Hello, hello.

NEWSFLASH: being an entrepreneur is TOUGH!

Let’s be honest. I’m talking debt, dealing with customers, relationships, time, selling … it’s intense!

I know exactly what it’s like because I’ve been there.

If you feel like your vision for your future is unclear and confusing, if you feel like you’re not really capable of succeeding, and if you feel a disconnection in your relationship with yourself - you are going to LOVE this!

I have something special for you today that is going to give you the same three exercises I use whenever I feel like a huge, stinkin’ failure. 

These are my secret weapons when it comes to keeping my mind in-check.

Here you have your three must-do exercises that will turn your negative attitude into a positive one right before your very eyes:

“Learn to quiet the negative voice of fear, learn to listen to the positive voice of love and encouragement.” -@alexbeadon

The first one is called “Meet Success” and it’s all about really getting to grips with your definition of success. This is one of my favorite exercises of all time.

I want you to write down every single thing you want in your life, and don’t hold back. I want you to dream big here! Write it down as if it’s already happened.  The feelings, the experiences, the outcomes, EVERYTHING in the present tense, as if it’s happening today and you’re writing a diary entry. This will really help you identify what it is that you want.

Most people go their whole lives without clearly identifying what success would look like for them, and so “success” becomes this ambiguous, subjective goal. To have a clear, objective vision is so useful in ensuring that you’re going in the right direction.

You’ve got your eye on the ball, and through visualization it’s as though you are practicing for the big game. It’s as though you are preparing your body, mind and soul for what’s to come.

The second one “Believe in Success” involves knowing that you are capable of attaining the level of success you set for yourself. In the words of Charlie Sheen, “faith is for winners, hope is for losers.”

You have to have faith in yourself and know that you are 100% capable of making it happen - no matter what. Don’t feel like there isn’t a way, just look around because there always is.

I want you to think back in your lifetime to all of your big and small accomplishments, and I want you to list them out. When you’re done, look over your list and relish in that feeling of a job well done, I want you to  remember all of the times you thought you couldn’t, but you did. Use that as confidence to keep you going.

For lack of a better phrase, man up and hustle.

The last exercise I want you to do is called “Me, my best friend.” 

First, I want you to listen to the way you speak to yourself and then ask yourself if that’s how you would speak to your best friend.

No? I didn’t think so.

You need to support yourself in the same way a best friend would. Eliminate the negative stories you tell yourself like “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not smart enough.”

Pretend that you’re already in the future, experiencing in live-time your definition of success. Then, write an encouraging and inspiring letter to who you are today. I like to call it a love letter from the future.

When you’re done with the letter, record it, and listen to it every morning to keep you uplifted, inspired, and motivated to stay on track with your goals and dreams. 

Look – being an entrepreneur of any kind isn’t easy. It’s an uphill battle, especially at the beginning. But if having your own business, making your own rules, and creating the life of your dreams is what you really want, you have to stay true to it and follow through!

And if you’re sitting around wondering why you’re not rich and famous yet, change your routine up. Are you marketing on FB and it’s not working? TRY SOMETHING NEW. Albert Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. 

So – if you want different results? Try something new.

To every single problem you are experiencing, there IS a solution, it’s your job to find it. Do not let your emotions of fear, worry and self doubt stop you from achieving anything.

“Learn to quiet the negative voice of fear, learn to listen to the positive voice of love and encouragement.” -@alexbeadon

This week I want you to focus on at least one of these three exercises. Which one will it be? Let me know in the comment section below. I LOVE COMMENTS!

I WANT TO KNOW:

Will you be listing your dreams and goals to gain clarity on your vision?

Will you be listing your accomplishments and relishing in them?

Or will you be writing yourself a love letter?

When you’re done commenting I want you to think of a few people in your life who feel stuck, lost, or like a failure in their business. Share this video with them via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest - it may be the one video they need to watch to get back onto the fast track to success.

One last thing: if you’re dedicated to turning your passion into a successful business, head on over to alexviplist.com and sign up for my VIP List. This will give you exclusive access to my very best content, and will get you on the fast-track to a successful business.

Thank you so much for watching,  I hope you have a beautiful day and I’ll see you again next week!

Big hugs,
xoxo
Alex

The post Because being an entrepreneur is tough! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Do your photos cause love at first sight reactions?

• Do your photos make people stop and stare?
• Do your photos turn viewers into clients?
• Do people go on and on about how beautifully unique your images are?
• Do the colors in your images WOW people?
• Do you have customers who are addicted to getting their photo taken by you and keep coming back for more?

