Category Archives: For Photographers

ADVICE // 2
My Decision to Rebrand and Why I Think it Will Stick This Time

If you’ve been around since the beginning of Mad Hearts, you’ve probably seen the very many branding and logo changes we’ve gone through.  Only Madonna can rival us in the makeover department! For better or worse, I tend to work through the kinks of my business through trial and error. It’s not the best way to do things (especially when […]

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April 29, 2014 - 4:35 pm

Tiffany B. - Great post Maddy! I think this is one of the hardest parts of owning your own business. We put so much time and energy into our small businesses but at the same time we can’t think clearly. It’s so hard since we are only people in our business. I know I get sucked down the rabbit hole a lot online looking for ideas and what is happening. I know if I walk away and think on my own, the ideas will start to come out of my head instead of someone else’s.

April 30, 2014 - 10:59 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - So true! I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest for that same reason. It’s true – so many great ideas that you can stare at for hours! But I sometimes a good brainstorming session with a pen and pad yields better results :)

October 18, 2015 - 1:43 pm

Barbara - Hi Maddy! I just found you and your beautiful pictures via Communal Global (I’m one one the corrent contributor and i was looking to the “old friends” page when i found you!) i love this advice section (as well as all the blog).. i would love to become a photographer as well (kids are my passion) and i just tried to think about the logo of my blog and how can be more ME. asking to friends and family can definetely be the solution! Thanks!

EXPENSE REPORT
Best Business Purchases in 2013

Tax season is finally over and I thought it would be fun to do a quick rundown of my best business expenses of last year. After tracking my expeditures using an accounting software, I learned a lot about my spending habits.  I find that the purchases where I have done my research and weighed their pros/cons tend to be the most beneficial […]

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April 28, 2014 - 7:48 am

Amy - Thanks for all the great tips, Maddy!

April 29, 2014 - 4:46 pm

Tiffany B. - I do this type of list about once a year for my business. For me it’s about finding my materials (paper, adhesive, bubble envelopes) at good prices. I also try and invest in a class or online class/book each year or every 6 months. I find it so helpful to read about other small business owners or how they solve their small business problems. I really enjoyed reading “The $100 dollar startup” by Chris Guillebeau. Learning a new skill or a different approach to something is always good for the brain!

April 30, 2014 - 11:02 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - My best investments have been educational in the last few months. I’ll have to check out that book! Thanks for the suggestion!

ADVICE // 1
How I Organized My Business Finances

I know I’m going to sound geeky saying this, but I really enjoy sitting down with my accountant and going over our taxes each year.   I consider it my business’ yearly performance review! It’s the way I evaluate where I’m at in terms of my goals and find ways to do better the following year.  Last year I decided to finally get an accounting software […]

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April 16, 2014 - 11:23 pm

Sandy - I love how you’ve shared your experience and give great tips to your audience! Keep it girl!

April 16, 2014 - 11:24 pm

Sandy - Keep it up girl! Xoxo

April 17, 2014 - 9:23 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - Thanks for the feedback, Sandy!

April 21, 2014 - 4:55 pm

Tiffany B. - I go through this every year with my small biz as well. I started using QuickBooks 2-3 years ago and would be lost without it now. It helped me understand what I was spending money on and if I was “really” making any money. Keep up the good work, I love reading about how other people are doing with their business.

April 22, 2014 - 11:08 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - Thanks for following along, Tiffany! And I like how you put “really” in parenthesis because that’s exactly why I decided to breakdown and get serious about my bookeeping. It’s easy to get excited about incoming funds and completely gloss over all the outflows. I should’ve done a better job earlier in my business, but better late than never!