Business Inspiration

The majority of my inspiration this week has been advice on how to start and run a successful business. Hardly suprising that it's on my mind since THE workshop last week, but I thought I would share some of the advice that has resonated with me so far.

1. Your business is you.
This is the big one. If you are running a small business, then most likely you work alone. You do everything for that business. You are the editor, the writer, the networker, the photographer (replace with relevant profession if needed), the book keeper, the manager, the accountant, the legal aid. You are everything. But your business is also you. Small businesses are loved because of how much more personal they are. They are loved because you can see the personality of the person running it. It is specialised and distinct. So let your business reflect you!

In order to do this you have to discover a bit more about yourself. Figure out who you are. Are you funny? Honest? Romantic? Open? Colourful? Brave? Soft? Generous? What are you?

For me, I have chosen my business, and therefore my images, to reflect the fun, honesty and softness that is in me. I chose these words by not only thinking about my work and my business but also by thinking about myself. In fact I got Mike to define me in 10 words and these were the only 3 usable ones! Other than that I had tough, driven and hard working, which I didn't really think I could translate into images!!

2. Know your business and your branding.
Once you have this idea in your mind of who you are and who you want your business to be (yes I did just refer to a business as a person), then you can make moves to ensure that every single part of your business reflects that. From the way you write your emails, to how long it takes you to show a client their images. It is all a reflection on you and your business. Show them who you are with your actions. It's not just about the pretty colours and logo you choose.

For me, this means a lot of hard work putting all of this into place! And hopefully over the next 6 months to a year, before I officially become a business, you will start to see these changes. That's right. I just said how long it's gonna be before I am a business.... scary!!!

There is much much more than this, but for now this is what is filling my thoughts and what I will begin by working on! If you have any thoughts or comments on this, and the ways in which you can start a business or brand, please feel free to leave me a comment and we can chat :)

Abiento x