tiny, but over time, due to your consistent attention, you will
experience attitude shifts and a newfound sense of energy and
purpose. But it all starts by taking the first step.SELF-INVENTORYKnowing where and how to begin is hard, and often pho-
tographers get stuck trying to get unstuck. Assuming that your
block is business related and that you are truly invested in
avoiding an initial inertia block, I suggest that you take an
inventory of all of your current business tools.
Look at the existing visual images in your portfolio and on
your Web site.
Do they represent where you have been or where you want
to go? Do your photographs represent client assignments, which
have little to do with your visual interests and direction? Or are
they images that you love and created during testing opportuni-
ties? In short, make sure that the visual message that you are
sending out serves your creative as well as your financial goals.
Next, take a look at your sales and marketing program.
Does one exist? What tools have you already developed and
what tools need to be created? Take an inventory of where you
are and be prepared to develop the tools that you need to
complete your program, now.
Finally, check out your financial picture. Do you under-
stand how to read a profit and loss sheet? Do you have one?
Do you know where current sales are compared to last year?
Are your sales figures high or low?
Look at your expenses. Are they stabilized? Or have you
been overspending? Where is your money going? Have you
been purchasing new equipment or have you been investing in
your marketing program?
Have you been able to keep your commitment to saving
funds for the future?
Does that commitment even exist?
Do notavoid this step because you think you will get depressed
by seeing how much you have not created or how much you have
to do! Be kind to yourself. Remind yourself that wherever you are,
however much you need to do, it’s OK. It’s all OK, because that’sPART6 / FAITHChapter 32.qxd 6/25/07 7:28 AM Page 194