THE BUSINESS BAGEL MORNING NEWSLETTER

Business Building Tips and Strategies

FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WANT TO

MAKE A PROFIT IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE OWNS A CAMERA!

Morning Bagel
  


In This Issue:                                                                                                                                               

  • A Note From Doug
  • Feature Article: "In Order to Sell Your Photography, You Need to Sell Yourself" Part 3 of 3
  • Productivity Tip of the Week

A Note From Doug

Hello Doug,

Prom Photo   Prom Photo

Oh the joys of parenting! This past weekend, my daughter attended two proms in two days. As a Dad, this was quite an experience to witness. First of all, she needed to get an "updo" for the Friday night prom and another "updo" for the Saturday prom. Two updos in two days - (before this I didn't even know what an updo was!) As you can see, it also required two dresses, two corsages and two boutonnieres. But more importantly two nights of staying up until two o'clock in the morning so I could pick her up! I was a tired old man after going through this weekend! She enjoyed herself but even admitted that two proms in two nights was TOO much. Thankfully they only come once a year.

Today's feature article wraps up the series on "In order to sell your photography, you need to sell yourself". I hope you have gotten a few nuggets out of these articles. I would love to hear any feedback as well as any topics that you would like me to cover in upcoming issues.

Remember,  I am here as a resource for you and your business. I have been doing business as a photographer for over 27 years and have studied business principles with many successful entrepreneurs. If you are interested in taking your business to the next level, I would be glad to talk with you.Please send me an email or schedule a call with me if you would like to go deeper into thinking about how to improve your bottom line in your photography business. The first call is FREE and it could change the way you THINK!

Talk with you soon!

Doug Mattice

Onward to Excellence Coaching

www.o2ecoaching.com

(703) 505-6766



Feature Article

In Order To Sell Your Photography,

You Need to Sell Yourself! Part 2 of 3

Today’s article wraps up this series on selling yourself in order to sell your photography. The focus of this series is how you come across to your client can make or break the relationship you are trying to establish as a professional photographer. Much of what I have shared thus far is based on effective communication skills that show you are confident and competent in what you do. It is true that people buy from people they know, like and trust.

Here are the final four tips to consider when communicating with a client or prospect:

9. Don’t do all the talking! Successful people who are really accomplished at selling themselves and their products or ideas realize the importance of not doing all of the talking. It is more important to listen to what your client’s are saying versus doing all of the talking. The way to do this is ask a question and LISTEN to their response. By asking questions, you remain in control of the conversation and it allows the client/prospect to feel like they are being heard. A very wealthy salesman once told me, “If you are constantly talking, you are not listening. If you are not listening, you are not hearing. If you are not hearing, you are not selling.” So be sure you talk less, and listen more.

10. Make eye contact. This is a very simple, yet powerful tip. While you are talking to people, be sure you look them in the eyes. There are two reasons why this is so important to selling yourself. First, it expresses non-verbally that you are sincere and trustworthy. When you look someone in the eye, it shows you are trustworthy and honest. Secondly, looking them in the eyes gives you immediate feedback as to how they feel and what they are thinking. The eyes are very expressive, so use them to more fully understand your client’s thoughts.

11. Use the right words when talking about photography.  This can really make a difference in how you come across to your client’s and prospects. If you want to sell yourself as a professional, you must select the words you use in reference to your profession and your products very carefully. Eliminate unprofessional phrases like “I love to shoot children and families on location.” Instead say, “I love photographing children and families on location.” Eliminate words such as proofs, sitting, sitting fee, picture, and big picture. Replace these words with words such as originals, session, creation fee, portraits, and adequate photograph. Do you see the difference? Simple changes in your vocabulary will lead to a more professional and polished presentation.

12. Know your product, and be proud of what you offer! Study your products, prices, and studio policies so you know them like the back of your hand. Speak with authority and confidence. Remember, if you do not have confidence in you, no one else will either!

Take time to review these 12 tips on a regular basis. Perfecting these tips could make the difference between whether or not a client hires you. If you are confident, look professional and demonstrate honesty and integrity, you will be well on your way to greater success!

 


 

Productivity Tip of the Week:

Here are a couple of quick tips for Physical Organization and Electronic Organization:

For Physical Organization - implement the "Three To's" of sorting: To TOSS, To DO, To KEEP. Too often people get bogged down trying to sort and file at the same time. By eliminating everything that can be tossed, identifying everything to do and everything else to be kept (filed), eliminating clutter becomes a manageable task.

For Electronic Organization - try the ABC's of email processing: ACCESS, BATCH, CHECK, DELETE, EXECUTE, FILE. Keeping your inbox clear at regular but specific intervals will give you hours of additional time each week, decrease your stress from worrying about forgetting something, and increase your overall effectiveness at handling what is most important in a timely manner.

 


About Doug Mattice   

Doug's PhotoIf you think you can't make money and live life on your terms, I would like you to  "think again". I specialize in teaching photographers how to make more money more easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that they desire. 

I know all to well that too many photographers today are working themselves to death in order to achieve the business success that's going to allow them to have a comfortable life. That's why I have dedicated myself to helping my clients in the fastest and most strategic methods in business building so they can Be Financially Profitable, Live Fully, and continue to Pursue the Passion they LOVE! 

I offer a variety of business development and coaching services to meet your needs. To learn more CLICK HERE to be taken to my website and see how you can quickly grow your photography business! There will be a free gift waiting for you when you do!

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

"I have increased my business revenues substantially since I started working with Doug. He has helped me focus and now I am more organized then ever before." Pam D.

"My client load has more than tripled! (not to mention my income!) My life has gone from reaction-based confusion to on purpose creation. Working with you as my coach has made all the difference in the world!" Stacey P.

"Doug has helped me increase my sales in just two sessions..I would highly recommend him to help your business grow." Sharon M. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Doug Mattice
Doug Mattice Business & Branding Coach