Tag Archives: pro tips

Jan21

Digital Marketing Tips

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Digital Marketing Tips

The world of digital marketing is vast and, honestly, can be a bit overwhelming! Creating a healthy and successful online presence whether it be for your business or yourself takes time and work. It also takes trial and error because every online presence is different. What works for your best friend’s brand might not work for you. Thankfully, some constants in digital marketing remain despite an ever changing online world. Let’s take a look at what you can focus on in this moment to take your brand to the next level:

Patience Is a Virtue:

We all know that what we put out online whether that be through social media or your own website has the potential to go viral. Of course, going viral is an excellent goal to strive for – imagine breaking the internet with one single piece of content! Is this achievable? Sure! Many people have done it. However, your page may not be as healthy as others if you are simply focusing on a viral status. Rather than a “do it quick” mentality, take the time to truly cultivate your page and allow it to grow naturally through your content and interactions. Viral status can be short lived but a stable platform with true fans, followers, and customers lasts forever. Don’t forget the importance of that, even if it is taking longer than you would like to see growth. Good things take time!

Creating meaningful content is the name of the game and if you are a business owner, you might not have the time or staffing to commit to this crucial aspect of marketing. If this is the case for you, patiently waiting for when you can squeeze in a few posts or run a handful of ads is not a virtue! Until you have the resources to handle your marketing in house, you might benefit from a digital marketing agency NZ (or your local area) to help you get started on the right foot. The team you choose will work with you to help bring your visions to life so you can focus on the priorities of your business.

Be Boldly You:

Let’s take a moment and think about all of the different websites and social media pages that exist. It’s too many to even put a number on! Knowing that, you must develop a marketing plan that showcases yourself and your vision. Out of all of the places on the internet, people are on your page so what makes it unique? When you can pinpoint that special something, the magic happens and your marketing can revolve around it. This could be with clever social media campaigns, a total website overhaul, or allowing your niche to branch out and cover more topics centered around your key interest. Regardless of what route you take, make one hundred percent sure you are happy with what you are putting out. What people see is their first impression of you even if they live halfway across the world and you want that impression to be a good one.

If you are creating amazing content but find that your website is lacking visual appeal, you might want to get help with its design. The appearance of your page is a direct reflection of your content and you will want it to look as high quality as what you are creating. Consider the help of Pacific IQ Shopify Marketing Services to assist with the design of your page. You will be amazed at the difference a fresh, beautifully designed layout can make!

Know Your Audience:

As your pages develop, you will be able to have a much clearer picture of where your viewers are coming from as well as their age demographic. This. Is. Huge! With this information, you can better curate your strategies to improve the experience for your current audience as well as have the insight to expand the demographic even more. For example, if your primary audience is senior citizens, the chances are high that they are only on Facebook for social media. They also might prefer email marketing like alerts and newsletters. Younger viewers are all about that in app experience with short and sweet video content, bold graphics, and eye catching statements. Your digital marketing should be all encompassing no matter the age or location of your audience so find ways to tap into each demographic with strategies that can be accessed in a variety of ways.

Know When to Get Help:

Feeling lost when it comes to SEO? Not sure where to start with building a website? This might be the perfect opportunity to explore how a marketing agency can support your efforts. The key is finding an agency that specializes in your industry – after all, a fashion website has completely different needs than a car dealership site. For instance, if you work in insurance, you could benefit from services tailored specifically to insurance broker seo. Partnering with specialists can fast-track your progress and give you the confidence to tackle more ambitious marketing goals as your business grows.

When you consult with a digital marketing agency like Dragonfly Digital Marketing, your goals for your website will be front and center. It’s a good idea to have some milestones you are hoping to achieve in mind before a consultation so the experts can put together a plan to help you meet them. Working with a marketing agency could be just what your page needs to expand your audience even further.

Digital marketing is strategic, yes, but it should be fun too. This is your chance to put your big idea front and center so develop a comprehensive plan, seek help as needed, and have a blast creating!

