Tag Archives: work

Stayin’ Alive

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Stayin’ Alive

Hello! As an Independent Provider, it is required to get recertified in CPR and First Aid every two years. I am always more than happy to do so because not only is this certification beneficial for my clients, but it can help my family, friends, and perfect strangers too. This past weekend, I had my in person skills assessment at a church in Akron. I am pleased to report that I didn’t burst into flames and that I passed with flying colors! 😀

I have been working in my field for a decade, which means this was my fifth CPR and First Aid training. In my group, a majority of the people had never taken a class before and I became the guinea pig of the day. I could tell that everyone felt pretty nervous and, honestly, it made ME nervous to be the first one to perform skills because what if I suck lol. I vividly remember my first CPR and First Aid training. There was SO. Much. Information. and it was incredibly overwhelming. The anxiety for me was palpable that day and I could literally feel it in the air at class this weekend. Thankfully, everything went without a hitch and it made me feel good to help ease some nerves and encourage and guide others.

CPR and First Aid are life saving skills and can be one of those things that you lose if you aren’t doing them often. I was SO glad to be able to have a refresher because our teacher for the day was excellent. I was incredibly appreciative of the fact that she really took the time to pinpoint areas of improvement with each student, myself included. She was also very calm and collected, which I liked a lot. By employing the pro tips she taught and trying to emulate her cool as a cucumber demeanor, it made performing the skills more natural and increased my confidence. You never know what the scene will be like during an emergency situation and it was such good practice to be able to match her energy and maintain a level head with each skill.

If you have never taken a CPR and First Aid course, I truly can’t recommend it enough. These aren’t just skills for people in specific jobs, they are for everyone to learn. Hopefully, you will never encounter a situation that warrants using these life saving techniques. However, should it happen, you will be well equipped to help.

Do you know how to do CPR? What song do you use in your head? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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:

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.

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!

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.

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!

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:

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.

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!

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.

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

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:

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.

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!

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.

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

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:

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Best Pizza Ever

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Best Pizza Ever

Hello!! My Mondays have turned into kind of a hectic day because I spend them as a personal assistant to Tim Misny at his estate called Misnyland. When we aren’t shooting content, joking with each other, making culinary delights, and laughing hysterically, I am bopping around here, there, and everywhere. Despite it being a long day, it’s a really fun day and by the time I make my hour drive home, I am famished. And that’s after having a delicious lunch that we always carefully prepare a menu for!

This last Monday, I had an especially long day for an evening content shoot and I told Johnny I would text him when I was about to leave. I was tired and, of course, hungry and he replied with the most beautiful message I have ever read: “I made an oven pizza for when you get back”. And, like a siren song, it guided me home. It might not seem like much but it truly was the best pizza ever:

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When I was little, my mom would typically get home later in the evening. She worked in Cleveland, primarily, and during traffic time the forty-five minute drive could turn into over an hour. Without fail, my dad would always have something ready for her to have for dinner when she got home. Whether it was oven pizza, spaghetti, or anything else easy, my mom would always say “I don’t know if this tastes so good because it’s good or because I’m hungry”. I know I’m using the word “always” a lot but I always thought it was the sweetest thing!

On Monday, it honestly felt like deja vu while I was chowing down on my oven pizza. It seriously tasted SO good and I found myself repeating the same sentiments that my mom used to say. I felt so lucky because my husband did the exact same thing that my dad would do which charmed me so much. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that he cleaned up the whole bottom floor of our apartment too. Johnny knew I had a way longer than usual day and did everything he could so that I could sink in a chair and relax as soon as I got home. It was so appreciated and he is just the best. ❤

I didn’t think it was humanly possible, but my schedule has turned even more crazy recently. I am so thankful to my main squeeze for holding down the fort until things slow down hopefully after the holidays!!

What is your favorite easy dinner? Has someone done something recently that you really appreciated? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Best Job Ever!

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Best Job Ever!

Hello!! I have been working with people with special needs for a decade now and I simply could not imagine doing anything different. Don’t get me wrong, I love working on the blog and social media but my work community feels like home and it is a beautiful thing. Being able to help and work with so many amazing families is a gift and I don’t take it lightly. One of my greatest joys this year has been being reunited with my VERY FIRST client and her family. It has been like stepping into a time capsule from when I first started out and it feels like I never left. During our last session, my client presented me with this sweet gift and I will treasure it for forever:

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My client and I spent a snowy day inside completing household chores together. About halfway through, she said “Oh! I almost forgot. I wanted you to have this because you have always been there for me and I’m so happy you are able to work with me again”. Then, she handed me the little angel and I almost cried – not just because it was incredibly thoughtful, but because I feel the exact same way. I was ecstatic when her parents reached out to me and it feels so good to be back. It really is a high point of my week.

