June B 2004
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First Issue June 2004
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The Profitable Studio Newsletter
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Welcome everyone. We've got people from all over the world who have
recently and
not so recently subscribed to my newsletter and /or have got their
hands on some
of my products.
The reason I am growing this part of my business and am expanding my
marketing/consulting is nothing more than because of a sheer love of
marketing
and entrepeneurialism. And, I love photography!
You are hopefully in for a big treat, as I plan to offer up some great
ideas,
strategies and actual samples form me and you and actual samples from
real
shoots....and more!
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Newsie bits
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I also love digital photography. Recently my associate James
Hodgins and I
spoke on digital photography in Toronto and then in Ottawa. We are
always amazed
at the response and reaction we get from photographers who seem to be
enthralled
and captivated by what we are doing with digital.
Check us out at www.NoBsPhotoSuccess.com and if you subscribe to that
email
newsletter you might learn some really cool stuff. James and I have
doing our
digital "bootcamps" for several years now and have one scheduled for
October/04
in Toronto. I will keep you informed, meanwhile check out the website
would'ya!
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Q&A
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Been getting a ton of questions on bridal shows. I used to do a ton of
'em but
quit them years ago for two reasons.
Reason one: My wife wanted me home.
Reason two: I grew my biz where I don't need 'em.
I don't want to sound overly confident or cocky, because I know
anything can
happen. Things change, markets change and Murphy's always lurking
around the
corner. However, I simply don't know that I am a big believer in bridal
shows.
Maybe I believe in other strategies that work so much better. Like
knowing first
off exactly what brides want. Packaging and offering "added value".
Creating
enough demand for your wedding service that you hardly have to market.
This is
called "positioning". Few "get it".
But, if I had to do bridal shows for whatever reason, here's what I'd
likely do,
in no particular order:
*not cram price lists/postcards/cards into everyones hands as they walk
by
*get some real knock out samples, bigger and fewer, as well as a
showpiece album
*monitor or tv screen whith continous loop slide show.."freestyle"
wedding
photography
*really cool draw-photo shoot and basket of goodies or
something....collect
names and send out a letter to all those who are on dates that I have
open and
offer something
*offer everyone in draw a consolation prize of an engagement session
and print
*hand out CD's"" with sample slide show/MPEG with me...selling/pitching
*get "out of the booth" and let the people roam on there own
*candies/chocolates/flowers (one year I gave every bride a small red
rose...),
something elegant...
*sign with a headline/benefit..this would stand out since no one would
have one.
(If you are brave enough on this one we could brainstorm ideas)
*follow up after the show..letters, postcards, phone calls..hard grunt
work
stuff that no one does
* I'd have price lists there but hidden in case someone asks.
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Success Corner
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Let's talk about knowing what you want. Last night I spent two hours
with a
friend who is in limbo. His name is Shane (I met him at the karate
school where
I've been going for almost three years now. Yes, this 45 year old body
still
rocks!!)
Shane is a 28 yr old webmaster/recent computer college grad/ex-trucker/
all
around good guy who doesn't know what he wants to be if he grows up, so
I
offered to "coach" him. (well, he ain't got no job is what's up with
him right
now).
My first thought was, the guys's a webmaster/computer
tech/got a silicon chip
for a brain kinda guy. You know those guys. You walk into a computer
store and
there they are, working on their computers, oblivious to you..and when
they do
talk to you you're made to feel like a jerk for no having any idea what
the
guy's talking about..
anyhyoo, turns out Shane wants to start out and be in his own biz.
Cool. But
he's got hope!
First thing I asked him?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This question gets everyone. But if you can ask it and answer it you
got half
the battle won.
So I'd like to ask you: "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Do you have a clear mental picture of where it is you wish to be?
When you get this, all you gotta do is go get it. There is NOTHING
holding you
back. Except yourself.
You.
We can be our worst enemies and our own roadblocks success.
Let's keep it at that for now. It's late, I'm tired, been working
hard......
Next newsletter, I'll tell you what else I told Shane. I was amazed at
how
amazed he was! He had big old eyes (like sponge bob, my hero!) and he
oozed
eagerness and enthusiasm. He's got a chance with those qualities.
I told Shane my top ten rules for life and business success.
Rule # one "Do what you love"
and....I gave him a quick summary of what it takes to build a business.
AKA
marketing...more to come.
Hold on to your hats and take names! I will tell all! Muchos gracias!
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email me with comments, challenges, ideas, contributions etc etc at
info@profitablestudio.com
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Thanks! Robert Provencher
www.ProfitableStudio.com