Jan19

Moving Right Along

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Moving Right Along

Howdy!! One of the comments that I get several times a week from the people I see and talk to frequently is: “I don’t know how you manage everything”. I have three jobs that keep me very busy, but I like to think that I have my juggling act down to a science. This isn’t something that happened overnight, rather something that has been perfected over time as I have been self employed for over a decade. It can be a delicate dance when you have a crazy schedule to keep your head above water. However, once you have it down, you can do that dance backwards and with your eyes closed! Here is what helps me:

I love my jobs:

The most important thing is to love what you do for a living and I certainly do! I love working with people with special needs, I love my blog, and I love being a social media manager. If I was absolutely miserable in any of these positions, I wouldn’t dedicate so much time to them. It makes me feel good to be a boss lady, but boss ladies know when to take a step back. As soon as I start feeling like something isn’t a good fit, I make immediate plans to change it and follow through until that is accomplished. It’s what keeps my work exciting and makes each day a joy rather than a chore.

It’s all in the timing:

Of course, time management is the next most important step to making a hectic schedule work. Through trial and error, I created a schedule that allows for me to complete every single task and be done when I return home so I can enjoy my evening with Johnny. Making a perfect schedule for yourself is like assembling a puzzle and once you get the pieces right, there is nothing that you can’t do. For a long while, I would still work a bit once I got home for the day no matter how badly I wanted to sink into the couch. The last step in my master schedule was eliminating this and I feel even more capable because I’m using my evenings for what they were intended for – relaxing!

Listen to yourself:

No one knows you better than you and rather than push yourself, you need to listen to yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I avoided taking breaks or simply a day off and it did me no favors. It made me resentful, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Honestly, this is one of the major things I still need to work on but I am getting better at it. You can only push yourself so much until you break so don’t let yourself get to that point. If something is feeling off, don’t just brush it aside because it’s your mind and body sending you a message. Listen to it because burnout is a very real thing and you have all of the tools to prevent it.

Go with the flow:

It’s no secret that my schedule is god lol. I have to admit, that I do tend to get a little panicky when my day isn’t moving as it should. This is why I am really making an effort to implement a go with the flow attitude. Being high-strung all day is exhausting and I always have to make a conscious effort to remind myself that things might not go accordingly to plan no matter how much you plan. While I do still experience some anxiety during a not to the T day, it has decreased substantially as I have to remind myself that even the most well thought out schedule needs some wiggle room.

I am well aware that there are still things that I need to work on when it comes to my work week. Keeping all of the above at the forefront of my mind helps me and I hope it does the same for you!

Do you follow the same schedule every day? How do you improve your work flow? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan17

Driving Safely In The Snow

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Driving Safely In The Snow

Hello!! In my youth, winters in Ohio were brutal. The snow was extreme, the temperatures were frigid, and school cancellations were frequent. When I began driving over a decade ago, it was so important to be well versed in driving in the snow, even if the weather wasn’t “as bad” as I could recall. In fact, I vividly remember driving an hour home from the dealership in my new car during a crazy snow storm and it was terrifying! As the years passed, winters in my neck of the woods became far more moderate and it felt like we barely got snow at all anymore. Then, winter weather came back with a bang this year. Not just in the AK-Rowdy but all across the country. It snowed in Atlanta where my brother lives and the whole city shut down!

I drive a lot for work and I can tell that so many people on the road now have little experience driving in snow. I have to admit, it took me a good minute or two to shake off the rust once it really started coming down here. So, I thought it would be helpful to compile a few pro tips for driving safely in the snow should it hit your area next:

Tap Those Breaks:

The natural instinct should something unexpected happen while driving is to slam on the breaks. But in the snow, this is the worst possible thing you can do because you’re not going to stop. You’re going to slide and that has the potential to cause accidents. Give yourself plenty of space between cars because that will give you the time to be able to break accordingly. Pump those breaks with a tap, tap, taperoo and keep it in mind every time you are prepping to come to a stop.

Proceed With Caution:

No matter the weather, there is always going to be someone on the road driving faster than you. This can be intimidating when it’s snowing because you might get the urge to speed up too. DON’T. Driving in the snow is all about being fully comfortable in regards to handling the car and your speed. Once you push yourself beyond what you feel capable of doing, panic can quickly set in and that can cause even more problems. DO YOU on the road and anyone who doesn’t like it can go around you.

Practice Makes Perfect:

Honestly, I’m pretty lucky to have more years of experience than I care to admit driving in the snow. Many people can’t say the same so don’t let your first trial run be on the road itself. If you are not familiar with driving in the snow, find yourself an empty parking lot as soon as snow starts to fall. Practice breaking, turning, slowing down, speeding up, and anything else you need to get a feel for it. Then, it’s a good idea to take some drives through your own neighborhood or residential areas so you can get experience on less busy streets before hitting the major roads.