I love my job even on the most difficult days and it’s moments like these that always makes me eager for my next shift. I have received countless drawings, works of art, cards, and trinkets from my clients over my extensive tenure and I have kept them all. I have enjoyed my time with every family I have worked with and displaying these gifts where I can see them around my apartment is a constant reminder of that. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world as I placed my angel on my knick knack shelf directly across from my computer station. I see it every time I look up and I smile Every. Single. Time.

My work never feels like work because I am genuinely excited every time I hop into the car and venture to one of my clients. Here’s to ten more years in the best field EVER!

What do you love about your job? What would you change about your job? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ugh Bug

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Ugh Bug

Hello!! I have often found that there comes a point a few times a year where the metaphorical wall has been hit. And, rather than allowing myself to have a break like a rational person, I just keep pushing myself. Then, my body decides for me when it’s time for a reprise lol. This is exactly what happened this past Tuesday. After a strenuous fourteen hour day on Monday, the Ugh Bug hit me and I was down for the count. At least I had some company because Johnny caught it too so we were down for the count together. 😀

On Tuesday morning, I was feeling great. I woke up, took care of the bunnies, showered, and began my normal work routine. Then, literally out of nowhere, everything went horribly wrong. While I was on the phone, I started getting really nauseous. I chalked it up to having too much coffee and switched to sipping on water. Then, as I was back on the phone a few minutes later, it turned into “oh no” and the conversation blessedly ended in time for me to get to the bathroom. Small miracles, people!

This is going to be TMI but guys, I legit erupted like a geyser. Lol, in that moment, I knew it was time to put my pajamas back on and call it a day. In between bathroom breaks, I finished the work I could online and then became one with my couch. I watched Degrassi as well as the new Netflix documentary on JonBenet Ramsey. And, can I please just say, I’m going to solve the damn case myself. I. Need. ANSWERS. But, that’s neither here nor there.

Anywho, Johnny returned home as I laid in my own misery feeling just as awful as I was. In fact, he was probably worse off than me because he was experiencing a fever and chills too. In this case, yes. Misery does love company! After going to bed really early, we both woke up on Wednesday morning feeling about fifty percent better. That’s not good enough to go to work, so as I type this he is playing Call of Duty lol. It feels incredibly weird with us both being home in the middle of the work week but I’m glad we caught the Ugh Bug before the holidays. As I said, small miracles!

In conclusion, if you are feeling rundown: Take it easy or you’re going to end up in this exact same situation!

Do you get sick often? What makes you feel better when you are under the weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Caffeination Station

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Caffeination Station

Hello! When I moved into my own apartment, my parents got me a red Keurig for my housewarming gift. At the time, I wouldn’t have called myself a huge coffee drinker but I liked to have it in case I needed an extra boost or I had company over. Then, in 2022 we experienced the Great Kitchen Flood and it ruined several of my countertop appliances, Keurig included. I never bothered replacing it because it’s not like I used it every day so it felt like an unnecessary expense.

Fast forward to this past year when I began getting up at the buttcrack of dawn (Three AM) for work and your girl instantly turned into a coffee fanatic thanks to the Keurig Johnny gifted me with for Valentine’s Day. Literally every day since he gave me my prezzie, I have enjoyed back to back brews Monday through Friday and I don’t know how I survived before lol. And, major shout out to my parents for coming in with the assist:

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I spend A LOT of time at my mom and dad’s house in a care giving role and I am more than happy to do so. That’s not to say that I am not happy to have a little treat, though, too! Every week, Giant Eagle runs a great promotion on specific brands of K-Cups for five bucks a box. Every week, without fail, my parents will get me a Green Mountain (My favorite brand!) blend when they do their grocery shopping. Is this something they have to do? Absolutely not! But the fact that they want to and it has become a part of their grocery routine gives me ALL of the warm fuzzies.

I’m not going to lie, having to get up so early for work blows lol. There’s just no better way to say it and I fantasize every morning about going back to sleep as soon as my alarm goes off. No one said adulting was easy! However, after I take care of the buns and take a shower, I know that it is coffee time! It sounds like a little thing, but taking out my box of K-Cups that my parents got me and using the Keurig that Johnny gifted me with gives me a bright start to the day, no matter how early. Every morning, I get to use gifts given to me by people that I love and by the time that first sip hits, I can take on the world that is mostly still asleep!

Thanks to Johnny and my parents, I start my days off right – with a smile and caffeinated!! The best combination!

How do you take your coffee? What do you use to make your coffee? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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:

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.

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.

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.

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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^^^ Unsplash Image

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Featured Image By: Unsplash