Wednesday Wisdoms

The business we are in is about relationships as we create images with client partners. That relational back-and-forth networking is not something we can ignore or avoid if we want to get ahead and continuously grow. Utilize your genuine people skills to your advantage, recognizing that this is how we drive business growth.

Success as a photographer requires a long-term plan of constantly “growing with the flow.” Busy shoot days come and go, and so do market trends. Your business is not about this month; it’s about putting in the right attitude to stay fresh until you retire.

Don’t forget to invest in your career.

How many image makers DON’T share who they are on IG Stories? Why oh why… when we have this fantastic, inexpensive tool to stay in front of clients, are we so apprehensive to be ourselves? Person-to-person sticks. Simple as that. 

Make sure to use your words wisely and get into good routines to share your ideas on client calls. If you find yourself needing a transitional phrase to finish your zoned-in thoughts, get them ready and mix them up. Saying a phrase more than once will weaken your “director” presentation, and remember, this is a presentation. 

What do potential clients want to know from our “Marketing?” 

I was told:  “What we are capable of.”

Simple. It’s helpful to understand the client’s perspective on what they want to achieve from our well-thought-out marketing strategies.

Throughout the bidding process, consistently put your ideas on the table and take the lead. Be the director the whole way through!

Our outreach marketing efforts should target all potential clients, including advertising agencies, production companies, and direct clients/brands. Cover a mix of the best potential job stability by exploring various options, as they can offer different types of jobs with varying levels of consistency.

Admit it; you are SELLING a product. Approach the conversations with a potential client as a LISTENER, ready to open the pathway to let your true purpose be heard. Choose your words wisely instead of filling any space. Trust me; there won’t be much empty space. 

Let’s face it, we are in the business of needing from others. We need their assistance to get in the mix for a job. One style that I sincerely believe in is being a give-and-take human, simply by being my genuine self. Ask clients questions and treat them with respect and dignity as human beings. We find ways to give to them, which will warm up the situation by softening up the balance and create a more genuine connection.

Make an educated choice when choosing a producer to help you bid on a job. 

Be aware that some charge a 10% production fee on the expenses, and some don’t. Some do waive that fee if you ask, so know that you do have options.