Ken,
Photography is no different from any other business and change and improvement continue on a daily basis. When examining why a business fails I have come across some interesting info that may just help a few folks here develop their own plans for 2011. Every successful small business has to have three components. Those are the technician, the manager and the entrepreneur. The technician is the technical component of the business, the manager manages the business and the entrepreneur plans the changes for the future. Every small business that fails, fails in part because of the above components is missing. For a photographer just because you know everything about photography (technician) doesn't mean you can run a photography business (manager). Everyone should take the time to examine their own business and see if they have all of these components and if not figure out a way to address what is missing.
Happy New Year
Seth
Seth - You are so correct. Any business needs those three components to grow and develop. I would also add a fourth component: the network. It's important to have a good network of people around you. Most people try to go at their business alone and isolate themselves by not working with others and not sharing. I don't think this will ever work. It is really important to have good people around you and have an environment where you have the ability to share information and work together with them. Basically, develop a good team around you with the same goals and intentions. You can't go wrong.
Cheers and thanks!
I plan on telling everyone that I meet what I do. Whether I'm in line at the grocery store or bank, or sitting at a bar... I will bring up the subject of photography. My day job is a 100% commissioned sales position, and this is a great way of prospecting. It's called the "three foot rule". If you're within three feet of a person, you should be able to tell them what you do.
I have also signed up with MpixPro.com and Miller's Labs to take care of my printing and delivery of prints, albums and other products. They offer $4 next business day shipping on orders under $100 and free shipping on anything $100 and above.
I am going to be more proactive in getting my photos published & finishing up my studies at NYIP so I can get my certificate !
More consistent marketing. Trying to avoid the Panic Marketing Syndrome (thank you ms. dellAcqua.) Email every month, postcard every quarter, really cool mailer annually.
Yes network! Hard to go wrong with that idea. I also plan to do a lot more cold calling.
For 2011 we plan on taking photography to the next level. Yeah it was great before, but I have added improvements in gear and technique to encourage a higher rate. I already have one client that took the bait. It was not even a tough sell.
Hi all. Happy New Year!
Since it's two days into the new year I thought it would be a great way to start the year off right by asking everyone what they will do in 2011 to improve their photography business.
For me, this year I want to start making some money on my photography so I will apply some of the valuable licensing techniques and advise found here at Shakodo. I've learned so much and have a very clear idea of what to do now.
What do you plan to do this year to improve your photography business?
Look forward to hearing all your answers!