Wednesday Wisdoms

The best marketing advice I was given was not to swim upstream, but to go with my natural flow and not against it. If I am not in the mood to talk to people that day, then I find a productive task that I will flourish in.

Thank you- @DavidZaitz

One of the untold languages of our business during triple bidding is when the response to your bid is requesting you to increase a particular line item, which usually means you are not the first choice. Ouch. I know it’s not easy, but it is best to know where you stand and what you are probably dealing with.

Our bidding process can sometimes lead to fast-paced, sticky dialogue situations, where we often act fast without taking a moment to think it through. In a rushed business environment, it may save a considerable loss to take an extra minute to triple-check and make decisions from a well-thought-out, rational state of mind. It’s worth it.

Don’t let your comfort zones limit your decisions. You are an artist, and that job definition includes a requirement for experimentation. We are in a business based on broadening out through trial and error, not controlled by what you already know. 

Artist = Uncomfortable

The concept of having a business “elevator pitch” ready to go includes engaging with active listening questions, even though you may be a bit nervous. Being on the hot seat includes showing who you are, and nothing works better to stick in people’s minds than demonstrating true connection with genuine curiosity. 

Personal work should boost the process of getting clients to know who you are. 

Ask yourself, does this image emphasize how I think or what I offer clients when they hire me?

All in all, this is about sharing what runs your creative engine. 

What makes an email PROMO work? Ask yourself if your images resemble others or if they stand out as uniquely yours. Impact, originality with a unique twist. A hook to inform in a new way! 

Negotiation points to use when clients ask specifically for a reduction in Creative Fees:

1. Scaling down any area of their usage terms.
2. Trimming the number of images, variation, and angles on the shot list. 
3. Reducing the number of final images included in usage terms.
4. Limiting shoot days hours maximum.
5. Time-saving production tasks they take over, like prop shopping, producing, retouching, casting, scouting, etc. 
6. Predetermined creative concepts/shot list they supply before the shoot day begins.
7. Guaranteed faster final payment and/or larger advance payment before the shoot begins.
8. Bulk discounted rate based on future projects. 

A client call needs you. You are on the call as if it were just the two of you. Engage, interact, and jump in during a quick lull or when you can join in on what’s being said. It’s like a normal conversation, and you are not the audience. Be the active, attentive listener in tune with the convo when you are there to “sell” your ideas.

HOW TO GET THE JOB:

Be the director the client will hire you to be, from start to finish. 

Have your plan in mind and confidently share it as, “This is the way to go,” to achieve their goals. 

There is no need to buffer it with safe comments like, “My opinion is…” when you want to be hired as the creative lead carrying out your creative vision.