Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lane Hickenbottom, owner of Omaha Headshot Company, located in Omaha, NE, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Look better than your competition. That's what Omaha Headshot Company helps its clients do through business branding and headshot photography. We help professionals look confident and approachable so they can grow their businesses.

Tell us about yourself

I started as a newspaper photojournalist that turned into a wedding photographer. As my kids started to get older, my weekends became more personally valuable. I started to pivot my business to earn a more steady, 9-5 revenue base. From that, Omaha Headshot Company was born.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We just like helping people grow their businesses. One of the cool things about what we do is we get to meet our clients during a time of upward trajectory. Our headshot clients are either getting or looking for a new, improved job, needing images because they are starting to do public speaking, promoting a new book, or starting a new company. It's rewarding to come to work every day to get to work with such a group of optimists.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

There are lots of difficult things--long hours, you only harvest what you sow, etc. There are pitfalls and failures around every corner, and a lot of people depend on your success, which is far from guaranteed. All that said, being a business owner is incredibly rewarding.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Assume that expenses will be higher and your first clients will be more difficult than you expect.
  2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Try to spend the majority of your efforts doing the things you're strong at and look for ways to delegate or outsource your weaknesses.
  3. Don't wait until the timing is perfect for getting started. Start now!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://omahaheadshots.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omahaheadshotcompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omahaheadshots/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omahaheadshots/


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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