If you’re looking for me, then I have bad news for you – you’re in the wrong place!

The good news is that you can still find me at www.alexbeadon.com.

Come join the party. I’m giving out free puppies!

Big hugs,

xoxo

Alex

P.S.

By ‘puppies’ I mean ‘business and branding advice.’

The post I’ve Moved! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

One of the best parts of running my own business (besides my flexible schedule) is the fact that I have FULL creative control.

The other day I was thinking a lot about creativity in my business and I thought …. you know what? When was the last time I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and created something interesting, unique, different and CREATIVE? 

Well, today’s the day I push the envelope. Honestly? This video is unlike any video I have EVER created. It’s not perfect, but it has a lot of attitude, and I poured a lot of energy in it with the hopes that it will inspire YOU to create a website for your business that you can be 100% proud of.

This video covers all of the questions you should be asking yourself when it comes to your website! LET’S DO THIS!

Food for thought, right?

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Leave a comment letting me know what your website link is AND what do you want your website to make people feel?
2. TWEET about this blog post!
   

With love and excitement for all of the goodness that is coming your way soon :)
xoxo
Alex

The post Inspiration for your website! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Hey!

I’ve got another episode of the “New Year, New You” series that’s gonna put a spin on how to make your customers smile!

Here it is:

Enjoy, my friends!

Big hugs
xoxo
Alex

The post How to make your customers smile appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Aren’t you just LOVING the “New Year, New You” Chatty Tuesday takeover? I know I sure am! It’s so much fun to share my weekly thoughts on how I’m preparing for success in 2014, and it’s great to be able to have you along for the journey!

This week, as I was trying to imagine how I want to grow and change as a person in 2014, I had an epiphany: a brand new approach to the cliché New Years Resolutions that we all love to hate ;).  I immediately knew this was something I wanted to talk to you about during today’s video!

PLUSSSSSSS — I just finished reading Gary Vaynerchuk’s new book and in this video I’m gonna tell you all about it!

Don’t forget! I want to hear from you in the comment section! 

Let me know:

1) What will your new habit be that you bring into 2014?

2) Will you be buying Gary’s new book, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook?

3) What exciting things do you have coming up this week? Tell me all about them!

With love and hugs,
xoxo
Alex
P.S. The time is NEARLY here! Keep an eye out for a very special email in your inbox tomorrow :)

The post A new approach to New Years Resolutions appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

I guess it’s just the allure of  new experiences that intrigues me the most.

I mean, no matter what you do that day , you’ll be experiencing something new. And for some reason I truly believe that creating new memories is what makes us feel most alive. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, surrounded by people you’ve never met before, eating new foods you never even knew existed.

It’s a way to force your body to be alert, to be in the moment, and to pay attention.

Because there are no habits that exist here, there are no routines here, and there’s nothing recognizable. It’s literally the excitement of the unknown that keeps me coming back for more.

And maybe it’s an addiction. My entire childhood was uprooted time and time again, moving from home to home across countries, miles and miles towards new corners of the world. I’ve never been locked to any once specific place. In fact, being anywhere for too long makes me antsy. On second thought, maybe it’s not an addiction, maybe it’s just that: boredom.  My psychic did tell me I get bored easily. Maybe she’s right.

Either way – I love it ….

…. I love to travel.

I mean, of course it has it’s downsides.Having to drag heavy suitcases from place to place, having to maneuver your way around, and getting over language and cultural barriers … but who cares? When I travel I feel alive.

It’s only been one month since I last experienced the joy of being somewhere totally new: Montreal.

We stayed with some very dear friends of ours, and were able to experience it at one of the most beautiful times of the year: the cusp between summer and autumn.

The leaves were just starting to fall and change color, and having not experienced the regular four seasons since moving to Tampa, it was a heart-wrenching reminder of what an inspirational time it used to be for me as a photographer when I was living in England only a few years back. Admiring those crimson leaves in Montreal was the nostalgic pain of a chapter now over and the sweet reminder that a new one had just begun. Life is funny like that, right?

