Wednesday Wisdoms

You look like an amateur if you don’t have an official website email address, along with a signature on the email including your web or IG link on it.

Marketing means “being remembered.” Sometimes, we spend extra money on a story or theme that identifies or connects us to our clients’ memories. Bring or show clients something specific that correlates with your work to stick in their minds and have them remember you. 

Marketing has a crucial role in ensuring our brand or business is memorable to its target audience. Effective marketing is not just about immediate visibility but also about creating lasting impressions that resonate with potential customers. Be sure to seize all opportunities to engage with audiences in memorable ways, whether through thoughtful gifts, personalized outreach, or unique branding strategies. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that when the right moments arise, clients and customers will think of their brand first. The video highlights the importance of creativity and strategic thinking in marketing, showcasing how small gestures can significantly impact brand recall and customer relationships.

Marketing is a tool for memory-making rather than just visibility. Think creatively about how to engage with clients, and ensure you leave a lasting impact through thoughtful gestures, strategic branding, and personal touchpoints. The insights shared serve as a guide for marketers looking to enhance their brand recognition and customer loyalty through memorable marketing strategies.

“Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets our of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.”

-Nolan Bushnell, Atari

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.

Mass-mailed promos no longer work as many clients aren’t in the office, but leave-behind promos can still happen after an in-person portfolio review or client meetings. I am curious about what new creative ways of promotion will replace these printed pieces we have been doing.

Image-making feels like the center of the world as, of course, it has to be your pinnacle point of focus. But then there is more – the ongoing process to be findable. Clients are showing you off to their clients, meaning you must be easily found/searchable with a timely, systematic structure to your presentation. If we skip the importance of step two, we will be climbing a constant uphill battle for success.

The dual nature of photography is both an artistic endeavor and a practical business. While the creative process is consuming and deeply personal for photographers, they must also recognize the importance of marketing their work effectively. Potential clients often face overwhelming choices and need quick access to the photographer’s portfolio to make informed decisions. Therefore, photographers must ensure that their images are easily accessible and showcase their work in a way that resonates with both their clients and the end users. This balance between artistry and practicality is crucial for success in the competitive photography market.

Photographers have to not only hone their craft but also be strategic in how they market and present their work. The creative process is undeniably valuable, but it cannot exist in a vacuum. Photographers must adapt to the realities of a competitive market where ease of access and effective communication of their capabilities can make all the difference in their success. By embracing both the art and the business sides of photography, they can create a sustainable career that resonates with clients and stands out in a crowded field.

Is this a NEW year? Map out your Holy Grail list of ideal career goals from ideas that will lead you where you want to go! Why listen to anything else?

https://simplemind.eu/how-to-mind-map/basics/

Time off means giving good-faith ideas/mindsets right back to yourself and your creative endeavors! 

Take time during the holiday season to reflect on your career and creative aspirations. We should be giving, not just to others, but also to oneself by nurturing one’s creative instincts and ambitions. Embrace the holiday spirit and allow it to inspire a renewed sense of confidence, trust, and faith in their professional journeys. By taking moments to reconnect with your creativity and aspirations, you can harness this downtime to foster ideas and ignite your passion for your career.

Negotiation begins with knowing where you stand. When we are in the secure position of the client needing our images, we can use that to our advantage. Of course, we want to play a fair game, but to get to the best, most reasonable price – I use the ‘start high’ approach, giving me space to come down to meet their best price. Remember, we can never raise our prices; we can only lower them when negotiating. 

Negotiation skills are so important, particularly when dealing with clients who require usage rights for images or other creative work. Start negotiations with a high asking price to maximize potential earnings, especially when the photographer has a unique position or exclusive rights. By setting a high initial figure, the photographer creates room for negotiation, allowing for a back-and-forth dialogue that can ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome. Photographers should view the high starting price as a strategic move rather than a fixed position, emphasizing the need for flexibility during negotiations. The underlying principle is to ensure that photographers do not undersell their worth and to capitalize on their unique offerings in the market.

This is a valuable guide for anyone involved in negotiations, especially in creative industries. Starting high, understanding one’s worth, and maintaining flexibility throughout the negotiation process provides a strategic framework for achieving better outcomes. By preparing adequately and recognizing the power dynamics at play, sellers can enhance their negotiation skills and ultimately secure more favorable terms in their agreements. Negotiation is not merely a transactional process; it’s an art form that requires insight, preparation, and adaptability.

Shoot tests and constantly evaluate your portfolio. 

A strong “book” is what gets your foot in the door. Images speak for themselves.