Knowing Your Numbers - Bookkeeping for Photographers with Tanya Hirschy

Knowing your numbers is an essential part of running a successful photography business. Today, I chat with Tanya about challenges, tips and overcoming fears when it comes to bookkeeping for photographers.Introduction (1:52)What are the common business pitfalls for photographers? (2:46)Procrastination and embarrassment. Bookkeeping for photographers is all about being able to assess your numbers and strategize to push your business forward. Why knowing your numbers is empowering  (5:14)Most people assume they were not successful and are surprised when they find out they made money. This knowledge boosts confidence and provides validation that they actually are doing good business.How to change the relationship with bookkeeping for photographers? (8:03)Small business owners are usually reactive rather than proactive. It is better to make sure you have an organizational system in place and a workflow tracking income and expenses, then to analyze the numbers and learn from them.How to think about paying yourself (9:37)Separate business and personal expenses. This will show you how much you can pay yourself, and allow you to get paid what you deserve.How to treat your business like a business (13:10)Get your business level of professionalism to the same level as your creative level of professionalism. Organizing will take time and it may look worse before it gets better, but once system are in place, things will run smoothly.Advice for putting systems in place and staying with it (15:30)Accountability! Outsourcing will automate that accountability when someone is asking you for information on a regular basis. The services that Tidy Books provide (17:36)1. Monthly services – Day to day bookkeeping for photographers2. DIY – We set up and launch you, follow up with accountability call3. Course - Specifically for photographers to set up and maintain bookkeepingHow to determine what a successful system means (20:34)Determine what your goals are. Ask what will life look like if you outsource bookkeeping, and if nothing changes, what will happen.Advice for feeling embarrassed about your bookkeeping systems (21:35)Face the truth of where you are. Change your mindset of fear and doubt and know you can deal with this professionally.Resources to learn more about business and bookkeeping (26:08)What are you curious about? (27:21) Discover more about Tanya HirschyWebsite: tidybooksboutique.com Facebook: @tidybooksboutique Instagram: @tidybooksboutique Bio:  Tanya is the owner of Tidy Books, a virtual bookkeeping firm for photographers. She's a Quickbooks ProAdvisor and loves to help photographers find financial clarity and peace of mind. She has a background in photography, and considers it a great privilege to have a front row seat to the success of awesome, talented photographers. Resources shared in this episode:Profit First bookThe Personal MBA bookThe Business Boutique  bookPhotographers Guide to BookkeepingEnneagram

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Welcome to the Art and Soul Show where we dive heart-opening chats on photography, business, life and that messy in-between. You're more than a photographer. You're an artist, a dreamer, a business boss, and a creative. Listen in for conversations and advice on running a photography business, mindset, and creativity. This is the place you can go when you need a boost of encouragement, a kick in the pants, and inspiration to pick up your camera.