If this is the year you’re dreaming of hitting $100K+ in your photography business, the time to start is now. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and building momentum before you need it to get you results can be the key to achieving your big goals. Here’s a roadmap to help you start strong to make this your breakthrough year.

1. Stop Living in Feast or Famine Mode

Business doesn’t stop after peak season. It’s crucial to maintain steady efforts year-round. Here’s how to do so consistently and sustainably:

• Avoid getting too comfortable: When things are going well, keep pushing forward. Momentum is everything so don’t get too cushy because that’s how you lose it and find yourself scrambling for cash.
  
• Stay calm during slow periods: Don’t panic. Stick with proven strategies and double down on what works for you and your business. It can be that simple to get out of a rut.

2. Identify Gaps in Your Business

Take a hard look at what’s holding you back. What are the gaps? Do you need to hire help? Hire a coach? Buy a course to learn a new skill? Figure out what is the most important gap, then take action:

• Determine your stage: If you’re in your first year, focus on courses to build foundational skills.
  
  If you’re five years in, you don’t need another course, you need a coach.
  
• Stick to a plan: Stop making short-term decisions and instead formulate a long-term plan that you can refer back to for clarity when you’re making business decisions.

3. Strip Your Business of Excess

I can promise you that a lean business is a profitable business. Here’s where I would look to clear the clutter:

• Time-wasters: Audit your schedule and cut out non-essential activities.
• Unnecessary expenses: Focus on investments that directly contribute to growth.
• Inefficient processes: Streamline your workflow for smoother operations.

4. Write Down Your Goals

You aren’t going to hit your goals if you’re going in blind and without accountability. Here’s what to do instead:

• Put them on paper: Define your year’s objectives in detail.
• Add benchmarks: Break big goals into smaller milestones.
• Create accountability: Use tools like calendars or accountability partners to stay on track and hire a coach.

5. Audit Every Aspect of Your Business

Use the upcoming few weeks to review and refine:

• Review your numbers: Analyze booking rates, revenue, and expenses.
• Check your website: Ensure it’s optimized to attract and convert clients.
• Evaluate your systems: Identify inefficiencies in your processes and fix them now.

Ready to Take Action?

Want my help and accountability as you put these into practice? Be sure to check out my coaching services. And if you want a cheat sheet to remember these, grab my 19 Secrets to Six-Figures Guide for just $19 to get started quickly.