Are You Treating Your Work Like a Hobby or a Business?
I ask this with so much love, because I’ve been there.
When we treat our business like a business (instead of a hobby), something shifts. The guilt around investing in ourselves disappears. The things we once saw as “luxuries” suddenly become non-negotiables.
Branding.
Professional images.
Systems that save time and create a seamless client experience.
If you’re still hesitating on these things—this blog is for you.
The Hobby Mindset vs. The Business Mindset
If your business still feels like a side project, it’s easy to:
Put off investing in the tools and support that would make things easier
Charge too little because you don’t see yourself as a “real” business yet
Stay stuck in DIY mode instead of making strategic decisions for growth
And I get it—it’s scary to invest in your business. But here’s what I learnt:
Once you start making decisions like a business owner, everything changes.
✔️ You show up with more confidence
✔️ You feel excited about your business again
✔️ You create a brand and experience that people want to invest in
So let’s talk about some key shifts that will help you step fully into the business owner mindset.
1. Investing in Your Brand Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Business Move
Hobby mindset:
“I’ll just use Canva and my iPhone for now—maybe later I’ll invest in professional branding and photos.”
Business mindset:
“My brand needs to look as high-end as the experience I provide. It’s time to invest in professional branding and visuals that reflect my value.”
Your brand is the first impression a potential client gets. If your dream client lands on your website or Instagram and it doesn’t feel aligned with the price and experience you offer, they might hesitate to book.
If you want to build trust and excitement with your clients, you need a premium presence. That doesn’t mean you have to drop thousands on a rebrand overnight—but it does mean treating your brand like an asset, not an afterthought.
So if you’ve been thinking about booking a brand photographer, this is your sign.
2. Systems Aren’t Just for “Big” Businesses—They’re for Businesses That Want to Grow Sustainably
Hobby mindset:
“I can handle everything manually for now. I’ll figure out systems later.”
Business mindset:
“My time is valuable. The sooner I set up systems, the sooner I can focus on growth instead of admin.”
If you’re:
Manually sending emails and proposals take hours
Chasing payments and tracking invoices in spreadsheets
Juggling client onboarding in a way that feels scattered
…you’re making things harder than they need to be.
Setting up systems (like Dubsado) isn’t about adding complexity—it’s about removing the bottlenecks that are keeping you stuck in busywork.
And let’s be honest: Your clients feel it, too. A smooth, professional experience builds trust. When you remove friction from your process, clients book faster, refer more, and feel confident in their decision to work with you.
So if you know your backend systems aren’t working for you, don’t put it off any longer. Your future self will thank you.
3. Pricing with Confidence Starts with How You See Your Business
Hobby mindset:
“I don’t want to charge too much—what if people say no?”
Business mindset:
“The right clients will see the value in what I offer. My pricing reflects my skill, experience, and the results I deliver.”
If you’re struggling with pricing, ask yourself:
Do you see yourself as a business owner—or just someone who “does creative work”?
Are you charging based on what you think people will pay, or what your work is actually worth?
Are you giving yourself permission to charge for the value you provide—not just the time you spend?
When you step into the business owner mindset, you stop apologising for your prices and start owning them. Because you know you’re not just selling a service—you’re solving a problem, creating an experience, and delivering results.
And that? That’s worth charging for.
Your Business (and You) Deserve More
At the end of the day, the difference between a hobby and a business isn’t just about money—it’s about mindset.
If new branding has been on your mind, book the photographer.
If your systems are holding you back, invest in the tools and support you need.
If you’ve been undercharging, own your value and adjust your pricing.
The sooner you start making decisions like a business owner, the sooner you’ll see the confidence and growth that comes with it.
So, let me ask you again—are you treating your business like a hobby or a business?
Let’s Make It Easy to Step Into Business Owner Mode
If your backend systems aren’t supporting your growth, let’s fix that.
Want to upgrade your client experience and save time with automation? Download my Services Guide to learn more about custom Dubsado setups —I’d love to chat about how we can make running your business easier (and way more fun).