If not, you’re missing out. Images that cause love at first sight reactions result in:

• More clients
• More purchases
• More shares
• More likes
• More income

There’s no two ways about it: If you’re a professional photographer, your images HAVE to stand out from the crowd. They have to look their best, particularly in this day and age when everything is shared online.

When you use Dress to Impress, you are doing just that: dressing your photos to impress.

Here’s what Dress to Impress user, Asia Croson from California had to say:

“So I have to admit, I first got Dress to Impress and I was like “eeeek! I don’t know if my work is that ‘creative’, I like to have real life colors etc…” BUT THEN I played more and more, fell in love with “Laced moonlight”, “Whipped Cream”, and “Ace of Spades” … and I kid you not, it makes me want to CRY at how great my pictures look. Like, does every wedding photographer have Dress to Impress that makes their pictures seem so professional? All of the sudden I feel like my business is GOING PLACES! I feel so inspired and confident, so tahnks for the kick in the bum, fabulous actions, and all of the inspiration!”

And guess what!? For three days only I’m offering you a very special offer on Dress to Impress!

It’s Easter Weekend, baby, and I’m giving you $50 OFF! 

Click here to check out this special offer (please note: this is for a LIMITED TIME ONLY!)

Big hugs and love, and remember – always Dress to Impress! 
Alex Beadon
xoxo

The post More clients, purchases, shares, likes and income (Yes, please) appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Hey you,

Here’s your mission for the week: examine your brand.

Virgin. Oprah. Apple. Beyonce.

These four brands should spark something inside of you, because their brands are strong and alive.

Now think of the brand that you have created for your small business.

What feelings does it evoke? Does your business have a strong brand? Does it have a brand at all?

Today we are going to dive into the topic of branding. I’m going to give you the largely misunderstood definition of branding, followed by the steps I took to build such a strong brand for my own business and how you can do the same.

Get ready for a heavy dose of bad-ass branding advice to take your brand to the next level:

Don’t forget to leave a comment below! Our community is an inspiring one, a positive one, and a passionate one – and I can’t do it alone, so get involved!

If you’re smart enough to be on my VIP list, you have full access to my exclusive Bonus Material waiting in your inbox. Enjoy!

And if you’re not on the list – hurry to sign up today so you never miss out again!

I hope you have a beautiful Tuesday. One quick note: the five limited edition actions will be expiring on the 1st of March. I know many of you are saving up to make Dress to Impress yours, and if you want the limited edition actions to be yours: it’s now or never. Check it out here.

Thanks for being awesome, and keep me updated on your quest to a better brand. I want to know what worries or questions you have concerning your brand! Take it to the comment section, baby.

Talk soon!
Big hugs
xoxo
Alex

The post Behind the scenes: How I built my brand. appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Ever struggle with your “about me” page? It’s one of the most important parts of your site, and also one of the most difficult. Why? Because there are very few of us who feel 100% comfortable and confident when talking about ourselves. You don’t want to seem as though you are bragging, but simultaneously you want to get across the point that you are awesomely talented and totally worth hiring!

This week’s Chatty Tuesday video is going to give you eight tips to creating an incredible and effective about me page!

If you want to make the most out of this video, join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below.

Do you have any tips for Abby on writing your “about me” page? What struggles, successes or lessons have you learned when it comes to “about me” pages? And if you’re feeling brave – leave a link so that we can check yours out!

I can’t wait to hear from you!
Big hugs
xoxo

The post Eight exclusive tips on creating an incredibly effective “About Me” page for your blog or website appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

The post Inspirational, Motivational Video – don’t miss it! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Hey  you :)

It is time to CELBRATE! For real. Why? Because this week marks the THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of my blog!

Wow, can you believe it? Absolutely amazing.

Aaaand, could you guess? – I’m in the mood to celebrate. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ll have heard all about this celebration :) And if not, sign up and maybe you’ll get lucky ;).

Now back to business:

Last week’s video on discounts for family and friends sparked a lot of controversy as to whether or not it’s okay to work for free when building your portfolio. To prove my points further I thought I’d make a video letting you know when it’s okay to work for free!

You can watch all the goodness right here:

Have you ever worked for free? What did you get in return? What was the outcome? Would you do it again? I know you have a story to share, so please tell us all about it in the comment section!

Stay inspired, stay excited, stay creative.

Big hugs, lover!
xoxo

The post Come party with me && When working for free is OKAY! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Guess what? I got a puppy. He’s a shih-tzu, his name is Blue and he is the cutest little thing you will ever see. Fact.

