Category Archives: Business

Day 2021 – The Picture Does Not Match The Topic – Or The Answer To My Free WiFi Woes

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First, today’s picture is of the beautiful snow on our commute to Bret’s work today. I love living in the country and seeing the snow in all its glory.

Anyways, I may or may not have talked about my struggle to find good free wifi on my blog, but I certainly have on my personal Facebook. I would try to work at Panera Bread…most of the time, I had a great experience, but sometimes, it just wouldn’t work. I have since realized some of that is my laptop. But, I finally found an answer that works for me and my business and everything I need to do.

The public library. You know I love the library for my book reading needs. ::insert Jennilyn swoon here:: But, a few weeks back, I decided to try out the internet at the library. Let’s just say I was able to upload something uninterrupted AND work on my other tasks. It was wonderful.

The branch I use most for this purpose is down the road from Bret’s school. They have 4 desks with plugs…so some days I’ve worried if I would get one. Well, during my last visit, I noticed that there was a downstairs spot with quiet study and magazines. I made a mental note to check it out. Today, the 4 desks were full, so downstairs I went. Ladies and gentleman, it’s a mecca. Just looking around, not even in depth, there are FIVE other desks and outlets….and 3 are already occupied! Woooo!!! I am so excited about this new bit of information. This is just fantastic news. I am absolutely over the moon.

SO! If you are a business owner struggling to find space outside of your home office to work…and can’t afford a shared space or your own rented space right now….the public library should be your next step! Excuse me while I go hug a librarian…

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Day 1983 – To Rent Or To Buy (Business Edition)

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I think for any business, you will come across the “should I buy or rent this?” question. So here’s a few pros and cons. This is a “Jennilyn’s opinion for her business list” – your business is (and probably should be) different from mine.

Camera Equipment – rent. I REALLY wish I had done this sooner! My thought was, why rent when I can just buy? Then it’s mine. Well, the camera body that we love is about $2,700-$3,700 a pop. JUST the body folks. To rent TWO bodies for 3 days is about $250. It’s great to rent for a couple reasons. First, you get to play with the gear. It’s fun to try before you buy! Second, if you don’t have it in the budget to buy what you need now, you can still give your client a quality product by renting.

Office/studio space – rent or use other methods. Over the last few weeks, I’ve worked remotely a LOT…more than I EVER have. I have to say that Panera Bread is THE best place to work. There have been a few slow internet experiences….but to be fair, I was there at semi-peak times. One morning a week or two ago, I spent six hours in a Panera with no trouble. I did buy breakfast and lunch, so I don’t feel like I was taking advantage or anything. What I love about Panera is that they don’t kick you out. They don’t make you feel bad about staying for a while. (Budgeting/saving bonus tip: get a Panera Rewards card if you use them!) You can also meet clients here too….or a hotel lobby if you need something classier.

Computer/laptop/tablet/phone – buy. This is pretty much a given. I will say though, that there are a LOT of options for cloud work, it’s worth looking into.

Bonus – lessons learned: I will say, looking back over my ten years in business, I wish I hadn’t spent so much on things I really didn’t need. I think about backdrops that were cheap that I got from goodwill (I think that was actually a sheet….)….I think about props I bought…I think about samples (albums and prints)….so. much. unneeded. stuff. Think long and hard about ALL of your purchases. Know why you’re buying something for your business.

What about you? What have you learned about buying versus renting over the years?

This morning, my office is Chick-fil-a! 🙂

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