In case you weren’t able to make it to the Tuesdays Together meet up today (11/12/19) (Check out my previous post here) I thought I’d share my top three things I wish I knew when I started my business.

1. Start with the future in mind. Even if you don’t know what that looks like, don’t limit yourself for future growth. Make sure to consider future expansion beyond just yourself.

   • When I first started my business I didn’t even give it a thought to having other photographers work for me and under my brand. I also didn’t consider the longevity of my business name. I started as Moments Photography by Kristy LLC, which is still my legal business name, however, I now operate under my legal trade name Kristin Reuter Photography.

2. Do not hold off on outsourcing. You are one person, and honestly there are people that specialize in the aspects of your business and can do it much faster than you because it’s the only thing they do. If you free yourself up to do other things you can focus on the parts of your business that bring you more income! The more time I can spend behind the camera and not behind my computer the more income I can generate.

3. Respect your time and your worth. Calculate your CODB (cost of doing business) and COG (cost of goods), and don’t forget that us small businesses get taxed at 42.5%. If you don’t charge enough to not only pay your business expenses, but to also generate a profit to pay yourself your business won’t last long.

Those of you that have been in business for a while go ahead and drop the three things you wish you would have known when you started your business in the comments! I’d love to read them and if you’re new feel free to drop some questions in the comments, I’d be happy to answer them!

xoxo,

Kristy