It Sounds Silly:

For those who live in snowy areas: How often do you see people inquiring about the conditions of the road on social media? In my neck of the woods, our talk of the town page is always exploding with them! Now, ninety-nine percent of the time, people are happy to let you know. The other one percent is someone saying you’re stupid and they’re a hater! Anyways, if you do find yourself questioning driving conditions – just make a post because the chances are high that you are going to almost immediately get a real time update. If your question has been answered and you’re uncomfortable driving because of it, just stay home until the plows come through. And, yes, you are sure to get an update on that too!

I have driven in some NO joke snow storms this winter and it was scary even with my experience. There is no shame in pulling to the side of the road or hibernating the day away. Your safety is the most important thing!

What is winter weather like where you live? What is the worst weather you have driven through? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

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The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

Escaping to the countryside is a common dream for many people, and most often comes when we’re stuck in a traffic jam on a busy morning work commute! But of course, moving to a rural area and enjoying a more remote home is work and an adjustment to make. For this reason, learning some of the best investments you may need to make in a rural home, even if you find a worthwhile deal, is absolutely worth it. In this post, we’ll discuss some choices that may help you on that path:

Property Fencing & Markers:

You’ll find that solid fencing really does transform a rural property. Many newcomers to country living discover that boundaries help maintain excellent relationships with neighbors while keeping the local wildlife from treating gardens like their personal buffet. But it’s also true that in rural areas, sometimes homeowners just leave their property borders unattended. Sometimes this is fine, but other times it might confuse rural walkers or those who encroach on your property without permission. You’re not being over the top for wanting to make these lines clear.

You can achieve a good-looking option by investing in simple wooden fencing or hedges, which can prevent confusion about where maintenance duties begin and end. Many rural homeowners have learned through experience that clear boundaries prevent somewhat tense conversations about fallen trees or building projects that accidentally cross property lines. Before you buy a property, have the land and borders surveyed so you know what the outlines are.

Septic Tank Installation:

Most rural homes need their own waste management solutions since they sit too far from main sewage lines. You might be surprised to learn that current septic systems work quite efficiently with minimal fuss, even if it’s not the most romantic idea or home upgrade you want to think about. While the upfront costs can feel substantial, a well-installed system often serves a property for decades when properly maintained, and emptying duties might only be needed once a year or so. If you share this with a neighbor you can split the cost. Care and mindful use makes all the difference here.

Private Road Maintenance:

Many rural homes sit on minor and private roads that may be your task to maintain, or it won’t get done. They could be owned by a house or perhaps part owned by everyone on the road. It’s fair to say that sometimes, a private less maintained road can be a bit of a headache. That’s because rain can reshape paths overnight and you’ll find out that winter brings its own set of challenges with snow removal becoming a personal responsibility. Many rural communities will be keen in sharing these duties and having good co-operation about it, which helps you split both effort and expenses. You might want to consider either investing in good equipment or building a relationship with a reliable local contractor. This way you can discuss potential issues with potholes or water pooling before it affect your vehicles. As everyone has an interest in avoiding such issues, it’s a worthwhile investment, but one you need to prepare for.

Motion Sensitive Lighting:

The countryside is amazing in that it offers wonderfully dark nights for stargazing, but you’ll likely want some lighting solutions for practical purposes too. You may find success with modern LED systems because they use minimal electricity while providing excellent illumination when needed. A great portion of rural homeowners discover that carefully placed motion-activated lights are good for security and energy efficiency.

Backup Supplies:

We’re not going to suggest that living in a rural environment is akin to posting in the International Space Station, but power interruptions tend to last longer in rural areas, and weather can sometimes limit access to town. That’s why even if you haven’t experienced an issue yet, maintaining a well-stocked pantry as a matter of necessity rather than convenience is a good idea. You might want to consider keeping emergency water supplies, basic medical items, and a reliable generator on hand if that’s possible. Grit and other snow-fighting materials can help too.

