Today’s blog post is dedicated to talking all about how to know if you might need a virtual assistant in your photography business.
As photographers, sometimes we’re riding an amazing wave in life and business. But sometimes we’re stuck. Unsure of where to go next or what to do. We’re struggling to juggle all of the tasks and to-do’s in our businesses. The high-priority tasks are getting done but a stack of lower-priority tasks is growing by the day. Sometimes we need a little help. If you’re in these shoes, there are likely a few signs showing up in your life and photography business that you might need a virtual assistant!
You probably already know this, but my friends…
I love the photography community.
Throughout the years, I’ve always had a heart for small businesses, especially photographers, and engaged in spaces to connect with, offer advice, mentor, cheer on, and build community with fellow photographers near and far. Since launching 1:1 mentoring and virtual assisting for photographers in my business, I haven’t looked back! As a wedding & family photographer, virtual assistant for photographers, and mentor, I believe that I offer a unique perspective. It’s a joy to share my passion with the photography community.
So, here are five signs that you might need a virtual assistant in your photography business…
1. You’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed.
First and foremost, it’s okay to ask for help.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with admin tasks, your email inbox, social media management, client communication, and more. Maybe you’re working crazy hours or putting more time and effort into your business than a conversation with your husband at the dinner table or than a playdate with your kiddos… Or maybe you’re feeling so burned out and overwhelmed by your business that you don’t even know what to do next.
Friend, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, this might be a sign that you need a virtual assistant in your photography business. I promise you that a great virtual assistant can help take some things off your plate and help you get back to doing what you love.
And hey, I’ve been here too! There are times in our photography businesses when we feel motivated and nothing can get in the way of our goals and to-do lists, and we are full of drive. But there are also times in our photography businesses when we feel as though we’re struggling with motivation, we’re overwhelmed, and we need a push in our businesses. If you’re feeling this way, a virtual assistant (hi!) that fits you and your business’s needs can help you!
2. Your to-do list is a mile long and you can’t seem to catch up.
Gosh, sometimes to-do lists seem neverending. Can you relate?
Do you find yourself regularly working countless hours each day or at random times to try to keep up with all the work you have but still feel like you’re behind? Is your schedule draining you? Is your work-life balance suffering because you have so many things on your plate? Are you putting things off like blogging, social media marketing, and other daily tasks?
Do you have those moments where you think, I wish someone could help? Well, the good news is, that’s totally possible! It’s okay to re-evaluate the day-to-day in your business, look at what tasks you would be comfortable handing over to a virtual assistant, and ask for help. As a virtual assistant for photographers, I help take tasks off your plate so that you can get back to doing what you love in your photography business and life.
3. You’re leaving emails unanswered for days on end.
This piggybacks on sign #5 in this blog post, but are you leaving emails unanswered for days on end? Do you start to type a reply and then forget to hit send? Or do you open your inbox and feel completely overwhelmed about where to start… Between responding to current clients, replying to new inquiries, sorting through junk mail, and everything in between – you feel stuck.
I get it and know that other photographers have felt or feel the same things, too. A virtual assistant can easily step in and help you keep your inbox up-to-date and to manage all things email related. It’s our hope that you won’t lose sales and hurt your overall client experience because you’re leaving emails unanswered for days on end.
4. You haven’t touched your blog in months.
Trust me, I have talked to more photographers than I can count over the years that dread blogging… I get it – it doesn’t come naturally for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it at all or that you shouldn’t prioritize blogging in your photography business.
From an SEO perspective, blogging is vital to the growth of your photography business. But I also understand that when your other tasks and to-do’s are piling up, something has to give. For many, it’s the blog that has to give and that goes untouched for months on end. Do me a favor – click over to your blog and evaluate 1) how long it’s been since your last post, 2) the average number of blog posts you share each month, and 3) if your blog feels like an up-to-date reflection of your business.
If you haven’t touched your blog in months and only see cobwebs, it’s okay! A virtual assistant will most definitely be able to help with this.
5. Your client experience is taking a hit.
If you’re anything like me, offering an unmatched client experience is a top priority in your business. You want to connect to your clients, communicate well, and at the of the day, serve your clients in the best ways possible. Maybe you’re feeling like things, important things at that, are starting to fall through the cracks.
You might find yourself juggling multiple tasks at once each and every day and struggling to manage it all. Maybe you have a list of client gifts that have needed to be mailed for months. You’re having trouble focusing on tasks or maybe you’re feeling scatterbrained. You are having trouble keeping track of where clients are at in your workflows. Maybe you’re struggling to make deadlines or asking for extensions on sharing sneak peeks, gallery delivery, and album design. And because of these things, your client experience is taking a hit.
As photographers, we work so hard to build trust and connections with our clients. It makes my heart hurt for fellow photographers when they are faced with chapters in their businesses where their client experience is being negatively affected. It doesn’t have to come down to this!
So, maybe you’re thinking: Yes, you’re speaking to me, Kara!
Friend, I’ve got you! Send me a message – even if it’s just to say hello – I would love to start a conversation. It would be an honor to see how we might be a good fit to work together and take your photography business to the next level. The beauty of being a virtual assistant for photographers is that each photographer and the tasks they need help with are unique – I love that.
Being a photographer can be lonely at times, but I believe we are stronger when we lean on and encourage each other and when we ask for help when we need it. It is my mission to encourage other photographers to succeed!
