What's the best thing you can do for your photography business RIGHT NOW?
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I never claimed to be a good photographer. As a matter of fact, I know I'm not. I am never 'satisfied' with my results, but I also know that if I wanted to take my work up a notch or two, win some kick-butt awards maybe, gain more credibility and favour with my peers, that I could, if I chose to dedicate more time to that effort.

But I choose not to. It never really mattered that much to me, as far as earning the respect and admiration from outside the circle of true influence, my clients- the ones who really matter, the ones who truly care for, cherish and pay for the photographs I create of their memories- families-weddings-events-babies- and all that stuff that is of gargantuan importance to them.

I suppose it's a good thing to constantly be seeking ways to improve ones photographic technique and final images. Especially in light of helping out your clients, and ultimately, your photography business. Far more critical to keep in rhythm, pace and pulse of your clients, than your peers. Making your peers happy is ego and short lived. Making your clients happy is sound economic advice and good for the long term growth of your photography studio.

However, one of my goals this year is to take my photography to higher and more creative heights. I know that sounds vague, and for goals to be truly effective, they should be clear, practical and measurable, but I don't know of any other way to phrase it. I suppose I could state such a goal as: "I will win such and such an award...", but that to me is even more vague, even though it appears to be measurable.

But in my humbled opinion it is not truly measurable, because it needs to to have a long lasting effect on my product, which in turn helps my clients. Winning awards won't do this. Focusing on creating better results, going the extra mile with every session that comes through my door, and taking steps within that context, is what will help me achieve the goal. Slow, but sure.

Creating an award winning image is one thing, applying these simple steps will create long term effect. What does this take? Preparation and planning, both in your own mind (success is an inside job!) and with the process that goes on with your clients. A willingness to go the extra mile, pay attenttion to details, slow down, get focused, learn from others, look and dig for inspiration. Ask yourself the question: "What can I do to make this session truly oustanding for me and the client?" And wait for the answers, keeping an open and ready mind for when they do come.

I believe I am seeing results. It's working. But like anything else that grows, you can't rush it. You can only lovingly nurture the process, give it the proper nutrients and light for creativity, including confidence and faith in your abilities and in the process. And stay focused, one day at a time. Some people believe that it is a divine god-given talent that only few select people have been fortunate enough have. That's one of the biggest lies I've heard.

Sure, we are all born with and exposed to influences that will give us pre-dispositions to certain skills, but attitude, ambition, drive, desire, hunger, confidence and all those 'other' qualities and more are critical- yet they elude most of us. Remember, talent alone isn't enough unless you know what to do with it. And you need to craft your own vision. That's a huge responsibility- ask all the unhappy wage earners stuck in jobs they either hate or tolerate in exchange for what? Security? No, they may say that. But the truth is, they are controlled by fear. And when you rise above the fear and create a photography business that is built upon your own vision, and you succceed, that my friend is not something you are "born" with. You work at it day in and day out.

I wrote an article on this topic over at No Bs Photo Success. As a matter of fact, there are many articles there that deal with a varied range of topics Check em all out.

Something cool started happening when I decided to push my photographic skills. I started re-focusing on my marketing as well. I started creating new ideas and inspirations on ways to get even more sessions through the door. Funny how marketing always come up for me. I guess I was 'born' with the marketing gene. :)

The other day my wife Tina and I were driving to Toronto to fly to Las Vegas and attend this years WPPI event. It's a four hour drive for us, on a good day, and typically I plug into my Mp3 player and listen to success, or marketing audio files or interviews. On our way down we did something that we hadn't done in years. We brought some note pads, a pen, and started brainstorming marketing ideas. I still had the notes from years ago when we last did this, and brought those along as well, for reference. We created some great new ideas and will implementing them within the next few weeks. I am totally pumped. I can't even begin to tell you all the great ideas we came up with, but one thing I can say is that no idea is too trivial. From answering the phone to monthly newsletters and direct mail strategies, every strategy adds to the castle wall- one brick at a time, until you've created your dream castle. You aren't just born 'into' this, you build it with your determination and drive.

Here's a short list of some of the new things we came up with:
*quarterly newsletters to brides and grooms and families (inspired by the Doug Box interview I created last month, which, by the way, is included, as well as dozens and dozens more interviews, as part of the Inner Circle Forum membership)
*blog off our website (dealing with server issues right now, but soon to be resolved. A little nightmarish....)
*New baby's first year sales letter- revamped
*Sales letter to staff, with specials, to go to staff at the places where we currently display at
*Re vamp our sales process- faster, more effecient, but with more predictable sales results
*New thank you cards
*New faeries price list
*Send out actual hard copy letter whenever anyone books a session vs just sending out email
*Brainstormed content and a theme for each monthly newsletter that will be creating
*Promo cards in racks at displays

This, on top of all the other stuff we've been doing. No wonder we've been so busy over the years. No accident.

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News from Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, known as WPPI. Last week I spent 6 fast-paced, wallet-draining days in Las Vegas. This event is likely the biggest of it's kind for portrait and wedding photographers. The trade show alone is worth driving or flying to. It is 3 days and the biggest candy store I've ever seen.

I met many, many wonderful people, as well as a bunch of the greatest poeple that ever walked into the photographic community, members of the No Bs Photo Success Inner Circle members forum. Clem, from OHIO, even showed up with a free gift for James and I, our very own Harley Tshirts. Cool.

Also met Roger McManus, from WPIR web radio for photographers. He's going to be interviewing me soon.

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James Hodgins was one of the presenters at February's Cozumel workshop. When we were there we snagged a couple who had just got married on the beach. We offered them a free session in exchange for posing and getting her wedding dress wet and sandy. They loved their images, and we had a blast photographing them. Check out their images in a lside show James created for them: Cozumel Images

NOTE: Next February we are running this workshop again, this time it will be bigger and better. Sign up for info here.

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A successful studio, is a well managed studio. My wife Tina, and her friend Dana have created and recently launched a new product for photography studio owners. It's called Photo Studio Boss. It's available as a downloadable pdf file. Check it out, and if you struggle with studio management, get your hands on it. It's worth it's weight in gold. Tina has given a studio managemnt presentation before, and it has awlays been very well received. She is, as is Dana, a top notch pro with real insights and practical advice on the successful running of a photography studio.Photo Studio Boss
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"EXPOSED: The Naked, Uncensored Truth to Running a Successful Photography Business" Exposed is now at Amazon. My book is revised and reprinted. Check it out. Better yet, get yourself a copy.

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Don't forget Niagara School of Imaging 5 Day workshops. Check out the line up, including yours truly. This venue is the best bang for your buck. Click here for info.

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