. I don't gatekeep my journey as a business owner. We all started somewhere at the end of the day.
   
   
5. Value yourself. 
   You will think you're not good enough. At least once a day this awful thought pops into my head. However, I am learning and I have LEARNT. People are booking you for a reason though, so don't doubt it. I often catch myself thinking woweeee I am really winging this. Giveaways and freebies are great for portfolio, getting your name out, however, at some stage you need to realise you are worth more than that!
   
   A VERY important note: remember to value your future self too. Get the right insurances, seek professional advice and put hard work into your policies & procedures. It is always about that 1% that can make your life a living hell.
   
   
6. Reframe. Reframe. Reframe. 
   "Oh, how's your side hustle going?", "That's just a hobby right?", "How's the small business?"
   I am guilty of calling this a small business, however the business is whatever size you make it. If you want it franchise, a multiple location business, somewhere that hires a large amount of staff - you can.  I say reframe because you may often want to call yourself a beginner, a small business, an amateur. I think this is okay in certain circumstances. However, I am also a believer in you are what you say you are. From early onwards, I just called myself a photographer (as much as it scared me!).
   
   
7. Financial Impacts. 
   Being self-employed absolutely has it perks, however, when you're starting out there may be a few cons as you establish yourself and the business. Financially it may limit your borrowing power or your ability to secure a rental. Therefore, it's best to be prepared financially as best as one can be prior to taking the plunge into business ownership.
   
   
8. The Ever-Moving Goal Posts
   What once felt like a dream come true, will feel like not enough within a matter of months. This is the oddest downside about success. I used to be stoked that literally anyone wanted to book a photoshoot with me, and now I feel inadequate if I don't have multiple bookings in one week. The quality of my work has vastly improved but this business is sometimes a reminder to strive for progres, not perfection, at times.
   
   
9. Prepare to wear 100 different hats. 
   Although I said you don't need to do everything on your own - that still doesn't mean that you won't have to do a lot. In addition to being a photographer, this also means I am the scheduler, the accountant, the marketing team, the editing team. I am still learning to balance all these roles. For me a to-do list and calendar scheduling works.
   
   
10. The value of saying no.  
    You will think you need to say yes to absolutely everything that comes your way. I learnt the hard way, you don't! If something does not bring you joy, makes you genuinely uncomfortable*, or just doesn't align with your personal values. You can say no. If anything I've oddly gained more respect for being the photographer that says no and provides recommendations instead.
    
    *This isn't to be confused with getting out of your comfort zone. Growth still occurs out of this zone.

Well there you have it, the ten biggest things I wish I knew when I started a business. Did any of them take you by surprise?

I'm always down for a chat all things business ownership, so if you want to know anything in particular - feel free to reach out!

Love,
M x