Renewable Energy:

On a rural property, you have more options for renewable power, which might be an investment now but could pay off over time! Rural properties often have good exposure and conditions for solar power, with plenty of open roof space and unobstructed sunlight if you’re lucky enough. You may even have a water wheel as part of your building that might take some time to get rebuilt over the river, or a place you can use for biofuels. While setting up renewable systems does require renovation and installation that comes with a cost, the long-term savings could be quite significant. Back that up with functional utilities such as furnace installation for appropriate heating, and you’ll be set up perfectly!

With this advice, we hope you can more easily make some good investments in your rural household, should you ever escape to that country life you dream about!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec19

Working With Mental Illness

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Working With Mental Illness

Hello!! It is no secret that your girl suffers from her fair share of mental illness. I have PTSD and depression and it can be exhausting to deal with. And, unfortunately, the adulting world doesn’t stand still despite difficult days that feature a “flare up”. I work hard to continue improving upon my situation, but I also use a few pro tips that I have cultivated over the years to make thing easier on myself. With these tools, my days feel more tolerable and I am able to achieve success in my jobs. Let’s discuss:

Have A Schedule:

In terms of my mental illness, my schedule means everything to me. My schedule brings me a lot of comfort because even if the day goes a little haywire, I still have a general idea of what is going to happen next. I try to go to bed, wake up, eat, and take breaks at the same time every day and not only do I keep things running like a fine tuned machine, but I feel less anxiety throughout the work day. Of course, on the weekend, I revel in not having anything to do. But, Monday through Friday – my schedule is god.

Eat Something:

Between the medication I’m on and the light buzz of butterflies that is constantly fluttering around in my stomach, my appetite is sometimes not there. I used to follow the rule of not eating if I’m not hungry, but that rule sucks because a few hours later I feel miserable and starving. If you aren’t feeling hungry at your normal mealtimes, try to have just a little something anyways. A light snack can help stimulate your appetite so you can work your way up to a proper meal. Your body and mind need the fuel from food, so eat!

Go Easy On Yourself:

The anxious mind might be telling you to work, work, work, and god help you if you stop: Even if you are feeling off. If you are having a bad day, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to take breaks, self soothe, and return to the task at hand with a clearer head. There’s no gold star for pushing yourself through mental turmoil until you reach a breaking point. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you and respond accordingly. It can also be helpful to talk to yourself like you’re talking to a best friend. You would never tell your BFF that their need for a mental health break isn’t valid.

Avoid People Pleasing:

From one people pleaser to another, there comes a point when you have got to put yourself first. I have personally found that I tend to feel very resentful when I am catering to everyone other than me and that is a terrible way to feel. Part of looking out for you comes with saying “no” to what you don’t want to do – whatever reason that might be. You also have to be firm with your no because that establishes boundaries. This is not to say that you should just not help anyone ever. But, if you feel like you are spiraling and taking on way too much, you need to provide some leniency to your schedule.

Like anyone who is dealing with mental illness on top of all that adulting entails, I have my good and bad days. However, my days definitely feel more stable with the above advice!

Do you give yourself mental health breaks? How do you prioritize your mental health? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

The Art Of The Side Hustle

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The Art Of The Side Hustle

Hello!! I like to consider myself the Queen of the Side Hustle. For as long as I can remember, I have always been working a multitude of jobs in a variety of different fields. It keeps my life interesting and it makes the work days fun because I am almost always doing something that I enjoy. Over the years, I have accumulated several pro tips that I still utilize to this day. Let’s discuss some of them further and see where your side hustle can take you:

Patience Is A Virtue:

Good things take time and this definitely applies to your side hustle. Chances are high that you are not going to have a lucrative business over night no matter how awesome it would be! If you are chomping at the bit to quit your day job, hold off and keep doing your best. Use your downtime to really focus on your hustle and don’t make decisions for it lightly. It could end up costing you precious time and money. Slow and steady is the way to go when your hustle is growing.

Spread The Word:

Once you have a business model, website, and services that you are one thousand percent happy with, start spreading the word! The last thing you want is to start advertising if you are still working out the kinks as it can doom your business from the jump. Every customer can be a repeat customer if they are satisfied. Use social media, community bulletins, and good old fashioned word of mouth marketing. Encourage your friends and family to review and recommend you too. People are creating new businesses all of the time so adjust your marketing strategy to keep your hustle front and center. And remember, the worst someone can do is say no, so it’s always, always worth mentioning your hustle whenever and wherever you can!

