5 Things I’ve Learned in 5 Years of Business
I can’t really believe that today, I am celebrating five years of Kate Wark Photography. I am feeling all the emotions. After all, I’ve read the statistics. A shockingly large number of businesses fail well before the five year mark. And my little photography business that could, launched while mom-ing two small girls and juggling a full-time PR career, is still kicking. Every booking, every social media “like” and recommendation and every kind word of support makes me do a happy dance and is the only reason why this business of mine is still kicking.
I am immensely grateful. Thank you.
As I reflect on the last five years, one of the biggest takeaways is that small business ownership is a constant learning experience. So in honor of my business anniversary, I’ve put together my list of 5 things I’ve learned in 5 years of business.
#1. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road
Coming from the world of agency-side PR, which is filled with people who are effervescent, smart and savvy, and where you work almost exclusively in a team structure, owning your own business and working alone can feel quite lonely. There’s no one to turn to when you have a question or your computer’s on the fritz. There are no co-worker water cooler talks or lunchtime walks. And nobody to share an office with and discuss business challenges. Which brings me to my next key learning…
#2. Community is everything
Reaching out to people in my local community enriches my job - and life - every day. From volunteering for local organizations (Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield is a favorite, and one I worked with from the earliest days of my business), to working side-by-side with locally based makeup artists who just “get it” (I’m looking at you, Amanda Gabbard!), to participating in styled shoots with local professionals, getting to know other local organizations, businesses and business owners has been a gift. Instead of feeling alone, I feel part of a group of other like-minded people who walk a similar road, and share similar successes and similar struggles. And they’re simply fabulous company to keep.
My memberships in peer groups of other photographers and creative entrepreneurs has been another wellspring of community. While we all live in different corners of the country, we are connected by monthly calls and Facebook groups where we can post questions, share helpful resources and, generally, lean on one another for support. Being part of these groups has brought me true, IRL friendships, too. A smaller group of us meet regularly for accountability Zooms, and we use Voxer to send voice notes to each other with our daily wins and challenges. I work alone, but I do not walk alone.
#3. Invest in education
A wise woman once said (okay, lifestyle photographer and educator Sabrina Gebhardt was that wise woman) that investing in education is the single-most game-changing thing you can do to grow your business. I started very early on by taking Click Community classes virtually, including Tarah Sweeney’s The Illuminated View workshop. Fall of 2020, I joined a mastermind group called The Organized Photographer. I then joined The Round Table, which is filled with Organized Photographer alumni. This past year, I completed two Katelyn James courses, did two one-on-one mentorships and am currently part of Maddie Peshong’s Rebrand group, for brand photographers. In January, I’ll be doing an SEO mentorship to help enhance that piece of my business, and my clients’. 2022 was the year I spent the most on education, by a long-shot. And it’s also been my most profitable. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. By participating in these educational forums, I’ve learned that I love learning. And moreover, I love bringing those new skills to the work I do for my clients.
#4. I can’t do it all
Oof. Well, I’ll start by saying this is a hard one for me. I am a pretty independent person, and I hate asking for help. I am nothing if not efficient. But really and truly…I can’t do it all. And when I think I can is PRECISELY when I’m not doing it well, and that doesn’t serve me or my clients at all. This past year, I leaned into outsourcing more and more and, boy, is it a game-changer. After years of badly piecing my own financials together, I hired my rock star accountant’s office to manage my books. And in the height of busy season, I hired an editor to help me edit all of my fall family mini sessions, which gave me a workflow and enabled me to turn around galleries faster than ever. By paying for the work that others can do - in some cases better than I can - it gives me more time to do the parts of my business that only I can handle, like shooting more sessions and growing my business so I can serve more clients. Yes, please!
And finally…
#5. Consistency & Connection Over Perfection
In doing this for five years, I’ve come to realize that - even with continuing education, several years of experience under my belt, and more clients year over year – I’m not the perfect photographer. Photography is so subjective; what one person loves in a photograph, another can despise, and chasing perfection in this profession is a losing game. But being consistent in how you communicate with clients, in meeting your deadlines, and especially in connecting, and in making people feel comfortable and “seen” – that wins every time. So I’m going to keep focusing on those things into my next five years. I hope you’ll join me!
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