One day, as we were walking around the city of Montreal, we decided to stop off for tea at a cute little place called Les Thés Davids Tea. 

As I walked through the door of David’s Tea, I was mesmerized. There was tea everywhere, and as a tea-lover, it was magical. As I ordered my raspberry-infused tea, I noticed a cute little sign in French. Translated it read,

“Win the shopping spree of any tea lover’s dream!
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and you could win a gift card of $250″

(Side note: I studied French for one year and was never good at it. My teacher always told me that I would pronounce words with a Spanish accent haha! The above translation was thanks to Google Translate)

Reading this, the businesswoman within me was wide awake, noting and zooming in on every single detail for clues.

I’m so driven to know and understand as much as I possibly can about businesses and their success in relation to their brand, and every time I have any communication with companies I’m always on the lookout for how they do things in their business, and if there’s anything amazing that I can learn to implement into my own.

In this case, I was totally surprised to see that this Montreal tea shop was smart enough to be incentivizing their audience to get on their email list. And it made me feel so happy for this business because they’re doing something very right with this incentive to get their customers on their email list.

I don’t see other businesses doing this nearly as much as they should, and I know just how vital an email list and newsletter can be to the success of a business. 

At this point, I’m sure you can imagine what went through my brain next … “I have to share this with my audience so that they can make sure that they have email lists!”

Here’s the thing: Any smart business owner nowadays knows that your email list is one of the most important things you can have.

It can be the difference between success and failure. It is that important.

People start businesses, they create Facebook pages, they have a website … and they wonder why they make no sales.

One of the best and cheapest marketing tools in all of history? EMAIL!

So start a newsletter. Because it’s a simple way for you to communicate with your clients, allow them to build a trusting relationship with you, AND it gives you a direct line of contact to ask for the sale. BOOM.

And the truth is, it’s so much easier than you think! Free options like MailChimp will have you hooked up in no time!

As we left that lovely tea shop, I was reminded of the sweet new chapter of my life. A chapter where I get to share these brilliant lightning-bolt moments of branding and business brilliance with you.

WITH YOU. And you, my friend? You are the future. You are the dreamer, the believer. You are one of the crazy ones who not only has a dream, but is willing to stand up for it and claim it. You are here, put on this earth to shine. And as you shine and share your gifts with the world, if I can do anything to make the business side of things go smoother, I’m always more than happy to do it. If I can show you that business doesn’t have to be hard, sales doesn’t have to be icky, and that branding can be FUN, I feel as though you’ll be able to turn that passion of yours into something that shows you that being successful and rich and brilliant is what you are here for. You are here to be your best self, to succeed without ever feeling guilty for it and without ever feeling as though you don’t deserve it. Because you do.

And that, my friend, is the best job in the world. I get to share my passion with you, and I don’t do it nearly as much as I want to, because, well, this transition from being passionate for photography to being passionate about business? It’s been a scary one. But today I’m embracing it, full forced, with my story of my trip to the small tea shop in Montreal.

Who knows where I’ll travel to next? I know I’m going to England for Christmas, and Trinidad for Carnival, but I’ve been to both of those place before so technically it doesn’t count as somewhere brand new. Maybe I should start planning my trip to the next brand new place. Any suggestions? I shared an awesome link on my personal Facebook page of 27 Surreal Places to Visit Before You Die … they just make me want to travel, travel, travel.

Honestly though, if it were up to me, I’d be flying my mom and I out to India.

I don’t know why, but this has been a dream of mine for a while now. For some reason I feel like it’s meant to be, what do you say? Should I add India with my mom to my to-do list? I think so! :)

Before you rush off – take a moment to leave a comment and let me know these 3 things:

1) Where was the last place you visited that you had never been to before?
2) Where is the one place that you REALLY want to go to, but haven’t been yet?
3) Do you have a newsletter for your business, and if not – are you going to add it to your to-do list this week?

