Hello Friends,

I missed sharing a blog with you last week and I fear it will happen next week and possibly a couple more after that.

Honestly I’m struggling with balance right now! I think we all do this time of year but adding in moving home and business on top of it is about to push me over the edge!

Business wise I have been taking some steps to help move me towards this transition. While I know in my head this is the right move for me I still have moments of fear and uncertainty! So I thought I would share a bit of the process for me so far.

Here it is! My new studio!

The Decision

Absolutely the “easiest” part was deciding I wanted to move my business to this new space. All the details and reality that follows it are what I am struggling with now!

When we first walked through what will become my new studio I began trembling inside! I was overwhelmed! I knew this was a dream space for me but I was also assailed with thoughts of “this is too much”! There is something called “limiting beliefs” I have come to recognize in myself. These are things we believe about ourselves which hold us back. I have been trying to push against these limiting beliefs which I have about myself.  I am a praying woman and the doors simply kept flying open! So while it was a push for me emotionally to accept what was being offered, intellectually it was so clear! I knew the answer was YES!

The Honeymoon

I am so excited to share with anyone who is willing to listen to the story of how this all unfolded. Deciding to go for it was step one through a mine field of obstacles that could have stopped us in our tracks.  As we continued taking one cautious step at a time and seeing a very clear path open in front of us we just knew it was meant to be!

My head is full of ideas of how the new space will be laid out and utilized. I’m just buzzing with plans and ideas. I’m frustrated that I can’t be in the space right now and I don’t have the ability yet to fully share with you what I’m so excited about.  This location is ideal for small or large indoor shoots.  The exterior also offers both gorgeous wood and a beautiful garden area! I’m so excited!!!!

The Reality – I’m moving to a new studio!!!!

Then comes all the details of actually moving a business.

• I have worked really hard online to rank high (SEO) on Google for those searching for photographers in my area. Will a new business address change that? How do I address this? Who even knows?
• How do I keep people from assuming I have gone out of business when my Main St location closes?
• How will I remain “visible” when I am no longer physically visible from a road?
• What are the best ways to share this journey on my website, blog, social media? How often? What platforms? What do I share?
• When do I actually move out of the Main St studio? 
• When do I plan my open studio at the new location?

Steps Taken

It is easy to feel overwhelmed with all that is going on. I am moving a home and business at the same time. I am also actively booking and shooting clients right now. As well as trying to keep up with editing, blogging, newsletters, paying for business insurance and everything else that goes on behind the scenes for a small business owner.

So I need to remind myself constantly to take it one step at a time. Today is not the day for all of it! Just take what today holds.

• I have met with my website guy and he is being very helpful and supportive as we figure out the best way to communicate I am MOVING and not CLOSING! 
  • The website will clearly advertise the move
  • There will be a link to show the new studio and communicate what is going on
• I have reached out to some videographers regarding shooting a short video to use for advertising
• I will be meeting with a sign company to create a banner to be displayed at my current studio location that I have MOVED and not closed!
• I will also create postcards for some of the local businesses to have on hand explaining about the move,
• I have begun sharing about the move on my social media
• I will keep my Main St location at least through the month of February with the new banner up.
• I am relying on friends, clients, strangers to see all or some of this and help spread the word.

My biggest fear is that people  will assume I have gone out of business. Please help me by spreading the news that I am still alive and well and have a new bigger, better location only 10 min away!

Thank you for going on this journey with me friends!

Shelly