Welcome to 2015! This promises to be an exciting year! The economy is recovering, people are spending more and there are more opportunities than ever before awaiting you this year.

I have been very busy these last couple of months. I have just completed a major step in rebranding my business. I am offering photography, training (photography and business seminars) and business coaching under my name of Doug Mattice, LLC. Yes I have finally become a limited liability company and feel good about where I am headed with this business.

Here is what you can expect from me this year. As a business coach, I realize that not everyone can afford one-on-one private coaching. I will be creating workshops, webinars and courses that will be affordable, informational and business centric, and I will have multiple premium business development packages available to meet your needs and price point. I also plan on speaking more this year. If you need a business program for your association or studio, reach out to me. My goal is to become your resource for business information and guidance.

As far as the newsletter goes, I will do my best to have this in your inbox each Thursday morning. The newsletter will have articles and tips for both business and photography. I am also looking into adding video once I know all the in's and out's of how to do it. Anyway, I am here to serve you and I would love to hear from you with any topics that you would like covered in the coming year.

Habits are EASY to break...at least the good ones

Vision Graphic

When people talk about productivity they often talk about routines or habits.

"Researchers" tell us that it takes 30 days of action to form a habit. This means that after thirty days of an activity, it will be engrained into your mind and body so that you do it automatically. Here's what I wonder, once you have a habit in place, why are good habits so easy to break while it is much more difficult to break bad habits?

There are good habits and there are bad habits. As a business owner, good habits are planning your day, promptly returning phone call, processing expenses and receipts quickly, and having a consistent marketing campaign that keeps clients coming in the door. Other good habits would be to outsource tasks to others instead of spending time doing it yourself.

I find photographers have a lot of "bad habits" that keep them from getting repeat business. Many do not reach out to their client database on a regular basis, so over time the rapport and relationship that they had established goes away. Many do not keep track of their numbers (sessions, sales, expenses, etc.) so they have no idea where they stand in their business. Many do not work on becoming better business people so they quickly find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Others continue to pursue the "shiny object" (equipment, software, new cameras etc) hoping that it will be the magic pill that leads them to prosperity.

When I discuss this with photographers, most know WHAT they need to do, but the bottom line is they are NOT doing it. Year after year they end up reverting to the same old habits, and for many, these habits end up strangling the business to the point that it would take years and years of profitability just to break even.

So as we enter 2015, here are five steps you can take to help you establish GOOD habits:

Decide exactly what habit you want to establish. Be VERY clear. For example, "marketing more" is not enough. Instead create a marketing calendar with specific campaigns and deadlines that you can follow throughout the year. Most labs send out a marketing calendar that shows when they are going to put specific products on sale. Use that as a starting point for creating your promotions.
Dig down deep inside to figure out WHY you want to bother to create this habit or do this activity in the first place. If you don't know the "why" behind the habit, the chance of seeing its success is limited.
Outline the exact steps you will take to accomplish the habit. And try to refrain from using the word "not". Instead of saying I will NOT check my email first thing in the morning, say "Review to-do list" or "Plan daily tasks" before anything else when I sit down at my desk in the morning.
Make sure you have the tools or supplies you need. Being prepared and organized will save tons of time throughout the year. Look at the different APPS that are available to enhance your productivity, and let those help form your new habit.
Get a support structure. Be accountable to someone. Do the activity with people and share your successes and challenges with them. Many people hire me to help hold them accountable and push them to their goals. Just because you are a "solo-preneur" doesn't mean you have to do everything alone!

Think about the habits you need to start in order for you to really achieve your goals in 2015. Write them down, take action and watch your life change!

Photography Tip of the Week:

Noses come in all shapes and sizes, but some are harder to photograph than others. Here are a couple of tips that can help you "nose out the competition" - sorry I couldn't resist........

If you think you can't make money and live life on your terms, I would like you to "think again". I specialize in teaching photographers how to make more money more easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that they desire.

As a photographer myself, I know all to well that too many photographers today are working themselves to death in order to achieve the business success that's going to allow them to have a comfortable life. That's why I have dedicated myself to helping my clients in the fastest and most strategic methods in business building so they can Be Financially Profitable, Live Fully, and continue to Pursue the Passion they LOVE!

I offer a variety of business development and coaching services to meet your needs. To learn more CLICK HERE to be taken to my website and see how you can quickly grow your photography business! There will be a free gift waiting for you when you do!

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

"I have increased my business revenues substantially since I started working with Doug. He has helped me focus and now I am more organized then ever before." Pam D.

"My client load has more than tripled! (not to mention my income!) My life has gone from reaction-based confusion to on purpose creation. Working with you as my coach has made all the difference in the world!" Stacey P.

"Doug has helped me increase my sales in just two sessions..I would highly recommend him to help your business grow." Sharon M.

"I have been doing photography for over 25 years. To be honest, I have had a difficult time remaining profitable since 2008 due to the recession and increased competition. Doug has really helped me get over my barriers and negative mindset. Business is improving and I am regaining my "creative" spirit. I encourage you to give him a try because his coaching really helps!" Gary J.

Let Me Help...

There is no better time than NOW to begin growing your photography business. You work too hard to let your dream of creating beautiful photographs DIE because you couldn't effectively manage your business. I am here to help you in whatever way I can. Reach out to me at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com and let's work together to create the business of your dreams!

THE BUSINESS BAGEL MORNING NEWSLETTER

Business Building Tips and Strategies

FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WANT TO

MAKE A PROFIT IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE OWNS A CAMERA!

In This Issue:

Habits are EASY to break...at least the good ones

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

Let Me Help...