Top 5 things when starting a newborn home business
Are you thinking of starting a newborn home business? Maybe you have and are feeling overwhelmed? Rest assured we all felt like that at some point in our career. We still do come to think of it. Running your own business from home is a lot of work! Here are some things that will help you get started and steer you in the right direction.
1. Being Organized
Everyone needs some sort of organizational flow. This will help you keep on track with things, prepare you for your day and help you through the unexpected issues or dilemma's that arise. Use a calendar, keep track of your personal and business schedules separately. Make a mental checklist of what is needed for your sessions, props, what lens you will be using, lightsource,posing etc so that as you are setting up you can walk yourself through your session to keep yourself focused.
2. Work/Home Balance
Do I hear laughing? At times it is stressful and very frustrating, however remember that your family must come first. This may mean working into the wee hours of the night at times, but it is can be done. Again, being organized plays a HUGE part. If you are not organized, the domino effect will quickly turn your week upside down. Those of you who have children at school during the day, schedule your appointments, sessions and editing time around school hours. For those of you with little ones, early morning hours or after bedtime/naptime may be where you need to be focusing to get things done. Try not to get ahead of yourself with unrealistic daily goals. Aim for 1-2 things to be done. If you manage more...high five to you! That's awesome!
3. Create exceptional service
Okay so you've taken the plunge now what? You have some sessions under your belt, building your portfolio and earning some money. Great! But your business along with countless others in your area offer the same thing. So what are you going to do about it? Well, at the end of the day, anyone can be a photographer. It does however boil down to you. Your style, your originality, your professionalism and not the just service you offer but an experience. Create an experience that will be beautiful lasting memories for any new parent.
4. Know your products
Whether you offer one product or 10, selling your products to your clients needs to be an enjoyable one. Pushy sales stink let's face it. Guide your client and get to know them. Likes,needs and must have's! Know your products. research your vendors and test them out yourself! It's your job to do that. At the end of the day if you are not confidant with it don't offer it! You need to represent what works best for you and your business. Life is full of choices these days. Market yourself well and you will attract the niche that you are aiming for.
5. K.I.S.S Rule (keep it simple)
Try to avoid taking on too much. Be it sessions, learning curve,marketing,accounting,social media,website and blog etc etc...the list seems endless at times. As a new business owner you need to keep things simple. This goes back to being organized. During your sessions, aim for 3-4 different set ups. Anything more at times will only be overwhelming for your clients and extra work for you. New parents are stressed,exhausted and still on an emotional high that baby is "actually here" It's your job to make this experience smooth, positive and most importantly stress-free!