Always assume your client has less than one second for your email. Include any links they may already know. Write in full sentences that retrace the emails so they don’t need to scroll down and read old ones to understand. Speak in each email as if it’s the first one, gathering all the info. Unless of course you are responding immediately, then it can be quick “yes” or “no”, etc.
Trick of the trade- be smart when needing quick answers from your clients! Fully spell out questions/topics without assuming clients remember the topic details. Unlike us, they usually have 5 or more other jobs happening simultaneously. Be the support staff, and understand their situation by repeating the details back to them with your full question so they don’t have to search through previous emails. Assume they are off-the-charts busy!
I’ve had issues this year with clients giving extensive shot lists. Due to time constraints, I’ve either had to do a free half-day reshoot to finish their list or missed key moments keeping track by cross-checking a list with a pen and paper. What wordage can I place in my contract to set better shot-list boundaries?
Shot count lists have become secondary to clients and treated more casually in their bidding process. We must take responsibility for getting precise, specific shot counts upfront and setting limits and costs.
Here are some terms I’ve used:
Sometimes, the more you say, the less you will be heard. Consider your audience and how much time they have to read an email.
Treat others the way you want to be treated. How much time do you have to read an email or take a phone call?
Is it appropriate to send a thank-you gift to an agency that hired me to shoot a campaign?
This is a tricky one, as some agencies are fine with receiving a thank-you gift while others are not. I recommend asking them first, or even better, asking someone else at the agency you know, so you can still surprise your contact. Either way, it’s best to ask first, unless it’s something inexpensive like a basket of treats. A handwritten thank-you card is also a great way to show sincere appreciation.
You mention portfolio shows often, but I’m not sure how to set them up or make them happen. I know some companies offer them, but I’ve also heard stories of them being a waste of money, with no jobs coming from them and not being taken seriously by the viewers. Any advice?
Portfolio showings are one of the few marketing options that put us in the driver’s seat. It’s difficult to grab a client’s attention, but if we have 10 minutes of their focused time, it’s invaluable. The key is to choose the right potential clients. How many portfolio showings actually feature the right clients for us? That’s the real question.
How can a photographer implement their personal style and vision throughout their work when the majority of their work has been art-directed by their client for various and specific styles?
This could be the million-dollar question that makes or breaks a photographer’s success. As busy as a photographer is, the images will always reflect a client’s vision of jobs from the past. So much of what clients want to see is what you can bring to the job for the future. The magical word is “Test.” Keep testing, no matter how busy you are. Bring your personal look into images and show who you are.
I want to change the definition of our OUTREACH. “Reach out” now means finding your way to include unknown, surprising, or unplanned approaches and constantly trying new ways.
Today, we explore the evolving nature of outreach in the business landscape. Outreach is not a static concept; rather, it is dynamic and constantly shifting, influenced by market changes and technological advancements. We need to adapt outreach strategies to stay relevant and effective. While foundational aspects like LinkedIn presence, branding, and social media are critical, but the landscape of outreach is ambiguous and requires experimentation with new methods. Outreach should be viewed as a fluid process that necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to the ever-changing environment.
Businesses need to evolve their outreach strategies in response to the shifting landscape. By focusing on adaptability, foundational tools, key contacts, and a commitment to experimentation and learning, professionals can navigate the complexities of outreach effectively and remain relevant in an ever-changing environment.
How do you make initial contact with potential clients? Do you go straight for the phone or warm up through email? What do you talk about in that first conversation?
This is the million-dollar question that has no definitive answer! Every person selling has a different method and every success story has different factors—sometimes simply good timing. Personally, I say never use the phone. I find phone calls intrusive since they require an immediate response at the caller’s chosen time. The best sales method, whether through email or conversation, is to follow the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
I would really like to get a rep but the clients I work with tell me they don’t work with reps, they hire photographers directly. I feel I need a rep to take my career to the next level, but I’m concerned about my client’s response.
To get a rep or clients that use reps, you need to shoot the style and level that would get these jobs. I can say this to all photographers – most of the issues that arise are based on your portfolio. Start with that and look to improve it to get the results you are looking for.
