It’s time for another episode of That’s My Personal Business! And we’re talking alllll about the small business cycle.

But to start out? We’re starting a little series on solo episodes talking about what’s currently working and what’s not- I want to pull back the curtain on what’s currently working in my business, what’s not, what we’re pivoting, and much more.

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But let’s talk about the Small Business Cycle.

First.. When you start your business, try to start it as if you’re the first person who’s ever started this type of business. Why? Because that is how we identify our strengths. This is crucial in the beginning because you aren’t going to be good at everything, nor do you have to be.

In the beginning of my business, I tried to be like every other photographer- but my strengths are so different from theirs. 

Next, identify a brand. This is what is going to get you earning a ton of money. Your branding is what separates you from absolutely everyone else. 

You’re probably not the first in your industry, but you can be the first of your brand.

People will hire you because they will be able to get that experience, that product, that feeling from you and no one else.  

Third.. BETTER YOUR SKILLS!! At the beginning of your business, marketing is the least important thing for you to focus on. Growth in our business is going to change our business from the inside out. Marketing absolutely will not matter if the work your marketing isn’t that good. Read that again.

Fourth.. Raise those prices. As creatives, we think that because we love our jobs we shouldn’t be charging a lot. We can’t possibly love our jobs and earn tons of money off them too. You keep getting better, and as your skills get better, so should your prices. It’s that simple. There is no reason we should both love our jobs and profit off them.

Then we hit.. EXPANSION
First, set the foundation for an incredible business. Then, start expanding. Start looking at new marketing tools- now you have the work to back it up. Now we can bring in new clientele. Once we hit the expansion part of the cycle, we can keep restarting the cycle to better our business, our brand, our skills, and our tools.

Ready to hear more? Let’s kick off your Monday with a bang. Come listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! See you in there. xx

Model – Shelly Cochrane (@shellyorwhatever)
MUA – Abigail Evans
Styling – Stacie Buhler