I can not wait to hear from you in the comment section! :D

With love and hugs,
xoxo
Alex

The post This could be the difference between the success or failure of your business appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Is it okay to share a personal story with you? It’s one I’ve never shared before!

Before I do, you need to know a bit of the backstory: We all know that there’s nothing more magical than Christmas: the twinkling lights, the carols, the food… it doesn’t get much better than that.

Well, when I was 11 my family and I moved to Venezuela and due to a mix-up with our luggage shipment, our Christmas tree decorations hadn’t arrived in time for Christmas.

At first, my sister and I were heartbroken: what’s a Christmas tree without any lights, bobbles, or angels? It’s just a tree in a room.

My sister and I were devastated at the fact that Christmas just wouldn’t be the same, but suddenly we had an epiphany!

(And we all know the best ideas are born from epiphanies!)

We were adamant that this idea of ours was going to save Christmas! The only problem? It was going to require some tools, and a huge element of surprise.

So, after our parents went to sleep, we woke up and ransacked our new home as quietly as possible for anything we could find. Soon we found ourselves sitting at the kitchen table with pens, paper, glitter, and string.

And so it began: huddled around our kitchen table, tools in hand, we started creating our very own Christmas tree decorations.

We made reindeer-shaped paper bobbles, and santa-shaped ones; we made ones that were COVERED in glitter, and ones that looked like little, paper snowflakes.

Our tree was magnificent, and when our mom and dad woke up the next morning to see our empty Christmas Tree all decorated? Well … it was a special family moment I will never forget.

For some reason, even though the handmade Christmas decorations were nowhere near as beautiful as the ones caught in the delayed shipment, they were so much more special.

So special, in fact, that we ended up keeping our favorites, and to this day we still use them on our tree as a reminder of that one special Christmas in Venezuela, when we made our very own decorations.

Looking back, I realized that THAT was the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas isn’t about presents, or decorations, or Spiced Pumpkin Lattes; it’s about pulling together and celebrating family, friends, and a year of a beautiful life coming to a close, the best way you can.

That magical feeling of Christmas comes back to me every December, and this year I want to spread that Christmas feeling a little bit further.

This year I’m creating an Advent Calendar for you. It’s the Advent Calendar to rule all Advent Calendars.

Every morning from December 1^st to December 24^th, you’ll wake up to a new email from me featuring a new Photoshop Action.

These Advent Calendar Photoshop Actions have been specifically crafted for the holiday season. They look great with snow, fairy lights, tinsel – it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it!

If you want in, click here to get all the tinsel-strewn details.

Big hugs,
xoxo

The post Because Christmas is the time to give appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Ever work so hard that lunch time rolls around, and you’re like, “Uh oh … what am I going to eat for lunch today?”

Suddenly you find yourself opening up your fridge, staring into what seems to be vast emptiness and as you rummage around you realize you have …. nothing?

That was me today haha! So I left the house in search of the perfect place to eat, and stumbled upon Tijuana Flats for the very first time, only to see a huge line for lunch. HECK YEAH!

Most people would probably groan at a long line .. but me? I know it must be a pretty good sign of something truly great, so I always jump on the opportunity to check it out.

Why? Because I’m obsessed with learning more about  how businesses are connecting with their customers in ways that are so strong that there’s an actual line out the door to eat there.

Because, let’s be honest – can you imagine if your business had a huge line waiting outside of it every single day with people who were willing to wait to enjoy whatever it is your business provides? That’d be pretty great, right?

Well, what I discovered opened my eyes and confirmed something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. This restaurant is doing something amazing because not only is it helping to create super fans, but the best part is that it’s something you can implement into your own business in no time at all. You can thank me later ;)

So – what do you think? Will you be applying this quick tip into your own business? And what exciting things do you have coming up this week? I want to hear ALL about it in the comment section below so go now and leave a comment, I’d LOVE to hear from you :)

Big hugs and love
xoxo
Alex

P.S. If you wanna see the photo I refer to in this video, click here to make it happen!

