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

Feeling Grown Up

You know in life, how there are some moments that catch you, and suddenly you realise how grown up you are? That you're not just some 16 year old kid any longer? Even though you feel like one, despite the fact that you grocery shop and pay rent, and clean and you know, do all those grown up things anyway?

Well I think I just had a moment.

But it was still a moment of uncertainty. A moment of  "Shit ('scuse my French) am I actually grown up enough to do this!?".

That moment happened for me when my business cards arrived. Yup. That's right. Business cards. Even when I was ordering them, I had to ask a few people- 'Am I being silly!? Is this okay!?'.

A few people have asked for the address of my blog/website, and I have always loved the business cards on Moo.com, so I decided to go ahead and order some! This way I would have some informal, not too stuffy cards that showed people a mixed example of my work, plus had links to all my contact info and sites. But it still feels way too grown up! I don't have a business. I'm still a student. So I still feel like that 16 year old girl. A 16 year old girl pretending that she can be a professional photographer. In reality I know that one day I can be/will be, but come'on! I live in a student house with smelly boys- what am I doing with business cards!?

Well too late now, cause they're here......

I haven't shown many photos of the images on the cards because it is a mix of all the images you have already seen. But they are rounded, thick, smooth beautiful cards now! The third image up from here is an example of that.

I'm actually head over heels in love with them, and am super chuffed with Moo's work. What do you think? Am I being sensible or silly? Do you like the cards? I don't know if I really care any longer whether or not they are suitable/necessary, cause quite frankly they make my work look good- so what's not to love!?

Abiento x

P.S I have decided not to call them business cards anyway.... I think it sounds a bit stuffy, and for me they are just a mini version of my information. They give a sneak peak into me and my style, and let you know where to go from there! So I'm getting rid of the term business cards- cause that they are not!