My #1 tip for being a successful photographer

Any guesses as to what it is? It's not a type of camera. Has nothing to do with taking a photography class. Doesn't matter if you have 1 year of photography experience or 10 years.

Actually, this tip isn't just about being a photographer - it can apply to anyone who owns a business.

So what is it? It's all about organization.

I would be totally lost (and unsuccessful) if I didn't...

• Have a project management system
  The moment someone asks me about doing work for them, they get logged into my client management system. I never forget to respond, follow up, and get the work done in a timely manner. People easily see disorganization, which doesn't encourage them to want to work together.
• Use a calendar...for everything
  Everything is on my calendar. Shoots, meetings, consultations, to-do lists, gifts to purchase, when to write another blog post, doctors appointments, yoga classes, dinner plans, birthdays, social plans, etc. etc. etc. Without all of this, I'm certain I'd forget so much...which wouldn't make me a great business owner or friend.
• Respond to emails
  It's simple: respond to emails in a timely manner to inspire trust from your clients, colleagues, and people in your network. Is your business growing so rapidly that you feel like you can't? Then consider hiring a web-based assistant to manage email and get just the important stuff to you.
• Streamline payment/accounting systems
  I stopped taking cash or checks in 2017. I only accept online payments and I can't tell you how easy that makes my life. When my accountant wants to know my profits/losses, a couple clicks prepares a PDF for her. I hate tracking income and payments, so I'm sure to log it all digitally through systems that make it so, SO easy.

One of my most click-on blog posts of 2017 was about the 21 tools I use to run my business - read it if organization is on your to-do list for 2018. If you need even more help with organization, feel free to email me. :)

Happy Friday + Happy New Year!
Autumn