When I think back on what really moved my photography business from broke to six-figures, it’s hands down education. Jumping on any and all educational business resources my gut tells me I need has never let me down.
I am a dreamer; making the commitment to invest in education has always allowed me to think big and follow through.
There’s something about laying down an investment that really pushes you to commit and work towards success, whether it’s the last $100 in your bank or you’re at the point where you’ve created financial stability!
I can think back to my very first investment in education. I was super young, a new mom to my son, feeling overwhelmed as HECK and really seeking a way to transform my passion for photography into a business because what I was doing wasn’t sustainable. I wanted to fast-track the results I was seeking because let’s be real. Mama’s time was limited.
I was second shooting weddings and photographing sessions here and there but to be honest? I was living on a poverty-level salary and losing more money than I made because I kept throwing money at random things for my business and I didn’t know how to price myself. It was stressful and if I kept going, I was certainly doomed to just keep repeating a really unsustainable business cycle.
I found a mentor teaching the fundamentals of what to charge and how to scale my business intentionally so I could actually make money. I basically took the last thousand dollars in my bank account and invested it in learning how to restructure my goals, business and bookings. That investment alone catapulted my business into my very first six-figure year, allowing me to then set aside even more money for continuing education while paying my bills with ease and putting money in savings. Through this journey, I was also able to quit my part-time job & fulfill my dream of being a full-time photographer (but that’s a story for another day).
Each year since then, I’ve actively sought out education that helps me meet the goal I have my eye on. I’ve invested in a variety of things from personal coaching with someone working directly in my business with me for several months at a time, 1:1 mentor sessions where I get expert advice for a few hours on a very specific topic, online courses I can dive into & take on my own time, retreats where I can escape the hectic day to day and refocus, and SO many more opportunities. Not only has all this education skyrocketed my business, but I’ve also met my team members and built the best community of photography friends around me.
I can 100% without a doubt say I will NEVER stop investing in my education. I think when we are always open to growth as business owners, it allows us to evolve.
Whenever I’m faced with a new educational opportunity, I always weigh it against my current goals and the return I can make on my investment. Aka – the ROI. Sometimes that investment is an immediate turnaround on the money I spend and I see that investment come back to benefit my business’s sales almost right away. For me though, the rewards aren’t just measured in dollars. I think of it as a win when I get a boost in my mindset, efficiency, networking, business skills or increased artistry. Running a business is about the dollars but it’s also about building something you’re proud of and shaping yourself into someone you would want to be friends with. That, my friends, is hands down the greatest return on any investment.
I’ll honestly never forget that first educational investment that took me from being broke to six figures. It really opened my eyes to the power of pouring into my dreams & not being afraid to take big risks.
I totally understand how intimidating it can feel to start, there’s no better way to begin than with free education, right? That’s exactly why I created the free Posing Tips Playbook, just for my fellow visionaries and dreamers. Grab your copy here!
