Starting your own small company can be difficult. The hours involved in planning, scheduling, and working far exceed anything that I personally have ever put my time towards.

As the owner of a self-conceptualized photography business, I have consolidated the five most important pieces of advice that will help you get started on the right foot and prolong the success of your own business for years to come.

1. Plan how to market your service or product long before publicizing. If you don't have a clear vision of what it is you're striving towards, your customers are going to quickly recognize your inconsistency during transactions, and nobody wants to talk to an untrustworthy business-owner. You need to know your audience and who is going to be interested in what you're offering -- play to them within your marketing to get more interest. Start with one major objective, for example, offering professional photos at low rates for individuals who would not be able to afford them otherwise, and plan how to build off of that long before you begin communicating with clients. It will not only provide clarity for interested individuals, it will help you climb towards bigger goals within the business quicker.

2. Make the customer feel that you are worth the service. The old adage of "the customer is always right" is heightened when dealing with your own business. Within major corporations, when a customer is unsatisfied and claims that he or she will go somewhere more accommodating, it is not the most daunting experience because there are assured patrons; however, when starting on your own, you are at the mercy of your customers. It is imperative that they are satisfied, because word of mouth drums up a plethora of business. Tend to your clients. Don't talk just to fill space, talk to build relationships. If your customers feel like they know you on a personal level, they are more likely to recommend you to others.

3. Be passionately professional about your work. Obviously, if you're seeking to start your own business, you have a passion that lit a fire in you. Something sparked enough to want to pursue this. Know that money doesn't initially roll in, it's about gaining credibility doing something you love. To go along with the previous list item, you want your clients to feel that they're worth your time. If you seem like you hate the work you're doing, they won't be inclined to return for future business. Not only that, but it's extremely unprofessional to act unstable. It's all about perception and how you present why you chose to begin your small business in the first place. There is no shame in being a passionate entrepreneur.

4. Make sure that you have the resources necessary to produce quality. If you're worried about not being able to produce a high caliber of work, talk to other individuals who are established in the same things that you are trying for. Not only will they offer some relevant advice, but they could also have physical resources for you. Research thoroughly what you will require in terms of space or venue, equipment, and skills. If there are specifics that you still need, take a class to sharpen your skills or invest money in a piece of equipment that will make you a more competitive business owner. Ultimately, if you research and you find that the necessary resources are unavailable to you at the present moment, it would be wise to delay the beginning of your business until you are completely prepared. Stay determined until you are of the professionalism that your customers deserve.

5. Once you begin your own business, you become a brand. Owning your own business is all about being competitive with regards to service. When you go into public, you are constantly publicizing your brand. Get into conversations with strangers and offer a business card. How you act around potential clients is directly representative of your personal brand, so it's important to remember that you are always marketing yourself. The more engaging and friendly you make your brand of work, the more business you will receive. This is especially important when starting out. You need the customers more than they realize in the beginning, so make your brand exciting and sustainable.

Happy business-starting!

Feel free to check out and like Karen Stahl Photography on Facebook or follow @karenstahlphotography on Instagram.