Procrastinating Today Is Bad For Tomorrow

As we head into March, spring is on our doorstep, and changing seasons means we will take on new energy. If you feel like you haven't accomplished much these last two months, it may be because you have allowed procrastination to take over. 

Instead of waking up energized and ready to tackle the day, you let things like updating your website, writing a blog, posting on social media, and working on a marketing campaign get pushed to TOMORROW. The problem is the things you say you will do tomorrow don't get done, and before you know it, two months of the year have passed with minimal achievement.

Fortunately, there is still time to recover and overcome your procrastination. You know how to focus your camera - now it's time to focus on your business and goals for the rest of the year.

Let's get started!

•  You can still make the most of this year! We have experienced a lot of change in the last three years with the pandemic, and people are ready to move on with their lives. The pandemic has given us a renewed sense of family and relationships, and people desire to update their social media profile photos. Businesses need marketing help, making it a perfect time to look for partnerships with other community vendors targeting your exact market.
• Is your website confusing your audience? When I start working with a photographer, the first thing I do is look at their website. I am amazed that so many are sharing pages with no connection to each other. For example, many are trying to market to seniors, yet their website has a gallery showing maternity and newborn images. These are two different markets, and having them on one website confuses potential clients. You've got to take the time to think through who your ideal client avatar is and see the world through their eyes.
• Do you have the marketing and business skills that you need? You spent years acquiring your photography skills, but have you spent just as much time learning how to market and sell your photography? Most photographers have not. Marketing your photography and learning the business of photography is critical to your success. If you need help in these areas, contact me or someone with these skills and spend time learning how to implement them into your business.
• Are you regularly posting to social media? What social media platforms do your ideal clients spend the most time on? Facebook and Instagram are the leading platforms, so make sure you are visible and posting photographs consistently. What do your clients want to read and see when they come to your business page? Show your latest projects, behind-the-scenes footage, helpful camera tips, etc. People love to learn how to take better photographs, so share your knowledge with them.
• Spend time getting to know other businesses in your community and see where you can collaborate. See if they will let you display your images in their spaces. Many need help showcasing their products to put on their social media pages. Headshots are more critical than ever, which may be a new market for you to pursue this year. The key is to get out in the community and market yourself.

This blog post covers only some of what you need to build a solid foundation for the rest of the year. The key is to maximize the time you spend in your business so you can continue to maintain momentum each month. Procrastination is a silent business killer that can impede your progress.

You can have a gym membership, but you will only see a difference if you exercise. The same is true for your photography business. You've got to take the time to focus on your business and build the habits that will allow you to move the needle and enjoy the success that you desire.

Want to read more on how to build momentum in your business? Here is another article called The 18 Tried and True Tactics for Building Momentum.  

If you need help getting unstuck, email me, and I will schedule a Zoom session with you. My email is doug@dougmattice.com.

Get out there this week and build your business!