Something I know is difficult for people to admit in this industry (and probaby any self employed service industry), is when they're experiencing a real quiet period. No enquiries coming through, no shoots or bookings to shout about, or inspirational content to post. It happens to us all, and think its important we feel comfortable enough to talk about it, or feel ok when you don't have much booked in the diary for the coming weeks. Because actually, it can be a good thing!
I was definitely guilty of this a while back. Before Social Media took hold of every individuals life, you'd never know who was up to what, and it was actually really easy to focus on your own work and business. Even when I had times I wasn't booking work, I wouldn't know if others were or not either - so I wouldn't concern myself with it. It was such a simpler time!
NOW, it's all too easy to find yourself on a zombie scroll, absorbing everyone elses wins, successes, and appearance of being "booked up". All that does is leaves you questioning yourself, why? Why aren't I being booked? Why haven't I had any enquiries? Why don't I have anything to POST!!! And that's the thing, isn't it? This new found belief that if you're posting tons, you must working tons, and of course you might well be!
However, a common trick in the book when you are having a quieter period, is to post old work to keep your account ticking over, and maybe it's a way to appear busy to potential clients too. It's all ok, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with these tricks, providing you keep your perspective clear on that front. So to summarise, you'll never know the reality of other peoples diaries - Social Media can be smoke and mirrors. So I've learned over the years to try and not put my energy into concerning myself with other's feeds, because it's exhausting. And my gosh have I been wrapped up in it before.
This industry has highs, it has lows, it's inconsistant to say the least. But you have to ride the waves when you can, and then when things have settled, turn it around positively. Work on your website, portfolio, plan collaborative shoots, think up ideas for new services... or maybe just take the time to relax and do so unashamedly! Because that's where I'm at, and it's bloody lovely! It's just one big merry-go-round working in this magical industry. So as long as you put the work in, it will always come. And things will always pick back up, as I'm already starting to see!
Comments