From the outside, running your own business can seem like a dream job, right? You get to set your own hours, decide what you want to do when you want to do it, and heck – even wear leggings all day if you feel like it! Not too shabby! But behind all the perceived glory is the reality that as a small business owner, you have to juggle so many different roles at one time. Social media manager, book keeper, client relationships, meetings, on the job work, etc. The list honestly never ends because there are ALWAYS things to do – which is such a beautiful blessing! I always say I’d rather be busy than bored!! But as my business grows and I find myself trying not only to manage all of these different aspects of my business, but manage them WELL – there have been some amazing tools that help keep my brain together! So today I’m sharing some tips and tricks to help your business thrive while also attempting time to eat and sleep at night!! ;)

Have a monthly duty day. I’ve heard so many people say this, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized its huge importance! Scheduling (yes, putting it on the calendar and blocking the day off) a monthly duty day to do some necessary dirty work is so vital for a healthy business. Take this day to file receipts, check out where you are financially, make sure you are setting aside enough money for taxes, schedule + plan the next month of blogging, set goals, calculate mileage, reconcile your bank in quickbooks, etc. Trust me, not only will this help your business in the day to day, come the end of the year when taxes are looming, you will be forever grateful you made this a priority!

Schedule everything. I’ll be 100% honest and say that if I don’t write something down and put it in my calendar, I will absolutely forget. I’ll have every intention of remembering, but there is just something about actually putting it in my calendar that helps solidify it in my mind. I love using the calendar on my iPhone because it syncs with my computer as well. Regardless of if I input something while I’m working at my desk or on the go – I can access it either place! Life saver!

Invest in a client management program. My management program of choice is Honeybook and truly, I would be a hot mess without it!! Trying to keep up with a year full of brides and grooms would be near impossible without something that keeps everyone’s info in one place! After switching to Honeybook, I can’t imagine trying to keep track on my own. I can send out booking proposals, invoices, automated payment reminders, questionnaires… it’s the BEST. Honeybook is my brain so that I can focus on other things – like blogging and loving on my sweet couples! ;)

Schedule emails. I’ll just admit it now – I’m a night owl, through and through. I am far more productive in the wee hours of the night than I am most other times of day. I guess that’s where the perks of running my own business comes in to play, because I can work at midnight if I want to! However, I don’t like emailing anyone after business hours, which is why scheduling emails is so amazing (I use Boomerang with Gmail). I don’t necessarily recommend working in the late hours of the night, but in this season of my life it works for me! ;)

Three cups of coffee. Minimum. Okay okay, I’m kidding. But only a little bit! ;) Coffee is never a bad idea, y’all!

I hope these things are helpful if you are looking to take your business to the next level and set yourself up for success!! These simple tips help me manage my time more wisely and not just survive but (hopefully!) thrive as a small business! There are ups and downs to it all, but at the end of the day I have to say that I am so blessed and grateful I get to spend my days investing in what I love. This business is my baby and I can’t imagine my life without it!! What would I do with my Saturday’s if I wasn’t shooting weddings? ;) Here’s to living out your dreams and doing it well!! Happy Monday, sweet friends!!

Much love,

Jessica Lauren