Keep Your Chin Up:

It is so easy to be discouraged when your hustle isn’t taking off the way you want it to. Always keep your chin up and look on the bright side because you will never know where your hustle can take you if you throw in the towel when things are tough. Rather than get bogged down with where your business is lacking, celebrate victories instead! Every order or appointment booked is a HUGE success because people chose you instead of looking elsewhere. A small victory is better than no victory so don’t be too hard on yourself. And, when you achieve your goals, you will be thanking yourself for sticking with it.

Manage Your Time Wisely:

One job is exhausting as is so manage your time wisely when it comes to your hustle and know when to call it a day. This is honestly something that I need to remind myself constantly because there is always something to do between my various hustles. My new rule of thumb is that as soon as I get home for the day, I am done working. You deserve to relax and nothing is worth your own peace of mind. As your hustle grows, you can evaluate where you can cut back on your day job. Until then, allow yourself the rest you need because anything less can make you feel resentful of your new project.

Remember…

The whole point of a side hustle is to do something you enjoy, make a little extra scratch, and have fun. Look at this as a new adventure instead of a full fledged business because businesses are subject to fail. Adventures are just that: An adventure and you don’t know where it will take you. And, sometimes during adventures, you need to make adjustments. If your hustle isn’t doing what you want it to do, change your model up! There is no rule stating you can’t and it could make all the difference. If inspiration strikes, go for it and see where your adventure leads you next!

Your side hustle has all of the potential in the world to be successful. Enjoy the process, don’t rush it, and if at first you don’t succeed: Try and try again!

Do you have a side hustle? Whose side hustle do you love to support? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

Seasonal Friendly Reminders

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Seasonal Friendly Reminders

Howdy!! The holiday season is a joyous time, but there is no denying that is can be highly stressful – especially for those who struggle to feel merry and bright around this time of year. I thought it would be a good idea to discuss some Seasonal Friendly Reminders today to help enhance the holidays for everyone – holly jolly or not. Let’s take a look at a few different ways to do so:

Holiday Shop Kindly:

From someone who had an extensive tenure working retail, believe me when I say that holidays can bring out the absolute worst in people. In fact, a vast majority of the most terrible encounters I ever had with customers happened during the holidays. Look, we all get it. The stores are crowded, what you want might not be available, a seasonal employee might make a mistake – but it’s never EVER a reason to be mean to someone. Practice patience and if you can’t, stick to online shopping instead of ruining someone’s day.

It’s Okay To Feel Sad:

There is a preconceived notion that this is the happiest time of the year and that it’s impossible to feel sad during the holidays. FALSE. This can actually be the hardest time of the year for those who have lost a loved one, battle with their mental health, or are suffering from an illness. Or it could be none of the above. Regardless, it is okay to feel sad and if you know someone who might be struggling, comfort them. Comments like “You can’t be sad, it’s Christmas” are not helpful because holidays don’t dictate someone’s happiness. Be there, lend an ear, and choose your words carefully – it could be exactly what that person needs!

No Comment:

Changing is part of what makes us human and we change all of the time whether we realize it or not. Some changes are more obvious than others – new tattoos, piercings, a hair cut, growing your hair, or losing/gaining weight. If whatever change you see in someone is not your personal cup of tea, Do. Not. Comment. On. It. Let’s repeat that: No comment is the best comment! Some of these changes could be a result of trauma or an illness and unless information is volunteered, the best rule of thumb is to please bite your tongue. 🙂

And Remember…

You truly have the power to make or break someone’s day so use it wisely. When all else fails, just be kind. Give a smile, a pleasant word, hold the door open for someone – small gestures like these could turn a bad day into something more tolerable. This really can be a sensitive time of the year so be sensitive of that. Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to be a huge production and Random Acts of Kindness do the job just fine!

Honestly, these are all good things to remember no matter the time of the year but it just hits different during the holidays!

