Wednesday Wisdoms

As clear as the changes in our business are, our attitude can still be the make-or-break factor in how we handle this. I’ve been through it a few times in my career, and some prosper well with a fresh, youthful, open-minded approach. The true artist in each of us has to lead the way!

The creative call is the time to give your technical examples of how you will be bringing this project to life. It may seem like the time to listen, but it’s really the time to talk. 

A creative call when you are up for a job can be nerve-wracking. Here’s the simple secret sauce to warming up the business call: ask them more of a personal question about the weather, something on their wall, their geographical location, etc. Asking a question can break the ice. Show curiosity with human interest because people generally want to share. Two-way human conversations will open all those business doors.

Treatment Final Edit Checklist:

1. SPELLING and GRAMMAR mistakes are more damaging than you may think. 
2. Use every opportunity to use SPECIFIC words/concepts relating to this client and project in particular. 
3. CONSISTENCY of the organized structure through similar placement, layouts, titles, fonts, etc., to make it easy for them to follow. 

The winning ticket goal for every professional image maker is being known and celebrated for a style that’s unmistakably yours. That’s the magic that draws clients in and keeps the work flowing—it’s the reason they choose you, again and again.

How do you not waste any precious time with your portfolio reviews?

1. Tell the reviewer your review purpose.

2. Prep your questions and topics. 

3. Be open to hearing, listen instead of talking. 

4. Review your website + IG instead of a prepared PDF. 

5. Move through your site swiftly because we don’t have that much bandwidth for review after review. 

It’s time to shake things up and try new ways, don’t settle, and don’t get too comfortable. Explore, gravitate towards what you don’t even know yet, and lead the way. Mix up your creative world and see where you land. If you ever needed to “TEST,” it is NOW. 

A general mass “cold call” of any type usually will lead to a hang-up. Think about this and apply this theory in your business conversations. Address clients by their name. Let’s get back to the basics in our electronic world – whenever possible, a firm handshake, eye contact, and recognizing the person’s name. Human”ify” is the way to make a cold call into a warm call. 

MARKETING TIPS YOU MAY NOT BE DOING yet…

1. DM on IG Stories is the best way to start a true 2-way conversation. 

2. Quick and easy ONE-SHEETS are like having a Leave Behind email promo for each client. 

3. PROJECTS PAGE reassuring clients, showing a series of images with the same look + feel. 

4. Maintain your DATABASE with your dream list and those who already know our name. Cheers!

5. CLICKED LIST of your promos is valuable feedback that is so hard to get.