Next Steps...

Taking Steps…

Gearing up for the 2011 Winter PPI Conference [http://www.ppiowa.com/events-detail.php?event=26] …and I have to admit…I am a bit nervous. A plethora of speakers….a plethora of portraits on display….a plethora of knowledge being shared, what isn’t a girl to love about this? I will NEVER forget the first conference I went to….I walked in with my notebook and WROTE AND WROTE AND WROTE! Then I went home….and cried. I was so overwhelmed by all of this information….things I needed to add to my to do list….things I didn’t even know the meaning of.

Looking back now at my first PPI notes, I know that I have grown tremendously. I am a firm believer that you don’t how much success you can have, until you are stretched, and given the opportunity to grow…..Well, I am ready to be stretched again!

As a confidence booster, THIS year I am going in with an open mind….reminding myself of what last year’s twenty pages of notes helped me to accomplish……

*I have increasingly gained skills [and confidence] shooting in manual
*I have successfully saved enough money to buy a new camera [Nikon D700] and lens [85mm] thank you Christian Photo [http://www.christianphoto.biz/] and B&H [http://www.bhphotovideo.com/]!
*I have improved my website [http://www.kerriphotography.com/], while the images I upload continue to improve as well
*I have expanded my client base, enjoying each new customer and their story
*I am learning the ins and outs of small business taxes, thanks to my fab CPA [Danielle Rethmeier] daniellerethmeier@hotmail.com
*I have sought out and met with six local photographers to ask questions, share information, and build new friendships [Lon, Kelly, Lori, Clint, Laura, Mindy]



Lon Monahan http://www.monahanphoto.com/artist.html

Kelly Kesling http://www.keslingphotography.com/index2.php

Lori Nordstrom http://www.nordstromphoto.com/

Clint & Kristi Stephens http://www.bellakphotography.net/

Laura Beekman http://www.lifeartphotographs.com/

Mindy Myers http://www.mindymyers.com/index.html


*I have increased my Facebook page [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=534068975114&set=at.534065781514.2040004.78300439.78300429&pid=31393388&id=78300439#!/pages/Kerri-Photography/181040322969] to 658 fans….STILL GROWING by the day
*I realize the importance of… and remind myself daily to find out what works for ME [not being completely influenced by the flux of the industry]
*I have made a drastic career move that will better allow me to CONTINUE this success list for next year
*I have connected with local non-profit organizations, allowing me to give back to the non-profit sector and donate services
*I have worked with [http://www.couture-invitations.com/] to create and implement a new/long lasting logo
*I have faced my fear of QuickBooks and am learning each and every day
*I gain confidence each day, knowing each [to do/to learn] list will result in amazing NEXT STEPS!

To all of your entrepreneurs in this world…GO GET EM!