Have you worked a seasonal job before? Have you ever had a bad holiday experience? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

Last Minute Gift Ideas

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Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hello!! I have to admit, I did not complete my holiday shopping as early as I usually do this year. However, I am pleased to report that I will officially be DONE once I pick up a gift card at my nail salon on Tuesday. It feels so good to have gifts for everyone in my big family out of the way and I have been working on wrapping a few gifts at a time whenever I feel like it lol. We are officially in the holiday home stretch and if you are just starting your shopping now, then: 1) You are giving ME anxiety! And 2) I am here to help with these last minute options. Let’s get to it:

Food & Drink:

You truly can never go wrong with a food and drink style gift and it is something I implement every year. For the families I work with, I always go with some type of gift basket like chocolate, popcorn, or cookie kits and they are very well received. In fact, this year, I scored a wonderful deal for customized chocolate tins from Ghirardelli that I am really excited about. Most stores offer a great array of gift baskets, wine or beer samplers, or cooking and baking kits so go for it!

Gift Cards:

SO many people say that gift cards are a thoughtless gift and I say FALSE. If you do feel that way, though, you can absolutely put some thought into gift cards! Treat your giftee to a gift card to a movie theater and a favorite restaurant. BOOM. Instant date night. Have a giftee that drives a lot (Like me!)? They will surely want some help filling their tank! Shopping for a shopaholic? Now they can go wild at their go to stores. Yes, it’s one of the most easy ways to complete your shopping. But, it will be a gift that’s truly appreciated and that’s alright in my book!

Pet Supplies:

As a bunny mom, I can honestly say that I am THRILLED whenever I get a Chewy gift card or supplies for my gremlins as a gift. If you have some proud pet parents on your list, this could be a fantastic way to go. As a bonus, it will give them some extra scratch to spend on post holiday sales! If you don’t know what kind of supplies are necessary for your giftee’s pet, just ask. It’s another added bonus because it eliminates a chore for them too.

Photo Albums:

If you’re looking for a more sentimental option, photo albums or framed pictures are perfect – especially if you are the designated picture taker in your family (Like me!). This is a gift that I give at least one of every year because it’s just so easy and it’s really thoughtful. You could do an album of your kiddos for the grandparents, framed pics of you and your bestie on a fun day out, or even canvas prints. Websites like Shutterfly are always running great promotions so this is a gift that could be completed right from your computer!

Stocking Stuffers:

There is literally no rule stating that a gift has to be big or expensive. All that matters is the thought!! Stocking stuffers are excellent if you are strapped for time, ideas, or cash. Think candles and lotion, shaving kits or hot sauce, socks, hats, bath bombs – I could go on for forever. A small item or two and a big smile on your face is really all you need and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. ❤

If you have finished your holiday shopping: Kudos! If not, I hope these ideas help!

Are you good at wrapping gifts? What are your holiday plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

Holiday Mental Health Reminder

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Holiday Mental Health Reminder

Hello!! We are SO close to Thanksgiving that I can almost taste the green bean casserole (Don’t hate on it!). And, of course, then we enter the whirlwind of the winter holiday season. While this is an incredibly joyous time, it can also be highly stressful and it’s important to put your mental health first. Let’s talk about a few ways that you can ease some of those get together jitters so you can still have the merry and brightest time ever:

Ground Rules:

Given the current political situation we are in, it’s very likely that politics will be a topic of discussion at your gathering. This can be a blessing if everyone has the same political views but a curse if not! If the attendees are all across the board on their viewpoints, it might be a good idea to set a Ground Rule of not talking about it period. Unless each guest can engage in polite conversation, then it can turn heated very quickly and that is the last thing you want during the holidays!

Take Breaks:

If your holiday gathering has you feeling overwhelmed, take a break! There’s no rules saying that you can’t and you can excuse yourself without being obvious. No one will think anything of it if you pop into another room to “make a phone call” or you could volunteer to take the family dog out for a quick jaunt. Once you have a few minutes to yourself, you can enter back into the situation feeling refreshed and better able to handle it.

Make Yourself Busy:

Sometimes the best way to shake off anxiety is to make yourself busy. There is always going to be the need for an extra helping hand during the holidays so be that person. Take drink orders, set the table, assist in the kitchen – you know the old saying about idle hands! Giving yourself a task to focus on could be just what you need if your mind starts to race or you’re feeling triggered.

Focus On The Positive:

There is a high probability that there is going to be someone you can’t freaking stand at the gathering. This can create a lot of tension within yourself so try not to let it fester and focus on the positives, instead. Chances are that when you start looking for the positives, there will be a lot of it! There are people you *probably* like there, the food will be banging, or maybe you will play some really fun games. The festivities are not going to last forever so you could be miserable or try to make the most of it for a few hours!

