I’m sitting here tping with my eyes closed…. yes, literally. Don’t ask. It’s an exercise in visualizing where I will be in one year, but mentally thinkiging about it without the distractions of everything else going on … for example the LazyTown currently playing on TV for my mini mes. You’ll just have to excuse the typos (though now I’ll probably not have any). 😆
So, in one year…
I see myself in my new studio … an L shaped space with a front, open, office/ client space combination, 12 foot ceilings and lots of prints hung on the wall. I see a large flat screen tv to show images upon. I see a kids corner with white board walls for coloring on the walls and tables and chairs for comfort while mom and dad review photos. I see a sleek new desk made of wood, giving a comfortable homey feel to a retail bay.
I see this space separated by a bathroom and closet that then open up into the photography space. The photography room is long and skinny with two LARGE windows for natural light as well as my regular lights. I see one wall of brick and one wall of fun purple. I see my checkered floor (just as I have now) and the other side a wood floor. The walls of the client/office are warm tones that are inviting and comfortable.
I see many possible color combinations in the studio with moveable backdrops adding even MORE possibilities. I see neat, ceiling- based lights in the entry, instead of icky flourescents. I see the place as a 2nd “home”, not a retail shop. I see me, in my comfy shoes, my branded shirts, jeans sitting at my desk or working to photograph the next cutest baby ever. 🙂 And then the next brides. And then the next pregnant moms and then school aged kids and having fun events, like something for each of the “major” holidays.
I see businesses approaching ME for opportunities instead of ME doing the same wtih them. I see me being an ‘ambassador’ with the Chamber of Commerce. I see me being a “silent figure” in the shaping of the growth of apex … not politically, but just in some of its minor business ‘dealings’. Wow, that’s one I hadn’t thought about before. Where did that come from? 🙂
I see me making millions of dollars. Ok, not really, that was just for fun. 🙂 I see me continuing to be extremely active with NILMDTS and other charities. Honestly I’d love to do nothing but charity photography, on a grant or something … but man, that would eat at the wallet. 🙁 I’ll have to continue to balance that with paying customers.
I see people seeing my work and recognizing it. I see an 80 at competition (finally) and me going for certification the following year. I see me hiring a full time helper, one that can help with print packaging, order receipt, NOT editing (that’s mine), with customer relations (except the tough stuff), with photography at events (if desired), with receptionist tpe work and with marketing …. marketing, marketing, marketing. I see me focusing heavily on my current customers and knowing WHO my target customers are. I still see me focusing exclusively on the growing Apex market. I see this person handling the actual framing too … instead of me, who hates mats, doing it. 🙂
I see me in a Mini Cooper with my logo on the side. 😉 😆 Ron knows about that one, but that’s just one I’m not so worried about at this point … it’s a fluff element. 🙂 But wouldn’t that be cool??
Am I projecting or preparing? I wonder. 🙂
I see me working harder and smarter, but still spending quality time with my family. I see dedicated photography days and dedicated marketing days and dedicated at-home time. I see my kids being “helpers” in my studio. I see Ron being able to quit his stuff and building out a great piece of software for me. For me, me, me. Perhaps just in the early stages, but the one HE wants to build nonetheless. One that works much like that one I have, but better and with more “features” and details. he’s got his own specs for it.
I see me with a few fun “big” pieces of furtniture that I can use in the studio or out. I see using downtown Apex for “urban” lifestyle senior photos. I see me working with charities, such as operation Baby Shower ( as I did today) … more actively. I see me working with various Apex businesses more regularly, such as Kid 2 Kid, Snipits, MusicTimeStudios and other kid-centric places (and any new ones that pop up if I can get to them first!). 🙂
I see Apex as my hub for clients. There are currently 17,000 households in Apex with a high mediam income. It’s a great base. I need to tap into it and I seee myself finally being able to do so. And, I see my hard work working for me, instead of me working for it. Hmmmm … that was insightful. Not. :Lol:
I see online ordering and in-studio ordering, just as I have now … but with a bigger minimum for online ordering. I’m just scared to do that now. I see more customers finding me throughr eferrals … but somehow I have to get my current customers to do more ferring! Hmmm…. how?
I see me being a cingular customer with an Apple iPhone. Ok, that’s just wishful thinking because in one year, I’ll still be in year 1 of my new 2 year contract with Sprint since my phone needs to be replaced NOW and I’m saving every possible penny for the new studio … should that come to fruition. 🙄
I see two studio iMacs and a phone that doesn’t freak out with ever other phone call. 🙂 Ron knows what I’m talking about. 😆 It’s REALLY annoying.
I see my day starting out with slience … just 5 minutes of personal silence, used for exactly what I use it for now … and if you think this is quirky, then oh well … but my day starts in prayer … every work day (and I’m trying to do that Sat. and luckly Sunday is a given!). It’s been a great day starter and I want to keep it that way!
Now, am I missing something because I don’t “see” it? What could I be missing? What might be on the horizon in a year that I just can’t imagine? I couldn’t imagine myself where I am now 2 years ago, but I did, in fact, see it a year ago … when I just started looking for studio space. Did you know that on January 1, 2006 I made a new years resolution that was “I’ll be in a studio at the end of the year”? I said it once and guess what? I was in it! 🙂
Is my 2007 resolution to “be in a new studio at the end of the year.” or is there something else I should strive to do/be?
I see me sticking to a budget. But I also see me with a bit of new equipment … for example a 4’x6′ softbox for ny 2nd light. I “need” this now, but am trying to NOT spend the money. 🙂 I’d also like an overhead light system, but for me, that can be 5 years out, not 1.
I wonder if this is enough imagining or if I’m grabbing at straws a bit. Maybe a bit of both? Isn’t that how things work out though? A bit of dreaming, a lot of work and tada(!) it happens? It’s not like winning the lottery … this is much much much more satisfying (yeah, right! 😉 ).