5 Reasons Why Your Business is Struggling

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1. You’re not charging enough

You invest your time, supplies and knowledge, education that you’ve paid for so that you can be amazing at what you do and you’re not being compensated the way that you should be. The biggest reason I hear why business owners aren’t charging enough is, “Well I didn’t know how much to charge so I just picked a number.”

Do yourself and your industry a favor and ask someone, email or message a few people local to you or look on their website. Figure out what feels comfortable to you but don’t go low just because you’re new, base it on your experience, skill level and what feels right to you.

2. You’re not taking it seriously

You’re leaving emails and phone calls unanswered, maybe you’re not showing up and putting in 100%, you’re slacking on your social media and not generating new business or you’re spending money that should be going back into your business. Remember that the first year or two you may not be making a paycheck because everything you make should be going back into growing your business - your supplies, your audience and your education. If you spend everything you make you’re not going to be investing and growing your business.

3. You need help you’re trying to do everything on your own

Maybe you need help with coaching, you need to hire someone that can help you see the big picture and gain the clarity and confidence you need to grow a successful business. Maybe you need help IN your business, you need to hire a team, an assistant or even a virtual assistant. None of us do this on our own we need others to help lift us up so recognize when you need help and get it.

4. You’re not setting boundaries

You’re saying “Yes” to too many things or the wrong things. You’re not thinking, “Does this align with me and my long-term vision for my business?” Maybe you’re letting your clients walk all over you or you aren’t taking the time off to take care of yourself. You’re not attracting the right kind of clients or you don’t have tight agreements and contracts, you feel like you’re being taken advantage of and you’re starting to feel resentful.

You wanted to start your own business so that you could design a life that you love, you need to be in control of the projects and clients that you take on and work with. You need to be in control over how often you work and set clear boundaries so your clients know how to work with you.

5. You are sabotaging yourself

You’re procrastinating on projects, you’re promising things and not following through, you get a little success and you start to take your foot off the gas halting your momentum. A lot of business owners deal with their own kind of sabotage like letting self-doubt derail them. Maybe you’re not getting the support from your friends and family and you’re letting that stop you. It’s our job to recognize our own self-sabotage and not let it defeat us because it will rear its ugly head anytime we start to make progress or moving up to the next step.

I would love to hear from you. If you’re struggling in your business, did these help you?

Comment below!

xo,

Kim

Is it time to uplevel your business?

The Makeup Studio & Beauty Lounge, owned by Kim Porter, located in Virginia Beach, VA.

The Makeup Studio & Beauty Lounge, owned by Kim Porter, located in Virginia Beach, VA.

How do you know when it’s time to hire a team, open a studio or start selling products?

How do you know when it’s time to start selling products?

I’m a huge proponent of selling products at any stage of your business as this is how you start to create multiple income streams and long-term clients. There are so many ways you can sell products in your business like network marketing, wholesale products or private label… but have something to sell them!

I created my Kim Porter Beauty line after teaching makeup lessons and knowing that clients were going to makeup stores feeling confused and overwhelmed and I was basically giving more income to those stores instead of keeping it in my business. My makeup line accounts for about 15% of my annual income, it’s not a huge amount but it adds to my income and I have clients for life!

How do you know when it’s time to hire a team?

When you’ve got more inquiries than you can handle! When you’ve got systems in place, your business is well-organized and you can handle booking and dealing with many clients at a time. If being organized with scheduling and invoicing is not your thing you may want to wait until you can hire an assistant or virtual assistant that can handle those things for you before hiring a team. A lot of makeup artists and beauty professionals that work on a team are freelance independent contractors and receive a percentage of each client or job.

How do you know when it’s time to open a studio or take on your own space?

Most makeup artists start by going on-location or having their clients come to their home. I had my bridal clients come to my home for years before I ever considered getting my own space. It wasn’t until I was booking 30 weddings a year that I got tired of cleaning up my house with 2 kids and 2 dogs!

My first space was 100 sq. ft. room, I went to drop off business cards at a photographers new space and was offered a room to rent. I was booking 50 weddings a year by the time I moved into my own 650 sq. ft. space. If you are a makeup artist most likely weddings aren’t going to afford you a space of your own unless you are offering other services like special event makeup, lessons and classes. If you can, add services like skin care and airbrush tanning, the more services you have will help keep you with a steady stream of income during the slower seasons.

