3 New Things I'm Trying (and 1 I'm Giving Up) in 2022
New Year, New Me Best Me
I’m not a New Year Resolution kind of person. For me, it’s super daunting to make a goal for Day 1 of the new year. It’s always been hard for me to stick with and even harder for me to not beat myself up for falling off from the commitment.
This year, it’s all about mindset. After all, we’re nearly rounding out a full two years of pandemic life and if I’ve learned one thing, it’s the importance of maintaining a positive outlook — at least for me anyway!
For 2022, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing 3 things I’m trying this year and 1 thing I’m calling quits on.
1. Blocking My Weekly Calendar
We’re only a few weeks into ‘22 and this has been a total game-changer for me already! I began prepping this change during the last weeks of 2021 and planned out exactly how it would look. I’m one of those people that needs a full plan, and I need to see it on paper (or laid out in full) in order to wrap my head around it.
Mondays: CEO Day
I start each week by doing all those things I tend to avoid and put off. I balance my business accounts in Quickbooks and update expenses. Then, I look over all the on-going and upcoming projects for the week and plan out what I’ll work on during the next few days.
It’s also my Marketing Day. Since I run two photo brands (The Dog Photog is my other photo baby), I take care of two weeks’ worth of marketing at a time. I’ll write and schedule 1 blog post, 3-4 social posts, and prepare that week’s newsletter.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Client Days
These are my days for meetings, photo sessions, post-production, etc. It’s been so much easier keeping my brain focused on my clients for 3 straight days each week!
Friday: Float Day
This is my open day. I can use this day to work on bigger picture projects and goals. I can schedule client sessions or meetings this day if my Client Day availability doesn’t work for a client.
I’m even giving myself permission to head out of the office early on Friday afternoons — let’s see if that actually ever happens! haha
2. Branding Memberships
This year I’m focusing on working with clients on a long-term basis. I want to really grow the partnerships I create with my clients and do what I can to help them attain their own goals!
I’m excited to (officially) announce Brand Photography Memberships in a few weeks, but I truly believe it will make a big difference to brands that need regular content throughout the year.
What’s considered “regular”? Good question!
With a branding membership, you can pick to have more sessions throughout the year (shorter sessions) or have fewer (but longer) sessions throughout the year.
You’ll also have the option of paying upfront (and getting a nice lil discount too) or spreading most of the investment throughout the year for a budget-friendly payment plan.
Either way, you’ll want to join my email newsletter because those folks will be the FIRST to know about it and have first dibs to become a member since space will be limited!
3. In-Studio Mini Sessions
The last mini session series was pre-pandemic. I literally somehow was able to squeeze them in in February 2020. I didn’t think there would be a way to do them safely (or efficiently for me) until I opened my own photo studio.
Since I’m opening a studio in a few short weeks, I’m excited to dive back into opening the books for a few mini sessions this year.
At this point, I haven’t decided anything further than that — but again — join my email list to be the first to know!
Aaaaand the 1 Thing I’m Giving Up… drum roll please…
Worrying About Things That Aren’t Mine
I’m focusing on me. Early in the pandemic, it was easy to compare my business to others I saw on social media. I’d through all day and night and wondered what I was doing wrong while somehow it seemed like others were doing so well.
The thing I’m trying to remember is that Instagram is a highlight reel, not real life. I’ve decided to put on blinders, stay in my own lane, and focus purely on what my gut tells me is right for me and my brands — and not make reactionary decisions based on what others do.
Easier said than done, but it’s a start!
What about you?
Are you implementing some new things this year? What are you cutting out? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Inspired?
Reach out to start planning your brand photography session!
