I am thrilled to be writing "The Business Bagel" again. I took some time these last few months to refocus my business by becoming certified in other coaching tools and assessments. I went back to Cape May and attended the MARS photography school, and proudly watched my daughter graduate from high school. This weekend she begins her college journey at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond.

As she starts her journey, I am in the process of renewing mine. My passion continues to be helping others grow their businesses along with continuing to hone the craft of photography. I love the creative process and have gained more knowledge and education then ever before. Seeing businesses grow and watching people like you get clarity and focus is a real high for me. The photographic industry is tough - yes - but it is also very satisfying when you create a photograph that people love!

My intention is to provide you with content that will make you think like a C.E.O. of your studio instead of just being a photographer who is trying to scratch out a living. You may not always agree with what I have to say. That is okay by me. My goal is to help you get to where you want to go in your business. I would love to be your "business companion" - someone you could bounce ideas off of. Someone who makes you think differently and makes you more self aware.

That being said, in order for me to help you, I need to know what you need. What is keeping you up at night? What is holding you back? Where do you want to be one year from now? Let me know. By letting me know your needs, I can write articles, and blog posts that can address them. Send me an email at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com

Could a 10-cent lollipop be giving your business a bad name?

The other day I went to my local bank’s drive-in window to deposit some checks. This bank has a viewing screen at each station so you can actually have a “face-to-face” conversation with the bank teller inside.

When I sent the canister through the vacuum tube, I was greeted “virtually” by a young man in his early twenties, wearing a blue polo shirt with the banks logo elegantly embroidered on the left pocket. As he warmly greeted me, I couldn’t help but notice that his right cheek was slightly disfigured because he was sucking on a lollipop while talking to me.

After making my deposit, he returned my receipt in the plastic canister and his "face" displayed again on my screen as he asked if there would be anything else – all while having the lollipop still comfortably lodged in his mouth. I told him “no” and slowly drove away.

As a business strategist and coach who helps businesses succeed, I couldn’t help but think that this probably wasn’t the “face” that this bank would want to have portrayed if they only knew he was doing this. To test whether or not this was a one-time occurrance, I returned to the bank a week later and found my “lollipop sucking” bank teller standing comfortably behind the window performing business as usual. This time, when he showed up on my customer viewing station, I asked him what the flavor of the day was -hoping he would be a little embarrassed and remove the lollipop from his mouth.

He happily replied “Cherry” and went about his business of processing my request with the lollipop securely in place. I shook my head, chuckled and again drove away slowly.

I’ve told this story to many people. Some think I am crazy while others see my point of always representing your business professionally – especially while in front of a customer. Whether you agree with this “minor blemish” in today’s working world or not is up to you.

I bring this to your attention because as business owners we need to be conscious of what is going on around us, and ensure that our systems and processes are running smoothly. Here are some things that may be falling through the cracks that could use your attention:

I find many studios do not answer the phone “live” when the call comes in. They let the call go to voicemail even though they are available to have a conversation.
Businesses do not return phone calls in a timely manner. How long does it take you to return a prospect or client’s call?
Your website has a “contact me” page, but there is no phone number anywhere on your site to contact you directly.
When someone does contact you via the website, how long does it take your studio to get back to them? Do you have emails or auto responders created that sends messages directly to the person who inquired or do you have to sit and physically type each email?
Are your final orders packaged nicely? What are you including in with your orders? A referral certificate? An easy way to get additional prints from ones they already purchased?
What does your “follow up” system look like? You do follow up and thank your clients again after they have left your studio right?

I write these articles knowing that they may cause you some discomfort, however my intent is to get you thinking like the CEO of your company instead of just being a photographer who is trying to scratch out a living. As always, I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Please send me an email anytime.

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 in your photography business. Whether you need assistance 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. My rates are very affordable and the results you will get will be life changing!

Think about the question below and get in touch with me!

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

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 BREAK" 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:

Could a 10-cent lollipop be giving your business a bad name?

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

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

Let Me Help...