Top 5 Things I've Learned as a Business Owner
Every business owner goes through trials and tribulations, we make mistakes and sometimes hear things we don't want. However these mistakes and pieces of advice have always gave me valuable lessons that I remind myself of every day.
- Everyone’s life is busy, have patience
- Yes, I know, it gets monotonous to constantly follow up with every client, but remember that everyone else is just as busy as you are, so have patience with them. The more patience and understanding you have, the better the experience will be for the client, which will then translate into repeat customers, and referrals.
- Sometimes you need to re-explain things and that’s okay.
- This comes with the last point, be patient. Remember that most of the time when your clients are booking you, they are hiring you for services that they can't do. Therefore they don't know how the process works and they need guidance, or maybe some re explaining, and that is okay! Help them, and that will make them feel safe, comfortable and confident to hire you.
- Don’t be negative
- It's easy in the world of sharing everything on social media, to feel like you can rant or post silly negative things online, but remember that potential or current clients are watching you. Would you want to hire someone who is always complaining!? No. Stay positive and attract the right clients. When you own a business you are choosing to be there everyday, so show people that you are grateful and want to be there.
- Provide value
- Providing value is the best way to win over clients. For example, for portrait sessions I'm not only providing beautiful high quality photos, I'm also giving them an outfit guide, location guide, and guiding them through every step of the process. As for weddings, I get on a call with them to figure out if we are the right match, and I provide insight on the timeline and other aspects of wedding planning. This shows your client that you are knowledgable and will help them feel secure in booking with you.
- Learn from your mistakes
- I'll admit, I am stubborn. It took me a few years into business to start listening to clients and outside opinions, instead of getting offended and block out their critiques or advice. When I shifted my mindset from offended to open minded, I started learning and growing. Think of your mistakes in a positive way instead of negative.
I hope these were insightful for you! I'm constantly learning and will continue to share what I've found through my journey as a business owner.
