Camera Pro

If you're thinking about starting a photography business, you need to get a clear picture before taking your first shot. So many people forget to follow these simple steps and wonder why they fail and don't reach their goals. It all starts with goal setting and some simple Action Steps.

I've listed 6 simple steps that have worked for me and my businesses and should work for you as well.

Step#1 - Write In A Notebook

Take an hour and write down what you want to achieve in the next 12 months for your photography business. What are your goals? Don't just write down to make lots of money. Be specific and know the reason "Why?"   What will it do for you and your family? How will it make your life better? You need a clear picture as to why you are going to work hard towards these "Goals".

Step #2 - Create A Plan

Now that you know what you want and why, create a detailed plan. If you want something in life, you need a plan to follow and there's always a plan. Once you have a plan and break it down, you can see what it is that you need to do and create smaller action steps to follow. This will simplify things and help make each step smaller and easier to obtain.

An example might be to learn the camera, lighting and composition in the first 90 days. That's all you concentrate on for that block of time. You'll be amazed how much you'll learn without the distractions of every other part of starting your photography business.

Tip: Make sure to include the date on the top of everything you write, so you can come back and see how far you've come.

Step#3 - Work In Smaller Blocks Of Time

It's always easier to set smaller chunks of time to work in. I like to work in 30, 60 and 90 day chunks because it gives you a deadline to finish those tasks.  If you write them down, you will be accountable to complete them. It also allows you to reevaluate what's working and what's not.  Now you can concentrate on what has worked. It's pretty simple

Step #4 - Make A Commitment

This is a big mistake that a lot of us make and that's to be consistent. We often wonder why we didn't reach our goals, but it's usually because we didn't stick to our plan...if we even had one. You need to make a commitment to yourself and stick to the plan. Learn from everything you do...Good or Bad.

Step #5 - Write Daily

Make a commitment each day to take 5 minutes and write in a journal. List everything  you did to work towards your goals. This can be a big game changer for you. This will keep you focused on the plan and also remind you why you're doing this. If you write about it, it becomes real in our minds and the vision is crystal clear. This is very powerful.

Step #6 - Surround Yourself With Like Minded (Positive) People

It's so important to surround yourself with a support system. This goes for anything in life. If you find people that are interested in the same things you are, you will stay focused and be supported in your plan. They don't have to be doing exactly what you're doing, but you want a positive support group that can help you...not hurt you.

When you hit a bump in the road, you need help getting back on track...not someone telling you "I Told You So". Be mindful of who you let in your support group.

Tip: Model people that are where you want to be or better yet...even Bigger! Usually people aren't successful by accident, they create a plan and stick to it. Follow what they do and you will be successful too!

Remember, you may not reach all your goals the first time, but you'll learn in the process and be that much closer to reaching them.

Now...it's up to you to Take Action!