Whoa - where did 2014 go?! CAUTION: LONG POST AHEAD!
The last few months of 2014 were a whirlwind; although that may be a bit of an understatement. I've had to do something recently that I didn't want to do, and have never actually done before. It was very difficult, but I had to sit down and do the unthinkable - make some New Year's Resolutions :) I know, I know. You're probably thinking "duh, I do that every year," but I never really have, because things have always been...well..nice and easy. The crazy busy-ness that is my photography business is kinda booming, and I've now got the privelege to make some decisions as to what direction I'd like to head in (that's a good thing!) I've made 5 New Year's Resolutions for myself. But I'll get into that in a sec...
2014 was the fifth year for this business (very part time for the first three or so, and now moving into "full time" hours). If you'd have asked me five years ago where I'd be in this whole photography thing, I wouldn't have had an answer. Business is a little like a marriage in some ways. It takes years to really know your partner. You have to live with them for years to fully understand their inner workings, their habits (both good and bad) and if you're a perfect fit for each other. I'm pleased to say that this business and I are a perfect fit for each other, and we're going to survive many, many more years together :)
You're going to notice some changes with Lyndsay Doyle Photography going into 2015. I'm very excited to be able to announce these changes as I roll them out slowly over the next few weeks (Resolution #1 - Slow Down). You'll notice some new services, namely in regards to offering photographic services to small businesses (Resolution #2 - Focus On My Passion For Helping Other Businesses). You'll also notice the removal of certain services, like weddings (Resolution #3 - Focus on My Favorite Things, And Do Them Really Well). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE weddings, and I'm continuing to shoot them - as a second shooter for another photographer (yay!) However, in order to be the best at what I do, I've had to choose to focus on the things I love most: families, children and business.
This leads into my next resolution (Resolution #4 - Provide Amazing Customer Service). This means different things to different people, so I'll try to explain what it means to me. It means booking less sessions each month so I can concentrate on providing my undivided attention to my clients. It means being able to answer emails and phone calls in a timely manner. It means returning your products to you quickly so you can share them with your family and friends while you're still super excited about them! It means taking time to advance my education and my skills in order to continue to provide top-notch artwork to you. In 2014, I spent more than 80 hours in the classroom (2 certificates, thank you very much!), and countless hours online, researching and learning in order to get better at my craft. I will continue to learn in 2015, this is my committment to you.
And the last resolution? Well, it's all about me (Resolution #5 - Look After Myself). Again, open for interpretation, but here's the thing. At the end of 2014, I wasn't feeling great. A quick trip to my family doctor and a few tests revealed a few surprises about myself that I wasn't expecting. Don't worry, nothing major. But the point is that I was neglecting myself and my personal health. With my 35th birthday right around the corner, I decided it was time to make some changes to my lifestyle (better sleep, better diet, less screen time, more family time...) before I lead myself down a path I don't want to go down. And if I can figure a way to preach this to everyone I know, and make you all get yourselves healthy in body and in mind, trust me, I will :) I may need your support along the way on this one!
So there you go. That's my New Year's blog entry to get you all up to date on what's happening around here. In summary: I'm going to be even more awesome this year because I'm finally figuring out my direction in business and in life. I'm going to look after myself better so I can look after you better. And the reason I do all this? My kiddos. Here they are:
Cute huh? Thanks for listening - you guys rock! Call me anytime, I'm available for long chats about life, business and family. I'm available for photography too :)
Wishing you the best in 2015, in your personal lives and in your professional lives too.
Lyndsay