Is "Fun" Missing from Running Your Business?

When a flower doesn't bloom,
you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer

by Skip Cohen

It's Friday, and I've gotten in the habit of keeping whatever I share relatively light. When I ran across the quote above a few minutes ago, I started thinking about how some of the artists I've worked with over the years are incredibly talented but can't seem to find that special level of passion that makes whatever they're working on fun.

Remember "fun?" It's one of those words that often gets lost under the stress of running a business combined with outside challenges like the economy, politics, taxes, etc. As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it.

So, if you're feeling a little down before you even start the day, take a little time off. Walk away from your business, whether it's just for an hour or a day or two. Think back to the vision you had of being a professional photographer. What's missing from that original dream? Do you need to expand your skill set? Do you need to bring in a partner/partners? Are you hitting the right demographics for your marketing and promotion? The list of questions can go on and on until you hit that "ah-ha" moment, where it all starts to make sense.  

Here's the bottom line - life is too short to treat today like a dress rehearsal for something bigger and better. You're the only one who can figure out what's going to make you smile and your heart sing. I know it sounds pretty sappy, but the future is up to you. Don't be afraid to get help from people in your network's core. Sometimes, all you need is a little outside help from a close friend, family member, or associate to see what's missing.

​Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead! And if I can help figure out how to put fun back in your business, you know where to find me!