Let’s lay out a plan for the next quarter of the year so we make it a little less abstract and a little more actionable.
What do you hope to have in place by the end of this year?
But before we dive in, let’s talk about your why first. Stay with me, this is important!
Define Your Photography Why
Let’s get a little more specific about why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Do you want more money? More freedom? More independence? More time for yourself? What do you envision your life to be like? Your living situation? Your financial state? Your family? Your health? Write these reasons down! The more specific you are, the better.
I have a vision board of my “why” in my office with pictures that remind me of my reasons.
I look at that vision board before I start my day and before I end my day. Because without constantly reminding myself of the reasons I’m doing what I’m doing, I may lose my vision when the going gets tough.
So, I suggest taking the time to answer these deeper questions and creating a vision board for yourself so you don’t lose sight of the big picture. Tape it up on your wall and look at your reasons for wanting to be a photographer or for wanting to grow your business EVERY DAY.
If you’re wondering about the journey from struggling photographer to profitable business owner, you might find inspiration in my story of how I went from $300 in the bank to becoming a multi six-figure photographer.
Schedule Your Photography Goals
Then I suggest scheduling the goal(s) you’d like to achieve by the end of this quarter. As Marie Forleo would say, “If it’s not scheduled, it’s not real.”
By the end of this quarter, what would you like to have accomplished? Schedule this deadline in your calendar.
Work Backwards for Success
Next, think about what needs to happen from now until then for you to accomplish what you set out to do. What needs to happen every month, every week and every day? Work your way backwards and schedule those tasks on your calendar and assign specific dates and times for each task.
Working backwards allows you to take actionable steps that make accomplishing your goals a reality.
This might include learning advertising strategies for photographers, improving your website, or developing better pricing structures.
Essential Tools for Photography Goal Management
I like to work digitally so I use a Google calendar and I use the tasks feature to write down all the small and big goals I’d like to accomplish. Then I schedule those goals along with the weekly and daily tasks needed to make my deadline.
If you’re the type of person who needs to write things down on paper, then I recommend using a planner like The Planner Pad.
Breaking Down Large Photography Goals
Here’s how to make overwhelming goals manageable:
- Annual Goal: Define your big picture vision for the year
- Quarterly Milestones: Break your annual goal into 3-month chunks
- Monthly Targets: What must be accomplished each month?
- Weekly Actions: Specific tasks to complete each week
- Daily Habits: Small, consistent actions that compound over time
As your business grows, you’ll want to consider when to delegate work in your photography business to focus on higher-level strategic goals rather than getting stuck in daily administrative tasks.
When You Need Help Reaching Your Photography Goals
As you lay out a plan for the first quarter of 2024, if you find yourself asking the question “how” because you don’t know how to reach your goals, I’m here to help with my newly re-vamped coaching program.
In the book “Who Not How” Dan Sullivan makes the argument that when you can’t figure something out, the question you should be asking is who not how. Meaning, the answer is in who you employ to help you get there.
Common Photography Business Goals That Need Expert Guidance
Many photographers struggle with:
- Building a consistent client acquisition system
- Developing profitable pricing strategies
- Creating effective marketing campaigns
- Building systems for business growth
- Transitioning from part-time to full-time photography
If you’re just starting out and wondering about the fundamentals, you might want to read about what it takes to start a headshot photography business to understand the investment and mindset required for success.
Make It Happen This Year
It’s 2024, if not now, when? I’ve made it as easy as possible to purchase my coaching program by implementing a payment plan option. I have a four week payment plan for my 30 day program and a 6-12 month payment plan for my 90 day program.
The Psychology of Goal Achievement
Research shows that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. But here’s what most photographers miss: it’s not just about writing them downâit’s about creating a system that supports consistent action.
Your photography business goals need three essential components:
- Clarity: Specific, measurable outcomes
- Timeline: Realistic deadlines with built-in checkpoints
- Accountability: Someone or something that keeps you on track
One crucial aspect many photographers overlook is learning from setbacks. I’ve made plenty of mistakes as a photography mentor so you don’t have to, and understanding how to maintain professional standards while being flexible is key to long-term success.
Track Your Photography Progress
Don’t just set goals and hope for the best. Create a tracking system that allows you to monitor your progress and make adjustments along the way.
Consider tracking:
- Weekly income goals
- Number of leads generated
- Conversion rates from inquiry to booking
- Client satisfaction scores
- Portfolio development milestones
Adjust Your Course When Needed
Remember, goals aren’t set in stone. If you discover that a particular strategy isn’t working or market conditions change, be flexible enough to pivot while keeping your end vision in sight.
The key is consistent progress, not perfect execution.
Building Revenue-Generating Systems
As you work toward your goals, it’s important to build sustainable revenue streams. Many photographers struggle with pricing, but understanding how your pricing structure might be leaving money on the table can dramatically impact your profitability.
Consider implementing strategies like:
- Itemized pricing instead of flat fees
- Ă la carte services for additional revenue
- Seasonal promotions and mini session sale days
- Retainer programs for corporate clients
For specific insights on maximizing profit from your sessions, read about charging for hi-res images rather than giving them away as part of your base package.
Marketing and Client Acquisition Goals
A significant portion of your goals should focus on marketing and client acquisition. Building an effective email marketing system should be a priority, as it’s one of the most reliable ways to stay connected with potential clients and generate repeat business.
When setting marketing goals, consider:
- Building your email list with valuable content
- Creating consistent social media presence
- Developing referral systems
- Networking within your target industry
Scaling Your Photography Business
As your business grows, you’ll need to think about scaling efficiently. This includes learning about delegating admin work so you can focus on high-value activities like shooting and client relationships.
Consider these scaling milestones in your goal planning:
- When to hire your first assistant
- How to systematize your workflow
- Building standard operating procedures
- Creating training materials for team members
Ready to Transform Your Photography Business?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your existing photography business, having a clear plan with actionable steps is essential for success.
Click here to learn more about how my coaching program can help you achieve your photography goals faster and with more confidence!
What photography goals are you setting for this quarter? Share them in the comments belowâaccountability starts with declaring your intentions!
0 Comments