I think this test basically says Im on the cuff of bursting into the sunlight with my career.

Ive been playing it safe as far as taking my career to a new level.

It says that I have High confidence in my ability as a photographer, a LOW need for control to feel strong as a photographer, I carry myself with a high degree of attractiveness on the inside and out, the rest fall in the medium range...as I said Im borderline on nearly everything.

I do think though that this is almost entirely due to the fact that I dont have a lot of spending money right now to get the equipment and marketing criteria that I really need to put myself out there and go full force with my career.  I am pretty comfortable where I am but I am ready to take the next step.  I just dont  feel that financially we are prepared for me to do what is necessary :(

I know what you mean I have a family and sometimes it gets tuff. But you know I am going to keep on keeping on because I have learn nothing comes easy and if it dose come easy it dose'nt last long. Hard work allways pays off and I see you shooting straight for the top Shelley.

Thanks!  Im glad someone other than me has  the confidence I need LOL!  I know its gonna take some time and Im taking 1 step at a time to get to my goal, already Ive made a name for myself here, now to get the gigs!!!

I think being ready to build a business is a lot like being ready to have a baby or get married......the only that that makes you ready is doing it!

Getting a handle on your financials may be the single most important thing you can do to know how to drive your ship. Once you know the bent you have (Signature vs. Free Lance), then it's about targeting your efforts toward the areas that will get you the greatest return. If you're not clear on where that is, you'll flounder for a long time.

If you do, you'll skyrocket.

Thanks Dane for replying! :)

Well I have been doing some searching  to see where my strongest areas in this field area nd I have come to the conclusion that I like to freelance as a 2nd shooter for weddings, and sometimes do a couple on my own just for a little extra money.  But my love is portraiture!  Ive decided to concentrate on that area and build on it.  I might have to do some TFP/TFCD's in order to build my port up a little more but some sacrifices are worth it.

There are so many wedding photographers in my area but I havent really seen a lot of just "portrait" photographers, most of them also do weddings and sports and a whole plethora of other stuff.  Now I do that too but Im not going to advertise it.  I want to specialize in one area now and establish myself.  I just hope that I can get the clientele that I want now!

 The fact that you have found the area that you -love- in photography, and that you know you are best suited to a signature brand- is a great start. Like I highlighted in red- I think you have a great plan. Next step> write out on paper your goals to achieve it. You can start broad, and narrow it down to specifics. Even narrow it down to what your next steps that you can do today. PPA magazine often has marketing and business advice all throughout it. If you know any photographers in your area that might be members, and would share with you their old magazines- you could find some great ideas. (that's what I do)

oops- forgot to mention...  "I just hope that I can get the clientele that I want now!" > that may be a constant struggle for a while to come as you get established and get your business to grow. I've been doing photography for 3 years, and this year has been my strongest push to really make a business out of it- I'm right in the trenches with ya :)