Talk It Out:

There is this preconceived notion that you are supposed to be happy AF during the holidays and that couldn’t be further from the case. Holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for people and it makes sense if you think about it. If you are feeling that holiday depression kick in, it could be really helpful to talk about it with a loved one or counselor. Then, you can create some strategies to get you through and try to take a bit of joy in the festivities too.

Whatever you are feeling during the holidays, good or bad, is okay! You’re allowed to feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed but with these tips I hope you can enjoy the season more fully!

What is your favorite thing about the holidays? What stresses you out during them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov15

Transform Your Photography Hobby Into A Side Hustle

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Transform Your Photography Hobby Into A Side Hustle

Turning a photography hobby into a profitable side hustle is a rewarding journey, but it requires planning, patience, and a few smart strategies. From investing in equipment to building an online presence, there are several steps that can help hobbyists start earning from their passion. Here’s a guide to making photography not just something you love, but also a way to bring in extra income:

Invest in quality equipment:

To go from hobbyist to professional, good equipment is essential. While it’s tempting to stick with basic gear, investing in a high-quality camera, lenses, and lighting tools can significantly improve your work. Clients expect sharp, clear, and high-resolution images, and the right equipment makes that possible.

Beyond a great camera, consider investing in accessories like a tripod for stability and external flashes for better lighting in different settings. Drone photography is also becoming popular; if you’re interested, check out sites like drdrone.ca for equipment that allows you to capture stunning aerial shots. Professional tools not only enhance image quality but also make the shooting process smoother and more enjoyable.

Build a diverse portfolio:

A strong portfolio is key to attracting clients. Choose your best work across different photography styles, whether it’s portraits, landscapes, events, or products, to show potential clients what you’re capable of. It’s a good idea to include a variety of shots to demonstrate your range and versatility. Updating your portfolio regularly keeps it fresh and relevant to current trends. If you’re interested in specializing in a particular niche, such as pet photography or food photography, create a separate portfolio for that to attract specific clients.

Learn basic editing skills:

Editing can make a big difference in transforming good photos into amazing ones. Learning to use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop helps enhance colors, correct lighting, and remove minor imperfections. These tools are essential for creating a polished final product that clients will love.

Define your photography niche:

Specializing in a specific area can help you build expertise and attract targeted clients. For example, some photographers focus on portraits, while others might specialize in events, food, or real estate photography. A niche allows you to tailor your style and skills to meet the needs of a specific audience. Selecting a niche also makes it easier to market your services, as you’ll be able to identify and connect with clients interested in that area.

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Create an online presence:

An online presence is crucial for any side hustle, especially in photography. Start by creating a website or portfolio page where potential clients can see your work, learn about your services, and contact you. A simple, clean website showcasing your best shots and providing clear contact information can make a strong first impression. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also powerful tools for reaching a larger audience. Regularly posting your work and engaging with followers allows people to get a sense of your style and personality.

Set competitive pricing:

Setting fair, competitive prices can be challenging, but it’s essential for building a successful side hustle. Research what other photographers in your area are charging and consider factors like your skill level, equipment costs, and editing time. Starting with a lower rate can attract clients initially, but be ready to increase prices as you gain experience and build a portfolio.

Network and build client relationships:

Building strong client relationships is one of the most effective ways to grow a photography side hustle. Satisfied clients often recommend you to others, which can bring in new business without extra marketing efforts. Delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and communicating clearly shows clients they can rely on you.

Manage time and finances wisely:

Managing time and finances is crucial for a successful side hustle. Since photography often requires both shooting and editing, it’s easy to underestimate how much time goes into each project. Setting a schedule for editing, responding to clients, and marketing your services helps you stay organized and meet deadlines consistently. Budgeting is also important, especially if you’re investing in equipment or software. Tracking expenses and income gives you a clear picture of profitability, and it’s helpful to set aside funds for upgrades or unexpected costs.

Keep improving and learning:

The photography industry is always evolving with new techniques, styles, and technology emerging regularly. Staying current by taking courses, reading photography blogs, or attending workshops helps you improve your skills and stay competitive. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s advanced editing techniques, posing tips, or how to use different types of equipment.

With these tips, we hope you can create a lucrative photography side hustle!

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