Business Goals for 2025
Did you know the average photographer stays in business for 3 to 5 years. This is also true for other small businesses.
Like any creator, business owner, or entrepreneur, we fight imposter syndrome of not being good enough. We are constantly thinking of what we can do better, how do we grow? We fight hard to stay afloat, sometimes thriving and other times barely surviving.
It's incredibly common to underestimate the value of our work (not only by ourselves but from others), spending hour apon hours planning, editing, learning, giving up family time, weekends and evenings. Spending 10's of 1000's on equipment, online subscriptions, and education/training. It's not just a photograph.... to me it's so much more.
Most photographers do it because we love to create. We love connecting with people, making them feel great, freezing their memories, creating lifetime momentos and art! For me personally, I also have a dream to creating something bigger. A business that sustains, that grows, that has momentum. I want to give clients a great experience and great value. I strive for a brand that allows me to serve clients with quality, not quantity. A brand that is consistent and has the ability to last. I want to form relationships with my clients, connect with them and their families personally, understand their hopes and dreams in business, and in life. For me, connection is at the forefront of it all!
But, I want to do it with without sinking myself. The joy in the work MUST continue. I want to show my kids what work life balance is (something that I am terrible at, but I strive for). I want to be able to give back to community and causes that I value, but also support my family too. I want to crack the code of following a dream without self sacrifice, or sacrifice of those who I love..
As 2025 hits, I have actually been growing this business for 18 years. I have overcome burnout too many times to count, just to do it all over again. For the past 16.5/18 years it was my side gig. Now Stacey Tompkins Photography is my full time business, my only form of income, but also a dream I have held onto for so long.
This year is about sustainability and growth. I will be continuing to work on customer experience (I am not quite there yet, but getting close), I know I need to set boundaries with work/life balance so that burnout is avoided. I am working on marketing and processes and what's coming next in business. I continue to grow my craft. I am also working on the imposter syndrome, self doubt is a real thing. But I also do know my people are out there. You know who you are! You cheer me on from the sidelines (your support is unparalleled). You hire me and value what I bring to the table (you are the reason I can keep doing what I do, a thank you is not enough). And you who support my dreams, teach me, and mentor me (without you, growth doesn't happen as rapidly as it has). I am blessed beyond words!!
I'll finish with... if you want to talk life, business, need a hug, have a question, or want photography service info, hit me up anytime. If you feel the need to share my business or you want to share my work with a friend, please do.
In life or business I am most certainly not perfect, I am most always just on time, my brain is a combination of hyperfocus get it done, and being easily distracted, and photo turnaround can take longer then I want, but always try my best and strive for growth and improvement everyday- a work in progress as we say.... but aren't we all.