200 5 Star Google Reviews!

I recently reached 200 5 star Google reviews! This did not happen by itself - It’s the result of a lot of work. Most of us don’t take enough stock in what makes us different and successful – we often take for granted what we do.

Photography is an interesting business – it’s often perceived to be glamorous, easy to make tons of money, and all you need is some expensive gear and a good eye. Yes, your photography skills and work need to be good, but that alone will not likely lead to success/

Growing any successful business takes marketing, sales, and basic finances. I’ve always been client facing so the transition to being a solopreneur, where “the buck stops here”  in working with clients has been pretty smooth. And I’m running my business my way.

Here’s several takeaways, particularly to those of you who are thinking of going out on your own, or who are struggling having already done so:

1)      Have a plan – financial, marketing, sales. It should include what you know, what you don’t know but need to learn. And plan that reaching your goals, particularly financial ones, will likely take longer than you think, or want.

2)      Plan that your plan will change, evolve – but be weary of zig zaging too much – particularly when it comes to marketing. Marketing takes time (and resources/effort) and the results are likely not instantaneous.

3)      Be wary of so-called experts promising to teach you how to get rich/be successful immediately (or shortly thereafter) – for a modest fee. It seems many photographers are now experts on how to make it big in photography and all you need to do is give them money, I’ve heard some of their strategies/advice and am actually appalled at some of their advice. I don’t know how they sleep at night.

4)      Put your customer’s interests first – but recognize that you’re in business to make money and that clients have their own interests in mind also. Much of life/relationships involve negotiation/compromise – and that’s OK. It’s not personal even though it may feel like it is.

5)      Build relationships, get help from people you can trust in areas you don’t have the skills/experience and prioritize your time – do what you do the best and outsource the rest if you can.

6)      Prioritize – Everything all at once is a recipe for failure – you won’t have enough time, brain space, or energy. And you’ll likely do a mediocre job in those areas.

I feel very fortunate to have gotten to this point – but I couldn’t have done it without all the experience, support, and several great role models I’ve had.  I’m also thankful to my clients for putting their trust in me and taking the time to support me with their reviews and business. Looking forward to continuing my journey.