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In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen discuss actionable ways to improve your photography business.

Specific topics of discussion include the following:

  • Make sure you have a professional headshot of yourself up on your website, and in your marketing material.
  • Proofread your material. This includes your website, business card, etc. The service Grammarly will help you with punctuation and proofreading, for example. Or, you could look for an English teacher, or an A student who’s passionate about writing. If you want to be a better writer, then read as well.
  • Try not to be a gear hound. The gear does not make the photographer. Learn how to be a people-person. Also, consider renting or leasing gear and trying to make great pictures.
    Publish your phone number for people to contact you. Also, if you put a form on your website, respond quickly. Time is off the essence when responding to potential clients.
  • Listen to your clients, learn their vision, and learn what they’re really asking for. Don’t assume you understand. We’re in the problem-solving business above all. Learn empathy.
  • Be consistent in blogging and staying in contact with your readership. Your website is about what you sell. Your blog is about what’s in your heart.
  • Within your photography portfolio, focus on quality rather than quantity.
    Learn how to use studio lighting.
  • Have back up gear to every shoot. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
  • Avoid showing work that is technically above your skillset (as in, don’t create work you can’t duplicate). Don’t be a workshop photographer – as in, copying someone else’s set up.
  • Avoid taking on “trolls”. Don’t engage them. You will never win. Winston Churchill once said, “If you throw stones at every barking dog along the way, you will never reach your destination.”
  • Don’t spread rumors.
  • Try to make the best photos possible. Perform at the highest level every time you make pictures.

 

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