There are so many exciting things to buy for your business - Like computers, cameras, and business cards with your name on.
But the other day I had a moment in Staples where I found myself holding a ream of paper in my hands. Its not as exciting as the photography gear I have littering the place.
So let's talk about the things business owners overlook. The items that make day-to-day business possible, but definitely won't be turning any heads.
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Printer
Mmmm. Look at this exciting large pigment printer. Shall we talk about archival prints? No. Instead lets look at this boring small printer that I use for printing marketing materials and contracts. It's the smallest printer that uses separate CMYK tanks of ink. It prints 15 pages a minute and has a duplex function meaning that it prints 2 sided automatically. This thing gets used pretty much every day - and after a computer, it's one of the first things any small business needs. Even a photography business.
Duplicate equipment
The first time you get a piece of equipment it is really novel. But if you get a second, or a third, the novelty wears off. Duplicates are necessary though. Cables. Cameras. Light stands. Batteries. My first c stand was an amazing upgrade from the more portable stands I was using at the time. Then I got the second. And the third. The 4th c stand was such a cold and heartless purchase. Its so bloomin practical.
Things wear out and things can break. Of all the lenses I’ve ever bought, there is a 35mm lens that brought me the least joy. Because it was a replacement for one I dropped and broke. Could have been an exciting time if I’d have used it as an excuse to go mirrorless but reality kicked in and I realized I would have spent close to 10 grand on two new camera bodies and two lenses. Very exciting but there’d be no visible improvement to my images. So instead, I spent $650 on keh for a used replacement 35mm instead. Not very interesting. But not financially silly either.
Quickbooks
QuickBooks is accounting software which, along with a dedicated business bank account, can be used to analyze your spending, your income and get things in order for tax season. Not everyone likes accounting, but I kind of enjoy it. Lots of data to analyze. But I also enjoy keywording my images and calibrating my monitor so take that for what it's worth. I’ve not tried alternatives to this accounting software, and maybe I should because QuickBooks online is a subscription model and it's the most expensive piece of software I run.
Ream of paper
Ever get excited about buying paper? If you do, it might be time to get professional help. Reams of paper and inexpensive, but getting a premium version doesn't cost that much more. I use this paper for marketing material and contracts. I don't want clients to feel like they are touching the same boring materials that they use in their offices or at home. It's a little thing, but the smoothness and strength of nice paper brings a little luxury somewhere you wouldn't expect it.
Stretchy jeans
Regular jeans are great, but if you are constantly getting close to the ground then climbing around then demonstrating a body position, then rummaging through your bags - then you want clothing that isn't constricting. This might be an old person thing, but I can’t work comfortably in regular inflexible jeans.
Tea
Tea. You might be thinking - Fil - I love tea and it is very interesting. To that I say…you are right. But I’ve included it on this list because its little things like this that get overlooked. Back in England, tea is what your friends make you when you visit. If a plumber is working on your kitchen, you’d make them a cup of tea. When someone is sad, a cup of tea cheers them up. You have a chat while drinking tea. It warms you up on a rainy day. Tea isn't glamorous, but it sets the tone I'm after. If clients come to my house, it's the first thing they get. I want them to feel welcome, because they are.
I hope you found this blog post about uninteresting things, err, interesting.
What's the least interesting thing you’ve bought for your business? Let me know in the comments below and we will find out who has the least interesting stuff.