Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Krüger, Founder of John Krüger Photography, located in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a small media business mostly focusing on stills photography, but I also direct videos and write the occasional magazine article.
Tell us about yourself
While I was working for a publishing company, I did shoots on weekends that were a lot more fun and more lucrative, so after a while of working for a business that seemed almost anti-quality, it made sense to go out on my own and make work more enjoyable and take better pictures. Every day is different, I go to different places, and I meet different people. I don't hate Mondays; I hate public holidays!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to pay the mortgage every month by doing something I enjoy is absolutely fantastic. The fact that it's a creative business is so special as well.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is being able to turn it off. There's always work to be done, even if it's behind-the-scenes work like updating a website or doing bookwork. There's nobody to say, "That'll do for today, time to go home." I remember one day, I had a spare half an hour, so I started some work on the computer, and my wife looked over my shoulder and said, "Are you really going to do some processing on Christmas day?" Then I realised there are times you should switch off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make it enjoyable. Don't commit to something that will be such a big part of your life if you hate every minute. If you don't enjoy it, set an escape option. Give it 10 years and sell, or make $1M, then retire.
- Check out your competition and see what they're doing badly. Make sure you offer something better.
- Realise that new competition will always appear, so constantly work at making everything you offer better.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.johnkruger.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkrugerphotographer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/John_Kruger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-krüger-92645861/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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