Wednesday, April 8, 2009

busy as a bee



Are you creating more busyness for yourself? I know that I feel like I never get anything done, because I have SO much to do! I have jumped into the new technology head first and I didn't even think to see how deep the water was :)
As I hit the ground last week, I had to take a step back and look at my priorities and really look at what is important for our business. I have spent so much time trying to "keep up" with the Jones's that I have wasted hours and hours of valuable time. Facebook is a wonderful time waster, isn't it? I know because I see each and every one of you on there! :) I'm guilty!

There is only so much "stuff" that you can cram into one day, so you need to look at what is important. What is it that you can do, during your work hours, that will benefit you the most? If Facebook is getting you all your business than by all means, spend your time there. If Twitter gets you a lot of your wedding referalls, then Tweet away. But if it's not, then you need to refocus!

I know it's hard. I mean, you're addicted. Well, It's time to detox!
Hi, I'm Jackie and I am computeraholic.

So, what the next step?

Step 1. Spend one day this week or next and don't turn on your computer. Don't use your iPhone to get online either you cheater! Spend this day writing down your own ideas to help develop your business.

Step 2 . Prioritize your list.
Put those items in order of importance and work on them one by one. Don't move on to the next item until you have finished the one above it. (I know you multitaskers are going crazy already)

Step 3. Outsource things you don't need to do.
This is a hard one. It's hard to give up control. But do you really need to design every album from scratch? For me, it's giving up the simple things, like ordering images and letting someone else here do that. If you work alone, maybe buying templates for cards and albums or having a friend help you once a week. This will free you up some time

Step 4. No more comparing yourself to the "it" photographer of the week!
I know some photographers that just want to be like everyone else. They never develop a style because they are always trying to be like the next guy. If you can't define yourself...neither can your clients.

Step 5. Spend some time with people...
We spend so much time in cyberspace, that we lose time in real life with people you can reach out and touch. Value your family and friends...spend time with them

Step 6. I'm rambling now and can't thing of any more steps.
But you get the picture. Let's free up some time...however it may be...

What is important? That needs to be #1 on your list.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Jason Aten - SNAP

We had another SNAP on Monday with Jason Aten! I was hoping for a day with no rain so that we would be able to photograph his engagement session with no problems. WEll, we didn't have any rain...we had 6 inches of snow! We decided not to cancel it and take the opportunity to shoot in the snow. It was gorgeous...a little cold and a little wet but overall the shoot went well.

We had a great group of photographers and a lot of new faces! We learned so much and had some great conversations about business. Thank you Jason for hosting such a wonderful SNAP!
Here's a few snapshots from yesterday!