networking

You never know how much you need a friend until you start your own business and realize how scary it is doing it alone. Sure, you have friends that you hang out with, gossip with, party with...but having someone who is in the same boat as you when it comes to starting your business is essential.

Today I met with a lovely young woman, Erynn Dostaler {www.eedyphoto.com} whom I have not spoken with since college. We took the same photography courses, and while we saw each other almost every day, we were never really "friends". Almost 3 years later, I see she is in the process of starting her own photography business as well, and there went the *lightbulb* in my brain. Maybe I should contact her and we could discuss our journey into this new and frightening realm. So we did just that.

There is a cute little coffee shop called Lilies in Atlantic Beach, and we couldn't have chosen a better place to meet. We were nice and cozy, drinking our hot coffee on this 39 degree, rainy day {we native Floridians are not fans of any weather that is colder than 65 degrees}. Catching up was really nice, of course reminiscing about college and our wonderful professors, and how much we actually miss it all. We were warned back then, but never really realized how difficult it would be to continue pursuing photography after graduation when you don't have that classroom full of your peers and professors, pushing you and motivating you. Obviously, 3 years later and I am just now taking that leap. It takes more self-motivation than you'd think, and that is never easy.

While Erynn has had more experience shooting weddings and events, we are both at the starting line when it comes to the business aspect of it all: getting our websites up and running smoothly, learning the ins and outs of pricing, packages, taxes, and networking. It's intimidating! But I'll be honest, knowing I wasn't alone in this, and that I had someone who could relate and with whom I could work with in the future, was relieving.

Networking is SO important. Even for those who feel they can dive right in and do it all on their own without support. It's crucial to meet people in your field, reach out to those who are starting off as well, and especially to the veterans who have years of experience. Learn as much as you can in the beginning. Of course you will learn more as you go, but starting off with some knowledge will help exponentially.

And I cannot emphasize enough how important social media is. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Flickr, etc. are your best friends when it comes to networking and getting your name out there! Even putting your business cards out at different places like bridal stores {if you're a wedding photographer} is helpful. Not to mention word-of-mouth by your friends and family.

Bottom line is, don't get discouraged! Learn to motivate and inspire yourself, and with hard work and persistance {and sometimes sacrifices}, you will do fine. Never give up on your dreams.