Being a entrepreneur or a solo-preneur can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s no secret that these professions require a lot of hard work and dedication, which can often lead to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Today I want to break down a few tips on how to navigate burnout if you are in it.
Step back from Social Media
Social media can be a great tool for photographers and solo-preneurs to showcase their work and connect with potential clients. However, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Constantly checking likes, comments, and the latest trends can be exhausting, and it can take away from the joy of creating. When you find yourself not enjoying social, or constantly scrolling to go “viral” it’s your cue to take a step back from social media from time to time.
Taking a break from social media can help you recharge and refocus on what’s important. It can also give you the space to explore new ideas and projects without the pressure of constantly sharing them online. Consider taking a week or two off from social media and see how it affects your mood and creativity.
Create Standard Operating Procedures
Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) can help you streamline your workflow and reduce stress. SOPs are a set of instructions that outline the steps involved in a particular task. They can help you create consistency and efficiency in your work, which can save you time and reduce the chances of errors.
First start by identifying the tasks that you do on a regular basis. Here is a quick example of my SOP when I have a branding session with a fellow business owner.
1: Inquiry Email with Pricing Guide attached
2: They select a date and time
3: I send off their invoice and contract to be reviewed and signed
4: We have a 15 minute creation call to ensure we are in alignment with the brand.
5: Send out Style Guide
6: Photoshoot
7: Post Processing and delivery within two weeks
8: Gift & review email
Once you’ve identified these tasks, create a step-by-step guide for each one. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you’re not missing any important steps.
My go to question I ask all my coaching clients is if you stepped away from your business for two weeks & handed it off. Would your business be able to run itself? If the answer isn’t YES then take sometime over the next month to start creating a flow of operations.
Create Automations
Creating automations can help you save time and reduce stress. Automations are tools that automate repetitive tasks, such as sending emails, scheduling appointments, and invoicing clients. By automating these tasks, you can free up more time to focus on your creative work.
If we look back to the example I have above, I can tell you that I have automated emails for more than half of those tasks. I take a few minutes to change little details so they are more specific to the client. The system I use for all my automations & SOP’s are Honeybook!
Burnout is a one of the biggest problems photographers and solo-preneurs face. The number one way to avoid burnout is to be aware of your TIME and make it a priority. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health.
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