What is on your mind the second you open your eyes in the morning? Is it work, school, or your lifelong dream? Dreams often get pushed to the back of the mind due to being overwhelmed with other responsibilities. Often, entrepreneurial dreams are replaced by a 9-5 job that pays the bills. Working the day away leaves some time at night or on days off to focus on self. What is your lifelong dream? Mine is to run my own photography business. Let’s chat about how to navigate time for running your business while having other obligations!
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Plan & Be Organized
Having a set schedule of what each day entails will provide a layout of when to work on your dreams. If it is a side hustle, it may have to be worked around your busy schedule. Set aside time each day or on your day off to work on whatever your idea may be.
As a person who enjoys planning, I utilize many different tools to stay organized. First, I have a physical planner that I carry with me wherever I go. It helps me see what I have going on so I do not overwork myself. Second, I recommend using a phone calendar. It is so nice to have an extra reminder, especially when living a busy life. On the busier days I like to create a to-do list as well.
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Utilize Your Resources
As a photographer, I am often using social media to get my name and work out there. Instagram and Facebook are great ways to find a target audience for free! With a click of a button, a post can be shared by one and viewed by multiple people. Even if you do not have time to “work” on your business, there is usually time to post a photo or graphic online. Checking social media is time consuming and a part of most people’s daily routine. Why not take that time to make social media better your business?
Youtube is another resource that a potential business owner should look into. There are tutorials, motivational videos, and anything else that relates to your business. This is helpful for those who only have a few minutes of their day to learn. Youtube videos are typically 10-20 minutes long, watch it during lunch.
Having a set schedule to create posts and share them seems to be helpful for attracting clientele. I find myself using “stories” more than actual posts because people can easily click through them.
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Be Proactive
As a student, student athlete, and a part-time worker, it is difficult to find time for my photography work. I want to plan more photoshoots and invest in my business more, but I tell myself there isn’t time. Of course there is time, it is just a matter of how it is utilized. I waste so much time scrolling through social media, while I could be creating and sharing social media posts.
Typically saying, “I will get to it later,” results in not getting to it later. The only way to actually achieve a dream is by working towards it. Even if it is in your free time, work on what you want. If you truly want to achieve something, go for it.
Find something that inspires you. Do a brain dump on paper, look through pinterest, go for a walk. Whatever it is that gets you thinking about your dream, do that. Oftentimes, it is easy to feel uninspired but when the moment comes to you, act upon it.
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Find a Mentor
Find someone that is where you want to be and learn from them. It is highly likely that they were once where you currently are. Whether it be reaching out by text or meeting up for coffee, do it. It is so helpful to learn from someone and learn how they got to where you want to be.
If a mentor is not accessible, reach out to a friend or family member that is invested in the success of your business. Sometimes talking the idea into existence helps it feel achievable. Accept feedback and use it for bettering your idea. Also, there are always online opportunities to look into, such as groups of similar hobbyists. Seek assistance from others because it could lead to the next step.
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Go For It!
At the end of the day, dreams can be achieved when focused on with the right mindset. Invest in yourself and what you want to do. Finding a way to balance your normal life with a future business idea can be done by planning and organizing, utilizing resources, being proactive, and possibly finding a mentor.
