EP 68 - off-season grind: set yourself up for success
Hi friends! It's just me this time, and we’re talking about how to make the most of those quieter months when business slows down. Now's a great time to prepare, refresh your portfolio, and tackle that ever-growing admin pile. I’ll also be catching you up on my life, where my head is at going into this year, and what I’ve been up to lately!
Refresh Your Portfolio
Now’s the perfect time to update and refine your portfolio. Want to try out a new style or concept, go for it! Set up free shoots just for fun—no pressure from clients. That extra creative freedom can lead to fresh ideas that might end up being some awesome work in your portfolio next year.
Update Your Online Presence
Next up, give your website some much-deserved attention. Does it truly reflect your style and the work you want to book? Spend a day or two sprucing things up—check your landing pages, swap out old images, and maybe even play with a new brand look. The off-season is prime time to make sure your online presence is as polished and up-to-date as possible.
Admin Tasks & System Efficiency
So, I know admin stuff isn’t the most glamorous, but trust me, it’s a total sanity-saver when the busy season rolls around. Take this downtime to set up email templates, organize your bookkeeping, and streamline any processes that feel clunky. You’ll thank yourself later when things get hectic and you can handle it all like a pro.
Continuing Education
The off-season is also a great opportunity to learn something new. Sign up for that workshop you’ve been eyeing, watch some tutorials on new editing techniques, or even attend a virtual conference. Not only will you sharpen your skills, but you’ll also come back to work with fresh inspiration and energy.
Networking & Collaboration
Don’t forget about the power of community! Use these slower months to reach out to fellow creatives, whether it’s other photographers, planners, or makeup artists. You could organize a small workshop, plan a styled shoot together, or just meet for coffee to exchange ideas. When things pick up again, these relationships can open doors you never saw coming.
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Another biggie: create a marketing plan that’ll keep your name out there when you’re buried in bookings. Think ahead—what kind of content or promotions will you run? Plan your social media posts and newsletters so you don’t go radio silent when the schedule gets tight.
Self-Care & Recharge
And most importantly, don’t forget to take care of you. Spend quality time with loved ones, explore hobbies outside of work, and ensure you’re taking breaks. The off-season shouldn’t feel like you’re just swapping one stress for another. Find that balance so you can head into 2025 refreshed.
I hope these tips help you make the most of your downtime and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, a lull in your schedule doesn’t mean a lull in your growth—it’s the perfect chance to level up, reflect, and set yourself up for success.
If you found this post helpful, spread the love and share with your friends. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet! Keep an eye out for more updates and awesome guest episodes. Until next time, stay creative, everyone!
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