Operating a photography business can be so much fun. You fill up your bags with the latest photography equipment, bring in the best clients, and showcase work you truly love and are proud of.

And for the most part, its all good. Things move along smoothly, and you learn how to improve day to day.

But on occasion, you hit a rough spot. You have a day where something goes wrong – terribly wrong in some cases – and you’re just not sure if its all worth it.

While the unexpected will always happen, and there is little you can do to prepare for it, there are certain things you can plan for today. What are your policies on the following?

Bad Advice

Have you ever noticed how people love to dish out advice when it doesn’t affect them? They hold down 9 to 5 jobs, live in the rat race every day, and yet they become an “expert” in running a small business when you mention your ideas.

And in some cases, it can be hard NOT to take their advice. Especially when its family.

“Here’s the $1,000 you asked for. Don’t worry about paying me back right away; just make sure you use it wisely. Don’t put it towards that ad in the magazine you talked about – that sure was expensive. And …” The advice goes on and on.

And while your loved one means well, if they’ve never run a small business, they don’t have a clue as to what to do.

Smile. Take in their advice. Thank them. And move on.

In some cases they may have valid concerns. Use them when making your final decision. But if their line of thinking is way off base, don’t let that influence you. You’re the boss; you get the final say. [Read more…]