Last night, Christyna of B.E.E. Ventures came to speak to the Houston Fast Track Photographer / Pictage User Group (PUG), and it was nothing short of FABULOUS! She talked about creating sustainable income for your business and things you can do to take your success to the next level. She really sought to speak to all levels of business that were represented in the attendees, from people just starting out to people well established in their business and maybe needing a kick in the right direction.
I left with three pages of notes, a ton of inspiration, and a big goal for the next 18 months.
In addition to helping to pay for Jason’s college tuition, I want to pay off all of our debt within 18 months from my business income.
I said it out loud to Christyna last night because saying it made it a reality. I am typing it out here because I need more accountability then just one person.
To do this, I need to be a better bookkeeper and be more accountable on where I spend my money, watch impulse purchases, curb my gadget addiction a bit (I’m still getting the new iPhone when it comes out, but I’m going to plan ahead and know where the money is coming from to pay for it), and I’m going to need to make big payments towards the debt to pay it down fast. Next week, I’m going to take the first step of making a handwritten list of every last cent we may owe to anyone, interest rates, due dates, and everything like that – Dave Ramsey style. Why handwritten? Because I could type it out, but there truly is something different when you write it by hand. I remember things so much more clearly. Maybe there is even a little pain involved in it. (It is slower and a bit more tedious.)
I’m also going to be more focused and scheduled with my time. Procrastination costs me money, sometimes literally cash. Other times it costs me money in the form of missed opportunities. Either way, there is a price, and it will impact this goal. One of the things I’ve been working on this week in addition to editing for the SLGT Photo Project is updating things at Wholly Matrimony! — adding in affiliate advertising (along with links on this site as well), working on the layout, and more features that will be rolling out over the coming week. I have a BIG launch planned on Monday as well, and I’ll be lining up lots of real destination weddings to feature there! All to help with the goal.
I think I can, I think I can… (and yes, I’ll be sharing more about it here!)
6 replies on “The Big Business & Life Goal…”
I suggest using Mint.com to track your assets/debts. It links to nearly all financial institutions and can give you a clear and up to date picture of your situation. I have been using it since the first of the year and it really helped me to be responsible about using some windfall income to pay off debt rather than buy shiny stuff.
Thanks for the suggestion, Bryce! I’ve used Mint.com in the past (still have it set up for our home account), but currently use LessAccounting for my business. One of my favorite features is the ability to photograph receipts with my iPhone and track my expenses that way. I still keep a file of receipts as well, but I love their iPhone app!
Now hold me accountable – I need to be checked up on! 😉
I agree Christine! Thursday’s meet up was one of the best we’ve had. I came away with tips that I KNOW will make my business stronger.
The FTP group is about to have its anniversary. We HAVE to throw a party!
Thanks as always Christine for your voice in the photography community. xo
Congratulations Christine!
Stating your audacious goals out loud does, indeed, make them stronger.
I see you as a leader in the photography community, because you are willing to share your triumphs and challenges openly.
I am so pleased with the results of Thursday’s meet-up. The follow up email will go out to all participants this afternoon.
I liked your post Christine. Just to add my $.02 I also find there’s something powerful about handwriting things related to your finances and goals, especially if it’s left somewhere conspicuous where you’ll be reminded about it (maybe better for goals than debts… that would be kind of a downer to see that all the time).