We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Franzetti a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
Self-discipline and motivation are often discussed like they are some magical elements some of us have and some of us don’t. I think of them more like a muscle and just like a muscle, you can either grow or wither depending on use.
Self-discipline is easier when you feel GOOD. Wins make you feel good and so my self-discipline comes from tracking, chasing, and celebrating wins. They can be as small as cleaning out a junk drawer or bigger like reaching a new income milestone in my business. When you track and celebrate your wins, you feel like a winner which makes staying committed to your goals a whole lot easier!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a photographer and more specifically, a wedding and boudoir photographer!
There have been many chapters of my life when it comes to profession and goal including singing opera, working for Parks and Recreation, and teaching at the college level. Photography might seem like an unlikely addition to that line up but when I look back at the things that have brought me joy professionally, all include making other people feel great. When I found boudoir photography, I found this magical option to REALLY help my clients feel great and I have been hooked ever since.
I have spent the past several years helping women ENJOY being in their bodies, even if just for the day. It has been the greatest gift and so much fun. The business has evolved to include a lingerie boutique which falls in line of the same goals helping women to feel confident and at peace with their body.
Now I have the greatest joy of stepping into the role of educator to help other photographers do the same!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
People are people and money is money regardless of the industry you are in. The three qualities that will service any entrepreneur well is the ability to listen to people and anticipate their needs, a constant commitment to furthering education, and a focus on consistency.
Learning to to listen to your clients and anticipate their needs will always serve you well. If you are early in your journey and need help thinking through how to systematically cultivate this skill, a great place to start is a book called, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
If you enjoy the challenge of learning, you are going to continue to grow beyond your current peers. If you do not have it in the budget to formally invest, seek out people who are better than you and pay attention to what they are doing. You can also borrow books from the library and learn from the greatest minds. When you are ready, invest in courses and masterminds that will push you to the next level.
Consistency will win over perfection every single time. Show up for your clients. Show up for yourself. Show up in your marketing efforts. Show up in tracking your financials. Show up in tracking your wins! Add consistency to any area of your life and you will see that area grow.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
There are only so many hours in the day. I have big dreams and goals that I am EXCITED to go after, but intentionally making time to add new endeavors can be tricky for anyone. My biggest challenge is growing my ability to outsource portions of my business. This comes in two parts including cleaning up my systems to function well for users other than just myself and training people I trust and respect to run those systems. This is not easy! My business is my livelihood and my heart so trusting anyone to play a role in that takes diligent practice, revision, and trust!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boudoir.franzettiphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_franzetti/
Image Credits
I am the photographer:) Franzetti Photography
