Five Things to Jumpstart the New Year in Photography

by Skip Cohen

This is that strange time of year when it's quiet from the consumer side of life and in limbo for many small business owners. It's the perfect time to hit the reset button and clear your head. But before you kick back it's also time to tie up loose ends from 2023 and do a little prep work for the new year. 

From loose ends to preparing for the year ahead, here are some quick ideas:

• IUSA: If you're headed to IUSA at the end of this month, NOW is the time to think about meals. Everyone's schedule fills up very fast once they're in show mode. So, think about who you want to catch up with at the convention and start making plans for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Remember. NEVER EAT A MEAL ALONE! Grabbing a meal together is the perfect way to catch up with old friends, associates, and vendors. 
• Cleaning up 2023: It's not a perfect world, and shi** happens. If you've got orders and promises that weren't completed in time for the holidays - don't let them sit beyond today. And don't be afraid to contact an upset customer with a solution to whatever the dilemma. If you're stuck for an opening line on a phone call, try this: "I can't blame you for being upset. Well, the buck stops here; how can I help?" The key is establishing empathy right at the beginning of the conversation.
• Partnerships take time to develop. While things are relatively quiet, are there companies you'd like to work with on the local level for the new year? From florists to caterers to event planners - this is the time to plant a few seeds for projects and corss-promotions in the new year.
• How's your skillset? What do you need to expand your business and keep building your reputation as the best in the community? What courses are you signed up for at IUSA or other conferences coming up?
• Need more gear? Now is a great time to pick up new gear, but take your time thinking you need the latest model of whatever it is you're looking to buy. While sometimes the latest models of cameras, lenses, printers, etc., have significant improvements, the changes are often just marketing, not technology. Just take your time.​

Here's my point - yes, we're at the start of the "slow season," but that doesn't mean it's slow for you as a business owner. This time of year is always a balance between things you need to do ASAP to wrap up last year and the need to kick back for a few days and clear your head. As I wrote recently, now is the time to do a little dreaming...with your eyes open.