Time Management Strategies: Balancing Business and Parenthood

Running a successful photography business while raising a family can feel like a juggling act. As a Seattle area photographer and a parent to six kids, I understand firsthand the challenges of managing time and avoiding overwhelm. In this blog post, I want to share some practical time management strategies to help fellow photographers find a healthy balance between growing their businesses and nurturing their family life.

The first time management strategy is to embrace the power of planning

If you’re not a major planner like I am, you may be rolling your eyes or finding resistance. Maybe you’ve used the excuse that you don’t have enough time to create a plan. However, to avoid overwhelm, it’s essential to plan ahead.

This time management strategy is about taking the time to create a daily/weekly/monthly schedule that outlines your business tasks, client sessions, and personal commitments. Having a clear roadmap helps you prioritize and stay on track. Remember, a well-structured plan is like a compass that guides you through the chaos of business and parenthood.

Planning ahead will help you ensure you’re not only getting work done to move the needle in your business but also having intentional times with your family.

Another essential strategy is to delegate and outsource

You may be rolling your eyes at this time management strategy suggestion. It is a common suggestion by CEO’s and other business owners. However, I get it. You do not have the budget to spend on outsourcing. You love your business and like control of all aspects to ensure quality meets your standards.

Yet, as a photographer and a parent, it’s impossible to do it all alone. Your time is valuable! Spending your time on tasks that don’t fill you or move the needle in your business is a great place to start.

When it’s time for me to hire/outsource/delegate something I ask myself, “What areas in my business do I dread doing the most?”

This time management strategy does not only apply to business tasks. Embracing support in other areas of your life can give you more freedom to focus on your business without leaving you stretched thin or burnt out. For example, hiring someone to take care of housework can give you more focused time to spend with your kids or work on your business.

The next time management strategy is to set boundaries.

Running a photography business from home can blur the lines between work and personal life. Establish clear boundaries by setting specific working hours and creating a dedicated workspace. Communicate these boundaries with your family, ensuring uninterrupted work time and quality family time. Remember, balance is about quality, not just quantity.

Personally, I often use a coffee shop to work at. This not only helps me know it is “work time” but it also gets me away from my house where there are distractions everywhere.

Another time management strategy is to prioritize self-care

Amidst the busyness of business and parenting, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Prioritize self-care activities that recharge your energy and rejuvenate your creativity. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, indulging in a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, self-care is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life integration.

Taking care of yourself probably does not seem like a time management strategy. However, when you are at your best, you are better able to pour into your family, friends, and business. It is a bit cliche, yet its true. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Embrace the power of automation and systems

Technology can be a busy parent’s best friend. Explore automation tools and software that streamline repetitive tasks in your photography business, such as scheduling appointments, sending client emails, or managing social media. A CRM, such as Honeybook*, is a great tool to save you time in your client workflow. By automating these processes, you free up valuable time to focus on the creative aspects of your work and spend quality time with your family.

In addition to creating automations, having systems within your business is time management strategy gold. Systems could be things such as the workflow you use for editing photos, designing an album, handling taxes, even scheduling your work time.

Find a community for support

Running a photography business can be a very lonely journey. Plus, feeling the weight of your business on your shoulders can feel like a lot. As much as our partners want to support us, they simply do not understand what it is like to be in our shoes. That is where the community comes in.

Connect with fellow photographers who are navigating similar paths. Join photography groups or online communities where you can share experiences, exchange tips, and find support. Building a network of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges you face can provide a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.

As I personally struggled with finding a community early in my business, I created a space for photographers. As a photographer, you are invited to join my Facebook community for support.

While this may not feel like a specific time management strategy, it is a suggestion aimed at helping you find inspiration, ideas, and support. While you can do it on your own, I believe as a community our businesses can grow faster and better.

Balancing the demands of running a photography business and raising a family is no easy feat.

By implementing these time management strategies, you can create a sustainable and fulfilling career while nurturing your family life.

Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but finding a harmonious blend of work and personal life that works for you. Ready to take your time management skills to the next level? Be sure to check out Time Management Academy for Photographers, where I dive deeper into these strategies. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling journey as both a photographer and a parent!

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