Emily Marie Media

Tag: entrepreneurs

  • “I Have a Small Business, Not a charity.”

    “I Have a Small Business, Not a charity.”

    Navigating The Discount Dilemma Within Your Small Business

    Running a small business is a dream come true, but let’s be real… dealing with friends, family, and that random person from high school who suddenly wants a discount can be a nightmare. Here’s how to handle it without losing your mind (or your profits).

    The “Friend” Discount

    So, you’ve just launched your business, and suddenly everyone you know wants a piece of the action. Your cousin’s best friend’s sister? She’s hitting you up for a “family discount.” Here’s how to handle it:

    1. Set Boundaries Early: Be upfront about your pricing. You can say something like, “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to keep my business running. How about a special rate instead?” This way, you’re still offering a deal, but not giving away your work for free.
    2. Communicate Your Value: Explain the time, effort, and skill that goes into each shoot. Maybe throw in a few technical terms to impress them. “You know, the post-processing alone takes hours. I use advanced techniques to ensure your photos are perfect.”
    3. Create a Policy: Having a clear policy for friends and family can save you a lot of headaches. Share it upfront so everyone knows the deal and there are no awkward conversations later.

    The High School Acquaintance

    Ah, the joys of social media. Suddenly, that person you barely knew in high school is sliding into your DMs, reminiscing about the good old days in biology class and hinting at a discount. Here’s how to handle it:

    1. Be Polite but Firm: You can say, “It’s great to hear from you! I’d love to help with your photography needs. Here’s my rate card.” This way, you’re acknowledging the connection but still maintaining your professional boundaries.
    2. Offer a Referral Discount: If they’re really persistent, offer a small discount for referrals. “I can offer you a discount if you refer a friend who books a session with me.” This way, you’re still getting new business out of the deal.
    3. Know When to Say No: Sometimes, you just have to say no. It’s okay to turn down work if it’s not worth your time or if the person is being unreasonable. Your time and talent are valuable, and it’s important to stand up for what you deserve.

    The Random Freebie Hunter

    Then there’s the person who thinks your photography business is a charity. They want free photos for their blog, their Instagram, their dog’s birthday party. Here’s how to handle it:

    1. Explain Your Costs: Politely explain that your business has costs—equipment, software, time. “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to cover my costs and keep my business running.”
    2. Offer a Trade: If you’re open to it, offer a trade. “I can offer you a discount if you promote my business on your blog/Instagram.” This way, you’re still getting something out of the deal.
    3. Stick to Your Guns: It’s important to stick to your pricing. If you start giving away your work for free, it devalues your business. Be confident in your worth and don’t be afraid to say no.

    The Family Freebie Expectation

    And then there’s family. They love you, they support you, and they think your photography services come with a family discount—or worse, for free. Here’s how to handle it:

    1. Set Clear Boundaries: Have a heart-to-heart with your family about your business. Explain that while you love them, you need to charge for your services to keep your business running. “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to cover my costs and keep my business running.”
    2. Offer a Family Rate: If you’re comfortable, offer a special family rate. Just make sure it’s still fair to you. “I can offer you a family rate, but I still need to cover my costs.”

    Running a small photography business is tough, but navigating the discount dilemma doesn’t have to be. By setting clear boundaries, communicating your value, and knowing when to say no, you can keep your business thriving and your sanity intact. Remember, your time and talent are worth it!

  • Staying on Track When You Are the Boss

    Staying on Track When You Are the Boss

    Entrepreneur small business owner working from home

    A Guide to Maintaining Motivation to Grow your Business and Work Hard.

    Let’s be real, running your own business is like riding a roller coaster. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re holding on for dear life, wondering why you ever got on this thing in the first place. Here’s your ultimate guide to staying motivated while you’re the boss, the employee, the HR department, and the janitor all at once.

    Social Media: HELLO?! Is anyone even listening?!

    You know you need to post on social media to keep your business relevant, but let’s face it, half of the time, nobody even looks at it. The truth is, nobody is pointing and laughing while saying you are a loser. Unless you sell jars of farts. Otherwise, people don’t judge you for promoting your work! If you are just lazy, set, Here’s a secret: You don’t have to post daily, but consistency is key. Set a schedule that works for you, and stick to it like gum on a hot sidewalk.

    Pro Tip for Busy (lazy) People: Use scheduling tools to batch your content. Spend one afternoon creating your posts for the week, and then let technology do the rest. This way, you can pretend you’re super active while you binge watch that new season of the bachelor.

    Reaching Out to Clients: Channel Your Inner Stalker

    Reaching out to clients can be about as enjoyable as a root canal. But it’s essential. Treat it like gambling, the more you press the button, the better your chances of making some money. Don’t take rejection personally. Instead, think of it as just another step closer to a JACKPOT!

    Emily Insight: Imagine every prospective client as a Tinder match. Half will ghost you, but hey, you only need a few solid matches.

    Learning New Things: The Homework.

    The business world is always evolving, which means you need to be a lifelong learner. But let’s be honest, some days, learning a new skill feels about as appealing as going back to your 9-5. Set small, manageable goals and reward yourself for each milestone you hit.

    Tip: Promise yourself a cookie (or five) for every new skill you master. Pavlov was onto something.

    Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Awkward

    Growth happens outside your comfort zone, but stepping out can feel like going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Start small. Take baby steps. Make a list of things that scare you and tackle one each week.

    Example:

    1. Disagree with my Mother In Law
    2. …
    3. Being on Camera
    4. …

    Reality Check: Everyone else is just as uncomfortable as you are, they’re just better at hiding it. Fake it ‘til you make it.

    Choosing Work Over Fun: The Netflix Temptation

    Let’s address the elephant in the room. Choosing work over fun is tough when no one’s watching. Netflix is calling your name, and that couch looks mighty fine. Here’s the trick: Create a schedule and stick to it. Designate specific times for work and play. After all, making yourself get some work done from 1pm-4pm sounds MUCH better than 9am-5pm. I mean…unless you want to go back to that life…(ew).

    Motivation Hack: Reward yourself with your favorite show after you’ve completed your tasks. Trust me, “The Office” is way funnier when you don’t feel guilty for being lazy.

    Running your own business isn’t easy, but with a bit of humor and a lot of determination, you can stay motivated and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.