EV Tips 004: Clean Up Shop
Independence Day. For many videographers, particularly those who cover events during the school year, it is finally time for a much deserved vacation. Fall will be here in no time, and it's time to take a step away from the computer.
But while it's easy to get away and neglect your company, this is also the perfect time to liberate yourself from all the clutter and disorganization that has accumulated all spring (it's always tempting to set the office on fire and start a new). Here are some quick questions that you can ask yourself to prep for an upcoming busy season:
1. Take a look at your desk. Do you use every thing on there every single day? If not, find a new place for those things out of plain site. In my experience, physical clutter causes mental clutter, if not for you than maybe for your employees or visiting customers.
2. Now look around the office (drawers, shelves, closets, etc). Is there anything you didn't use once last year? eBay! The longer you hold onto something, the less valuable it becomes. And more space and simplicity in your storage areas is priceless.
3. Do you need any new software or equipment for the upcoming season? Now is a great time to make these purchases. Often times new gadgets are released for back-to-school shopping, and there are amazing deals to be had on last-generation models. Assuming you don't require groundbreaking NASA technology, most of us will do just fine with the time tested and fully functional predecessors of cutting edge products. And buying new gear during your slower season gives you plenty of time to figure out how to use it.
4. Are there time-consuming tasks in your business that you can automate, template, or outsource? In event video, many companies get bogged down with administrative tasks when they should be spending time on revenue-producing production work. Consider creating PDF contract templates or outsourcing your accounting to a local bookkeeper. Looking for an eCommerce and fulfillment parter? Eventvideo.com can manage your video sales and archives so that you never have to copy and ship a DVD again (shameless plug, but you get the point).
5. Thank your customers. This is something that often goes undone throughout the year as one hectic production leads to another. But when you have a moment, don't forget to reach out to your customers and thank them for their loyalty and support. In this business, as in most, solid relationships create longevity.
So whether your slow season is July or January, don't forget to work on your company while you're working in your company!