The post The one obvious + easy thing you can do TODAY to create super fans! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Hey!

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably starting to realize that 2014 is getting closer and closer! 

As the new year approaches, I want to do my absolute best to enter the new year with confidence, purpose and organization. Don’t you?

If so, you’re going to love this Chatty Tuesday hijack! Every single Tuesday leading up to 2014, we’re going to be hosting a new series called “New Year, New You”. Sounds awesome, right?

Today’s episode is for you if you’ve ever struggled with introducing yourself to new people!

You’re going to discover

1. The horrible way I’ve been introducing myself to people
2. The brand new script I’ll be using to introduce myself to people
3. The key concepts you need to keep in mind when introducing yourself to new people

Let’s do this!

With love and hugs,

Alex

P.S. In the video I refer to this “Why I’m Breaking Up With Photography” Post. 

The post How to introduce yourself to new people appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

It’s been so long since I wrote a personal blog post, it almost feels foreign to me to open up to you in a way that’s this personal. But I’m ready for this.

Here’s the truth: I have felt so lost over the past year.

When I graduated from university, all I wanted to do was become a professional photographer. And as my dreams finally started to take shape in reality, I found myself slowly but surely losing interest.

The one thing that had the power to move my soul in ways that still remain completely indescribable, the one thing that showed me the real meaning of passion, the one thing that taught me that it is possible to do what you once thought was impossible fell out of my life almost as soon as it came in.

And what do you do when you fall out of love with something you used to feel so connected to, defined by, and passionate about?

I’m the type of person who likes to think things through, a million times if I have to. I like to micromanage dangerously to a fault. I’m a habitual to-do list maker, a goal-setting addict. I wanted to figure it out. Where did my passion for photography go, and most importantly, how could I get it back?

I read books on creativity. I took time off. I forced it. I didn’t force it. I talked about it. I asked other creatives for advice. I tried to get back to my inspiration. I tried to revive my passion but it seemed the more I searched for it, the quicker it fell through my hands, and after everything was said and done, I was left … with nothing.

I could not look at my camera without feeling resentment. I couldn’t even pick it up to take a picture.

Instead of the passionate photographer I used to be who was never seen without her camera, I became the photographer who ironically was never seen with her camera.

And I know I’m sounding dramatic. But for anyone who has ever experienced a similar case of disappearing passion you’ll know that it’s no less painful and no less dramatic than a devastating breakup.

I expected a life-long, passionate photography career … and suddenly the passion was gone. Poof. Just like that.

And after months and months AND MONTHS of trying to revive my desire to take a picture, it hit me like a brick wall.

A quiet voice in the back of my mind, getting louder and louder as time went on was saying ..

“You aren’t meant to have it back. Look – you want it back so badly, and it’s not here. Obviously, it’s not meant to be. It taught you what you needed to know. Now move on with yo’ bad self.”

So I did.

I moved on.

From photography.

From my camera.

From what we once had together.

Because it’s gone.

And it no longer exists…

So I started to just be and do whatever I wanted to be and do. I stopped feeling guilty about the lack of photo shoots. I started reading more about topics that truly interested me instead of wasting time reading up on how to revive my passion.

I focused on the new things I could feel passionate about creating instead of on the things I no longer felt passionate about creating.

The irony in all of this?

When I first started out in photography I always felt like I should have been out in the world getting a “real job”. It was exhilarating to follow my passion by becoming a professional photographer, yet totally heart-wrenching as each step of the way was done so in anticipation as to whether or not it would actually work.

 The irony is that I’ve been trying to hold onto photography so much, feeling that it’s what I “should” be doing, that I’ve lost that sense of exhilarating, heart-wrenching passion that I once had when I was chasing my dream of being a professional photographer. 

And that’s what I crave: the exhilarating, heart-wrenching passion.

I’ve finally realized that my goal was never to be a photographer, it was simply to follow my passion and be able to make a living from it at the same time. Because that’s where true happiness lies.

