A Hump Day Perspective: Getting Out of Analysis Paralysis

by Skip Cohen

​It's "Hump Day" and the middle of the summer. For the most part, things are relatively quiet on the photography front. "Quiet" isn't really the right word - perhaps "routine" is more appropriate. Business is moving along at its normal pace, a little slower due to consumer concerns over the economy and a slowdown in spending.

Stuck in a bit of business apathy? I love the expression "analysis paralysis." We all get caught with it at one time or another. It's an elevated level of procrastination - Nobody wants to spend time analyzing what's working or not working in their business. However, by not taking a more in-depth look, you're setting yourself up for lower revenue and less satisfaction, and eventually, it'll erode your creativity and self-esteem.

Whether it's slow in your business right now, or you're flat out with projects and clients, that doesn't mean there aren't some great projects/exercises you should still be doing - one of them, analyzing your business - what you're spending, the revenue coming in and where you want to be when the year ends.

• How's your cash flow?
• What are your six most significant expenses each month?
• What's your goal for year-end sales?
• Would some promotional partnerships help you reduce cost and increase reach?
• How strong is your presence in social media - NOT with other photographers, but with your target audience?
• Do you have the skill set to meet the demands of your specialty?
• How often do you communicate with past clients?
• When was the last time you attended any kind of networking event?
• Are you involved in your community, and do people know about it?
• What do you have in place to help capture business when fall seasonality starts to ramp up?

There's so much potential for business owners to be more proactive and creative, but it's not a reality until you take action.

"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin."
Anon