Business

The Real Value of Time Well Spent

by RR Jr on March 23, 2012

This great info graphic by swissmiss has been making its rounds on the internet today, first on Seth’s blog, and also on Chase Jarvis’ blog, and I recommend you read both for their individual takes on this subject. When I saw it I immediately smiled because it proves that a picture is worth a thousand words! The vast majority of my time is spent away from doing what I love most, which is exploring ways to be creative and tell stories with my camera. The longer I do this, the more I have come to realize and appreciate this is exactly what it is. And it is this clarity of defining it that helps me stay focused and motivated to handle the other aspects of the business where I spend the majority of my time. Would I love to out source some if this as Seth recommends? Sure I would, and I am slowly moving in that direction. Being smart about what you should do vs what you should get someone else to do is a vital aspect of running any business where time is the most valuable resource, and I would dare anyone to find a case where that is more true than in landscape photography.

That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the other “stuff”, on the contrary I do. The realization that I am living my dream life, and that each day I have to pinch myself that it is for real makes dealing with the “stuff” a little easier. For sure there are some great benefits – the greatest for me is that I get to spend much more time with my family. I was a stay at home Dad for the first 3 years of my son’s life, and that alone is something I would not trade for anything.

What most do not see is the endless challenge of marketing and selling your work when the mortgage depends on it. The camera seems to stay in the bag for weeks at a time. Health insurance remains out of reach. But nothing in life is guaranteed, and the time we have been given can never be replaced. Spend it wisely, strive to do what you love, and take a moment to appreciate your last breath – there are many that do not have that simple but profound opportunity. It’s all in the simple details.

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Home > Beyond the Lens > Business

Focus On What Makes a Difference

by RR Jr on March 23, 2011

Anthony's Nose, Hudson Valley

“The challenge is to focus on the work, not on the fear that comes from doing the work.” – Seth Godin

The ability to accomplish anything in life is directly tied to your convictions and confidence. The talent lies not in some innate genetic disposition, but in learning to see past the minds own limited perspective. But there is another element that is often overlooked – generosity.

Many of my accomplishments were the result of throwing caution to the wind, trusting my instincts, and slowly learning that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to – regardless of my fear. Here are two ideas to commit to heart – NEVER doubt yourself and think BIG – things I’ve done throughout my life. There will be significant setbacks and disappointments, but out of that growth and experience, the kind that really makes a positive difference.

BUT, I still struggled and wondered why it was so hard to do what I loved to do – photography. Then I started to think differently about my goals, my failures, and started focusing on what matters – doing the work. Now when I see others that have the ability but fail because of commitment or execution, it makes me frustrated, but more than that, it makes me want to help.

Much of what I have learned has come from asking for help. When I have asked for help from others, I accepted that help without reservation and didn’t let my ego interfere. This serves two purposes – it keeps me humble, and it reminds me to help others along their path. And nothing will bring you closer to achieving your goals than generosity. Sure it may take longer, and in our culture of instant gratification, this will not be a popular option. But the results will be so much more valuable and lasting.

The Importance of Generosity

On a workshop

In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being generous, and I have not been disadvantaged by this in any way whatsoever, on the contrary it has enriched my work and my life. I give my knowledge freely and without waiting for anything in return. Then I try and accomplish my own goals, no matter how far fetched they are – simple concept, yet not always easy to practice.

Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. – The Law of Compensation – Little Go-Giver Book

Think about what you want to accomplish in your life – whether that involves photography, work and business, or personal issues. Then think about how you can help someone else in some small way. I can guarantee you from personal experience that once you think this way, you goals will begin to move towards you faster than ever before.

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Home > Beyond the Lens > Business

The Power of Social Media

by RR Jr on February 12, 2011

For anyone out there who still thinks the internet and specifically social media is a temporary phenomenon or just a passing fad not worth of serious attention, here are two interesting stories this week about how they are transforming our world. For any photographer or business owner whose goal is to establish a sustainable and successful carreer, whatever that means to you, this should convince you of the importance of having a presence online.

-The Social (Media) Revolution We Just Saw In Egypt – “The Internet has established itself now as a central (if not the central) conduit of public political action.” – read more!

- AOL Buys the Huffington Post for $315 Million – yes, a BLOG started a few years ago with a total of $1 million has been sold for quite a large sum of money. The days of a blog being the personal journal of someone with too much time on their hands is a distant notion.

If you don’t have a blog, or at the least an online presence, what exactly are you waiting for? What issues are keeping you from getting started? Need help? – leave your questions in the comments below!

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