You might be a talented videographer. You might even have reasonably steady work in video. But, how can you accelerate your career, and really succeed?

Turns out, as in many areas of our life, the secret to success is forming habits that help you stay focused and on track despite setbacks or distractions. In this article, we breakdown the top five habits shared by successful videographers to help you establish them in your own life.

1. Organize for Growth

Organization is key to being a successful videographer. Besides the obvious benefit of having everything you need at your fingertips when it’s time to film, knowing you are prepared is half the battle.

This applies not only to having your kit in order, batteries charged, and backup equipment at-hand. It also means plotting your storyboard, allotting time for and budgeting for each step of the video creation process before you get started.

Just like your fifth grade teacher taught you, preparation is key to success. By planning ahead of time, executing your vision during the shooting process is a cinch and a lot less stressful!

2. Don’t Forget – It’s a Business

Beyond the basics, you also have to stay on top of the business side of videography. That means scheduling time with clients and prospects, managing your calendar, invoices and your taxes.

Although the administrative side of videography is a lot less fun, it’s crucial to make sure your business doesn’t get sidelined by avoidable mistakes. A hefty tax bill could eat into your gear budget, for instance.

3. Flex Your Creativity

In many ways, creativity is a muscle. You have to build strength in this particular area if you’re going to succeed as a videographer.

Make a habit of regularly visiting art museums, attending talks, and exploring creative pursuits outside of video. By doing so, you’ll gain a wealth of perspective and ideas you might have missed out on otherwise.

Document these efforts in a journal, sketchbook, or an online service like Evernote. By creating your own book or database of ideas, you’ll have a larger reservoir of inspiration to draw upon when the time comes.

4. Build Contacts

Few industries are as social and tightly knit as the film industry. Still, breaking in can feel daunting if you’re a solo videographer.

You never know when you might need an extra set of helping hands, or a friend in a high place. Attend industry events on a regular basis. Put effort into networking, and maintaining your book of contacts.

One day, these efforts will pay off when you can get an assistant for a cut rate, or access to a special place to film.

5. Always Be Learning

President Abraham Lincoln is quoted for saying, “I don’t think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” We have to agree with Mr. Lincoln here.

Videography has evolved quickly over the past couple years and it shows no sign of slowing down. The moment you believe you know everything is the moment your business will begin to decline.

Learn from your own experience (including mistakes!) in creating video. Learn from the video industry by reading blogs and following stories in the news. Keep up with developments in videography via Twitter and discussion boards.

Make a habit of testing new video technology shortly after it comes out. If you can’t obtain it, watch gear reviews on YouTube from trusted sources.

You’ll be able to offer only the best to your customers, and you will see your business thrive. It’s truly as simple as that.

What other habits could help budding videographers? Please share any other characteristics you think are pertinent to success in the comments below.