Wednesday Wisdoms

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. 

Here is my question for you – what are the types of “marketing” you are hot for right now? What is calling your name? What part of this multi-leveled puzzle feels fresh on your mind and will spice you up? Go with your own flow, as that is what will pay off in spades.

When bidding on a job, clients may ask us to dive deeper into the basis of the costs. Put your business mind to work by understanding what the client needs to hear from you. 

Our estimates cover us for unexpected real-life additions like grip truck availability, insurance changes, overtime, etc. 

Our bids are not as black and white as a client would assume, so get ready to explain the gray areas in ways that speak their language.

A bit of a personal share, as one major part of my representing world is two other reps with whom I have weekly check-in chats for many years now. I never thought I’d be able to trust others in our business, as I was warned against it. Well, I gotta say this is what gets me through. Not feeling alone in this business may be crossing a risky line, but it may be well worth the investment. 🩷 @bigleoproductions @poppycreative

One of the best professional lessons I learned was to keep negatively emotionally charged reactions in check. 

Frustration is a normal part of our business, but unleashing that onto people we work with is not cool and not professional. Don’t risk it even if it feels rational at the moment. 

We can either respond to our business’s ups and downs with a personal defense or a professional strategic approach. Trust me, be aware of personal reactive emotions, and don’t let that unconsciously close doors by guiding the long-term direction of your career.

As you may notice, I did not include a PDF attachment on my promo list, as they can often be mistaken for dangerous spam materials when sent by strangers.

The entrepreneur MYTH that can actually hold us back is thinking we must protectively do this alone! No, not true. I have teamed up with others for NETWORKING portfolio-showing events, and it’s a life changer. Instead of having this sole survival attitude, we can double down by hand-picking the right creative comrades, gaining success in numbers.