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: Are you running your business or does your business run you?


Path in the Woods

A Note From Doug

  

Hello Doug,

As a professional photographer for 30 years, I have had the privilege to meet and photograph many people. Over this time span, I have photographed two U.S. Presidents, a handful of Senior Washington officials, and hundreds of children, babies, couples and families. Each session creates a relationship, and over time, these "professional relationships" turn into friendships that lasts for years. It is these friendships that I cherish the most and the main reason I do photography.

As a member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) for almost twenty five years, I have had the honor of knowing a very special lady who loved to wear purple. Her name was Polly Frye, and for over 62 years was a PROUD member of the VPPA. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a way of making you feel good about yourself - whether you were brand new to the association or a seasoned member.

At the annual State Convention, Polly would stand at the podium, reach up and pull the microphone down to her level (she was barely five feet tall, so it was quite a pull) and present the annual executive treasurers report. Once her report was finished, we would all stand and give her a thunderous ovation. The ovation wasn't because she was the executive treasurer or because she was the longest reigning member in the VPPA. The ovation was because Miss Polly Frye was warm, sincere, trustworthy, friendly and fun. She understood that life is precious, and that the key to a long, happy life is based on sustaining meaningful friendships with people of all ages. She made an effort to know and talk to each an every member in the association. She would ask you questions about your studio; inquire what you were charging for an 8x10 print; what camera you were using; but more importantly, she would ask how you were doing. She cared about people, and people cared about her.

Her time here on earth has passed and she will be truly missed by those she has touched throughout the years. Miss Polly, thank you for touching my heart and as the coming days pass, your kindness and warmth will forever remain in my mind each and every time I see the color purple. Rest in peace Miss Polly, rest in peace.

Doug Mattice

Onward to Excellence Coaching

www.o2ecoaching.com

(703) 505-6766



Feature Article 

 

Are You Running Your Business, or Does Your Business Run You?

As a studio owner it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business. Unfortunately, doing so can cause you to lose sight of the big picture. The purpose of your business is to provide you with the lifestyle that you desire! You want to have the freedom to make your own decisions and be profitable so you can enjoy the other things in life besides photography. Take a look at the following questions and tips; they will help you identify and correct some common problems faced by studio owners.

  • Is your life in balance? When your life is consumed by your business, you don't have much energy left to offer to others. Take time to discuss your business goals with your personal and professional associates. Determine clear guidelines for what is considered work time, family time and marketing/production time. No matter how successful you may feel, it is important not to work all day, every day. How can you expect to be creative when you are working so much? You need time for yourself so you can recharge and stay at your best!
  • Are you tracking the best use of your time? As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibility. Make sure you do not take on too much responsibility yourself. This can quickly lead to overwhelm and fatigue. Look for things you can delegate to others or outsource. Always ask yourself, "Can I make more money if I pay someone else to complete this task?" While a do-it-yourself mind-set may seem like a cost-effective approach, consider the time it takes you to complete each task. If you spend countless non-revenue generating hours at your computer trying to get your website looking good, it is probably not cost effective for you to design your own site. On the other hand, if you hired a top-notch website company to work on your site, how many photo sessions would it take to recoup the money you spent? How quick could you recoup that cost?
  • Do you have a well-defined business plan for the year? Wouldn't it be reassuring to know how many sessions/weddings you need to photograph in order to meet your sales projections? How cool would it be to have a well defined plan that you could follow to meet your income and expense goals? This is a service I provide and would love to help establish in your business. (See below for more details) Are you a CEO of your company or a hobbyist? If you don't know where your photography business is headed - you my friend are a hobbyist. April begins the second quarter of the year. Take time now and map out the next 3 months to see where you want to be heading into the 4th of July holiday. It's not that hard, but it does take some work. If you need assistance, I can help walk you through the process.
  • Do you run your business, or does your business run you? Developing a workable timeline will help you stay on task and speed up your workflow. Digital photography allows you to do things much faster than in the days when you had to depend on film. CAUTION...Remember, just because you can do something fast, doesn't mean you should. You are generating a product that has tremendous percieved value. Take your time to create a work of art people want to display for generations instead of producing a quick, minimally retouched digital image that is on Facebook thirty minutes after the session. This will help you create the lifestyle of your desire more quickly and profitably.

Need help on a project? Would you like someone to partner with and hold you accountable?

I can help you break through the barriers that are keeping you from achieving the success that you want. Whether you need help on a particular project - like pricing, how to handle client objections, sales tips, studio design ideas etc. or want help becoming a better business person, I can assist you!

Send me an email at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com or call me (703) 505-6766 and I will be happy to give you a proposal. Think about the question below and get in touch with me!

What is it costing you by NOT doing what needs to be done?

 


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. 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Doug Mattice
Doug Mattice Business & Branding Coach