Book More Photography Clients Podcast Summary
Episode: How to Grow Your Business While Working a Full-Time Job (BTS: How I'm Doing It!)
Host: Brooke Jefferson
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the Book More Photography Clients Podcast, Brooke Jefferson delves into the intricate balance of managing a thriving photography business alongside a full-time job. Drawing from her personal experiences, Brooke offers invaluable insights, practical strategies, and heartfelt encouragement for fellow photographers navigating similar dual commitments.
Brooke’s Journey: Balancing a 9-5 and Photography Business
Brooke begins by sharing a significant life update: she has returned to a full-time career while maintaining her photography business. This decision wasn't due to any decline in her business—in fact, her photography venture is flourishing. Brooke explains,
"My photography business is thriving. It's doing just as well, if not better than we did last year and I am very, very thankful for that."
—Brooke Jefferson [03:45]
She attributes her business's success to the strategies she imparts through her podcast, coaching programs, and direct interactions with her audience.
Challenges and Emotional Struggles
Transitioning back to a nine-to-five job presented numerous challenges. Brooke recounts the overwhelming nature of her first two weeks, juggling a demanding new role with her established photography business. She shares:
"I was so overwhelmed, so stressed out, I was in tears almost every single day because it was just a lot."
—Brooke Jefferson [06:15]
August was particularly hectic, compounded by three family birthdays, back-to-school preparations, and the end of summer activities. The pressure of adjusting to a new job while managing family and business responsibilities led to significant emotional strain.
Strategies for Managing Both Roles
Despite the initial turmoil, Brooke implemented several strategies that facilitated her ability to maintain both her full-time job and her photography business:
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Setting Non-Negotiables: Brooke identified essential activities that could not be compromised, such as maintaining her podcast, client communications, and email marketing. She emphasized prioritizing tasks that directly contribute to business success.
"You cannot do it all."
—Brooke Jefferson [10:20] -
Reevaluating Goals: Recognizing the limited time available, Brooke reassessed her business goals to align with her new schedule. She shifted her focus to weekday clients and limited weekend bookings to one or two days.
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Time Management and Scheduling: Brooke created a detailed Google Calendar to allocate specific time blocks for different activities, ensuring a structured approach to both her job and business responsibilities.
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Setting Boundaries: To protect personal and family time, Brooke established clear boundaries, such as prohibiting work-related tasks during evenings and weekends.
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Batch Processing: She maximized efficiency by batching tasks that could be completed ahead of time, reducing the need for daily multitasking.
Reevaluating Goals and Setting Priorities
Brooke underscores the importance of reassessing business objectives in light of new commitments. She advises:
"Goals should, they should excite you. Yeah, they should stretch you, but they should not be overwhelming you into tears or into making you feel like you're not cut out for this business."
—Brooke Jefferson [25:50]
By focusing on high-impact activities and pausing less effective marketing channels, photographers can streamline their efforts and prevent burnout.
Practical Tips for Photographers with Full-Time Jobs
Brooke offers actionable advice for photographers striving to juggle a full-time job alongside their business:
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Identify Non-Negotiables: Determine the essential aspects of your business that must be maintained, such as client communications and primary marketing efforts.
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Prioritize High-Impact Activities: Concentrate on tasks that drive the most value and revenue, scaling back or eliminating less effective strategies.
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Implement Strict Scheduling: Develop a comprehensive schedule that allocates dedicated time for both your job and your photography business, ensuring balanced attention to each.
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Set Clear Boundaries: Establish firm limits to protect personal and family time, preventing work from encroaching on these vital areas.
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Utilize Time Blocks: Divide your day into focused time blocks for specific tasks, enhancing productivity and reducing the likelihood of overlapping responsibilities.
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Seek Flexibility Where Possible: If your job allows, find ways to integrate business tasks during downtime, such as using lunch breaks or commuting time productively.
Personal Reflections and Future Directions
Throughout the episode, Brooke introspectively discusses her evolving identity and the influence of faith in her professional journey. She expresses a sense of being called into a new season, contemplating potential pivots for her podcast and broader business endeavors.
"I want to find value in myself and who God says that I am, we're in trouble."
—Brooke Jefferson [18:40]
Brooke acknowledges the tension between her roles as a photographer, educator, and now an insurance professional, recognizing the necessity to streamline her commitments to honor her well-being and familial responsibilities.
Encouragement for Listeners
Brooke concludes with a heartfelt message of encouragement, assuring listeners that juggling multiple roles is achievable with the right strategies and mindset. She emphasizes self-compassion and the importance of recognizing personal accomplishments, regardless of the business stage.
"You can do this even though it feels hard. If you are at a place or a season where you're feeling really overwhelmed, you've put too much on your plate, or you need to reorder... you can be good at both things."
—Brooke Jefferson [29:10]
She urges photographers to adjust their goals to align with their current capacities, fostering a sustainable and fulfilling professional life.
Conclusion
In this insightful episode, Brooke Jefferson masterfully blends personal narrative with practical advice, offering a roadmap for photographers grappling with the demands of a full-time job and a budding business. Her transparency about struggles and triumphs provides a relatable and motivating guide for listeners striving to achieve balance and success in their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Connect with Brooke Jefferson:
- Instagram: @brookejanaephoto
- Email: brooke@brookejefferson.com
- Website: www.brookejefferson.com