The truth is, we weren’t looking to buy a puppy that day. It was a random decision to stop off at a pet store. All we wanted to do was “ooh” and “ahh” at the cute, little puppies. We’ve done this so many times in the past and never walked away with a puppy.

So what was different this time? Besides Blue’s obvious cuteness, why did we choose him? What made us fall in love with him? It’s pretty indescribable, but there was just something about him. An “x-factor”, if you will. His attitude and energy was different to all the other puppies we have ever seen. We couldn’t go home without him. The moment we met him, he was a part of our family.

And so it got me thinking … what is the “x-factor” of my business? What makes my products and services so irresistable that people can’t help but purchase from my store? It has to be more than just “great actions”, right? In the same way that it had to be more than just a “cute puppy”. There has to be an “x-factor”. My store has to have an attitude and energy like no other. It has to feel right.

In your business, how can you make it “feel right” for potential customers? How can you inject an attitude and energy like no other? What is your “x-factor”? Tell me all about it in the comment section below, I’m dying to know your opinions on this!

The post The importance of your “X-factor” appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Have you been watching the Olympics? I must say – I’m not much of a sports fan, but every single time I catch the Olympics on TV I am immediately fascinated. I always think to myself, “this is the one day that these athletes have been waiting for, dreaming for and training for”!

When you think of all the time, effort and energy these Olympians pour into their training – it’s mind blowing. And for what? For the dream of being the best in the world (which I’ve written about before).

But it’s really got me thinking – if you want to be your best at anything, regular training is necessary. Don’t you think?

They say that in life you are either moving closer to your dream, or moving farther away from it. There is no such thing as “staying still”. Achieving your dreams takes constant attention, practice, and training. Consistency and dedication, my friend.

Have you done something today to bring you closer to your dream? If so, you can easily say you are moving closer. If not, you can easily say you are moving farther away from your dream. It’s that simple, right?

So, I challenge you to release your inner olympian. Because if you’re going to be the best you can be, it requires the same daily consistence and dedication to your game that every athlete in the Olympics demonstrates.

You’re either moving closer, or farther away. There is no “staying still”. Which will it be today?

Tell me about your levels of consistency and dedication when it comes to making your dreams a reality. Leave a comment!

The post Do you dream of being the best? appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

So … there’s a little voice inside of you feeding you an idea. (Yes, we’ve spoken about this little voice before.)

It’s presence is no mistake, no coincidence. It is there for a reason.  It is there to point you in the right direction, to show you your purpose.

Admittedly, this “idea” is a pretty big deal to you, whatever it may be. You love the idea of it becoming a reality, but it seems so far off from where you are today. It seems impossible, unprobable. And the steps you would have to take to make it all come true? Well, there’s a lot of steps … and now isn’t really a good time.

There’s not enough money, not enough time, your life isn’t in order yet, you’re not where you want to be. You just can’t get started. Not today, anyway. 

Right? Wrong.

Today is the perfect day to start. Why? Because you will never find ”the right time”. You’ve just got to do it. Get the ball rolling. Take one small step every day in the direction of making your dream a reality. 

Because if you can dream it, you can do it. (That’s a tweetable!)

Make it happen, my friend, make it happen.

I’d love to hear your opinions on the ideas your little voice is feeding you, and when your perfect time to start will be!

The post Finding the perfect day to start. appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Who doesn’t want to be the best in the world? I guess it’s not necessarily about being the best, but more so about being your best. Are you at your best at all times? In everything you do? I have been thinking about this a lot lately and have come to conclusion that my standards need to be pushed way higher.

Why? Because my best is my new standard for everything I do.

When it comes to my online store, I want to make sure that I’m not just providing incredible Photoshop Actions that will revolutionise the way you edit, but that you are also getting the absolute best at every touch point with my business. I feel like I’ve provided high quality actions that my customers are really happy with and impressed by. But I wanted to give more than that. There’s a difference between wanting to come up with new, revolutionary ideas and actually being able to. I was struggling to put myself in the mind of my target market. So I decided to do what any great businesswoman would do – market research.

Over the past month I have collected 185 responses to my online survey. The insight gained from the responses has been so eye-opening and has given me so many new ideas to incorporate into The Inspired Store. It has shown me that pushing myself to be the best I can be is never a bad thing.

The question is – what are YOU doing to be the best you can be? And if you feel like you’re already there – you’re not. There is always room for improvement! :) I dare you to brainstorm three things you could do today to be better at the one part of your life that you really want to excel in.

P.S. As promised – one of you has been chosen at random to win a £25 Amazon Gift Card! If you are the lucky winner, you will have already received an email letting you know the awesome news!

The post Do you want to be the best in the world? appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.