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Whew, what a busy fall here in Denver. Andrew spent a long weekend in Vegas
for Blogworld convention, he's finished up the sailing season, our daughter has completed her first year of high school cross country, and I'm finally winding down from speaking with a ton of organizations. It's busy, but I love it. It's been so much fun finding out how everyone is using social media, and finding new ways to bring in business using tools like Twitter. I'm amazed at what everyone is doing!
In the last few issues, I've focused on marketing, and giving yourself a checkup as we head into the last couple of months of 2009. The only way to make it the best yet is to put plans into place now, and follow through the rest of the year. In today's ezine article (you can only get it in here) I'll give you a new way to think about your business, and new ideas to bring to your customers - enjoy!
Lori
What Can You Do In 10 Weeks?
There's only 10 full weeks left in 2009 - plenty of time to bring in a ton of business for your studio.
While 2009 has been rough for a lot of business owners, there are signs that things are picking up. People are willing to spend if they feel they are buying something of value and its something they really want. People are getting back to the basics - giving things that have sentimental value, or have a lot of meaning within a family. People want something that makes them feel happy - that gives them a reason to look beyond the tough times and into the good times.
So let me ask you a question. Are you living in pain or prosperity?
If you are living in pain, you're looking at the world through "pain" colored glasses:
- I'm not making as much as I did last year.
- I have no clients on the books for the rest of this year.
- I have half as many weddings booked for 2010 as I did last year at this time.
And if you are living in pain, chances are you are selling in pain. You cut your prices when someone seems like they won't book. You add special deals trying to get people to book on the spot. You lower your packages because everyone else is. And you complain about the economy to anyone who will listen.
But if you are living in prosperity, you look at the world through a completely different set of glasses.
- You offer different items to your clients throughout the year, enticing them to buy again and again.
- You find different, more effective packages to sell rather than giving discounts.
- You create different events that bring in people again and again, giving them a reason to refer their friends and family.
Does business work the way it always has? Definitely not. I know first hand - my business is completely different today than I had planned for one year ago. People want different things, use different tools, and value different items. You have to change to meet their demands.
Don't know what they want? That's what your blogs, Facebook and Twitter accounts are for. Ask them.
With 10 weeks left in 2009, you have plenty of time to get out there and start selling to your existing clients, and bring in new ones. This is the perfect time to come up something new, and make the rest of 2009 profitable.
[TIP: Instead of brainstorming new ideas, head over to your labs website, or check out our
Labs Resource area, and see what's new. Chances are there is something you've never thought of - something you can find that your clients will love, and that will help you build your business this holiday season.]
Social Links
How To Handle Too Many Photographers At The Wedding
I received an email from a frustrated photographer this week. This past weekend she photographed a wedding. As she started setting up for the formals, the "paparazzi" started setting up too, with cameras flying out of purses and bags all over the church. She spent several minutes posing the groups, only to step back and have family
members actually step into her path trying to get the best shot. Every image took a ton of time, and by the middle of the formals, the bride and groom were looking frustrated. Every image has someone looking away from her camera, confused on where to look.
How do you handle too many photographers at the wedding?
First and foremost, remember you are the professional. It's your job to take the situation under control, and make sure you get what you need. Your client is the bride and groom (okay, sometimes it's the brides mom too). Your goal is to make the bride and groom happy, not the great aunt on the mom's side.
The problem shouldn't be solved at the wedding; it should be solved at the time of booking.
Keep Reading>>
8 Secrets To Running A Photography Business As A Husband and Wife Team
When a person decides to start his or her own photography business, rarely do think of how it will impact the other person in his or her life. They love photography. They have a desire to turn it into their business. And they move forward with it.
Yet owning and operating your own business is a 24 hour commitment. Even though you set your own hours, do the type of business you desire, and operate you photography studio any way you choose, the businesses is always there. It's a completely different thought process than working a 9 to 5 job.
We learned this early on in our career. Andrew and I both worked 9 to 5. Andrew photographed a few weddings and portraits on the side, and eventually made it his full time career after losing three jobs in three years to corporate downsizing. I helped out with weddings on the weekends, and soon made it my passion too after I "saw" the perfect image with a bride, set it up for Andrew, and he took the image from the wrong angle. The very next wedding he put a camera in my hand and said, "you do it". The rest as they say is history.
But working together day in and day out with your significant other can be trying times. Even today, we work out of our home, have desks in the same office 10 feet from each other, and pretty much spend most of our hours together.
Here are 8 secrets we've found that help us run a photography business as a husband and wife team.
1. Set up job descriptions. Even though you'll probably both be involved in most of the business tasks, it still helps to define each other's roles. There will invariably be things one of you enjoys more than the other. Split out the roles so you each enjoy what you are doing.
2. Set up systems. As two separate people, you'll each have your own idea on priorities, and how to handle different situations. Discuss each item in the business, and establish a system for how to handle it. A notebook with checklists can keep you both on track for everything from meeting with clients, to production work.
Keep Reading>>
The Best Way To Create The Photo Biz Of Your Dreams
"Never having to worry about losing your job."
"Never having to worry about your job when the kids get sick."
"Never spending a day doing something you hate."
Those are just a few of the comments I hear when I talk to photographers, and discover why they love being a full time photographer.
I became a photographer for all those reasons, and a whole lot more. I love being able to work when and where I choose. I love bringing in clients, and delighting them with my work. I love being in control over my own destiny.
If you are new to photography, or have been a part time photographer for years, isn't it time to make a change, and make 2010 your best year yet?
I'm so excited about my Photography For Success program - it really is the best tool available to help you build up your own business. Taken straight from our own business plans, and ready to help you build yours - get started today.
About Andrew and Lori
Andrew and Lori Osterberg are co-founders of
VirtualPhotographyStudio.com, a site dedicated to providing tips, resouces and advice for using your camera to build a successful photography business.
Through their coaching, workshops, training and products, Andrew and Lori show you how to break through the desire of wanting photography to be more than a hobby, and provide you with the how-to to actually accomplish it.
To begin experiencing Andrew and Lori's coaching, consider their highly successful
Photography For Success, Freedom and 1ncome.
If you liked today's issue, you'll love following Andrew and Lori through all of their
high-content training products, newsletter, and online posts. Their goal is to provide you with all you need to help you live the life others only dream of.
