Photography Tip- Start Today to Sell Your Photos

By Rohn Engh

"I have a great product, and I know exactly where it can be sold at this moment. But the only thing standing between me and seeing my product in national circulation is procrastination." Have you heard this before?

By applying the same management techniques that are used by successful businesses, you can move your stock photography operation forward. Here are some self-management principles for the small business entrepreneur:

GET IT DONE. It's easy to slip into the habit of narcoticizing yourself with the evening news or a sitcom. Change your habits. Buy a $4.95 quartz alarm to beep the same time every evening to remind you and others in your household that it's "Marketing Time" -- in others words, time to devote some specific time to getting your business off the ground.,br>DO ONE THING WELL. Creative people often do themselves in because they are talented in many areas -- music, writing, painting, crafts, and so on. Choose one, and begin today to develop just one area of your creativity.

ASK AROUND. Don't reinvent the wheel. There's a goldmine waiting for you in the neighbor or friend or acquaintance who's already been there. He knows the pitfalls, barriers, and obstacles, especially if he's failed. Everyone loves to be an expert. Weigh their opinions against others’, and then come to a consensus. If you don't want to consult a local competitor, phone someone in another like-sized city who is traveling the same highway.

ELIMINATE THE LOSERS. Take time to analyze what's working for your business and what's not. Parts of your business are moneymakers, others are not. Don't let sentiment or the tired phrase, "We've always done it this way," drag you down.
LOOK LIKE A PRO. Too many entrepreneurs feel that because their product is good, it should sell. Not so. A "better mousetrap" will not insure your product's success. Employ packaging techniques. You don't get a second chance at a first impression. If you want first class sales to your clients, give them first class treatment. Build a quality website. Invest in deluxe stationery, labels, and product packaging.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Jumping in with two feet and enthusiasm is fun and romantic, but unless you've checked to see if water is in the pool, you're in for some disappointments. If your enthusiasm is still high after you've done your research, you've got a winner.

UNDERSTAND MARKETING. Your product will sell if you position yourself effectively. Super umbrellas won't sell on a sunny day, but even poor ones will sell easily in the rain. Your success today will reflect not only your product's worth to a customer, but your ability to find that customer's need and fill it.

SPECIALIZE. In the last century, the keyword was 'versatile'. In this century, the markets are too fragmented to be able to be all things to all markets. Choose your corner of the market and develop it. Become an important resource only to certain consumers.

BE BUDGET MINDED. You'll see your product in national circulation if you have the cash flow available to pay the production, phone, office, and other bills. Don't fall into the Madison Avenue trap of buying a new car, new clothes, new office equipment, over the counter drugs, high-calorie 'goodies', and other creature comforts that are supposed to make your life fulfilling. If you donate your cash to these dollar-gobblers, you have no cause to say, "The cost of getting into business on my own is too high."

FAIL BUT DON'T QUIT. Are you afraid you are not going to make it? Fear of failing is one of the greatest deterrents to beginning entrepreneurs. That's why not too many succeed; they never get up after they've been knocked down. Most successful people in any field have failed many times. The difference between you and them is that they never quit.

UNDERSTAND BRANDING. Develop a “style” about your stock photo business – and stick to it. That includes your actual photos right down to your stationery. Develop a logo and a simple “catch-phrase” you can use in your promotions and advertising.*

PLAY NOT WORK. There's a saying, "The luckiest people sweat the most." Yes, it's going to require long hours. But don't translate that to mean work. If you love what you're doing, it's all play. Choose your area of stock photography interest first by asking yourself, "What area do I love most?" Then do your research and find out if there's a market for that area. If there is, it'll be all play.

START TODAY. Most people spend their time preparing, rather than doing. "One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, four to get ready, five to get ready..." Start today.

*Reference: The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier, 15BN 0-321-31810-9; New Riders Press, ask@peachpit.com

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Rohn Engh is director of PhotoSource International and publisher of PhotoStockNotes. Pine Lake Farm, 1910 35th Road, Osceola, WI 54020 USA. 1 800 624 0266; Fax: 1 715 248 7394. http://www.photosource.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rohn_Engh

Photography Tip- Business Practices for Photographers

By Kenneth C. Hoffman

There must be as many business policies as there are photographers

in business. Through the years I have learned by my mistakes and
by observing other successful photography business. Here are some
policies that have added to the success of my business.

Concerning weddings, require the full payment for the basic package that
the bride and groom order. Extras must be paid at the time of the final
order. The argument that no goods are in the hands of the buyer must be
politely put aside.

If actual proofs are supplied for perusal, one successful photographer I
know actually supplies these proofs (over 300 3x5s) to the bride and groom
free of charge. The theory is (and it works) that more people over a longer period of time will see the pictures and place more orders. These proofs are too
small to use as gifts or for display and their gratitude for the free gift is
wonderful for word-of-mouth advertising. I suggest that the proofs be
heavily textured to prevent illegal digital scanning.

I believe that a full guarantee of customer satisfaction be a major policy of
the professional photographer. The consumer is entitled to be happy with
their purchase, even though some criterions are subjective and not the fault
of the photographer. No customer should be left with a bad taste in their
mouth when they leave the studio. You will reap the rewards in additional
referrals and increased orders.

Offer as many free retakes of sessions that have gone wrong for one reason
or another. I know that this policy represents additional costs to the studio
but the clients have no fault when the two year old won’t sit or grandmother
gets sick. Some clients might try to take advantage of this policy by trying
to get free sessions for individuals in a group picture, but the rules must be
stated clearly and posted in the studio for the customers to see.

Some photographers expand the price list lower and higher, quoting higher
and lower levels of quality. I know that the reason is to present more choices
in cost to the customer, but the down side is that the cheaper products will
not represent your best work and the customer may feel cheated. All your
work must be of the finest quality you can produce. Lower prices can only
reflect smaller sizes or fewer quantities.

Promise a realistic date for the work to be completed and make sure that the
work is ready on time. A variable date for completion only serves to undermine
the customer’s faith in your efficiency and good work habits. Reminder calls
are a good idea if the work is not picked up within a reasonable time period.

Assuage the customer’s important concerns and fears early on in your relationship.
Some clients are reluctant to bring up their fears and end up not booking if those
concerns are not addressed.

Never offer any extra pictures you have at no charge to the customer. For some
reason, this never works in favor of the photographer. Be meticulous in preparing
the exact sizes and amounts of their order. On the other hand, you may include a small
(non photographic) gift for their continued support of your services.

Generally, your prices should be commensurate with your major competition, using your
expertise and talent as the reason your customers are satisfied and return for more business.
Bi-annual reappraisal of your price list should be a regular habit. Everything goes up and
you should be no different. Photographers are a dime a dozen but good, successful
photographers are rare.

I was a portrait and wedding photographer for 40 years and enjoyed every minute.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_C._Hoffman

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