Wouldn't it be nice to swallow a "magic pill" that would allow us to be successful in our photography business? How cool would it be to have all the client's we wanted, to make the money we desired, living a life of purpose and passion doing what we love?

When we opened our studio, wasn't that the desire we had? Where are you now? Are you frustrated, burned out, and scared? Or is everything going well? Today's feature article gives some tips for becoming successful in your photography business. How many of these nine tips are you doing consistently? What one or two tips could you work on that would make a difference in your bottom line? Are there other tips you would like to share with my readers? If so, send me an email and I will add your comments in an upcoming edition.

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!

Tips for becoming successful in the

Photography Business

As a business and leadership coach, I get the opportunity to talk with many photographers and business people across the country. My clients are always looking at how they can run their business more efficiently, have better balance with work and family, and earn a nice living doing what they love.

Here are some common themes that I have discovered that may help you in your journey for success:

#1: Set Clear, Measurable Goals and Define What Success Looks Like

Photographers are not the same when it comes to running a business. Some are doing it as their livelihood and main source of income, while others are pursuing it as a part-time venture to make a little extra money. Either way, the key to your overall success will depend on whether or not you have set clear, measurable goals that are WRITTEN DOWN. When you write goals down, it gives you something tangible to track and is an excellent way to ensure you are heading in the right direction. Look at your goals regularly and re-adjust as needed so that they match up with your definition of success.

#2: Outsource What You SUCK AT!

Photographers enjoy taking pictures and wish that’s all they had to do. The problem with owning a business is there are things that you have to do that you may not be very good at like graphic design, bookkeeping, marketing, working on your website, etc. As a photographer, you feel you are an expert in what you do and want people to hire you based on this feeling. You need to hire “other experts” who can help you get to where you want to go much faster than if you do it yourself. It will be money well spent, plus it allows you to remain focused on your strengths.

#3: Separate Yourself from Other Photographers by Creating a Brand

Are you known as the town photographer or someone who specializes in one area of photography like weddings, portraits or commercial work? How is your work different from others in your market? How do you want to be known in your area? Are you a photographer or a portraitist? Defining your brand takes time, but if done correctly, can elevate you in the marketplace.

#4: Take Time to Photograph for Yourself and Build a Style that Separates You from Others.

I learned early in my career to photograph for the client but also take a few images for you. This stretches you and expands your creativity. Spend one day a month doing a “creative self-assignment” and watch your photography improve year after year

#5: Have a Solid Marketing Plan

The idea of “Build it, They Will Come” does NOT work. Building a website, designing a logo, and printing business cards is not an effective marketing plan. A marketing plan is what you do with those items to reach clients. If marketing is not your strong suit (see #2) then have someone help you. I work with photographers to create marketing pieces that attract the right clients as well as make suggestions for improving the effectiveness of your website.

#6: Invest In Yourself

A successful business is always moving forward. As a photographer, you need to be investing in your personal growth as well as business growth. Stay active in the PPA, attend workshops and seminars and continue to build your network. Having friends and colleagues that understand what you do is essential in today’s competitive market.

#7: Remember Jack Palance in “City Slickers”? He said to Keep The Main Thing, THE Main Thing

With new backgrounds, cameras, tripods, software, business tools, apps, and other photography gadgets in our industry, it is very easy to get caught up in the “shiny object” syndrome. Stay true to what got you to where you are today, and continue to build on that. I have seen too many photographers buy the “shiny object” in hopes that it would be the magic pill for success. Instead of creating revenue for the studio, it created huge debt that brought hardship to the business.

#8: Establish Relationships with Others In Your Area

This goes beyond point #2. Get known in your town. Give back to the community. Be honest and trustworthy and others will follow you.

#9: Take Action – Revise Later (Avoid Analysis Paralysis)

Photographers tend to over analyze everything! We put our reputation out there every time we photograph something for a client. Our work is very close to our heart and we want everyone to like what we do. The thought that if it’s perfect everyone will love it is wrong. Art is subjective. Knowing that you’ve done your best and strove for excellence is all anyone, including yourself, can ask. Embrace your talent and share it with the world!

If you will form this habit, and use this tool every day, you will accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible, and you'll do it on less time and effort. Here is how it works:

First thing in the morning, sit down in a quiet place in your home, and work on your "Things To Do List."

By putting a little time (about 20 minutes) into this each and every morning, you will save yourself many hours of wasted time each day. And, this will keep you focused on what's most important, and really organize your day, week and month so you're on the success path you want to be on.

This "Things To DO List" System is simply an 8 1/2 by 11 piece of paper, with a line drawn down the middle. On the left hand side, you write down everything that needs to be done, listed at random. And during the day, you will keep the list with you at all times, and as you think of something, you simply add it to the list on the left hand side.

Then, the next morning, you go over the list, and copy it onto a new piece of paper. You move what you consider the most important things to the top of the list, and delete anything that has been accomplished yesterday, and add anything new you think of that morning.

Then you go through the list, and put an "A" next to anything on the list that is extremely important to the accomplishment of your long term goals. You a "B" next to anything on the list that is fairly important to your long term goals.

Take a look at the "A's" and prioritize them from #1 to #6. That's all you're going to worry about today. Just the top 6 "A's". Then you take those Top 6 A's and ONLY those top 6 A's and copy them over to the right side of the list, in order of their priority.

Now, you have a plan. You know what needs to be done today. You know what's most important to be done today. You know exactly what you need to be doing today when you get into the office. By doing this, and then USING this list all day, you are fully ahead of 90% of the other business owners in the world, who never do this!

Now, when you get to work, you simply begin with #1 on your list. If the phone rings, and if you're the one responsible for answering the phone, you answer it. When you're done with that, you go right back to working on that #1 priority you were working on before the phone rang.

If you have an appointment, you take care of the appointment, and get right back to working on your #1. When you finish #1, you proudly scratch it off your list, and start working on your #2 on the list.

Can you see how this will revolutionize your working day and your organization? You'll always know what you should be doing, and you'll have a list to keep you on track.

Then, tomorrow, you start all over again with copying the remaining items onto a new sheet, and prioritizing them just like yesterday. If you adopt and use this simple system, you will be amazed and thrilled with how organized and focused you will become. Try it next week and see what happens!

If 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.

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!

In This Issue:

Tips for becoming successful in the

Photography Business

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"