Our business used to have closed doors to anyone not on the upper levels of their career, but these days, doors are open to fresh thinkers. It’s changed, and experience is not the number one requirement anymore; new solutions are the name of the game. Get yourself out there with YOUNG THINKING in our new world!
Marketing
Why Cinematographers Can Shift Styles But Photographers May Be Condemned
Q:
Why can the best cinematographers serve the story and change their look for each script, depending on the requirements of the script, but if a photographer does that, they are condemned, overlooked, and discarded for being a “generalist?”
A:
We get to choose two types of paths: technical savvy with a lot of variety, or those who provide a more specific, curated style, look, and feel. Both options can work, providing a long-lasting, accomplished career, usually depending on your situation, the size of your market, and your skillset. I’ve repped both of these and found that the careers of generalists depend on the relationships they build, and the specialists get jobs for their portfolios.
Does Marketing Outreach Include Phone Calls?
Q:
When you talk about Marketing Outreach, does this include following up with phone calls?
A:
Do unto others as you’d like to be done to you. This sounds biblical but is also very practical in a business sense. I personally do not call clients unless it’s in the heat of the bidding moment when I can hopefully get a sense of the budget for a job. A marketing outreach phone call risks really turning off the potential client, so I would not recommend it.
Memorable Marketing Made Simple: How to Stick in Your Client’s Mind
Instead of getting lost or intimidated by the word – MARKETING, see it for what it is – to STICK IN THE CLIENT’S MINDS. If we break this down into simple steps, with the lead pinpoint being: be remembered, it can be easier than it seems. Increase the odds by using uncomplicated, basic human ideas of memory-provoking, catchy, enjoyable moments.
Craft a Genuine Elevator Pitch for Creative Meetings and Zoom Calls
Have a genuine self-sales chat (elevator pitch) ready for those awkward portfolio showing or Zoom meeting moments when you need it at the drop of a hat. Be prepared with a few quick stories that won’t sound like sales, but rather, you sharing a story of how you handled a production mishap or an experience that represents more about how you work.
Outreach Trends Change, But Face-to-Face Still Wins
Industry OUTREACH trends come and go, so when you see an opening to meet in person – TAKE IT!
Keep Your Business Fresh
You are in the business of keeping it fresh for your clients, so keep your own company fresh.
How to Handle Client Usage of Images in Marketing Without Approval or Payment
Q:
What do I do when clients use my photos for marketing before paying me?
A:
A norm I’ve experienced when our images go live before being paid for is one client’s department didn’t communicate with the other department or the client may not be aware of usage ownership rights. This must be spelled out and agreed upon before the job begins. Contracts usually state this, but clients may not be reading our contracts. Make sure the logistics timeline is also communicated verbally. Do your research, and don’t assume they will handle this appropriately.
How to Get a Photography Rep to Read Your Email
Q:
How do you get a rep to look at your email?
A:
Address it to the right person, keep it short, and link them to your website.
Public Relations Is The Backbone of Marketing
Public relations is the backbone of our marketing. Curating connections comes from listening, asking questions, and relating to those we want to remember us. Where are they from? Is there anything interesting on their LinkedIn or IG? Comment with interest as a part of your brand.