Well 2019, you and I did lots of things this past year. We had lots of adventures and accomplished things that had previously been dreams and ideas. And now? Wow! I can’t believe that another year is complete! I feel so very grateful for all of the opportunities I had in 2019, and am approaching 2020 with a sense of anticipation and excitement! Whew!
I used Powersheets (by Lara Casey) from Cultivate What Matters in 2019 for the first time, which made such a huge difference in my personal life and in my business. This is a tool that leads you through three steps to help you uncover goals that really matter to your life. But, it doesn’t just stop there. After you complete the prep work, which includes a word of the year, you write your goals down and create action plans for each of them. At the end of each month, you go through a reflection process and complete a “tending list” for the next month. Ultimately, Powersheets helps you focus on progress, not perfection, as you accomplish your goals little by little. It isn’t magic. But, after how much progress I made, I can definitely say that it is an amazingly effective tool that I highly recommend! Lara Casey, the developer of Powersheets, also has an amazing podcast that you can go to by clicking on this link and you can check out Powersheets here.
Using Powersheets, I worked on both personal and business goals. I improved at exercising more consistently, spending intentional with time with my husband, becoming more consistent with my devotions and letting go of some personal struggles. As I worked on the prep work, the theme of fear and anxiety kept popping up. That just didn’t used to be me, and I hadn’t realized how much it had begun weaving its way into multiple aspects of my life. Therefore, seeking help to work through the reasons for the fear and anxiety (which were based on past trauma) was necessary. I chose the word “release” as my word of the year and it was definitely a year of “releasing” a lot of junk. I feel a whole lot lighter now. 🙂
My business goals were very specific and necessary to accomplish, which led me to making a huge decision at the end of the 2018-19 school year that has changed my life. And, spoiler alert….I crushed them. With the support of my hubby and strength from the Lord while I was teaching full time, I met my business goals. (Doing my happy dance now!)
I believe very strongly that continuing education is vital to continued professionalism. With that said, one of my 2019 goals was to complete several business and photography courses to promote growth. I completed the courses and was able to implement the new information in my business and as I worked with clients during weddings and portrait sessions.
Another goal was to create improved business processes, which directly effect client experience. Since client experience is a priority, I worked on the processes from the first inquiry up to delivery. I researched this area, and sought the wisdom of several business mentors as I evaluated the system I had been using. Included in the process was using a new client management system that helps me to take care of clients each step of the way, creating new materials to give to clients after booking, and having new branding shots done for my business to use in communication, social media, and my website.
My last business goal was to improve marketing so that bookings will increase. Again, with some coaching from my mentor, and consistent hard work, my bookings more than doubled. Ultimately, I love working with people. Seriously, so much! And, of course, working with more clients and providing them with a great experience led to our decision for me to leave my elementary school teaching position in Newport News, Virginia and work my photography business full time. (Again, doing my happy dance!)
Thank you for sharing about my business, using my services for your wedding, portraits, branding imagery, or commercial imagery in 2019. I am so grateful for you! 2020 is going to be incredible!