A good rule of thumb is keeping your rent, utilities, and insurance about 1/3 of your annual income. I recommend renting a booth, a corner in a photography studio or small room to find out if having a space of your own is really something you want. You may find the responsibility of having your own space, the cost and upkeep may not be worth it for you and your business!

If you know someone who would like this article please share it with them and be sure to sign up for my newsletter on my website home page so we can keep in touch!

xo,

Kim

Should You Use IGTV for Your Business?

Have you heard Instagram released an app for long-form videos? This app called IGTV allows you to post vertical videos to your own channel for up to 60 minutes. Whenever a new social media app like this releases everyone loses their minds and it's like the biggest, newest toy ever... but should you become an early adopter and hop on while it's still new?

The answer is HECK YES!!

IGTV is hoping to rival YouTube for your video watching attention and it's available to everyone to create videos, unlike Facebook Watch. You create your own channel by first downloading the app, record a video on your phone, upload it to IGTV, upload a thumbnail if you want, then post your title and description.

So what should you post videos about? You want to keep any content that you create either educational, entertaining, or inspiring. Some ideas of things to post are:

  • Tutorials

  • Product Reviews or Demos

  • Behind the Scenes

  • Educational Videos

What do you need to get started? Just your smart phone but it helps to have a tripod and if you're worried about lighting, a ring light will make you look amazing! Here's a screen shot of my first IGTV video!

(Image left no ring light... image right with my beloved ring light!)

(Image left no ring light... image right with my beloved ring light!)

One thing to keep in mind is that your Instagram handle (your "username") is not the first thing you see, it's your description (your "name" when you edit your profile). Also, only the first 2 sentences of your bio show up so make sure that it's clear what you do. As of right now there is no monetization which means you can't make money off your videos but also there's no ads to interrupt your viewing pleasure.

Once you post your video on IGTV, you can go to your Instagram Stories, post an image and link your IGTV video. Genius! The videos don't have to be as polished as YouTube videos but make sure you have a purpose for the video, you introduce yourself and give a call to action at the end.

So be sure to come follow me at Kim Porter TV and send me a message if you create your own IGTV channel so I can come follow you!

xo,

Kim

 

 

 

How to Be More Confident

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Do you wish you were more confident? Listen up, confidence is not a prerequisite to a successful business!

Here are some tips to remember when you're not feeling confident...

  1. Start before you're ready

  2. It's okay to be uncomfortable

  3. Taking risks helps you grow

  4. Learn to course adjust

  5. Listen to your inner voice

To become more confident you must act confident, you must act the way you want to feel! Yes it will feel scary, yes you will want to quit but each time you do something big, you're becoming the greatest version of yourself. Doing things outside your comfort zone is scary as hell but that's where the magic is.

I know I was terrified the first time I made a video with tips for building your business...

"Who am I to give business advice?"

"Who would want to listen to me? I sound like a complete moron on video."

But I felt deep in my soul that I had something to share and that I had a bigger purpose to fill. There are absolutely times that I want to pack it up and quit but I also know that I don't want to spend every day knowing that I'm not living up to my truest potential.

Recognize your excuses as just that, excuses to hold yourself back...

"I don't feel confident."

"I don't know what steps to take."

"I don't have the money to take the class/buy the course/get help."

"There are already so many people doing it."

But they are not YOU, they do not have your story, your voice, or your message. Our brains work amazingly well trying to keep us safe so much that it will use any excuse to protect us from getting hurt, being scared, or failing. Recognize that the fear is just trying to protect you, thank it and move on.

Right now there is someone who is doing exactly what you want to do, living her best life and you could have the exact same reality if you were willing to get just a little uncomfortable and go for it. You were born here on this Earth to do amazing things so be brave and step into your greatness!

xo,

Kim

 

 

 

 

10 Steps to Start Your Makeup Artistry Business

Start Your Makeup Artistry Business

 

Have you always dreamed of becoming a freelance makeup artist? With a career in makeup artistry you can create your own schedule, set your own rates, and you can choose to keep it as a side hustle or go full-time. It's easier than ever to start a business, so if you've been dreaming of becoming a makeup artist, these steps will act as your roadmap to a successful business. Set a date in your calendar and decide when you want to have the steps completed, let me know in the comments, I would love to support you!

10 Steps to Start Your Makeup Artistry Business

1. Decide Your Long-term Goals

Knowing where you want to be 1, 5, or 10 years from now will help you determine what direction you should go in. Think about the long-term vision for your life, starting with the end in mind will make it clear on what you should focus on and what to say "No" to.