So where do I find my current exhilarating, heart-wrenching passion?

In business. 

I mean, is it that hard to tell? If you look back at all of my Chatty Tuesday videos you’ll see that slowly but surely they started to move away from photography and started leaning deep into business. I’ve covered how to use Pinterest for business, how to make your business buzzworthy, 8 common online mistakes you should avoid, how to keep your customers happy, 7 signs your sales page sucks. You get the picture.

As my passion for photography died down, my passion for marketing and branding sky-rocketed.

Here’s the thing: I know what it’s like when you’re just starting out with your amazing idea to be a professional photographer, or to start your own jewelry line, or to be the go-to graphic designer. 

I remember waking up in the mornings wondering if starting my own business was the right thing to do or not. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever been there?

That was the heaviest part for me. Because wouldn’t it be sad to waste all of that time building a photography business if it ended up being a total failure? Wouldn’t it be the most embarrassing thing to fail so triumphantly?

When I first started my business I was making no money, I had no prior experience, and I had so many moments of immense confusion, my brain drowning in “what if’s”, tears and tears and tears of worry and doubt. It sucked.

After being an artist who struggled to make enough money to move out of her parents house, to being an artist who’s been able to not only move out on her own, but make enough money to live comfortably, travel, and splurge from time to time, I know what it takes to move your business from a level of struggle to a level you can be proud of. 

And I want to help more people reach success in their businesses. 

Because when your business is a success, when it’s making you enough money to pay ALL of your bills? It’s the most amazing feeling of freedom, and every single person with a dream who’s passionate about making it a reality? They deserve to win.

I’ve realized that my current passion lies in sharing the knowledge that I wish I had when I first started out as a photographer.

It’s all about helping beautiful creative souls learn the ins and the outs of marketing and promoting their businesses online so that they can create an environment for themselves that allows them to thrive.

So I’m here. I’m ready to step back into my greatness. I’m ready to shine and I’m ready to put an end to feeling so lost. I’m not defined by photography. I’m defined by passion, and as long as I follow my passion, I’ll always be happy.

So, my friend, watch this space. I have some awesome things in store that I know you’re going to love. I can’t wait to start down this new journey with you!

Love always,
Alex
xoxo

P.S. Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

The post Why I’m breaking up with photography appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.

Hey,

These last two weeks have been CRRAAZZZYY for my business, and once this week is over I’ll be moving on to the next chapter of my grand vision for my business. I feel like the business is finally “maturing”, and I feel like I’m ready to start making bigger, better plans that better suit my own life vision.

As I approach 2014, I was totally ready to make my annual, 12-month plan for the next year – but as I was browsing the shelves at my local book store, The 12 Week Year caught my eye, and I simply couldn’t leave without it. I bought the book, read it, and I feel as though my mind has been forced open to so many fundamental ideas and concepts that are obvious, but often overlooked.

In today’s episode of Chatty Tuesday I’m sharing one of my favorite parts of the book  with you. It’s an inspirational reminder of what it takes to live up to your full potential and make all of your dreams a reality.

Let’s do this:

If you love this video, TWEET IT : “Get inspired to get things done with @alexbeadon!”

The concepts discussed in the book just drive my mind crazy with inspiration, can’t wait to write a final blog post about all of the changes I have personally made to put this system to good use, and document how it goes. Who’s interested in following along on the journey with me?

Before you go – take the time to leave a comment below! Anything exciting happening in your life this week? Share it!

With love and excitement to you, sweet reader,
Alex
xoxo

P.S. There are so many gems in this book, The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months, so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a productivity make-over.

P.P.S. Next week’s Chatty Tuesday will be an open-floor Q&A session with yours truly. Tweet or Instagram your questions for me with the hashtag #askalexb and I’ll make a video answering as many as I can! YAY! 

The post “The 12 Week Year – Get More Done in 12 Weeks Than Others Do in 12 Months” Review! appeared first on Alex Beadon Photography.