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You’ll notice a new splash page, a new photography website, and a link that goes to a BRAND new blog! Yes, new. So, you’ll need to update your RSS feeds with the new one when you head over there. See you on the other side!
I’ve been so busy lately. I feel the blog has been slightly neglected. I have this strong feeling that your blog should be posted to at least three times a week. AT LEAST! I mean, if you’re in business, it’s important to stay in the face of those that are loyal followers to you. I usually am pretty good about this. But, I am here to tell you that I’ve been knee-deep in branding and design work for my business. My spring calendar is staring me in the face with nearly no weekends left (I’m on a mission). I feel that just in the past month I’ve been learning so much about my business and I thought a blog post was in order
What have I learned over the past month?
That doing my accounting on a daily basis makes end of the month reporting for my accountant easier. And, it means that I’m more in control of the every day expenses. I can see where money is going and what is not necessary any more.
With that above lesson, I’ve learned that my websites don’t have to cost over $700 a year just because some fancy flash template company hosts them. I am in the midst of a redesign – using my own skills – to save over $600 a year. I can’t wait to reveal this to you.
But, with that above lesson, I’ve also learned there are some things we just can’t skimp on doing ourselves. Like, the accounting and intricate web coding. Having an amazing assistant to go on shoots with me is worth the extra money you spend. You have to know your limits and what looks professional and what ends up being a huge mess in the end. You have to spend a little to look your best in business.
And, with that above lesson, I’ve also learned that for little to know money, you can learn so much about the business if you just look around. I often regret spending thousands of dollars for workshops. There are free webinars and lower priced education options like DVDs from Photo Vision. I have my own mentor program for such a low price going on – pretty much to cover the unlimited time my participants can get from me over a six month period. Don’t believe the hype of the A-list. Don’t be a groupie. Be your own person and chase your own adventures.
I guess that last little sentence was a lesson in itself, huh?
Okay, time to get back into this project. I can’t wait to share all the new things to come over the next few weeks with you. It’s like a rebirth from all the lessons I have learned.
PICTURE!
For those interested, and I did get a few requests after we had already started, I have a second round starting this Monday, March 8th. The Successful Senior Model Program has been so helpful to our first group. I have enjoyed answering their questions and giving them some inspiration to get their own program going. I can’t wait to see how they proceed! If you would like to participate in our next round, read the description and how to sign up at Pink Ink Studios. (And, yes, I retired a TON of products at Pink Ink over the past couple of weeks. I’m making room for new designs!)
And, because no post should go without a photo (Taken March 3, 2008 – two years ago with snow on the ground):
My friend, Tammy, inspired me to do a Flashback Friday. I’ve been meaning to share more creative things here, but I’ve got my mind deep into a project that is sucking the life out of me. Outside of my new book purchase, I am probably going to bed early tonight. Well, who am I kidding? I’ll probably watch tv until I fall asleep.
Anyway, because it’s too much work to come up with a new and creative post today, I am flashing back. A year ago, I was out in Phoenix with my friend, Audra, shooting a wedding with her. My very first full catholic mass wedding conducted in half English and half Spanish. Phew! But, the mariachi band made it complete. On the ride home that night, we would learn that Andrea’s mom passed away from a heart attack. A shock to us all. I felt so helpless, hundreds of miles away from our family. My brother brought Andrea into our lives several years before and her family was cherished by us.
It’s amazing how much things change in a year, and it’s amazing how fast a year goes. Just a reflection:
It was after this wedding, and during Phyllis funeral, that I started my own “funeral list” – things I wanted to happen at my funeral. A mariachi band shall be hired to come play. Some day, I’ll share the rest of my list.
Rest in Peace, Phyllis.
I was trying to think of something clever to write today. I have sessions to share, but they aren’t ready for blogging. I have announcements I should make on behalf of the business, but they can wait.
I saw this today and it made me smile. It made me realize that sometimes, we take life too serious. Then, I see this video and it puts it all into perspective. Life doesn’t have to be so bitter and angry. It doesn’t have to be rushed. We are in the now. And, at nearly 90 years old, I hope I am living life. Just. Like. This.