2. Invest in Your Education

Find out if your state requires a license to do makeup. Investing in your education is so important even if you are self-taught, taking a class or a course to learn skills and techniques will make you a better makeup artist.

3. Hire a Mentor or Coach

There are people who have put in the work and have taken years to build their successful businesses, learn their steps and learn from their mistakes, this will get you from point A to point B a lot faster than having to learn everything on your own.

4. Purchase Your Kit Essentials

Be clear on your Ideal Client and what direction you want to go in before purchasing your kit will help you avoid spending money on things that you may never use. Most likely you will never use a lime green eyeshadow if you’re a classic bridal makeup artist!

5. Use Your Network to Build Your Portfolio

Your friends and family are the best place to start when practicing your skills. Take before and after pictures in natural light or with a ring light. This will help you learn to take better pictures and to see where you can make improvements in your work.

6. Create Your Business Social Media Accounts

Start posting images of your work on your social media. Most likely your Ideal Clients will be on Instagram and Facebook so put your energy where they hang out the most and use hashtags that they would use so they can easily find you.

7. Build Your Website

Having an online presence is so important, it is tempting for new artists to skip this step because it can be time consuming and costly (for a custom website) but you’re playing the long game so investing in your business is vital to standing out in a crowded market. Your website acts like a hub for your clients to see your work, learn more about you, and know how to contact and book you.

8. Grow Your Referral Network

Do some research and find the top 10 people in your area that you would love to work with. Follow them on social media, comment on their posts, reach out to them and let them know you would love to connect and if they would keep you in mind for future projects or referrals.

9. Build Your Community

Use your social media to connect and build relationships with your followers. This will help grow your community and make it easier for your followers to refer you to their networks if they know, like, and trust you.

10. Collect Reviews & Client Testimonials

The best way to be considered as an authority in your industry is to have reviews and testimonials of your work and your character. Use Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, The Knot (if you’re focusing on the bridal industry) and Facebook to help build your online reputation.

If you are skilled at your craft, determined to be successful and follow these 10 steps, it will not take years and years to build your business. You will see results so much faster and get your calendar booked!

Let me know in the comments, did you find this information helpful to starting your makeup artistry business?

Are you still feeling stuck? I offer 1:1 coaching sessions to help you start and grow your business to create profitable and long-term success! Contact me here for more information!

Would you like to keep in touch with me? Join my email list, click here!

xo,

Kim

Social Media Tips for Your Business

Using social media to market your business is a no-brainer! Here are some tips to help you create better content. If you are interested in joining my Inner Circle Coaching Group to receive monthly training videos go to Inner Circle.

If you want increase your visibility on search engines and social media consider adding video to your marketing plan.

xo,

Kim

 

 

 

How to Manifest Anything You Want

How to Manifest Anything You Want

Most people live in a state of wanting what they want but being too terrified to go out and get it. Getting what you want requires doing things that feel uncomfortable by stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith. The steps aren't difficult but they take focus and persistence.

The steps to getting anything you want in life are to:

1. Decide

You must first decide what you want, to be totally clear and to make the decision, nothing will happen if you don't commit to this first step.

2. Clear any blocks or fears

Once you make the decision you must clear any negative thoughts or feelings from blocking you. Write down your fears and the absolute worst things that would happen if things didn't work out. Mindfully address each fear and thank your fears for trying to protect you but that you are ready for the next step, like this... "Thank you fear of embarrassing myself in a video but I am going to be okay and I'm ready to take the next step."

3. Believe that it's possible

You must believe that it's possible to get what you want. If you decide that you want a Ferrari to appear in the next hour but you don't believe that it's possible, it'll never work out.

4. Take inspired action

Write down everything that needs to happen to get you what you want and all the ways to get you there. Figure out what the easiest thing is to do right now and start there. Everyday wake up feeling the excitement of getting closer to getting what you want and take the necessary action to get you there.

5. Stay positive

Fill you mind with positive thoughts, post pictures around you that will inspire you and will keep you focused. When negative thoughts creep in acknowledge them, thank them for showing up and send them on their way. Negative thoughts are just the way your mind tries to keep you safe and secure in your current space. If you feel that it's a reoccurring thought that is actually a block for you, try sitting down and exploring the thought. Ask yourself, "Is it true, is it helpful?" and if it's not then you have just faced a block head on and it will lose its power over you.

Rinse and repeat.

Download my workbook to help you manifest anything you want: Personal Power Workbook

If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you!

xo,

Kim