This is going to be a very unique blog post this morning- this blog is for the small business owner struggling to get their company off the ground or the artist feeling overwhelmed with keeping up with the demands of being self employed . Whether you are an aspiring photographer, blogger, designer, baker, or wedding planner you can utilize this simple guide to help you stay focused and get things accomplished!  I get asked all the time how I turn around images so quickly, continuously blog, and have a life. Trust me, I haven’t always had it together (and still don’t!) Its been a learning process and over the past 4 years I have experimented with numerous types of workflows and finally have something that works for LMP. Keep in mind also what works for us here at LMP may not work for you- and thats okay! The most important thing to remember is you have to find works best for you and your business. Either way, working from home or on your own can be a challenge to stay focused, especially in an age of social media and the internet. I can spend all day reading different social medias and before I know it, the whole day is gone and my to do list has nothing checked off! So, I have put together a quick list of what helps me stay focused and get the most out of my day working from home.

1. Utilize a To-Do List

My absolute favorite thing to do every Monday morning is to sit down and create my to-do list for the week. This way I have something physically written down so I stay accountable and on track to getting everything accomplished for the week. Some people like to use online tools or apps for their to-do lists but I am very old school and use a planner. I feel much more accomplished when I can physically cross things off a list, rather than just deleting them. (Again, just a personal preference!) I currently use a Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda (Images below) for a few reasons: 1. My agenda is for 2014-2015, which is PERFECT for anyone in the wedding industry because we are constantly preparing for the next wedding season. 2. It has one large calendar at the beginning of each month and then breaks down each week with plenty of room to write daily tasks! 3. Its small enough to fit right in my purse and I can take it with me anywhere! Its definitely been one of my favorite investments so far this year. Another planner I have been eyeing recently has been the Day Designer: Day Planner & Personal Daily Agenda . Gorgeous & its designed to keep you as organized as possible!

*Getting Started* If your to-do list includes getting your business off the ground, here are some companies I highly recommend to get your business booming and keep your life simple!

1. Kabbage: Need help funding your newest business adventure? Check out Kabbage- they make it super easy & easy to get the funds you need to get your business growing right away!

2. Wave: I use Wave for all of my invoicing/ accounting needs! Its free, online software designed specifically for small business owners. Everything from invoicing, accounting, payroll, payments and much more.

3. Pixieset or PASS: If you are a photographer, I suggest integrating online galleries into your business model. Its the perfect way to get images to your clients instantly- eliminates the time spent on packages and clients are happier that they are receiving their images faster! I have used both Pixieset and PASS and they both are great companies!

4. WordPress: Blogging isn’t for everyone, in fact it wasn’t always for me. After years of constantly updating galleries on my website I had finally had enough and needed a quicker, easier way to get my newest work out there…. Enter Blogging. Even if you aren’t a photographer, keeping clients in the loop about what is going on in your business by blogging is an amazing way to keep clients engaged! The more they are engaged, the more business will come your way!

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2. Create an Organized Blogging Schedule- and stick to it!

Like I mentioned before blogging isn’t for everyone and if it isn’t for you, just skip to #3! For everyone else I recommend creating an organized blogging schedule- AND- sticking to it! This is one of the biggest changes I have made to my business over the past year, sticking to a strict Blogging Schedule. I attached a screen shot of my online calendar that includes my blogging schedule highlighted in teal. After attending the Bayside Workshop in August, I learned that consistency is key when it comes to blogging. So, I created a blogging system that my clients have grown to recognize and follow. Every Monday I post a “Weekend Recap” that includes sneak-peaks from Friday-Sunday with a little description of what I did over the weekend with my free time. This shows my clients more sneak peaks (which makes them extra happy) and gives them a glimpse into my personal life. Fridays are always for wedding posts from the weekend before- if I have a double header wedding weekend then Thursday & Fridays turn into my wedding post days. Tuesday-Thursday’s are for engagement, senior or maternity portrait sessions. A huge part of my business model is blogging every session. I love when I meet with couples for their shoot and they say how excited they are to get on “the Blog”. Blogging has become a very special experience for my clients and I love being able to share such special moments with everyone! Find what works best for your business and stick to it- even if you think no one is reading it, keep going! Remember, consistency is key and always post engaging information!

3. WORKflow

 

Create a workflow that keeps you on track + the most productive. After each wedding I follow 10 simple steps to help me stay focused in my every day workflow. The best thing about owning your own business is you can create a workflow that you enjoy. I keep my workflow very simple & easy to follow so I can get images back to my clients quickly and efficiently. Below I added an example of what my workflow looks like for each wedding- my workflow lasts anywhere from 5-10 days depending on how many weddings I am juggling at one time. Without having a solid workflow I personally felt overwhelmed and felt like throwing in the towel but now I stick to it and have so much more free time!

1. Load Images/ Back Up Images.
2. Import images into LR, cull images & delete rejects.
3. Post sneak peak on Facebook & Instagram.
4. Edit images in Lightroom & Export for online galleries & printing.
5. Convert to B&W + Export.
6. Back up exported images onto external hard drive.
7. Select images for Blog post/ Prep for Blog.
8. Post Blog.
9. Upload images to Pixieset/ Send to client.
10. Prep & Send out Packages.

4. UNPLUG: Turn off the Internet!

I know becoming unplugged sounds crazy but this is essential to being productive. Whenever I know I need to finish a wedding or get a blog post prepped in a short amount of time I instantly turn the wifi off. Why? Because then I won’t be tempted to check my emails, won’t get text messages sent to my laptop and I won’t check my social media accounts. Also, I leave my cell phone in another room- on “Do Not Disturb”. Doing this has been a complete game changer for my productivity- I stay focused and get so much more accomplished by eliminating all the daily distractions brought on by the internet and cell phones.

 

5. Take Breaks

Another essential that might sound silly but its really necessary is taking breaks. Whether I am editing, blogging, answering emails, or running errands I always make sure to take a break. Staring at a computer all day can really affect your eye sight and I always make sure to take breaks every 30 minutes to walk away from my computer and give my eyes a break. Even though it might see like I’m taking time away from my work, I always come back to my work feeling refreshed rather than just having a constant headache and sore eyes.

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There are many struggles in starting your own business and being a small business owner but the positives always outweigh everything. You are your own boss! You make the rules, so if these 5 tips don’t work for your business really sit down and find out what does. Just remember, work smarter- not harder! Happy Monday!