Take Messy Action Instead of Striving for Perfection

Messy action will take us further than perfection ever will.  Many a conversation I have had with fellow creatives in that never ending cycle of “getting it perfect” before launching, sharing, posting or approaching a prospective photographer or client. If you are doing that ~ I feel you! I've been there. Like the IG Videos I have done ~ before I starting doing them I was thinking to myself I would like them to be “perfect".  But, really I had to let that go.  (As you can see if you have seen any of my videos.)  I left them there because ultimately I want to help people and thought the lessons and content could be helpful for people in the photo styling and creative industry.

Now I’m glad I post videos ~ opportunities as well as friendships have resulted from doing them.  I have had my share of "perfectionism" in my styling career ~ the day it "pretty much" changed was the day I was hired for a dream job while wearing flip flops and really, really torn jeans.  I tell the story in Overcoming Perfection When I Was Hired In Flip Flops.

So this “messy action” concept is really just “start before you are ready” ~ but just start”.⠀Here are a few items that might come to mind for you:

WORKING ON A WEBSITE?

Are you waiting to perfect (or start) a Photo Styling Website?  It doesn’t have to be several pages.  It can just have:  About You Page, some Photos and a Contact Page.  Important thing is to launch. (You can add more pages as you go.)  Also, don’t feel bad if you can’t start a Website right now.  In the meantime, instead of saying “I’m Sorry, I don’t have a Website” instead you can say “Thanks for asking about my work, I will transfer some of my photos through (Dropbox or WeTransfer) so you can see my work! "  It’s the positive tone, attitude and “will do” language you express that is important. Don't say you are sorry.
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NEED A CONTRACT FOR YOUR STYLING SERVICES? 

Don't worry if it's not in you budget to get a Photo Styling Services Contract. In the meantime, develop terms, guidelines, payment expectations, protection terms for your business that you can send to every client through email (Email is a Legally binding contract. You just have to make sure you get an email back from your client confirming "I agree to your terms." THAT is what will make it legal.)

**Setting up your business up legally with EIN, LLC, Contracts or Agreement emails is important. Those have to be priority tasks.

So, whatever it is that you are thinking about starting or are have a “perfectionism moment”  just “get messy”, start and launch! You can’t become a standout Photo Stylist by doing the minimum.  You have to live it, roll up your sleeves, and get your “hands dirty”.  Set your styling business up for success by getting your hands dirty (not just styling) but really doing everything necessary to build your styling career.

AND when I talk about "perfectionism", I'm speaking to perfecting (thus, delaying!) all the tasks we do to "get ready" to launch a website and contact prospective clients or photographers. Striving for perfection in your actual styling? Yes! That's totally different ~ We need to strive to be excellent in our craft.  Perfecting your styling and being a great Stylist can be your SUPER power. There is nothing wrong with wanting your styling for your clients to be perfect! ;)

Here's to all of us taking messy action, setting a plan, following through and going for it ~ always!

Bonnie ~

If you have business of styling questions, we have many Guides to help you in our FREE Business of Styling Resources.

Image Credit ｜ Mariela Naplatanova via Stocksy