Running a successful photography business takes a lot more than simply being good with a camera and having creative ideas. Part of it comes down to simply being able to create opportunities for yourself through networking. If that is something you struggle with, this helpful video tutorial will give you five tips to improve your chances of success when networking.
Coming to you from Scott McKenna, this awesome video tutorial will give you five tips for improving your networking skills. No doubt, it would be great if financial success in photography was determined solely by one's abilities, but that just simply is not the case; in fact, there are plenty of very talented photographers who unfortunately do not find success because they lack the necessary business skills. Many people hire a photographer simply based on the recommendation of a friend or if they happen to meet the photographer and are impressed, which is why having good networking skills is so crucial. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McKenna.
And if you really want to dive into the business side of photography, be sure to check out "Making Real Money: The Business of Commercial Photography With Monte Isom!"
Not bad!
Networking is important but actually does not take place at "networking events".
The author notes that he is also promoting his "pressure washing company". Huh?
Networking groups are stuffed with panic stricken beggars. They are desperately seeking clients so hard that they cannot realize they are in a room of poverty stricken vendors who are never going to be clients.
They may be nice folks that can be your friend but they are there in the mistaken impression that you may be THEIR client.
Clients have wallets. They also have a need for your service and are willing to pay for it.
Networking events are not where clients are.
The author seems to be wedding photographer among a variety of other things.
Weddings and portraits are a photography market that one can make money in but require mad marketing to a client base that is unfamiliar with paying for professional photography. The first comment is usually "Wow! I never realized photography was so expensive". On top of that sales resistance is the fact that they rarely need repeat work.
Yes, I know, one can have many visits form young families with children buying portrait packages until they graduate from college and beyond. But that is increasingly rare. It also requires reliance on a relatively prosperous community that sees you as a peer and not the photo butler turning up for "a few quick shots".
What the author is describing is a marginal business model with several sources of meager income to craft an actual income. It is based on narratives created in the 70's ( I know this because I was there) promoting the business of networking groups.
He also styles himself as an entrepreneur.
This assertion means that he views any business as a problem to be solved by appropriate tools and marketing . In other words, photography is a generic skill that provides a generic service like pressure washing.
While true at some level, this is absolutely not true for someone who aspires to be at the top of the market.
Obsession with ones profession/craft is what makes the difference. Not "Link trees" clicked on by a sweaty insurance agent with $5 in their bank account.