Sharing Six Things I Wish I’d Done Sooner in My Business

Self-employment is a wild ride. I’ve been on it since 2010 and, even through a global pandemic, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

It's a privilege to work on a heap of varied projects with sensationally talented creatives, all adding something beautiful to a world that can wear us out. But the consultancy and photography business I run today is very different from my business of even five years ago. 

I thought it might be fun to share six things I wish past me had done, and let me know if any resonate with you. 

By the way, none of this is written with a sense of regret. We live, learn, adjust and adapt. This is a no-judgment zone.

1. Created more content than I consumed

When I switched gears to create content through channels like Clubhouse during the pandemic, then YouTube and my podcast, everything changed for me. I heard my own voice, and developed my opinions and positioning. And I found my community.

When I feel I’m losing my way, my business coach always says, ‘Look back through your content’. It's a powerful process to recognize your creative core, especially when we’re bombarded with voices, often louder than our own, suggesting we do things differently.

2. Got Serious About Money 

I like to talk about creatives getting paid fairly. I’ve shared a few conversations on the subject and I plan to talk about money even more.

But in the past, something held me back from thinking seriously about my price points, my investments, and my financial plans. 

Then I realized something pretty simple: remove the emotions. I now get paid fairly for work I’m proud of, and focus on the very best experiences for my clients. I don’t second-guess myself so much and I encourage my clients to do the same.

I now work with Bex, a fantastic accountant available in-person to chat through my questions and ideas, and who helps me pull my head up from under the sand!

3. Trusted my instincts about rest and boundaries

I work on this every darn day. I sometimes feel restricted by my circumstances. But I have learned that hustling is not a badge of honor. Setting clear work hours, taking breaks, and valuing my personal time has in fact helped me grow my business more.

It's hard not to compare myself with others. I bet you do that, too. But we’re in these creative businesses for the long-run and owe it to ourselves and families to take care of our emotional, spiritual and physical health.

When I need to slow down, I create more honestly. So it feels like a win win.

4. Shared my neurodiversity challenges

When I shared on my podcast that I was neurodivergent, I didn’t expect so many other neurodivergent people to share their experiences and challenges with me. 

I’m dyspraxic and get sensory overloads and lack organizational skills, which is all really, really hard to deal with as a busy business owner!  

I’m so grateful that I can get professional support and share my experiences with others. My systems take care of things for me, and if you’re reading thinking you need the same kind of structure in your business, please get in touch because I’d love to help you.

5. Learned to get picky about projects

Creative minds like ours want to do everything. Say yes to every opportunity. Chase all the ideas. And that? That’s a surefire way to burn out.

I wish I’d learned sooner to be more selective about projects and clients.

Now, I approach my work with the mindset of: “I get to do this” instead of “I have to do this.”

I protect my time, prioritize projects that align with my values, and focus on adding real value to my clients’ businesses. That shift has made all the difference.

6. Saved a positive feedback folder for the less than optimal days.

Sometimes, I feel like having a creative career is 50% creativity and 50% hard work. But in truth it’s more a matter of endurance.

I love this quote from marketing genius Seth Godin, from his book The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit: “Never quit something with great long-term potential just because you can’t deal with the stress of the moment.”

There have been so many times I’ve wanted to quit photography over the years. And honestly, I can’t usually remember why. It’s never just one thing. It's usually a build up of demands and pressure and exhaustion.

So I have found it helpful to save feedback from clients for those moments you want to chuck your Mac in the river. Like this from my dear friend Igor: “You shouldn’t doubt yourself about anything.”

Or this from Joseph Torres after working with me: “Single-handedly the best investment I’ve made this year for myself and business.”

Feels good to feel good, doesn’t it!