That’s exactly how I described myself to Ashley, a fellow photographer, on Facebook when she asked about my mentoring session earlier that day with the absolutely amazing Justin & Mary. Afterall, her and Jen had just been to a similar meeting. I was hoping they’d throw me some answers in advance for the tough questions Justin and Mary were going to ask me (c’mon guys!), but no, I was on my own. I knew I really had to sit down and think about myself and my business and where I want it to take me.
They asked me about my goals, both long-term and short-term. Simple, right? Not exaaactly.
They asked me about my struggles. I did my normal “try-to-tell-an-anecdote-about-a-funny-wedding-experience-I-had” technique without actually listing something, but no. They were way too smart to fall for that (darn it). Mary even picked up on my slight uncertainties that I mentioned (without even realizing it!), and brought it up when I was done with my probably not as funny as I thought wedding anecdote (but at least I gave it a try)! SO when she asked me again (and again) about those goals and struggles, I might’ve nervously laughed, and when I realized I wasn’t getting off the hook- I sat there like a deer in headlights (yuuup). Nobody had ever asked me those questions, and actually wanted me to give a well-thought out answer…BUT then- it started to come to me. Where do I want my business to be in 5 years and further down the road? What are the materialistic goals? What are the personal goals? For three hours, Justin and Mary sat with me and helped me realize that I have so much to offer in the photography world, and I’m just getting started! They listened and offered their professional advice- it was exactly what I needed.
When I saw that Justin and Mary were holding Mentoring sessions, I knew I HAD to go. Not only do they share their talents and successes with everyone, but they share their everyday frustrations and struggles with us too- and I admire them for that. So much. Not only did I learn about myself this week, I learned about what I have the opportunity to do with my business! I coached myself before the meeting, “it’s ok, steph- they’re just two normal photographers who are here to help you out!” And of course, as soon as I sat down I was a nervous-wreck, sweating bullets, clumsily telling them about what I want in life! But at the end of the session, yes, I felt overwhelmed by all the awesome advice that they gave me (they warned me about that), but I felt pretty darn awesome too, actually! Only because I know that this was an excellent tool for me, and an excellent way to kickstart my butt into shaping my business into exactly what I want it to be!
Justin and Mary, thank you so much for listening to me ramble for all morning and THANK YOU for nudging me in the right direction. Every piece of advice that you offered me was invaluable, and I really can’t wait to to see where the new changes brings me, my business, and my amazing clients! Watch out, everybody…Stephanie’s on a rooooollll (and for some reason that just reminded me of this. Why does this video make me laugh so hard that it brings tears to my eyes? Who knows…the little things in life!).
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