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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Resolutions: Some make em’, some keep em’, some break em’……
I’ve made a business/family resolution that I will keep: FAMILY FIRST!!!!!
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Time to get real!
I’ve told you all things are changing. I’ve been 100% honest with you all and let you know that the changes are big. H5P is going through a restructuring. I’m nervous and scared of the leaps I’m making. I know that I will lose some of you as clients. It’s been very difficult for me to be okay with losing some of you….maybe I won’t. I’d be okay with that, too. =) I’m going to try and explain the change to you all. This has not been an easy change for me.
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WHY the change????
To be blunt: I HAVE TO!
When I first started this “business” back in 2010, I had NO idea what I was doing! I was a “mom with a camera”. Many of you are “moms with a camera”. Like you, Santa brought me a great camera and it was fun to learn how to take awesome pictures of my family! Thanks to Facebook, friends started seeing some of my family photos. I had taken a couple of courses and had learned how to use my camera to it’s fullest capabilities. I started getting requests to take pictures for friends….Sure, I thought, why not? I could make a little “side” money. I had NO CLUE what I was doing “business wise”. It was fun for me to “play” and great to have a little extra spending money. Well, this fun little hobby has blossomed into a full blown business.
In 2011, I made it official. I got a business license, a website, ein number, took more classes, purchased better equipment, etc.. I raised my original prices….a little bit….It was still just a fun little “official” side job.
Enter 2012……this side job has turned BIG!!! Thanks to you all, your support, your referrals, etc… You have made my business THRIVE!!! I am so grateful to you all for sending me the referrals! I have learned so much this year! The BIG thing I have learned is that I can’t continue this business at “hobby” prices. I want to continue to have this “job”, but not at the expense of my family. These past few months have been awful on my family. I have neglected them to take care of my business. Family has to come first!
SO HERE WE ARE IN 2013: I have to make these changes! I met with a financial advisor in the fall of 2012 who looked at all my income, expenses, etc….The outcome of that meeting……NOT GOOD!!! I’m making about $3.50/hour!!!!! WHAT?!?!?! I’m spending precious time away from my kiddos for $3.50/hour?!?! EYE OPENER FOR ME!!!! I want to continue to do this “job” that I love, but if I’m going to be away from my family, have to make it worth it. I know you all understand that.
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These changes are big. Yes, they scare me! Yes, I know that I will loses some of you. BUT, these changes are GOOD things!
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THE GOOD NEWS:
*session fees are only increasing slightly…..$65 standard session fee
*More individualized attention!
*In person ordering sessions!
THE BAD NEWS (but not really):
*fewer session times….book early!
*mini sessions will only be offered at specific times of the year (4-5 scheduled minis throughout the year)
*No facebook previews until after your premier!
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More to come on the specific details!
HAPPY 2013
Elizabeth =)
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