I live in Northern Virginia and just learned that businesses in my area will not be reopening until May 28 (if we are lucky). Even though this is looked at as “bad news”, it may be a blessing in disguise.

The one thing that is good about all of this is we have been given the gift of time. The pandemic has forced all of us to slow down and relook at where we are spiritually, mentally, and physically in our life and in our business. Most businesses have taken a hard hit, but there are ways to make the most of this downtime.

Here are 12 critical things you can focus on while you wait to reopen:

1. As photographers, we have “collected” a lot of lighting equipment, tripods, props, backgrounds and camera bodies. This is the perfect time to look at what you have and determine what needs to be cleaned, painted, upgraded, repaired, or tossed out.
2. Look at your memory cards and camera batteries. How old are they? Should some of them be replaced?
3. Take a walk around your studio and look at the spaces you share with clients: dressing room/bathroom, camera room, and sales and presentation areas. What ways can these areas be improved so they look nicer? Do these areas truly reflect your brand and professional image? Cleanliness is going to be critical in the eyes of your clients once we reopen, so make sure your are ready.
4. Reevaluate your procedures, policies and overall workflow. Do you have an up to date client welcome packet? Client contract? Invoices? Have you looked at the emails you send out to clients to ensure the information is correct?
5. How are your telephone skills? Take time to role play with your staff or another photographer so you become comfortable handling prospects stalls and objections.
6. Update your price list! Now is a perfect time to reevaluate your products and increase your prices. Don’t be afraid to do this! You deserve to be paid well for your talent!
7. Refresh your display prints and albums. Still displaying wall portraits you took 5 or 10 years ago? Sure they look nice, but do they showcase your current photography skills? Print labs are offering great incentives right now, so take advantage of their offers and give your studio walls a refresh!
8. Update your frame corners to ensure what you have on display is still available. Check with your framing company to ensure you are in sync with their current offerings. Throw away corners that are no longer available.
9. Brainstorm ideas for future marketing campaigns. How can you incorporate Instagram and Facebook more into your marketing plan? Plan now for environmental Fall portraits and the holiday season. These opportunities will be here before you know it.
10. Improve your skills. This is a great time to hone your skills in Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One, Painter and Topaz. Thought about doing more video? Take time now to run some test footage. There are tons of online courses available today for a very reasonable rate. Read business books on selling and marketing. We know 80% of what we do revolves around business activities and the other 20% is photography. Build your business acumen!
11. Network with your peers and vendors to offer support and inspiration. Share ideas and techniques with other photographers so you continue to keep your skills sharp. Reach out and help another photographer who is just starting out. Share your knowledge so they can improve their photography and business skills.
12. Continue to reach out to your target audience so you stay top of mind and tip of tongue when this pandemic finally passes. Marketing and advertising is the lifeblood of your business - make sure it stays active even during this slow time.

If you implement these 12 things, you will be quite busy over the coming weeks and when the time comes to reopen, you will be sharp, professional and ready to go! 

Have you downloaded my Free Resources?  7 Simple Ways To Improve Your Marketing Message And Book More Clients, and The 16 Keys to Unlocking and Building a Lucrative Photography Business!Get these today and grow your business tomorrow!