Did you imagine running a business when you were a kid? Did you imagine you’d be running a photography business? Even more, did you imagine all that running a photography business would entail? I’m sure you didn’t expect this common small business mistake as being something that would be setting you back.
If you’re like me, when you first started out, it was all about taking photos, the love of photography, light, connections, families or weddings. You likely didn’t start a business because you love running businesses.
So as your business grew your focus became on marketing, social media, getting the right gear, pricing your service just perfectly, what to offer, who to serve, the list probably feels endless.
If you’re like me, you’ve taken courses, asked other photographers for advice and maybe even hired a mentor or business coach. But there’s one thing that is easy for us business owners to miss, a common small business mistake.
A few years into my business I found myself hitting a wall.
My business had grown a lot since the beginning, yet it felt like slow growth. I felt I was maxed out, yet that my business still wasn’t sustaining itself. I knew my business could grow, yet my approach was wrong.
So I kept pouring myself into another business course, or looking for a new strategy to run more efficiently, looked for better gear that would take my photography to the next level. I was spinning on the hamster wheel while missing something major.
A common small business mistake is focusing all on business processes and neglecting the importance of mindset.
There is only so far you can go without addressing mindset.
I know what you’re thinking. Mindset is a hype word. Or only fancy CEOs and big shot entrepreneurs have the luxury of focusing on mindset. I don’t have time for that.That is where we fall prey to this mistake for our small businesses.
That was me. I thought “oh it must be nice” or “that doesn’t apply to me, yet, I need to get XYZ done in my business first.” But I was mistaken.
These limiting beliefs were causing the roadblocks in my business. Limiting beliefs were keeping my growth small, and stopping me from doing what was really needed to take my business to the next level.
You must treat your business like a business while still caring for the creative behind the business. You matter. Your mindset matters.
If you don’t, you risk major burnout, slower growth, or even just giving up all together.
How do you avoid this business mistake and start focusing on your mindset?
You could take a course, find a mentor, read books, find a community, listen to podcasts on mindset, the list is endless.
Personally, I have invested in the To Be Magnetic series which have helped me work through a few blocks I was having. The work isn’t done, but I have seen huge growth. I also appreciate anytime a favorite entrepreneur shares on his/her podcast how they’ve worked on mindset in their own life. I find it inspiring and I see how I can apply any of those strategies to my own life.
Next, invest in self-care. I don’t just mean grocery shop alone, but true self-care. Regular workouts, fueling your body well, and finding time to spend alone or with close friends that does not involve work are vital for you as a person and a business owner. In order to continue to pour into your business (and your family), you must have a full cup. Put filling that cup first and see how immensely things change. (Think you don’t have enough time? I get it. I shared How I Manage To Fit In Workouts as a Busy Mom.)
Your business isn’t too small to start thinking about how mindset is affecting your business. It is never too early to dig in deep. Trust me, it is time, effort, and energy that you will never regret. So you can stop making this small business mistake and see how much your life changes.
Looking for more ways to stay inspired for your business? Join my newsletter. I share regular tips, ideas, and inspiration for small business owners like you, ways that you can run your business more efficiently and effectively. Grab a free resource just for you and get on the list below.
Comments +