Small Business Strategies: Making the Most of What You Have in Your Small Business

Photography Business Institute

AS SEEN IN

Photography Business Institute
Photography Business Institute

A few months ago I asked you if you could have just one thing to move your business forward, what would it be? What small business strategies do you see working to help move you forward in your business?  And I challenged you to come up with a plan on how to get there because it's not going to fall into your lap. I haven't seen any fairy godmothers in my lifetime yet!

As a twist on that, however, I have noticed that when we recognize the limits on our resources, we get more creative in pushing those limits. You've probably seen it in that you may work best and accomplish more when you are on a tight deadline. The most successful small business owners don't like to be confined. They don't like to be told no. They don't spend time worrying about what they don't have. Instead they look at what they do have and make the most of it.

When money is no object (which most of us don't even know what that feels like) we are often paralyzed and can't make decisions. Yet when we're given a specific budget or limitations, we find it much easier to get inspired. It's a challenge to get more for our money, make the most of our time, reach the most people with our message, etc.

When I worked as a marketing director at an ad agency the most challenging clients to work for were those who didn't give me a budget. The client who told me he had $10,000 to spend was far easier, despite the big goals and small budget than the client who said, just let me know what it will take to accomplish my goal.

I challenge you to focus on what you do have and not what you don't have. How can you make the most of your resources to grow your small business? This week I know I have limited time. Yet I'm going to bear down and get as many things off my to do list as I possibly can! Share your story here on how you're making what you have, not what you don't have, your focus.

How to Avoid Copying Competitors in Photography

As a photographer, you’ve probably felt the crunch of competitors everywhere you turn. You may have even heard comments like “Photographers are a dime a dozen, so I don’t spend money there.” or “My sister-in-law has a nice camera and takes our family’s pictures.”...

Smart Investments for Photographers: End-of-Year Guide

As we get ready to watch the ball drop on Times Square and count down the seconds to the new year, it’s time to start wrapping up our business expenses for the year. One great thing about running your boutique portrait photography business is that you can write off...

Building Your Photography Business with Promotional Partners

Photography is all about building connections with the clients you serve. This makes it an amazing career opportunity for people who want meaningful interactions, serve their clients well, and do something they love—all while earning income. One thing photographers...