After looking at my available time and current workload, I decided that I can add two clients. I haven’t had any time available to do this in six-plus months, so it’s a big step and a great step. I’m happy about it. After a couple of days of mulling it over, however, amidst a loooong rainy rush hour in the car, I came to the conclusion that I’m only going to add one new client.
And that the other client will be me.
It’s a simple enough idea, I don’t propose to be reinventing the wheel. In my work, I create a nest around creative people so they may take steps to succeed and grow; so that they can see their name in lights. My email signature says: Supporting creative people so they can make a living doing what they love. I thought: I’m creative. I’m doing what I love. I’d like to continue on this path. <Thoughtful pause; eyes light up> I’ll be my own client! <clapping> (Still in the car.) I’ll set it up so the steps I need to take to grow my business responsibly and thoughtfully are scheduled instead of secondary (or tertiary, in most cases). No longer will I be the last thing on my list.
Operation “Be My Own Client” in full effect in 3…2….1. Let’s see how it goes, shall we?
Image used with permission from http://sixwordstoryeveryday.blogspot.com/ (I am a huge fangirl of this project.)
i really love this, kate. it’s so important to take time to care for yourself, in business or otherwise. you’re one smart cookie!
Thanks, Emily! I thought if I’m caught up business-wise, I could go get a tattoo or pedicure or something.
I hear where you’re coming from. I haven’t updated my site or my business plan in years. It’s hard to make yourself a priority.
It is hard to do, you’re right Sean. I figure if I try to do this work while my company is still a youngling (11 months old this week), it will be wielding a lightsaber in no time.
Oh yessss this totally resonates with me too. I have a day job that I adore but have also been nurturing my freelance photography operation. Sometimes it’s a one woman show – other times I have photo assistants (or I am the photo assistant) but after a string of jobs I know I need to direct a little more energy back my way…to flesh out creative projects that have been rattling around in my skull, and to beef up some of my technical skills (strobist-style, with lighting).
Thanks Sharyn! Yeah, I just realized that if I go on like this, it won’t be sustainable, and I’ll always be playing catch up. I don’t want that. Let’s share our progress as we move ahead.
This is a great plan Kate. I went through a similar process. I had been conducting 1 sometimes 2 Twitterviews everyday (M-F), and I decided I would reduce that number that I did on a weekly basis to create some ME time for personal development, reading and research. I’m glad to have made the change and I’m looking forward to how your new plan turns out for you. Good work!!