It has been a strange week. Four of my customers have gone missing in action. One was supposed to drop by on Tuesday evening with some products that they wanted to be photographed urgently - he did not show and in spite of sending them messages I have not heard from them. Another was supposed to send me some products by mail but they have not yet arrived. They are supposed to be photographed and edited by close of business on Friday. One was going to call early this week to set up a photoshoot for later this week ... hmmmm and another just didn't show for their appointment.
I don't think I have ever had such a "no show" week. In the past I would have followed up each of these customers, feeling responsible for making their photoshoots happen. As much as my assumed potential earnings for the week has taken a substantial beating, and that is concerning, I no longer allow myself to be stressed so much by the behaviours of others. At the end of the day, I am part of the service chain, and have to accept that my customers priorities can change in an instant with or without notice.
Unpredictable income is probably one of the greatest stressors as a freelance photographer (or any other freelance creative). It is probably one of the major reasons why many photographers do not dedicate all their energy and resources to their craft, but sustain their financial commitments by working part time or full time jobs and the photography becomes a side venture.
This week has really brought to light an issue that has been nagging at me quite a lot these past months and one that I still have not settled on a resolution - and that is developing a passive income stream. Investopedia defines passive income as "earnings an individual derives from a rental property, limited partnership or other enterprise in which he or she is not actively involved." Popular culture, however, defines it as "any money you earn while sitting on a beach sipping mojitos." Any development of a passive income stream requires considerable up front work and investment but the idea is that once established that the work commitment become minimal. I definitely need to safeguard myself for weeks like this week, or those times when my chronic health issues flare and my capacity to work is diminished.
One of the positives from this week's debacles is that because I had scheduled time to do these photoshoots, I found myself today in a position to do some business administration and paperwork which has been wanting some attention the past couple of weeks. Perhaps the missed opportunities this week, have been the way for the universe to create some time for me to also focus on these important matters.
I remain positive that in the coming weeks that I will attract the customers and work to meet my personal financial commitments. However, I also have a streak of pragmatism and have never counted my chickens until the eggs have hatched. However, I do need to do some work on the business and come up with a better plan so that even if the eggs don't hatch I can still have omelettes for breakfast.
Flying Solo Tip 077365 : There is no issue with trusting or depending on others, but self-reliance remains one of the greatest assets to running your own business.