Hopefully this is the last snow storm of the winter! As we look toward the Spring, what road are you headed on with your business? Are you going to continue to do the same thing this year or are you going to try something brand new?

For me, I am going to create artistic portraits for people who love the game of golf. For example, I will photograph the person getting ready to tee off. I will be far enough away so that the portrait not only captures their golf swing but the beauty and landscaping of their favorite course. Since they will be smaller in the photograph, I am hoping to sell larger wall portraits for their office and home. I plan on having only 3 premium packages for this product line, so I know what my base sales will be before ever leaving my studio. I will keep you posted on how successful this becomes.

Nine Tips for Running a Better Business

As we get ready for warm weather and outdoor sessions, I thought I would share some random business tips to help transition you from the cold winter months into the beauty of Spring! Since today is the beginning of Spring Training games for the Washington Nationals, I thought I would match the 9 innings played in baseball with 9 tips for growing your business!

Have displays in malls, doctors' offices, libraries, and lobbies of high traffic buildings. We are in the visual business, having prints on display for the public to view is a great business builder.
Allow clients to view a properly sized image in their home. Projection is the very best sales tool for accomplishing this. Private one-to-one sales is more time consuming than an internet gallery, but your sales will more than make up for the time that you spend doing this process.
Create a newsletter. Newsletters keep your clients aware of activities and promotions in your studio and remind them of important dates for having portraits made. A good marketing strategy is to keep your studio at the top of your clients mind. Sending a newsletter will help do this.
Use personalized Thank You Notes. They are a great way to finalize a sale. When a client gets a Thank You card in the mail after placing their order, the chances of "buyer remorse" goes down substantially. Plus it shows you pay attention to details!
Create a "Frequent Flyer" type program for your clients. Make good repeat clients feel special and loyal.
Start a referral program for clients, especially new mothers. They know other potential clients better than we do. Give incentives for them to bring in new business.
Guarantee wall portraits for life if they purchase with a frame. This strategy keeps your clients from framing the piece themselves and brings in additional revenue for you!
Keep a "Favorites" folder on your desktop to place files of images to be used for samples, your website, or in promotional pieces. Next time you need images, you won't have to search for them!
Be active in your community. Take part in service clubs, school events, charity and non-profit events, etc. Anything that keeps you in the public eye and identifies you with good will is good publicity for your business name.

Reading these tips can only take you so far. The key to business success is ACTION. What can you do today to incorporate one or more of these tips into your business?

Photography Tip of the Week:

When photographing couples you ideally want to work towards positioning HER eyes at his lip/chin level. When possible, keep the man on the OPPOSITE side of the main light and have him lean forward to make the image more flattering. Tip his head slightly into her head. Lower the main light enough to pick up the catchlight in their eyes!

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.

As a photographer myself, 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.

"I have been doing photography for over 25 years. To be honest, I have had a difficult time remaining profitable since 2008 due to the recession and increased competition. Doug has really helped me get over my barriers and negative mindset. Business is improving and I am regaining my "creative" spirit. I encourage you to give him a try because his coaching really helps!" Gary J.

Let Me Help...

There is no better time than NOW to begin growing your photography business. You work too hard to let your dream of creating beautiful photographs DIE because you couldn't effectively manage your business. I am here to help you in whatever way I can. Reach out to me at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com and let's work together to create the business of your dreams!

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:

Nine Tips for Running a Better Business

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

Let Me Help...